Performance Based PR Is Changing Public Relations Industry

1-800-PublicRelations “1800pr” Is leading the ROI PR Charge

NEW YORK, NY (Feb 2, 2015) – 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. “1800pr,” The leading Performance Based PR and online Marketing agency, today announced its performance based PR business model hit an industry milestone, successfully booking over 200 CEO’s in 2014 on major TV/ Radio news networks and major publications. The model marks a revolutionary approach to public relations services by ensuring that businesses actually receive the publicity they pay for.

Unlike most traditional PR firms or public relations service providers that charge agency retainers or expensive hourly advisory billing, 1800pr focuses on bundling the overhead costs into success fees when they take on Performance based PR placement for their clients. They only charge for actual placements secured on a client’s behalf at a pre-negotiated rate. Thus, 1800pr shoulders all the risk and the client gets exactly what they’re paying for.

The entire online advertising industry achieved enormous success by using a performance-based business model for ad placements, impressions and more, and because of the advent of this model the industry has grown over 10,000 % since. “We are now applying this proven methodology war tested by Google, Yahoo, Linkedin and others to the PR industry,” said Matthew Bird, President of 1800pr. “Billing clients for verified results is a completely new paradigm in the field of public relations and is a win-win for both the client and for us, it keeps our feet to the fire and our team busy working for our clients. Now for the first time, businesses, large or small, can reap the benefits and inherent value of publicity with no financial risk or uncertainty whatsoever and that’s truly what business is about for me, helping companies succeed.”

Performance based PR services is just one of the many tier-one public relations and online marketing services 1800pr offers. The company has a heavy focus on CEO publicity programs, multi-channel communication programs for emerging growth companies and a whole suit of small and medium size business PR, marketing and lead generation solutions.

About 1800PublicRelations
1-800-PubicRelations “1800pr” is a leading performance based PR and marketing firm and service provider. Founded in 2013, 1800pr offers multi-channel communications program, content marketing and CEO publicity services for public and companies, government, municipalities, news networks and agencies worldwide. We utilize a broad network of over 1,000 news publishers (TV, radio, print & digital) and wide array of PR and marketing services to support sales, business development and local lead generation efforts for our clients and reseller partners. To learn more about 1800pr visit us at www.1800pr.com.

Company Contact:
Matthew BIRD
President
1-800-PublicRelations
P: (646) 401-4499
E: matt.bird@1800pr.com

Performance Based PR Services:
Bridget Fleming
Producer
1-800-PublicRelations
P: (917) 319-7782
E: bridget.fleming@1800pr.com

There’s an overabundance of public relations agencies and despite their high costs — or maybe because of them — they’re not trusted. If you do hire one, you’ll get no guarantees.

There are 29 million businesses in the U.S., but fewer than one percent are represented by PR agencies.

“When you come from the agency world, you know where inefficiencies, mistrust, and disconnects with the non-PR world come from,” said Matthew Bird in an interview with Small Business Trends. Bird is a digital media industry veteran who intends to shake up the industry he worked most of his life in.

In contrast to PR, large retailers are an example of a trusted sector. People gravitate to stores with buyer-friendly return policies and prices, such as 1-800-FLOWERS.

Consumers have certain expectations when they buy from chains and franchises, thanks to standardization in quality control and sourced products, among other things.

With this in mind, Bird wants America to get familiar with a concept he calls “fractional PR” and a new franchise model. His new company 1-800-PublicRelations Inc. allows small and medium sized businesses to get the highest level of PR service (“Tier 1”, in industry parlance), but on an a la carte basis. Businesses getting a la carte services from the franchise would get “what they request, nothing more, nothing less, and everybody’s happy,” he added.

What’s Different Compared to PR Agencies?

In old PR models, clients could burn through retainers quickly and without much to show for it. In the franchise model, if services aren’t needed, loss of investment is a non-issue. Clients only pay for the services they use.

“The majority of businesses want this type of transaction-based, low-risk model,” Bird added. In 2014, their first year of business, more than 290 companies used 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc.

The company is using cloud-based tech to parse and sort PR teams and coordinate efficiency and revenue sharing. One benefit of the franchise is that if a franchisee feels under-equipped to execute on a specific deliverable, he or she can reach out and revenue share with other franchisees, working together as one company to honor a client request which might have been beyond the scope of just one.

“When you see an industry about to change, it’s because a precipice has been reached,” Bird said “A lot of companies are frustrated with PR and IR agencies because they’re not getting the value they were expecting.”

