Summus, Verizon Wireless- take Poker Wireless

Verizon Wireless takes Poker Wireless

Hey poker fans, as Kenny Rogers says, you've got to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. These could be words to live by for Verizon Wireless Get It Now customers who take advantage of a new multiplayer poker game available to them on their handsets through a Verizon deal with Summus.

Poker has been gaining in popularity as of late, with the debut of the television series "Celebrity Poker," as well as coverage of poker events by the likes of ESPN and the Travel Channel. Summus figured the next logical step was to take the game wireless.

The game developer has launched "Phil Hellmuth's Texas Hold 'Em" for wireless handsets. Verizon Wireless is the first carrier to make the game commercially available. Although no real money bets can be placed during a game, gamers will have the chance to challenge World Poker Champion Phil Hellmuth to a virtual game, or play against other players. Poker winners will be ranked at the Texas Hold 'Em ranking site (http://phil.summus.com), and compete for chances to win prizes.

The game is available at a cost of $2.99 a month. (See Mobile Applications)

{Susan Rush May 20, 2004 news@2 direct}