The Poker Channel Launches on BeTV

The Poker Channel continues its European expansion this week, launching Belgium’s first dedicated poker channel on the BeTV platform. Through a new partnership with the Belgian cable operator, The Poker Channel will be carried in the sports bouquet on Channel 36.

Programmes include Europe’s first independent poker tour, the European Poker Masters, which features the biggest names in poker and a combined prize pool of more than $1m; the Million Dollar Cash Game - Europe’s highest ever stakes cash game, featuring some of the most celebrated poker pros in the world, including Phil Ivey, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, Gus Hansen and Jennifer Harman; The Invitational from Monaco –the first ever poker event staged at Monte Carlo’s famous Grand Casino, and the first time cameras were allowed inside the historic venue; and the 12 Steps to Poker Heaven, an educational but entertaining "how-to" series taking viewers from complete beginner, to intermediate, and pro - with tips from world renowned pros.

The free-to-air channel is currently carried in six other major European markets: Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, on Canal Digital, the regions’ largest digital satellite network; France, on Noos Numericable and ADSL platform Free; Germany on Kabel Deutschland and KBW. European poker fans who do not have access to any of these networks, can still receive the channel with a satellite dish pointed towards 1° West and an appropriate set top box (tuned to 11.229 GHZ Horizontal).

The channel is maintaining its presence in the UK through its channel block deals, and the rest of the world through its broadband feed, www.pokerchannelbroadband.com, and other strategic online distribution partnerships with the likes of Youtube, www.youtube.com/pokerchannel, Joost, Vuze, Zattoo and Mediazone.

Chris White, Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted to continue our expansion into Europe, and bring the drama of the game to new audiences – whether professional poker players or curious beginners. This is another important step in our strategy to deliver world-class programming in every major poker territory, and offer a low-cost, focused and legal way for our commercial partners, including real-money .com poker sites, to access these markets.”

News Added: 12 September, 2007

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