Gutshot June 2021

Page 22

POKER

A Magnetic Endeavour to Online Poker

T

he increasing popularity and demand of online poker has created potential for newer firms to bring more development and innovation in the poker industry. One such online poker platform committed to innovation and delivering exceptional poker experience to players is RVOnline which has Poker Magnet as its flagship company. Founded by two poker aficionados, Rahul Bahtia and Govind Agarwal, aims to popularise poker in India. We connected with Rahul Bhatia, co-founder RVOnline, who believes poker is to cards what jazz is to music. How did the idea of starting a poker platform conceptualise? I was introduced to poker on my business trips to the US and Canada and I gradually evolved from a curious onlooker to an avid poker enthusiast. In India, there was a mismatch in terms of players’ expectations and the legacy online platforms were offering in terms of the gaming experience. I always felt a pressing need to elevate the players’ experience and customer service. I then shared my concerns with my long-time friend and fellow poker enthusiast, Govind. Soon, we were drawing plans on paper, 22

GUTSHOT

JUNE

2021

By Amarylisa Gonsalves

and eventually, we were able to introduce a worthy poker app to the Indian market.

You are a pro poker player yourself, with a few international titles to your credit. How has your journey with poker been? I have been a poker veteran myself which enabled me to build my player pool and it has been a great boost for me to sustain in this industry. My journey with poker has been nothing but exhilarating. It amazes me how far we have come and still, there is a long way to go in terms of establishing Poker Magnet as the leading app in the market.

What are the players loving the most on Poker Magnet? We are from the poker ecosystem, so, we understand the needs of our players in terms of our game interface, and user experience and try to address them. We do have various stand out features such as customised emojis, the ability to host a private table, and heads- up display option.

Work from home with limited outdoor entertainment options and reduced travel time, acted as the major catalyst in driving new users to our app and creating a surge in time spent on our app. With enhanced smartphone and internet penetration, the evolution of 5G, and raising awareness, we are poised towards a long runway for growth.

Players before profits are our motto. We are constantly striving for swiftness in resolving customer concerns. Our players can reach out to our customer support at any time of the day and night. We adhere to absolute commitment to the players.

How are your advertising campaigns breaking the taboo of poker being gambling? Our advertising messaging is driven by our internal beliefs indicating that poker is a sport that offers a great interplay of intellect and psychology. In gambling, if you have a bad hand, the loss

Rahul Bhatia


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