What’s PR Good For, Anyway?

PR agencies operate on a few basic foundations. On one side, there’s research, consulting, strategic messaging and branding. Many agencies are strong on these, but then there’s an execution side, which many agencies aren’t great at.

Smaller agencies, often called “PR boutiques”, are typically started by ex-employees of larger firms striking out on their own, but with the support systems, infrastructure and other aspects common in a large agency go away, making boutique or solo PR execution a nightmare in many cases.

Buying new technologies and learning special cloud functions are examples of challenges Bird’s franchisees (regardless of tier) won’t need to spend time or energy on, because the corporate side would provide continuity and stability on the backend. This allows the franchisees to focus on account management and fulfilling customer requests, such as media bookings and content development.

Is This the Future of Small Business Public Relations?

Maybe.

There are big players in the PR world today, but lately, even they’ve been questioning what their future is going to look like. Trends are changing and there’s a growing need to serve small businesses, and to gain their trust for the long haul.

Boutique PR companies by themselves haven’t been the solution. Many boutiques and big agency initiatives offer isolated strengths and tout them as unique selling propositions. But isolated strengths are not cohesive solutions, even if tech-based. One ironic pain point is that there’s a wealth of technology to execute social media and content marketing plans, yet for PR’s workflow, there’s no cohesive glue or protocol to leverage it all.

“When you have a lot of technology, you need a fleet of people to manage it too,” Bird said. “Our idea is to streamline what’s important and what’s not important, and to consolidate traditional and digital pieces of PR in one turnkey solution. Everyone wins.”

What would you class as a privilege? To be best man or bridesmaid at your friend’s wedding? Your education? For me, well it was witnessing a pivotal point in our history, being present at the UN General Assembly when the gavel came down, striking wood to declare the SDGs are ratified, the journey has begun. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.

But do you know what? Something happened on that same day that made me realise the power and force for good of our youth, our future business leaders. When Malala stood up to address the UNGA, she spoke from the back of the auditorium. With everyone’s back turned to her, she asked us all to turn around to face her. Her message was clear – you may think we are behind you and can be ignored, but we are here and we are watching you. Her impact was impressive.

The impact of business is impressive too. Sometimes for the good of our planet and people, sometimes to their detriment. Engaging business with the Global Goals and bringing clarity to how its activities impact upon so many major issues that need to be addressed with rapidity, should be a considerable force to be reckoned with.

There is real appetite amongst business too to step up and accept the challenge. Ahead of the launch, 92% are aware of the Global Goals (compared to only 33% of citizens) and 71% are already planning what to do. Which is good to see as citizens are expecting great things. Our research results show they expect business to apply SDG thinking to their core business activity, with less emphasis on peripheral projects or reporting. 50% expect business to embed the Global Goals into its strategy and the way it does business.

But at the moment, business lacks the tools to really assess its impact let alone make the required changes. So will consumers grow impatient with businesses that don’t engage or don’t engage fast enough? This could be a distinct possibility. Firstly, tools seem thin on the ground with only 13% of businesses having identified what they need to assess their impact. Worryingly, this only increases to 30% over the next five years. Secondly, only 29% are setting goals or even preparing to set them – again this is a concern as, in the business world, a lack of objectives and targets equates to a lack of accountability and commitment. Business will need to watch out that a lack of visible or communicated engagement doesn’t become a reputational issue.

So how can we catalyse action? The aim of the Global Goals targets the mechanics at the core of business. It’s about reviewing fundamental business activities to understand where they help or hinder governments achieve the global goals, and doing something to remove or reduce the negative impacts, and build upon the positive ones. This will take strong leadership and a tone from the top that needs to overcome investor pressure for short term returns – totally at odds with the SDGs which aim to fix long term planning to fix long term problems.

We see the Global Goals Commonwealth Sustainable Business Challenge as a way to support business to cut through this, a way to get them started, to cut through the complexity, and to raise awareness in the wider business community that times are changing. In partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, PwC is delighted to sponsor the challenge. It throws down the gauntlet to business to have a robust Board level conversation about the Global Goals and commit to an action plan. Find out more about the Challenge.

I’m sure more initiatives like this will follow. We believe that the Global Goals are a game changer for the planet. But only if the business community seizes the opportunity and engages … governments, NGOs and society can only do so much, but it will take a united effort with business on board as well for the goals to be achieved. So, if you’re working, find out how you’re organisation is engaging with the Global Goals. If not, one day you will be! These Global Goals run through to 2030 by which time you could be in a position of influence and leadership. The Global Goals will be as important to achieve then as they are now, so whether you decide to run your own business or work for another, think about the impact your business has on achieving the global goals and encourage strategic decision making with them in mind.

