Rileys has already begun to roll out live, face-to-face poker tournaments to its snooker and pool member’s clubs, and expects to have live poker operating in around 100 clubs by Easter.

In addition to its online support, 888 will provide assistance and technical support for the roll out and running of these live tournaments.

The partnership expands 888’s diversified, multi-channel strategy to grow customer reach and appeal, significantly broadening its potential audience.

Gig Levy, CEO of 888, said: “This is hugely groundbreaking partnership for 888 which allows us to offer a unique poker proposition to the gaming market.  888 and Rileyscustomers will have access to a multitude of innovative gaming alternativesunparalleled in the offline and online poker world, where customers are able tobe part of a community of poker players that meet to play live poker both online and offline.”

Peter Haspel, managing director of Georgica, said: “Our move to provide both live and online poker tournaments to the members of Rileys clubs represents an exciting opportunity for Georgica as part of its continued strategy to grow and expand the Rileys business. The agreement with 888 for the provision of online poker and assistance with the roll out of live poker gives Rileys access to the wealth of experience that 888 have in both online and offline poker and online marketing.”

Last November, Ladbrokes confirmed it was in talks to acquire 888.com and it also emerge 888 was looking into a merger with PartyGaming.