LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CalShark.com, a new, free-play online poker site run by California’s legal gaming experts, officially launched today, offering poker players around the world a state-of-the-art online experience that brings the thrill of live games to their personal computers for free.
CalShark.com is operated by the California Online Poker Association (COPA), a California organization consisting of 60 California tribal governments and California card clubs that lawfully operate more than 65% of the poker tables in California. The web site is powered by Playtech (AIM – PTEC) and will be supported by Sciplay, a joint venture between Scientific Games (NASDAQ - SGMS), a world leader in delivering gaming products and services, and Playtech, an acclaimed global developer of leading online gaming software and technology.
CalShark.com will provide players with the closest experience to live table action on the Internet with an added social networking emphasis. The site offers poker games for experienced poker players looking to hone their skills as well as for new players who want to learn the game. CalShark.com will be 100% free and will not accept player deposits. CalShark.com features:
- Omaha & Texas hold ‘em
- Ring games, tournaments and Sit and Gos
- Virtual goods earned with free chips
- Easy gaming interface
“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.”
CalShark.com players have an exciting opportunity to move up in levels based upon how much they play. The game also allows the users to invite friends and add new friends. This will allow an easy transition when the Facebook application is launched in the near future.
Players will be able to compete through their Web browser, or they can opt to download the free CalShark.com desktop application. Both methods of play feature sharp graphics depicting realistic table settings, card motions and all the sights and sounds associated with live poker play, bringing the game to life for players. The Web site and game will both also feature a Spanish language option.
To start playing today, visit www.CalShark.com or visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/calsharkpoker) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/calsharkpoker).