PwC is one of the key AIESEC corporate partners that will join The Youth Action Summit, hosted on 9-11 December 2015 at The United National Headquarters in New York. Nora Wu, Global Human Capital Leader at PwC, will address the audience to outline how PwC activities support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This three-day event will bring together top young leaders, experts, governments, business and thought leaders to discuss and generate actionable ideas which tackle global youth issues and contribute towards the implementation of the SDGs.

The event will feature high-level speakers and guests amongst whom are: Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ahmad Alhendawi United Nations Envoy on Youth, Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Chairman and Co-founder of PVBLIC Foundation, Matt Bird, President 1800 PR

– By Malcolm Preston, Global Sustainability Leader, PwC

NEW YORK, NY (07/15/15) — 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. (1800pr), the leading performance based PR and content marketing service provider, is proud to announce the former President of Peru, Dr. Alejandro Toledo has signed with 1800pr to manage his New York Book Media Tour, “The Shared Society – A Vision for the Global Future of Latin America.” The media tour is to drive visibility to his book through strategic media appearances, content marketing and functions including, a presentation and breakfast at the Harvard Club with members of the United Nations, “Geraldo Rivera Show” interview on WABC, “Cavuto Coast to Coast” interview on Fox Business, equities.com one-on-one exclusive interview with guest celebrity host Adam Johnson, and concluded with a presentation and book signing at the United Nations International Institute of Education.

“It’s an absolute honor to be working with President, Dr. Alejandro Toledo. This is a major milestone for 1800pr, it represents confidence in our ability to deliver and execute at highest level,” stated President of 1800pr, Matthew Bird.

About Dr. Alejandro Toledo
Dr. Alejandro Toledo (Stanford Ph.D.) was democratically elected President of Peru in 2001. After finishing his term as President, Toledo returned to Stanford, where he was a Distinguished Fellow in Residence at the University’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, and also a Payne Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at the Freeman Spogli Institute’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law.

Simultaneously, Dr. Toledo founded and continues to serve as the President of the Global Center for Development and Democracy in Washington, DC. In 2009-2010, Dr. Toledo was a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., and also a Non-Resident Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy and Global Economy and Development at the Brookings Institution. In recent years, Dr. Toledo has published on policy-oriented academic issues related to Economic Growth, Inclusiveness and Democracy.

For more information on the Global Center for Development and Democracy, visit http://cgdd.org/en/

About 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. (1800pr)
Founded in 2013, 1800pr is the fastest growing communication firm and media service provider in the country. We are a full-service PR agency and content marketing service provider that partners with established and emerging brands, multi-national corporations, global interests, high-profile individuals, communication firms, government agencies and academic institutions to help them define and achieve their strategic PR goals to drive measured deliverables.

In addition, 1800pr is the national leader in performance based PR and marketing providing a suite of a la carte and on-demand PR services tailored for small and medium size emerging marketing growth companies and entrepreneurs. Our model ensures your company’s content and messaging is both visible to the media and accessible to everyone searching on the web — while improving your credibility.

Our full service marketing & PR firm specializes in a number of practice areas including; (B2C) Medical, Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Crowd Funding, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Technology, Travel & Hospitality etc. (B2B) Financial Communications, Medical & BioTech, Corporate Communications, Reputation Management, Public Affairs, Government Relations, and Crisis Communications.

We are known for results driven public relations and social programs that provide game-changing measurable results. To learn more about 1800pr visit us at www.1800pr.com.

PR / Media Contact:
Matthew BIRD
President
1-800-PublicRelations, Inc.
+1 (800) 782-6185
+1 (646) 401-4499
matt.bird@1800pr.com
www.1800pr.com

World Poker Fund Holdings and 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. sign partnership agreement

In the United States, PR and content marketing firm, 1-800-PublicRelations, has signed a partnership agreement with World Poker Fund Holdings, Inc. in which media relations, financial communications expertise and marketing will be enhanced.

New York-based World Poker Fund Holdings, Inc. claims that 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. (“1800pr”) is the third most influential social impact media and communications firm (presumably in the US).

The deal involves 1800pr providing the professional expertise and know-how to deploy resources and launch a full content marketing and PR campaign targeting the social gaming and event arena. Additionally, 1800pr will invest in the social poker firm in return for an equity stake.

