Poker fans in Eastern Europe can look forward to a new online venue, Perpetuum Poker launching in September following a deal between the Allgames operator group and Swedish software and games provider B2B Poker.
Eastern Europe is becoming an increasingly attractive market for gambling groups, and Allgames has been building experience and business in the region since its formation in 1997 and commencement of gaming operations two years later. That success is evidenced by a customer base that is 60 percent comprised of Russian and former Soviet bloc players. A spokesman said that Moscow is particular is a profitable operational region due to high incomes, a cultural propensity to gamble, and significant internet penetration.
Per Hildebrand, chief executive of B2B’s parent company 24hPoker, said: “We believe there is a great potential for poker in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe. Russians have a tradition of playing games of skill like chess and are keen on gambling so poker is definitely going to be very popular. Internet penetration is increasing rapidly and more TV-channels are broadcasting poker so the future looks bright.”
He added: “The main problem in the Eastern European market is the lack of widespread payment solutions, but we see progress also in this area.”
In terms of the agreement Allgames will carry put all marketing tasks, with particular emphasis on potential customers in or around Moscow. “It will be up to Allgames to market the service. However, we also have other partners exploring the Russian market like goplay.ru and dreamlandpoker.ru and they are primarily focusing on Moscow,” said Hildebrand.