Media release
Two of the biggest names in Asia-Pacific poker have come together with news that 2005 WSOP champion Joe Hachem has announced a new working relationship with the AsianLogic Group.
Hachem (pictured left), who ended his six-year relationship with PokerStars late last year, told a media conference at Crown that after many years working extensively around the world, he made the decision that his next venture would keep him closer to home, would allow him to spend more time with his family and was something that presented a wider range of opportunities.
“I am delighted to announce that I have decided to partner with a consortium comprising the AsianLogic Group and some of their contemporaries. I will be working with the group in several areas, initially as a new ambassador for the Asian Poker Tour to further the growth of poker and to assist them with several strategic opportunities in Australia and the Asia Pacific Region.”
AsianLogic, established in 2002, is a major player in both the online and land-based gaming industry in the Asia-Pacific market. The group, which was featured on the London Stock Exchange in 2007 before going private two years later, “is involved in the development, operation, management and/or marketing of online casinos, online poker, multiplayer P2P and Asian Games, online and land-based sports betting, including live videostream casino gaming across the region.”
“We are delighted to be working with Joe who is without a doubt one of the most recognisable and respected poker players in the world,” Tom Hall, non executive chairman of AsianLogic, said.
“I can’t think of a better venue, the Aussie Millions, in Joe’s hometown of Melbourne, at this fantastic venue, the Crown Casino to announce our partnership with Joe. Joe brings much more to the table than just his poker playing skills. His knowledge and understanding of the gaming industry both domestically and internationally will be invaluable to us going forwards.
“The Asian Poker Tour is already widely recognized as Asia’s only independent tour and we feel Joe will be able to help us expand this business. AsianLogic and its partners are also involved in a number of poker and gaming projects and Joe is helping us with some of these, particularly those in Australia and New Zealand.”
Hachem said the AsianLogic Group are already very successful gaming operators and have a carefully thought out strategy for poker and his role would be announced publicly later this quarter.
“There are separate elements here in light of potential regulatory change in Australia, which requires a different focus from that adopted for the general international poker market,” Hachem said.
"I considered offers from several other brands, but this partnership was the best fit for me as it gave me an active role and the ability to participate as the businesses evolve. The Asia Pacific poker market is still in its infancy and has in my opinion, huge potential for growth relatively to the European more mature markets.
“The United States are also going through an important phase and it will take a little time before things come into place and operators emerge. Working with a partner in the same time zone makes life a lot easier and whilst I am still going to be travelling to the major poker tournaments, being able to spend more time at home is fantastic.”
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