In the online poker world, Microgaming and PokerStars are competitors. Each company operates a popular poker network for players around the world (minus the United States for Poker Stars), so they are in direct competition with each other. However, recent reports have found that Microgaming and PokerStars will be working together on a new project.

So, what gives? Microgaming will be working with its poker rival and London’s Hippodrome Casino to launch the PokerStars poker room. Despite having a huge presence in the online poker world, PokerStars has yet to venture into the traditional gambling world – and it seems that the time has finally come for the company to do so.

The new poker room will be hosted in London’s recently renovated Hippodrome Casino, and PokerStars plans to bring something new to the local gaming market.

Fox Poker Club and The Vic have already captured most of the existing land-based poker market in London and the UK, and the new PokerStars poker room is focused on introducing a new generation of online players into this niche industry.

The Hippodrome Casino in London has recently undergone a multi-million makeover, making it into one of the classiest casinos in the country. The upgrade has turned the outdated casino into a Las Vegas-type gambling venue, complete with flash and pizazz to attract both tourists and local punters.

So, how will Microgaming help out with all of this? According to recent reports, Microgaming will be building Hippodrome’s new online casino website. It will not be the first UK land-based casino to provide an online offering but it will be the first one to be powered by Microgaming. The popular online developer will provide a number of online slots and other online casino games for players to enjoy.

But, since Microgaming and PokerStars both have expansive online poker networks, will the partnership cause a conflict of interest? We actually don’t think so.

The partnership presents itself as a fantastic cross-promotion opportunity for all three parties involved. We anticipate that PokerStars’ foray into the land-based market will be quite revolutionary, benefitting the online poker operator itself, the Hippodrome and Microgaming.

What does this mean for online slots fans? Hippodrome’s new online casino website will present players with innovative Microgaming titles, so you’ll have yet another place to play your favourite online slots games.

The casino’s previous website was operated by Boss Media, which has earned a reputation for being somewhat outdated in today’s online gambling world.

So, if you’re already a member of Hippdrome’s online casino website, you will likely see Microgaming software as a major upgrade.