World Poker Fund Holdings frontman and former World Series of Poker main event champion, Jamie Gold, said in a press statement Monday:

“Directly connecting active social gamers with an abundance of live and celebrity driven experiential content is the next level in the online social gaming industry.

“1800pr’s expertise in both increasing our audience reach and delivering highly targeted communications will greatly support our premier gaming brands and enhance visibility for our events. In short, the 1-800-PublicRelations partnership provides us the ability to drive market awareness much faster and further, reaching our target audiences with innovative and exciting celebrity gaming product at the right time.”

Matt Bird, CEO and president of 1-800-PublicRelations said the opportunity to integrate with World Poker Fund’s online and event assets is expected to propel both of companies’ growth.

World Poker Fund Holdings, Inc. is currently in the final stages of launching its two core celebrity-driven social gaming brands for online poker and casino gaming.

Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa

NEW YORK, NY–(Mar 28, 2016) – World Poker Fund Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: WPFH) announced the closing of a strategic investment and partnership with 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. (“1800pr”), a leading global PR and content marketing firm and #3 ranked most influential social impact media and communications firm. Under the terms of the agreement, World Poker Fund Holdings, Inc. will utilize 1800pr’s resources, chief strategists, launch a full content marketing campaign and leverage the firm media relations capabilities within the social gaming and event arena. Additionally, 1800pr invests in WPFH, by way of a delivery service in exchange for an equity stake in the company vesting over the next year period.

“Directly connecting active social gamers with an abundance of live and celebrity driven experiential content is the next level in the online social gaming industry,” said WPFH brand ambassador and World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold. “1800pr’s expertise in both increasing our audience reach and delivering highly targeted communications will greatly support our premier gaming brands and enhance visibility for our events. In short, the 1-800-PublicRelations partnership provides us the ability to drive market awareness much faster and further, reaching our target audiences with innovative and exciting celebrity gaming product at the right time,” concludes Gold.

“Our 2016 strategic growth and content marketing innovation advances have opened many new doors for us, far beyond our flagship traditional public relations and communications footprint,” stated Matt Bird, CEO and president of 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc “1800pr”. “The opportunity to integrate our team and resources with World Poker Fund’s online and event assets is expected to propel both of our companies’ growth – especially as we deal and manage celebrity influencers as part of the core messaging vehicle. The cultural and work ethic of our two firms is a perfect match,” concluded Bird.

About World Poker Fund Holdings, Inc.
World Poker Fund Holdings, Inc. is a leading developer and operator of online and event based social gaming platforms and brands. The company is currently in the final stages of launching it’s two core celebrity driven social gaming brands for online poker and casino gaming.

To learn more About World Poker Fund and its upcoming events, please visit www.worldpokerfund.com

About 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. “1800pr”
1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. ” 1800pr” is a full-service performance based PR agency and content marketing service provider. The company offers on-demand and “a la carte” PR services and support programs for established and emerging brands, small businesses, multi-national corporations, global interests groups, high-profile individuals, communication firms, government agencies and academic institutions. 1800pr helps clients define their strategic PR goals and achieve them with measurable deliverables. Our model ensures our client’s content and messaging is both visible to the media and accessible to everyone searching on the web – while improving their credibility.

To learn more please visit our website at www.1800pr.com or follow us on Twitter | Facebook

Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition pricing, government regulation, and other risks described in statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements that may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

CONTACTS

PR and Media Contact:
Matthew BIRD
President
1-800-PublicRelations, Inc.
(D) +1 (646) 248-7676
(M) +1 (646) 401-4499
(E) matt.bird@1800pr.com
(W) www.1800pr.com

WPFH Partners With Soulja Boy, De Anthoney Thomas, Kyle Massey & Jamie Gold to Create New Celebrity Social Gaming Experience

NEW YORK, NY  (04/04/16) — World Poker Fund Holdings Inc. (OTC PINK: WPFH) a leading developer and operator of online and event based social gaming platforms and brands announces today it has launched its first brand CelebrityWorld.com. The new platform and brand is the first celebrity owned social casino gaming site in the world and is co-owned by entertainment influencers such as Artist Soulja Boy and World Series of Poker Champ Jamie Gold, professional athletes and other artists from around the globe.

CelebrityWorld.com is a new paradigm in the social casino business sector. The $3.4 Billion social casino market has been growing rapidly and is expected to exceed $4.4 Billion by 2017.

