PokerStars India Signs Partnership Deal With “Bigg Boss”

PokerStars India has taken another major step forward towards asserting its brand in India and establishing itself as the number one poker website in the country.

PokerStars India recently announced that it has signed as an associate sponsor for COLORS channel’s popular reality TV show “Bigg Boss“, in a new partnership that will give viewers the chance to learn about the real-life applications of poker.

The first episode of the program’s 13th season aired in India on 29 Sep.

Bigg Boss is a local version of the global hit series Big Brother and features celebrity contestants who have to surpass different challenges and competitions while they live with each other in an isolated house, wearing lapel microphones and being followed by cameras. They are evicted one by one as the show progresses, until only one person is left. The final person will be announced the winner.

Poker-Themed Challenges

The new collaboration between PokerStars and Bigg Boss will see housemates being asked to complete a number of poker challenges in exchange for rewards. The partnership will also give Indian poker players the chance to join freeroll tournaments, with themed prizes up for grabs. There’s more — tournament winners will also be given the opportunity to visit the Bigg Boss House and meet the show’s host Bollywood star Salman Khan.

Ankur Dewani, CEO of Sachiko Gaming, PokerStars’ partner in India, said they are excited with new partnership which will pave the way for people to learn the many skills that can be derived from poker and be applied to real-life situations. The collaboration fits with the show’s central theme, as contestants should possess mental strength, must learn how to make calculated decisions in order to win challenges. Their patience is also put to test as they navigate their journey through the show.

Indian Push Continues

PokerStars India is continuing to boost its marketing efforts in the country in a bid to gain a foothold in the growing Indian poker market. PokerStars India signed Bollywood star Nawazuddin Siddiqui as part of its new marketing campaign that portrays poker as a game of skill. PokerStars India also hired Sharad Rao as its first Twitch ambassador.

While poker remains illegal in most Indian states, the game is growing rapidly especially amongst young Indian players. This is something PokerStars India wants to capitalise on and partnering with Bigg Boss is a strategic decision as a lot of young people follow the show.