Canada-based Amaya Gaming has revealed details of a strategy to expand the presence of its newly acquired PokerStars online gaming brand in the Asian market.
Saying it has identified an “emerging poker market” in Asia, Amaya has initiate several marketing efforts, including the launch of a new Chinese event on the Asian Pacific Poker Tour (APPT). Sponsored by PokerStars.net, the 2015 Nanjing Millions event will take place at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre April 14-19. The main event will feature a guaranteed prize fund of one million yen (€151,000; US$161,000).
“The growth of poker in China has been tremendous, and we are committed to support this sport throughout the region,” said APPT President Danny McDonagh. “Nanjing is a key location that allows players from all over the country to participate. The previous two Beijing events last year were very successful, and we are proud to be a part of this government-supported event.”
Amaya also announced that PokerStars.net is to become a sponsor of Japanese model and actress Yuiko Matsukawa. Under the agreement, Matsukawa will serve as a celebrity brand ambassador for PokerStars and participate in poker tournaments and marketing activities to promote poker as a game of skill.
Matsukawa is regarded as one of Japan’s most up-and-coming stars, the 24-year-old having appeared in various major fashion magazines and a film.
