Phil Ivey Enters Daily Fantasy Sports Industry, Announces PhilIveyDFS
The link between the poker community and daily fantasy sports (DFS) is about to get a lot stronger, as none other than Phil Ivey announced he will be launching his own DFS site on the iTEAM Network platform. According to a note sent to the media by the iTeam Network on Jan. 19, Ivey's venture will be named PhilIveyDFS and will appear on the platform in February.
Talking about his new adventure in the world of DFS, Ivey explained that his choice to join the iTEAM Network came after considering a number of offers from other companies.
"Over the past few years, I've been looking for more ways to share with fans my perspective on daily fantasy sports," shared Ivey. "I was honored to have multiple options, but iTEAM Network's focus on compliance and the core technology, along with the leadership of Gabe Hunterton, ultimately made it a pretty easy decision."
Hunterton, who serves as CEO of iTeam Network, is not a new name in the gaming industry. After starting his adventure as a dealer at the El Cortez Casino in Las Vegas, he then spent 16 years working for GM Resorts Galaxy Entertainment Group where he covered top roles including the one of Chief Operating Officer of StarWorld Hotel and Casino.
Commenting on the deal, Hunterton explained that Ivey's signing is part of an aggressive marketing strategy that will soon lead to an increase of the network's liquidity and prize pools.
"We are always looking for quality brands and partners in the world of fantasy [and] there is no elite-level individual that fans want to follow and learn from more than Ivey," Hunterton stated. "Ivey's team engaged in extended due diligence, which we welcomed in light of our commitment to conservative regulatory practices and great user experiences.
"There is a large crossover between poker players and DFS players. Adding the Phil Ivey brand will substantially increase network-wide player liquidity and prize pools. We have already started an aggressive marketing and execution plan in which PhilIveyDFS users will be able to compete immediately for more than $20,000 in weekly pro basketball contests and interact directly with Ivey."
Ivey's decision to get serious in the world of Daily Fantasy Sports came only a few days after former professional poker player Aaron "aejones" Jones made headlines by taking down the biggest prize ever awarded in daily fantasy sports, and you can read more about Jones' victory over on FantasyWired.com.
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