PokerStars targets non-poker players with new social casino app
Casino Rush product aims to remake poker for "Clash of Clans and Candy Crush players"
PokerStars has moved to “fill a void in the games market” with the launch of a new free-to-play app that combines elements of poker, casino and slots.
Casino Rush, which is now available in both Google Play and Apple app stores, initially offers four different hybrid games with the ability to unlock more formats as players progress.
PokerStars’ director of social gaming Lloyd Melnick said the new app was the company’s attempt to reinvent poker for a generation of “Clash of Clans and Candy Crush players”.
“We spent a lot of time assessing the social casino market, what was missing and what players wanted,” Melnick said.
“Our analysis came out that our social players want a poker experience that they can enjoy quickly whether or not they are connected to the Internet. That’s why we commissioned Casino Rush.
“It is the best of poker, casino and slots all fused into one great game, just what gamers in 2016 are looking for.”
The app tweaks classic social poker format in a number of ways, by pitching players against the house rather than peers, allowing offline action and ramping up the pace of play.
Casino Rush will sit alongside PokerStars’ existing social offering, Jackpot Poker, with Melnick explaining: “Jackpot Poker is the best social poker game for poker players and we hope Casino Rush will be the best social poker games for non-poker players.”
A video advert for the new app can be viewed here, while this week also sees the launch of PokerStars’ first TV advert for its real-money casino across UK channels.
Sam Hobcraft, director of casino, said: “PokerStars Casino is currently a well-kept secret for poker players who love to play casino, and we now feel it is the right time to share our unique product and customer experience with a wider audience. We are extremely proud of our TV advert and are looking forward to our big UK launch.”