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These online casino games are really paying off

Dublin-based KamaGames is working on “aggressive” global expansion.

THE DUBLIN-BASED GAME developer behind titles like Pokerist Texas Poker plans to “aggressively” increase its workforce as it goes for global expansion.

Six-year-old startup KamaGames today announced it expected to add 50 staff over the next year and to double the figure again by the end of 2018.

The IDA-backed company makes poker and other casino games based around apps and social networks, although players use real money or compete for anything of value.

Earlier this year it signed a deal with Manchester United to release a series of titles using the $3 billion club’s branding.

KamaGames CEO Danny Hammett said the company was increasing its headcount as it looked to expand into new territories.

Our business growth plans include game development with exclusive brand partnerships and aggressive global market expansion,” he said.

Poker

Its games have tallied over 80 million downloads and have 1 million active users per day, and the company said it would he hiring across all parts of its business – from game design to marketing and finance.

No revenue or profit figures are publicly available for the firm as its structure means it doesn’t need to file annual accounts with the Companies Registration Office. All its shares are held in two Jersey-registered companies.

We selected Ireland for our headquarters for a number reasons – its pro-business environment, robust post-secondary educational system, availability of commercial real estate and most importantly the availability of a highly skilled workforce and a good quality of life for our employees,” Hammett said.

Hammett YouTube YouTube

Cluster value

Some of the new recruits will also take part in Google’s Ireland-based AppHub, which was set up to provide a regional “centre of excellence” for app developers.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said the fact KamaGames was collaborating with Google showed the “immense value” of having a cluster of technology companies in the country.

Bruton Jobs Minister Richard Bruton Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Games developers have previously criticised the government for not doing enough to build the industry in Ireland through supports like those available in the UK.

READ: Why ridesharing has run into some major roadblocks in Ireland >

READ: An Irish-backed company is making rhino horns to stop poaching >

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14 Comments
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    Mute Sara Davis
    Favourite Sara Davis
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    Jul 1st 2015, 11:54 AM

    So no taxes to pay – great contribution to society! And fuelling gambling habits too – a really great deal for Ireland

    124
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    Mute Léargas
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    Jul 1st 2015, 12:17 PM

    They pay staff, who in turn pay taxes in Ireland, and who spend their income in Ireland, who create further service jobs through their spending, any company that pays staff in Ireland indirectly contribute to society

    41
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    Mute kevin windle
    Favourite kevin windle
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    Jul 1st 2015, 12:52 PM

    If you follow that logic Leargas no of us should have to pay any income tax

    30
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    Mute kevin windle
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    Jul 1st 2015, 12:53 PM

    Meant to say none of us

    12
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    Mute Rashers Tierney
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    Jul 1st 2015, 2:30 PM

    Yes, Sara, and the best part is they are “IDA backed” – makes you feel all warm and fuzzy about how our taxes are spent.

    15
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    Mute neuromancer
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    Jul 1st 2015, 8:04 PM

    … And the IDA are backing it? You couldn’t make this up.

    5
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    Mute Rashers Tierney
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    Jul 1st 2015, 11:50 AM

    They sound like s great bunch of lads – Jersey registered and no need to file returns, eh?

    120
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    Mute Beano
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    Jul 1st 2015, 11:49 AM

    Gambling without real money? Sure where’s the craic in that?

    75
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    Mute J. Dunn
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    Jul 1st 2015, 1:09 PM

    How long before you can stop calling a company a startup? 6 years seems like a long time.

    41
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    Mute Michael Sands
    Favourite Michael Sands
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    Jul 1st 2015, 12:23 PM

    how is mainly men blowing there wages on these sites a good thing, what about their families?

    39
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    Mute stephen east
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    Jul 1st 2015, 12:20 PM

    I do not gamble and i bet 5 euro i never will

    32
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    Mute Guy Incognito
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    Jul 1st 2015, 12:08 PM

    Nice pair… of aces.

    31
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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Jul 1st 2015, 12:23 PM

    It is photoshopped, ones always different from the other lol.

    6
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    Mute Keith Murray
    Favourite Keith Murray
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    Jul 1st 2015, 2:39 PM

    Pro business environment lol and now enslaved work force

    4
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