Betfair looks East

With an eye on global domination, UK poker site Betfair has become the first gaming company permitted to present a poker tournament in Singapore.

Betfair, the world’s leading betting exchange, has teamed up with local operators Capital Events to host the ground-breaking contest on 12 to the 18 November.

The Betfair Asian Poker Tour will feature players from across the world competing for an anticipated $2 million prize fund. The event will be open to all-comers, including local players, and is sure to attract professionals as well as poker enthusiasts. Qualification will take place online at Betfair Poker as well as at live tournaments all over the world.

For Betfair, it’s an opportunity to raise its profile in Asia by working with local partners who understand the sensitivities and regulatory restrictions of working in the region.

“Singapore is an ideal place to host an event of this magnitude and we’re delighted to be given the chance to do it,” says Betfair’s Head of Poker, Ben Fried. “It’s a wonderful tourist destination as well as a hub of activity for the region.

“Betfair is all about innovation and breaking new ground. In Singapore we will put on a memorable poker event as well as give our players the chance to experience Singapore.”

The Tour will be televised and distributed to international broadcasters and other media.

The Betfair Asian Poker Tour is supported by the Singapore Tourist Board (STB) – Uniquely Singapore.