PokerStars today announced details of a new multi-year sponsorship with the Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development to be the 'Official Gaming Partner’ of the TT Races.

PokerStars is part of The Rational Group, the Isle of Man based e-gaming company, which operates leading online brands including PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker. PokerStars has sponsored the TT races since 2007 and will continue to be the title sponsor of the PokerStars Senior TT race, the most prestigious individual event in the series of competitions.


This new sponsorship agreement includes, for the first time, a closing party to be held on Douglas Promenade on Friday, June 7, immediately following the PokerStars Senior TT race. The party is designed to cater to local residents and is open to the general public at no charge. In addition to access to the traditional carnival rides and local vendors (including the famous Bushy’s Beer Tent), the party will feature the presentation of the TT race winners, live music, fireworks and local favourites “The Purple Helmets”.

In 2010, PokerStars initiated the ‘Spirit of TT Award’ which was created to recognise a person that best represents the spirit, ethos and values of the TT Races. PokerStars will continue to fund the ‘Spirit of TT Award,’ which in previous years has been won by Paul Owen, Conor Cummins and the Birchall brothers. The 2013 Award will be presented on the morning of Friday 7 June.


PokerStars is also lending its technology experience to enhance the data that will be available for fans of the TT following around the world at the TT website. PokerStars will work with the TT organisation and Duke Marketing to develop the information and statistics available through the official iomtt.com website with a dedicated statistics section created to provide a greater level of data for fans to analyse.

"The TT is synonymous with the Isle of Man and is important to the Island’s culture and economy,” said Mark Scheinberg, CEO of The Rational Group. “We’re proud to be a sponsor and we are particularly pleased to add new ways for local residents to participate in the TT activities.”

Trevor Hussey, TT and Motorsport Director, Isle of Man Government, commented: "We are very grateful for PokerStars continued involvement with the TT. The company has become an integral sponsor of the TT and, as well as their financial support, they play an active role in providing additional benefits for the fans."



.