World Poker Tour, Cryptologic Team Up

World Poker Tour Enterprises, Inc. (WPTE) and online gaming software developer, Cryptologic, announced Wednesday that they have inked a three-year deal to have Cryptologic host the World Poker Tour’s online poker room on its network.  The re-launch of the room is planned for June 2007. 

So ends WPTE’s attempt to establish its own, independent online poker room.  The room, which stood on the WagerWorks platform, has gained almost zero traction in the marketplace.  Not open to U.S. residents, the place has been virtually devoid of real money players.  Now that it is jumping over to the Cryptologic network to join the likes of SunPoker.com and InterPoker.com, there will actually be players to fill its tables.  While Cryptologic still does not take U.S. customers, it had largely been internationally focused before the anti-online gambling legislation in the U.S. and has been doing relatively well since. 

WPTE learned the hard way that it takes more than a logo to attract players.   

“Liquidity is a big deal in this business,” said WPTE Founder, President, and CEO Steven Lipscomb.  “This deal ensures that starting with day one of our online gaming re-launch there will be a plethora of cash games and tournament offerings available for our customers on a stable and proven platform.” 

Cryptologic will also develop casino games for the World Poker Tour’s online gaming site.

Originally published 12:37 AM Thursday, April 26, 2007