CelebrityWorld.com will be “opening its doors” on April 15th for beta gamers and hosting its grand opening on May 1st. The new immersive social gaming experience will incorporate the most popular online casino games with the exciting action of playing side-by-side with your favorite celebrities.

Soulja Boy commented, “This is going to be the biggest thing since online gaming started. We have assembled some of the world’s top social influencers, celebrities, and gamers to create the sickest and most exciting online casino gaming experience!”

Here’s how it works:

Celebrity World offers all your favorite casino games and entertainment that you would find in Las Vegas, here are just a few to start: Poker, Video Poker, Slots, Sports Betting, Bingo, Fringo, Solitaire. And social areas and venues such as restaurants, night clubs to meet people, retail stores for shopping, private parties and even romantic encounters can be possible in CelebrityWorld.com

The Games

Blackjack — Black Tie Blackjack tables, Hula style Blackjack tables, or even a skill-game version called pixie panic. All tables are multiplayer but if you prefer you can chose to play heads-up with the dealer.

Poker — Our poker room host is the WSOP Main Event Champion Jamie Gold. Players will be able to play a No limit hold’em with a variety of limits. Weather you are new to the game or a seasoned veteran, everyone can learn something new from a Poker Champion. Jamie will be provide free tips and even training sessions to help players know when to hold’em and when to fold’em.

Video Poker — If you enjoy video poker instead of playing against others, we have a variety of video poker games you can play. Even while playing video poker, you can see a list of other players that are playing at the same time. Get to know someone or buy them a drink, if you do, everyone that is playing at the same game gets a drink too!!

Slots — Dozens of slots games to choose from. We have tournaments and regular play. You can pick your limits and chat with you friends that are playing the same game. New games are released all the time and VIP members get exclusive play before the games are opened up to everyone.

Sports Betting — A complete Sportsbook with odds on games from NBA to Premier League Soccer. You can also bet on Pop Culture events when they arise, like the Oscars or the Grammy Music Awards.

Daily Fantasy Sports — The game replicates traditional DFS mechanics including individual tournaments, 50-50 contests and high-low betting options. It has gone live with contests based around the National Basketball Association (NBA), allowing players to select a full team based on a salary cap, winning points based on the players’ performance. Great fun for the experienced basketball fan or it’s a great way to get to learn the game and key players.

5-card Draft — A great multiplayer football draft game where you put together a team based on past season statistics of real players. Another great way to learn the game or test your experience against the best.

Bingo — A fun multi-player game with a virtual dauber. You can play multiple cards at once and see if you can get BINGO before the other competitors.

Fringo — Fringo is a combination of Bingo with Fruit instead of numbers. You are playing against other players for the top prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This is a very fast and addicting game where many players work their way through the various limits and earn achievement bonuses. There are also special games for each of the major calendar holidays.

Solitaire — The classic version of the game that you play by yourself, but not alone, as other players are always visible on the side-bar. Earn points and get on the leaderboard. There is also a version that has a bit of a spin to it. Try them both and see which one gets you more coins.

Gaming Experience Snap-Shot — When you go to the casino lobby you have your choice of games. A couple things to remember 1) When you have charms, your luck is better and you will win more, so be sure to buy some or go to charm parties. 2) When you are playing a game and a drink or charm just shows up, that means that someone bought drinks or charms for everyone playing that game or at the table. In a friendly game if you buy one drink the whole table gets a round. 3) There is a leaderboard for each game which tracks who has won the most today or for the week. This can be game-wide or you can just track your friends.

Entertainment

Celebrity World never sleeps… There are parties going on 24/7 and all you have to do is go to the parties tab and it lists them out. You decide what theme you’d like to go to and what types of charms you want to get as gifts for attending. The parties are mini-mixers that really kick-off once 25 people are in the room. Enjoy dancing and meeting people while charms are gifted and given out. It takes less than 30 seconds to set-up your own party which shows on the party board. You can invite your friends or just meet new people. Either way, you always get a bonus for being the host.

Club Scene — The biggest attraction in this section is the Fantasy Suites. You get to move up floors in the hotel as you earn more coins through the game. You can throw parties or hang out with friends in your suite. You can also see the Celebrity suites and work your way up to “Celebrity Status.”

Many of the parties are held at a private suite but you can also use the club venues. Poolside parties with music playing or go to the dance club where you can meet new people. There is also a VIP lounge and a Love Hotel for couples. Remember to dress appropriately and swimsuits are required at the pool. Be sure to do a cannonball off the diving board, the sunbathers love it.

