PartyPoker.com seeks agencies for UK launch

PartyPoker.com, which claims to be the world’s largest online poker website, is looking for agencies to launch its gambling service in the UK. The company is understood to have a war chest of up to £4m to support its launch.

PartyPoker.com is owned by iGlobalMedia, an online gaming company that owns a number of other online poker, casino and bingo brands.

PartyPoker.com has approached a number of media agencies, although it is not known whether the company plans to appoint an ad agency or create its advertising in house. The company is said to be considering the use of sponsorship as part of its advertising campaign.

Launched in August 2001, PartyPoker.com says it is now the largest online poker room in the world, although the company’s business comes mainly from the US. The website holds an annual poker event called the PartyPoker.com Million tournament, which generates a prize pool of over £3m.

PartyPoker.com will join the growing online gaming market in the UK. Most recently, ParadisePoker.com hired design agency Nowwashyourhands to handle the ads for its poster and print campaign, featuring model Caprice. Advertising for online gaming sites is still restricted to certain channels, although it will be deregulated under the proposed Gambling Bill.