WSOP Plants Its Flag in Italy Forms “Alliance” with Microgame, People’s Poker

Since it seems the Feds aren’t gonna allow the world to come to the WSOP (via the internet) … the WSOP is now taking steps elsewhere across the world. Caesars Interactive Entertainment, formerly HIE but still parent company to the WSOP, announced Italian partnerships that will allow the Montreal-based company (with operational headquarters in Las Vegas) to establish its presence live and online in the regulated Italian market — and ultimately make it easier for these poker paisanos to get to Vegas in the summer.

Read below for official details:

MICROGAME AND WORLD SERIES OF POKER (WSOP) ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE ALLIANCE IN ITALY

PEOPLEâ€S POKER TO CO-BRAND POKER NETWORK WITH WSOP

PARTNERSHIP WITH ITALIAN POKER LEADER INCLUDES LAND-BASED EVENTS AND EXCLUSIVE WSOP SATELLITES

Las Vegas, Nevada/Benevento, Italy, December 17, 2010 – Caesars Interactive Entertainment, Inc., (CIE, formerly Harrahâ€s Interactive Entertainment/HIE), has announced a long-term agreement with Microgame S.p.A. for the Italian poker market utilizing its World Series of Poker brand.

Under terms of the agreement, Microgame and CIE will work together exclusively to market the WSOP brand in Italy, both with online and offline poker tournaments and promotions.

In Italy, Microgame operates the largest poker network in the newly-regulated online market.

“This agreement is a logical step in our European and global expansion strategy to partner with leading local companies as we look to expand the WSOP brand,” said Caesars Interactive Entertainment CEO Mitch Garber. “Microgame is a clear leader in Italy and we look forward to working hard together to grow the poker market.”

Peopleâ€s Poker, a network of over 120 online poker sites, will be co-branded utilizing the WSOP brand and Peopleâ€s Poker brand, and serve as the online hub for poker playing in the Italian market. Using Microgameâ€s vast network both online and at retail, the WSOP brand will be utilized to attract new players to poker via these avenues.

“We are honored to have been selected as the exclusive Italian partner for the WSOP,” said Microgame CEO Fabrizio Dâ€Aloia. “The Peopleâ€s Poker Network, powered by Microgame, confirms its position of leadership in the Italian Poker Market and we are truly excited to offer our customers something unique. The WSOP has over 40 years of history and heritage and an alliance with Microgame online marks an exciting new chapter for both of us.”

Microgame and the WSOP will create land-based tournaments for the Italian players using the WSOP name and Microgame receives exclusive rights to do so throughout the length of the agreement.

As part of this agreement, Microgame becomes the exclusive satellite provider in Italy of WSOP land-based events. Microgame will also act as the exclusive pre-registration booking office for Italian players for the WSOP Main Event held in Las Vegas.