PokerRoom.com to Host Two Poker Tournaments to Benefit Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund...

one of the world's largest online poker sites, will host two poker tournaments this weekend to benefit the victims of the devastating tsunamis in Southeast Asia. hopes to help the victims of the tsunami catastrophe by hosting $20 and $100 buy-in tournaments. will match the total prize pool and donate that sum to the International Red Cross organization. All tournament winners may also choose to donate some or all of their winnings, which PokerRoom.com will facilitate.

is based in Sweden, the European country hit hardest by the catastrophe. Thailand is the no. 1 vacation destination of Swedes during the month of December, and several of PokerRoom.com's employees were vacationing in the region at the time of the disaster. A recent report by Reuters said that 52 Swedish tourists have been confirmed dead, but 827 are still confirmed missing -- a devastating blow for the country which analysts have described as being 30 times as destructive as September 11th was for the United States, proportionately speaking.

"While PokerRoom.com's native Sweden was hit extremely hard, this is an international tragedy which will take years to overcome and will require efforts worldwide," said Patrik Selin, Casino Boss of PokerRoom. " is dedicated to the relief effort, and we encourage everyone to join us in this endeavor."

The $20 tournament will begin January 8th, 2005 at 8 PM ET, and the $100 tournament starts January 9th, 2005 at 8 PM ET.

About PokerRoom.com:

Launched in 1999 with a 'play money' format, was among the first gaming sites on the internet. In 2001, with the introduction of 'real money' games, the site quickly became one of the top sites with growth rates larger than any competitor. As the only online gaming site not requiring a download, and offering viable play for Mac and Linux users, PokerRoom.com continues to introduce new software that keeps it at the forefront of technology and growth in the industry. It is a site that provides a sophisticated, safe and pioneering gaming environment.