Virgin Poker launches Facebook poker app, by Darren Davidson Brand Republic - 25th February 2008

LONDON - Virgin Poker has developed a Facebook application which allows users to play Texas Hold'em for free.

The application has been developed by Virgin Poker in partnership with Playzu, the online poker company.

Facebook users can join a table of six and play for points, with every winning hand counting towards a place on a leader board.

The top 25 players every day will be invited to take part in a free weekly tournament via a unique sign-up code. The weekly tournament offers prizes from other Virgin brands such as Virgin Atlantic Air Miles.

Simon Burridge, chief executive of Virgin Games, said: "With social networking now a fundamental part of our players' lives, Facebook's focus on entertainment and community provides the perfect opportunity to bring the fun and social element of Virgin Poker to a new market."

The application gives users the ability to create their own avatar in the games, with accessories ranging from cigars and hats to tattoos and glasses.

There are also comedy video clips integrated into the application, which can be played when users are waiting for a hand to be played, and users can set up a private "invite only" game with other Facebook members.

Darius Ziatabari, Playzu founder, said the company would continue to add features to the application to improve the user experience: "We are poker players at heart and want people to have the most fun possible without having to pay for it."

The moves comes as big advertisers begin to incorporate Facebook, which has 8.5m UK users according to Nielsen Online, into their marketing plans.

Earlier this month, Mars launched a voucher scheme on the social networking site enabling users to collect vouchers for the confectionery brand, and last week Marmite launched a branded group.

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