Shopping — For men and women the shopping is phenomenal. Most items are only on the shelf for a limited time and then they are gone. Several of the celebrities have some articles from their own clothing line in the shop. Show your love by wearing your favorite celebrity’s gear to intermix with your own style. We will have fashion shows for the ladies and there is a section on everyone’s profile where they can put clothes on a wish list. Many members enjoy getting their friends new outfits that come out or something special for a night out. The store is organized where you can go directly to the pool section or the black tie. There is a special section for VIP members where they will have exclusive clothing that can really make a statement.

1-800-PublicRelations, Inc. (“1800pr”) president Matthew Bird, WPFH’s publicist was quoted saying “WPFH is going to be a publicity machine, the company is “weaponizing” itself with marque celebrity horsepower, global social influencers and some of the smartest business development and marketing minds to ensure the successful launch and growth of the company.”

About World Poker Fund Holdings, Inc.
World Poker Fund Holdings, Inc. is a leading developer and operator of online and event based social gaming platforms and brands including. The company is currently in the final stages of launching its two core celebrity driven social gaming brands for online poker and casino gaming.

To learn more About World Poker Fund and its upcoming events, please visit www.worldpokerfund.com

Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition pricing, government regulation, and other risks described in statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements that may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

**PR, news and content distribution provided by 1-800-PublicRelations, Inc.

Online gaming meets celebrity socializing
– By Andrew Burnett

In a world obsessed with celebrities, it was only a matter of time before the poker and casino world saw a social gaming platform owned by and aimed at that market – and one of the men behind it is former WSOP Main Event champion Jamie Gold.

The much-maligned Gold has been making a comeback of late, and has now joined forces with the likes of rapper, producer, and actor SouljaBoy to launch CelebrityWorld.com which will be available for beta-gameplay on April 15th.

The announcement comes on the back of a $1.2Million investment by 1800pr into World Poker Fund Holdings Inc, which has offices in LA, New York, Las Vegas, and Dallas. WPFH are also behind plans to produce two reality TV poker shows, “Poker Boss” and ‘America Loves Poker’.

Although the CelebrityWiorld.com site is not currently up and running, it claims to offer gamers the chance to “Meet, play games, and hang out with your favourite celebs”. As well as Gold and Soulja Boy, other famous names behind the site are Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver De Anthoney Thomas and actor, rapper and magician Kyle Massey.

“This is going to be the biggest thing since online gaming started,” said 25-year old Soulja Boy, whose debut single back in 2007, ‘Crank That’ reached number 1 in the US billboard top 100.

One year prior to that release, Jamie Gold had scooped the largest Main Event prize ever when he took down $12million in 2006, his reign as champion beset almost immediately by serious financial and legal problems.

The new site seems set to offer a mix of play money gambling and celebrity socialising, with players able to choose from ‘dozens of games like poker, blackjack and slots’ according to the site.

It is expected that Gold will host the poker rooms and the site will also feature “party rooms where you can spend time with new people, Fantasy Suites that allow you to partake in a spot of clubbing, and a great shopping experience that will include clothing lines from some of the celebrities that have money invested in the site”, according to calvinayre.com who have been following WPFH’s plans for almost a year now.

1800pr are a “leading global PR and content marketing firm and #3 ranked most influential social impact media and communications firm” who plan to use their “resources and chief strategists” to “launch a full content marketing campaign and leverage the firm media relations capabilities within the social gaming and event arena.”

Continuing with business-speak gobbledygook, WPFH brand ambassador Gold stated of the investment: “1800pr’s expertise in both increasing our audience reach and delivering highly targeted communications will greatly support our premier gaming brands and enhance visibility for our events.”

“Directly connecting active social gamers with an abundance of live and celebrity driven experiential content is the next level in the online social gaming industry,” he stated, adding: “In short, the 1-800-PublicRelations partnership provides us the ability to drive market awareness much faster and further, reaching our target audiences with innovative and exciting celebrity gaming product at the right time.”

Quite what all this means for the average gambler or poker enthusiast remains to be seen, but 1800pr President Matthew Bird has spoken of preparing to “weaponise” the company and turning WQPFH into a “publicity machine”. In the world of celebrity, this could literally mean almost anything!

Should it actually amount to anything which our PokerTube fans are likely to find of interest, we’ll be sure to keep you updated once it launches for real on May 1st – hopefully minus the business gobbledygook!