ONCHAN, Isle of Man,
April 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
The world's largest online poker site, PokerStars, an Amaya Inc.
(NASDAQ: AYA; TSX: AYA) brand, has announced a partnership with the
New Jersey chapter of Autism
Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy
organization. Through its Corporate Giving Programme, Helping
Hands, PokerStars will become a Premier Sponsor of Autism Speaks,
supporting ongoing research, advocacy and awareness efforts during
Autism Awareness Month in April - and beyond.
In March, PokerStars re-entered the
United States by launching its platform in New Jersey and is continuing to show its
dedication to the state by bringing awareness to autism research
through one of the causes' largest champions: Autism Speaks - New
Jersey Chapter. This cause is especially important to some of the
Team PokerStars Pros, particularly Chris Moneymaker, whose
life has been affected by autism.
"Today, autism is a complex and often misunderstood disorder
that affects 1 out of 68 children and millions of families,
including many of those within the PokerStars family," said
Eric Hollreiser, Vice President of
Corporate Communications for Amaya Inc. and PokerStars. "We are
eager to partner with Autism Speaks New Jersey to help raise funds
and awareness for this important work."
The brand kicked off Autism Awareness Month by participating in
Light It Up Blue, an international, annual campaign led by Autism
Speaks, which sees thousands of iconic landmarks, skyscrapers,
schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining
bright blue lights on April
2nd, in honor of the millions of individuals and
families affected by autism. The colour is in reflection of the
Autism Speaks logo, which is blue because boys are four times more
likely to be affected than girls - with 1 in 29 boys diagnosed with
autism. PokerStars played its part in the day by changing its
striking red spade logo to blue, to help raise awareness.
PokerStars' fundraising efforts will be further supported through
various campaigns and events throughout 2016 - culminating with the
Autism Speaks black tie gala in Spring 2017.
"We are thankful for the generous support of PokerStars and
their commitment to raising autism awareness and promoting
inclusion and acceptance by leveraging their global platform," said
Heather Hays, Executive Director,
Autism Speaks New Jersey. "During the month of April and over the
next few months, we will be announcing exciting fundraising
initiatives and events with PokerStars NJ and Helping Hands to
further engage with local communities and encourage friends,
neighbors and families to support autism awareness."
"My family and I were delighted to learn of PokerStars'
commitment to Autism Speaks New Jersey, which - in turn - will
raise funds and awareness for research and advocacy across the
country," said Team PokerStars Pro Chris Moneymaker. "Our family
has been and is currently affected by this disorder, and as a
dedicated member of the PokerStars family, I am personally touched
by the brand's decision to support a cause near to my heart."
To learn more about PokerStars and Autism Speaks New Jersey or
to donate to this important cause, please visit
http://www.pokerstarsnj.com/about/charity/autism-speaks
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex
developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders - caused
by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These
disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication
difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive
behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the
autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy
organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes,
prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness
of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of
individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was
founded in February 2005 by
Suzanne and Bob Wright, the
grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism
Speaks has committed more than $570
million to its mission, the majority in science and medical
research. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit
AutismSpeaks.org.
About PokerStars New Jersey
PokerStars NJ is the locally operated version of the world's most
popular online poker site, PokerStars. At PokerStarsNJ.com, players
physically present in New Jersey
can experience and enjoy the same world class gameplay, customer
service, and game integrity that PokerStars has offered globally
for almost 15 years.
PokerStars NJ operates in conjunction with its partner, Resorts
Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, and
offers both poker and casino games online at
http://www.pokerstarsnj.com to players who are physically located
in the state.
PokerStars NJ uses globally established age and location
verification protections, player fund protection through account
segregation, and responsible gaming practices to oversee and
control player activity.
PokerStars NJ is owned by Amaya Inc. (Nasdaq: AYA; TSX: AYA).
Amaya US Services Limited, a subsidiary of Amaya Inc., is the
internet gaming operator of Resorts Digital Gaming LLC (d/b/a
"Resorts"), which is authorized and regulated by the New Jersey
Division of Gaming Enforcement.
About Helping Hands
Helping Hands is the PokerStars Corporate Giving Programme which
provides support to charities whilst galvanising the support of the
brands, players and staff. Helping Hands is the embodiment of
the PokerStars ethos that working with our communities and our
people to make a difference is an essential part of being a
responsible business and the right thing to do.
Helping Hands works with charities locally where we have an
office presence and globally through our charity partners such as
CARE International and Right To Play - helping to recover from
international emergencies and using the power of sport and play to
transform children's lives. Since its launch in 2013, Helping Hands
has contributed more than $7 million
to charities around the world.
To learn more about Autism Speaks visit:
http://www.autismspeaks.org .
SOURCE PokerStars