While in Vegas during the WPBT (World Poker Blogger Tour) even at Caesar's Palace in Decemeber, the bloggers in attendance were treated to a private party from PokerTek. They had brough along their wares for a informal introduction to what could become a new twist on how and where live poker is played.

I was able to take down full ring table "sit and go" tourney with a little help from the RNG, and managed a not-so-great showing at heads-up match table costing me a new release DVD at Target due to a sidebet made under the table . The play was fairly smooth, and ability to flip up your cards only by placing your hands over them, allowed extra protection against railbirds trying to look over your shoulder. Also, the ease of internet poker in knowing exactly the chip counts of all players at times, along with the speed of the internet game brought some fun to the table for those used to the faster paced game.

Now, PokerTek has announced their partnership with Princess Cruise Lines to include their tables on their ships.

Here's the offical press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Becca Bernstein
704.849.0860 x119
POKERTEK ANNOUNCES SCHEDULED POKERPRO®
INSTALLATIONS ON PRINCESS CRUISES FLEETWIDE
Charlotte, NC - February 16, 2007: PokerTek™, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTEK), the innovator of
automated poker, announces the successful completion of trials of its PokerPro® tables with
Princess Cruises. With PokerPro tables already installed on three of its ships, Princess Cruises
has scheduled to have 22 tables installed by the end of 2007. "We continue to be impressed with
how quickly the Princess guests learn to play PokerPro and how reliable the product has proven
itself," said Rodney Dofort, Vice President of Casino Operations.
About PokerTek, Inc.
PokerTek, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTEK), headquartered in Charlotte, NC, develops and markets
PokerPro®, an automated poker table and a suite of software applications. PokerPro was
developed to increase casino revenue, reduce expenses and attract new players into poker rooms.
Currently available is PokerPro, the ten-seated table and PokerPro® Heads-Up™, a two-seated
table that allows casinos to offer the heads-up poker format. PokerPro tables are located in the
United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and several major cruise lines. The
first PokerPro Texas Hold'Em hand was dealt on May 24, 2005 at the Seminole Hard Rock
Casino in Hollywood, Florida. For more information, please visit the company's website at
www.pokertek.com or contact Becca Bernstein at 704.849.0860 x119.