16.10.2006
CRYPTOLOGIC MARRIES POKER AND BLACKJACK - FOR A UNIQUE GAMING EXPERIENCE
Hold'Em Blackjack™ combines simplicity of blackjack, intensity of poker - available only from CryptoLogic
October 16, 2006 (Toronto, ON) - CryptoLogic Inc., a leading software developer to the global Internet gaming industry, today unveiled Hold'Em Blackjack, a brand new game that combines the simplicity of blackjack with the intensity of poker.
Hold'Em Blackjack was created exclusively for licensees of WagerLogic Limited, CryptoLogic's licensing subsidiary, by Andy Goetsch, CryptoLogic's VP of Poker Software Development and a world-class poker player in his own right. Goetsch and his team have breathed new life into the traditional game of 21 by giving players the betting and bluffing excitement of Texas Hold'Em Poker along with the straightforward play of casino blackjack.
"Hold'Em Blackjack is just the latest example of CryptoLogic's unique brand of innovation and intelligence, which consistently wins the heart of the online player," said Lewis Rose, CryptoLogic's President and CEO. "For CryptoLogic, it's a simple yet exciting concept - powerfully executed. For players, it's a whole new entertainment experience. And for the world's blue-chip gaming brands, Hold'Em Blackjack is another way to keep players coming back for more."
Unlike traditional blackjack, Hold'Em Blackjack's "player vs. player" format means the prize pot is determined by player bets, which ensures that a player wins every hand. The game consists of three rounds of betting, bluffing and skill. With Hold'Em Blackjack, the best hand is not always the winning hand.
"Hold'em Blackjack pits players against each other, rather than the House, taking blackjack to a whole new level," said Andy Goetsch, VP, Poker Software Development for CryptoLogic. "Because blackjack is a familiar game to play, the learning curve for Hold'em Blackjack is very fast. After just a couple of hands almost anyone can be an expert."
Offered exclusively through WagerLogic, Hold'Em Blackjack was recently launched at williamhillpoker.com, interpoker.com, sunpoker.com, pokerplex.com, ukbettingpoker.co.uk, littlewoodspoker.com, and classicpoker.com. CryptoLogic's latest innovation is already creating buzz throughout the international e-gaming community.
"The initial response has been tremendous," noted AJ Slivinski, WagerLogic's Managing Director. "Based on the feedback we've received, Hold'Em Blackjack is already becoming a player favourite."
Hold'Em Blackjack online satellite tournaments provide players with the opportunity to compete for US$6,100 prize packages, each including a seat in the exclusive 200-player live event at the 2006 Caribbean Poker Classic (CPC) in St. Kitts between November 24 and December 3. WagerLogic's licensees have added US$50,000 to the prize pool, creating a total prize package of a quarter-million dollars for the CPC's Hold'Em Blackjack tournament.
CryptoLogic-developed software powers one of the top five revenue-generating poker sites on the Internet, shared by some of the world's top Internet gaming brands, including a soon-to-be launched Playboy site. For more information on Hold'Em Blackjack, including a tutorial, strategy tips and high resolution images, visit www.holdemblackjack.com.