Gaming Guru

PokerTek continues international expansion

PokerTek launched five PokerPro tables last week at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and casino in Macau, continuing the electronic poker table company's international expansion and marking the introduction of live poker to one of the world's largest gambling destinations.

"Bringing PokerPro to Macau is a major milestone," said Lou White, CEO of PokerTek. "Thanks to our technology, PokerPro will enable operators to offer live poker to their guests, while assisting with the issue of dealer shortages in the region."

Galaxy StarWorld will place four 10-handed PokerPro tables and one heads-up table in their recently redesigned third-level gaming floor.

"Poker's popularity is in its early stages in Macau, providing us a great opportunity to introduce new players to this universal game," said Ciaran Carruthers, chief operating officer for StarWorld Hotel and Casino. "StarWorld Hotel and Casino is innovative in bringing the latest electronic games to our customers and we are proud to be the first operator here to offer live poker by installing PokerPro."

PokerTek has installed 135 electronic poker tables around the world including the U.S., Australia, Austria, Germany, South Africa, Macau, Italy, Japan, the Philippines and the U.K. The company also has deals with several major cruise lines in the Caribbean and Europe.

Regulatory approval processes are the major hurdle for introducing electronic poker tables into new markets, PokerTek Vice President or Marketing Tracy Egan said. PokerTek recently received approval from the state of Nevada and is seeking licensing in other areas as well, Egan said.

"As we receive these approvals, you will begin to see the PokerPro products grow in new markets," Egan said.