COPA LAUNCHES FREE-PLAY ONLINE POKER SITE

Tuesday October 11, 2011 : Action group website powered by Playtech, supported by Sciplay
 
Ahead of the anticipated Californian legislative decision on the future of legal online poker in the State, the California Online Poker Association (COPA), a coalition of California tribes and card rooms,  has announced the launch of a new free-play poker site CalShark.com offering what it describes as "state-of-the-art online experience to players around the world".
 
CalShark.com is operated by COPA, powered by Playtech and supported by Sciplay, a joint venture between Scientific Games and Playtech.
 
COPA promises patrons of the site the closest experience to live table action on the internet with an additional social networking element, providing poker games for experienced players as well as new players wanting to learn the game.
 
The website offers Omaha, Texas Hold'em, Ring games, tournaments and Sit and Go's using an easy gaming interface, available in download and flash formats in both English and Spanish language options.
 
Play begins with the award of 1000 play-money chips and the ability to earn more through inviting friends to play via email, playing games and achieving specified levels.  Alternatively chips may be purchased using the purchase additional chips option on the site.
 
"CalShark.com has features that most other online poker sites do not have including a no download/flash version to play on," said Pierre Wuu, Director of Online Operations at COPA. "Our system allows the players to stay engaged, earn chips and be extremely interactive with other players and friends."
 
Social networking has also been brought into the mix allowing players to invite friends and add new friends, allowing for integration with the imminent launch of a newly developed FaceBook application.