RISE Poker Launches Rake-Free Legal US Online Poker Site for Displaced Online Poker Players

LAS VEGAS, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- It is a new day for online poker.

RISE Poker (www.risepoker.com) today announced the upcoming launch of a U.S. legal, rake-free poker site where players can compete for up to $100,000 in monthly cash and prizes.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110525/NE08661LOGO )

RISE Poker is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, May 31, 2011. In addition to $100,000 in cash and prizes, RISE Poker members will have the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 Main Event championship seat at the World Series, a $5,000 kick-off bounty tournament, and other specialty events.

The RISE Poker team will include some of the most recognizable professional poker players in the world. The site will foster a community environment so members can interact with each other and the pros. RISE Poker members will also have access to strategies and tips from the world's top poker pros and be eligible to receive other valuable benefits and rewards.

"The market could not be better for a new, innovative rake-free site to fill the massive void created by the recent U.S. departures of the largest offshore online gambling sites. RISE Poker will offer these players a safe, secure, U.S. legal option that still offers the thrill of competing for real money cash and prizes," said Steve "Chops" Preiss, RISE Poker Executive Vice President of Business Development.

"We plan on changing the way people perceive traditional subscription poker sites and build a brand with long-lasting value for our members," continued Preiss. "Members can regularly play against and connect with some of the best professionals in the world, improve their game through strategy and training, and be eligible for tangible short- and long-term benefits and rewards."

Other key highlights of the RISE Poker launch include:

• Tiered membership levels: Members can play for free or pay a $19.99 monthly "Grinder" membership fee for additional benefits. There is also a free Alternative Means of Entry option associated with each membership level.
• Cash and prizes: At launch, RISE Poker will offer members up to $100,000 in real cash prizes, plus opportunities to win entry into premier live poker tournaments.
• Access to top poker personalities: RISE Poker is building a roster of pros who will actively play on the site through bounty and other special tournaments, as well as interact with members.
• Ability to improve your game: Members will have access to training content provided by PokerVT, as well as RISE Poker Team Pros.
• Legal & Secure: RISE Poker is available to customers in 48 U.S. states and additional eligible international markets.

Strategic partners for RISE Poker include:

• ZEN Entertainment, Inc. - The site will reside on the ZEN Entertainment Network®, the leading free-to-play online game network in the industry.
• Poker Royalty - As the industry's premier talent agency, Poker Royalty will exclusively handle pro sponsorships for RISE Poker.
• RISE Clothing – The poker-inspired lifestyle apparel company will license its brand to the platform and supply VIP club members with gear and other benefits.

ZEN Entertainment CEO Craig Billings said of the venture, "The RISE Poker group is comprised of the preeminent minds in poker today. Working with them represents an exciting endeavor for ZEN. We are impressed with how RISE Poker is going about building its brand and a unique, player-centric approach to its customers. ZEN looks forward to providing best-of-breed, rake-free poker software to power RISE Poker."

RISE Poker will announce the first Team Pro members in the coming weeks.

Register early and be eligible for a $1,000 kick-off free-roll and receive special promotional offers by visiting risepoker.com and entering your email address.

To learn more about RISE Poker, visit www.risepoker.com.

To learn more about RISE Clothing, visit www.riseclothing.com.

To learn more about Zen Entertainment, visit www.zenentertainment.com.

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SOURCE RISE Poker