PokerStars focuses on social gaming with new mobile app

Amaya-owned online gaming brand PokerStars has launched ‘Casino Rush’, a new mobile gaming application that offers free-to-play poker, casino and slots.

Available in app stores around the world, the social gaming app is available to download for free on iOS and Android devices, with users able to play online or offline.

Players that sign up to the app will receive 75,000 free chips and will be credited with more chips when they unlock new games.

Users will also be able to challenge leading poker players on the Casino Rush leader board, as well as take part in private leader boards with friends.

“We spent a lot of time assessing the social casino market, what was missing and what players wanted,” PokerStars director of social gaming, Lloyd Melnick, said.

“Our analysis found that our social players want a poker experience that they can enjoy quickly whether or not they are connected to the internet.

“That’s why we created Casino Rush; it is the best of poker, casino and slots all fused into one great game, just what gamers in 2016 are looking for.”

Meanwhile, PokerStars has rolled out its first television advertising campaign in the UK to help promote its ‘PokerStars Casino’ service.

Adverts will play across UK digital stations as well as video display advertising, with the campaign showcasing PokerStars Casino games such as slots, blackjack and roulette.

PokerStars said the campaign is part of a new strategy for the PokerStars Casino brand, with the operator aiming to grow the amount of new players outside of the existing PokerStars cumulative customer base of more than 105 million.

The company plans to implement strategic growth plans in other countries as the full casino service becomes more widely available.

Sam Hobcraft, director of casino at PokerStars, said: “In just two years, PokerStars Casino has grown immensely; we are already one of the world’s leading online casinos.

“PokerStars Casino is currently a well-kept secret for poker players, who love to play casino, and we now feel it is the right time to share our unique product and customer experience with a wider audience.”

Related article: PokerStars targets India launch in 2017