Virtual Gaming Worlds, an online entertainment and gaming company, is set to join forces with the greatest Olympian of all time.
According to a release from VGW last Wednesday, the company's Global Poker brand has announced an expanded partnership with 23-time gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps.
The partnership, which dates back to late 2023, will provide a host of new marketing initiatives including promoting upcoming challenges, tournaments, and promotions.
“I’m thrilled to expand my partnership with Global Poker,” Phelps said. “As someone who loves competition and strategy, I have always really enjoyed the game of poker. Partnering with a leader in the online social poker space is really exciting, and I look forward to working together to bring new experiences to the Global Poker community.”
The Australian-based company first partnered with Phelps for its Global Poker Celebrity Challenge last October. Phelps appeared alongside DJ Khaled and NBA stars Paul George and Karl-Anthony Towns, with the proceeds going towards the charity of the winner’s choice.
In addition to these partnerships, VGW’s Chumba Casino brand ambassadorship with former American Idol host Ryan Seacrest also played a role in the consummation of this latest partnership.
“We are really pleased with how positively received the partnership with Ryan Seacrest at Chumba Casino was, and are equally excited about working with Mr Phelps again in a greater capacity to the GP Celebrity Challenge,” said Mats Johnson, CMO at VGW.
“Mr Phelps is not only an exceptional athlete and poker player, but he brings this great energy and aligns with the Global Poker brand incredibly well. He already has a strong following and we expect this partnership to add to that to truly take the Global Poker brand from strength to strength.”
A positive swing
News of VGW’s continued expansion and efforts to partner with top flight celebrities marks a welcome change for the operator compared to a year ago.
In November, the state of Michigan announced plans to crack down on sweepstake casino brands such as VGW. Idaho and Washington previously banned the company.
“VGW continually evaluates their business operations in the interests of all their stakeholders and after careful consideration they have decided to take this course of action,” the company explained in a statement at the time.
