Hustler claims sheer coincidence in launch of free-play online poker site

Written On  4/16/11 By Recentpoker.com staff writer Frank Polliern :

Hustler claims sheer coincidence in launch of free-play online poker site
 
The adult publishing company Hustler chose a high profile window in which to launch its free-to-play online poker club Friday, with a federal indictment against the operators of major online poker companies grabbing the media headlines.
 
But it was all just a coincidence, the publisher says.
 
“It’s just one of those phenomenal coincidences that happen very rarely in a marketer’s career, where something so monumental occurs in the online gaming community as what happened today,” said Al Underwood, marketing director for Hustler Casino in Gardena.
 
“It opens up a space for us, and people who enjoy this online activity at least have a place to go that is familiar, legal and safe.”
 
The difference, according to owner Flynt Management Group, is that Hustler’s site is free to use and doesn’t require players to stake and win real money. Instead, games are based around a point system that goes toward eventual prizes.  The so-called club subscription business model.
 
The site, according to the company, has been in development for months, with the focus on no-limit Texas Hold ‘Em.
 
“Thousands upon thousands” of people could end up visiting as a result of all the publicity around online poker, Underwood said.