GigaMedia Limited, owner and operator of Everest Poker and Everest Casino, announced today a new strategic partnership with the famous British gaming firm Victor Chandler International Group, owner of VC Poker, VC Casino and VC Sports, which is expected to increase and intensify Everest brand presence in the highly competitive gaming and gambling industry.

As part of the partnership deal, GigaMedia will enter the global sports betting market with the launching Everest Bets. With Everest Bets, GigaMedia brings a wider and more inclusive gaming and entertainment experience to all their customers, all supported by two of the biggest gaming brands, Victor Chandler and Everest.

Created over 60 years ago in the UK, Victor Chandler is one of the oldest and most trusted online gaming firms in Europe. VC sports betting division takes about two million betting calls every year from customers located in more than 160 countries, 24 hours a day and 356 days a year.

"Victor Chandler is a sports betting legend with an enormous, thriving business and an unsurpassed reputation for honor and integrity. We hit the ground running with a world-class offering addressing a multi-billion dollar market, we are absolutely thrilled and look forward to additional exciting opportunities with Victor Chandler going forward." said Bob Cahill, head of GigaMedia's gaming software business.

The new deal will complement Everest's online poker and casino services, and according to a recent survey made by Everest firm,  a considerable portion of its customers have showed interest in having a sports betting service. EverestPoker.com is one of the most popular online poker sites on the word, mainly thanks to its recent sponsoring deal with the World Series of Poker, and due its rapid expansion and recognitions received since its incursion in the online poker industry, including e-Gaming’s Poker Operation of the Year Award in 2007 and 2008.

"We are delighted to be working with GigaMedia. We are confident we can deliver a product to excite their current poker and games customers. The sports betting product will offer all popular sports in many European languages, and complement Everest's superb poker and casino offering." said Victor Chandler Chief Executive Michael Carlton.

Everest Bets offers odds on a variety of sports including horse racing, rugby and soccer and is available in several languages, 24 hours a day.

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