PokerStars Has Gone Live in Ontario
PokerStars Ontario has launched. The popular poker brand announced it has been granted full registration to operate in the province by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
PokerStars will bring its poker, casino and sportsbook platforms to Ontario, including more than 5,000 games such as blackjack and poker. All of PokerStars’ games will be available 24/7.
“In many respects, Ontario is our home market, given the first-ever hand of PokerStars was played here over 20 years ago, so we are thrilled about the new regulated environment within which our players can play”, Tom Warren, MD – Marketing, said in a media release. “A lot has changed in that time, but our commitment to offering our players the most epic and thrilling experience in the market hasn’t, and we can’t wait to get started.”
To celebrate the launch in Ontario, PokerStars will debut a new series, the Ontario Platinum Series, which will be exclusively for Ontario poker players, July 10-18.
The Ontario Platinum Series will feature a $1 million guaranteed prize pool.
In the media release, PokerStars mentioned there will be more events and experiences for Ontario players who play on PokerStars.
There will also be a rewards program that will give users double rewards throughout July and August, and a new weekly flagship event known as the New Sunday Majors. The special Sunday tournament will have a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool.
PokerStars Partnered with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
PokerStars began to expand its presence in Canada in April when it announced a partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE).
The partnership allows PokerStars to highlight its brand to a wide range of sports fans in Canada through MLSE’s marketing. PokerStars is featured at Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors games with rink board and on-court signage.
"We are thrilled to partner with Flutter Entertainment, a global leader and one of the most trusted operators in the sports betting industry," Jordan Vader, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships, MLSE, said in the release. "As the Online Gaming markets open in Ontario, we have worked hard to find partners who aligned with both our vision for innovation and our values including a shared commitment to responsible gaming. We look forward to working with Flutter and providing a platform for them to engage with the millions of 19+ Ontario residents who are fans of our teams."
The sponsorship also allows PokerStars to collaborate on marketing integration with MLSE’s other teams, including Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts, and Toronto Marlies, in addition to the Maple Leafs and Raptors.
"We have epic plans for our community in Canada and are excitedly looking forward to creating some incredible experiences in our birth country, when we launch very soon," Tom Warren, PokerStars Marketing Director said. "Partnering with MLSE gives us the opportunity to reach passionate fans across Ontario with a wide remit of poker and casino, heighten experiences wherever we can, and be a part of some major winning moments."
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