Branson Enters Online Poker Game

UNITED KINGDOM – As reported by the UK Guardian: "If internet gambling is like the wild west, then Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Poker is the latest cowboy to swagger into the saloon.

"Virgin Poker, relaunched this week - complete with a poker party at Sir Richard Branson's home in Holland Park - admits it is a latecomer to internet gaming. But it is banking on the full resources of the Branson business empire to ensure its success.

"'Virgin Poker will use the resources of sister companies throughout the Virgin group to add new value to our players' experience,' Simon Burridge, the chief executive of Virgin Games, told reporters and poker enthusiasts wedged tightly into a marquee in Sir Richard's garden.

"After that pitch, followed by champagne and superior canapes - spoonfuls of risotto, miniature pails of fish and chips, lamb meatballs, salmon on toast and cubes of deep fried camembert - the guests took their allocated seats to play Texas Hold'em.

"The last man and woman standing from about 50 players would win a weekend to Sir Richard's new digs in Marrakech.

"…Players will be able to accumulate Virgin air miles and loyalty points that can be cashed in for Virgin products. There will be also prizes such as Virgin flights and weekend trips to the entrepreneur's Marrakech home.

"The site will include blogs by players, poker writers and enthusiasts, and a poker school that includes live online tutorials to take newcomers through the basics of the game. Virgin Poker is particularly keen to attract people who have never played before - poker virgins - by emphasising the light-hearted side of the game…"