The online retail behemoth, Alibaba, is partnering with the media group, Oceans Sports & Entertainment, to introduce competitive poker to the Chinese market, with a specific focus on non-gambling demographics. Although specifics are limited, the collaboration seeks to develop an impressive two million competitive poker players in China over the next five years.
This is notable because gambling is largely outlawed in mainland China, with the exception of government-operated lotteries and the autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Unlike conventional poker variations like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, competitive poker completely removes the wagering aspect.
The International Federation of Poker (IFP) has structured competitive poker as a team-oriented game where participants vie for points rather than monetary prizes. Moreover, cards are distributed digitally via a mobile application, removing the requirement for physical cards and further separating it from traditional poker.
The IFP stresses that ability, not chance, is paramount in competitive poker. Their software algorithms guarantee impartiality and eliminate the factor of luck that can often prevail in traditional poker, making it a genuinely skill-driven competition.
IFP President Patrick Nally conveyed his excitement about the collaboration, remarking, “The union of Oceans Sports and Alisports establishes one of the most influential sports marketing entities globally. Their concentration and assets devoted to promoting competitive poker is exhilarating, and I am certain of the immense worldwide potential of this sport.”