(LAS VEGAS and TUCSON – July 24, 2013) – International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT), a global leader in gaming systems technology, today announced the launch of the world’s first cross-platform video poker tournament in partnership with Casino Del Sol and IGT’s Game King™. For the first time, players can participate in a major video poker tournament across multiple platforms including mobile, desktop and on location at Casino Del Sol.
“More than 1.5 million people have played Game King Video Poker at DoubleDown Casino since its launch in April, making it our fastest growing table game,” said John Clelland, Vice President of Global Marketing at IGT Interactive Group. “The Game King Championship Tournament spans several platforms which will result in the largest group of poker players ever competing against each other.”
More than 250,000 DoubleDown Casino players have qualified to play, currently making this the largest mobile and social poker tournament ever. There is no cost to participate; entrants can qualify to play on DoubleDown Casino via Facebook, iOS and Android app or through Casino Del Sol’s website before July 29, 2013. After the qualifying period, five lucky winners will receive airfare, transportation, two nights at Casino Del Sol resort as well as a $200 resort credit. Players will then bring their video poker skills to the next phase of the tournament on location at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona on August 24 and 25 where they will compete in the finals for the chance to be named The Game King Champion.
“The Game King Video Poker Championship done in partnership with Casino Del Sol is a perfect example of how the convergence of mobile and social gaming impacts the casino gaming industry,” said Robert Melendres, Executive Vice President of IGT Interactive Group. “IGT has partnered with over 40 casinos who are integrating IGT’s DoubleDown Casino into their plans to reach audiences online and grow through mobile and social platforms.”
“We are excited about our partnership with IGT and our position as a key player in the largest mobile and social poker tournament ever,” said Brian Hoeffner, Vice President of Gaming for Casino Del Sol Resort. “The integration of DoubleDown Casino has enabled us to be on the forefront of the casino gaming industry.”
Today, Game King provides over 95 percent of video poker games throughout casinos worldwide. DoubleDown is the exclusive online provider of Game King™ poker and currently the only social casino to provide its games in French, German, Spanish, and now, Italian.
About Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center
Located in southwest metropolitan Tucson, Ariz., the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with more than 17,000 enrolled members. The Tribe owns and operates several enterprises including southern Arizona’s newest AAA Four Diamond-rated destination, Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center. Casino Del Sol Resort is a 215-room, 161,000-square-foot resort that features more than 65,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and convention space; Hiapsi, a full-service spa; and several restaurants and lounges including PY Steakhouse, Prema Lounge and Starbucks. Scheduled to open in 2013, Sewailo golf course will soon be among the impressive amenities available to guests. This 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by PGA golfer Notah Begay III. The Pascua Yaqui reservation is also home to two casinos: Casino of the Sun and Casino Del Sol. Non-gaming enterprises include the Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheater (AVA), a 5,000-seat open-air concert venue; and the Del Sol Marketplace, which includes a gas station, car wash, convenience store and smoke shop. For more information call 1-855-SOL-STAY (765-7829) or visit www.CasinoDelSolResort.com. Follow Casino Del Sol on Facebook and Twitter.
About IGT
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and continues to transform the industry by translating casino player experiences to social, mobile and interactive environments for regulated markets around the world. IGT’s acquisition of DoubleDown Interactive provides engaging social casino style entertainment to more than 6 million players monthly. More information about IGT is available at IGT.com or connect with IGT at @IGTNews or facebook.com/IGT. Anyone can play at the DoubleDown Casino by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/doubledowncasino or doubledowncasino.com
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Contacts:
Jane K. Gordon
Gordon Galloway on behalf of Casino Del Sol
480.658.0773
[email protected]
Carrie Peters
IGT Interactive, DoubleDown Casino
206-430-5760
[email protected]
Ashley Colette
Porter Novelli on behalf of DoubleDown Casino
206-770-7088
[email protected]
