The massive Chinese online retailer, Alibaba Group, is collaborating with the media group Neptune Sports & Entertainment to introduce competitive poker, a non-wagering version of the game, to China.
Although specifics of the collaboration are still secret, both organizations have grand aspirations, aiming to develop a massive 2 million competitive poker participants in China over the next five years.
You see, wagering in mainland China is forbidden outside of Hong Kong, Macau, and the state lottery. However, unlike conventional poker games such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha, competitive poker eliminates many of the betting aspects.
Championed by the International Federation of Poker (IFP), competitive poker is a squad-based game where participants strive to accumulate points instead of cash, and the activity occurs on mobile devices instead of in person.
The IFP contends that the crucial element classifying competitive poker as a game of ability rather than luck is its dependence on, well, ability. The program guarantees each team has an equivalent opportunity to win, something traditional poker cannot assert.
“The partnership between Neptune and Alisports establishes one of the most influential sports marketing forces globally,” stated IFP President Patrick Nally. “I am pleased that their vigor, concentration, and assets will be directed toward the introduction and advancement of Match Poker and that they share my conviction in its enormous worldwide potential.”
