Virgin unveils interactive gaming channel

by Fiona Ramsay, Media Week 30-Jun-08, 17:00

LONDON - Virgin Media TV is tomorrow (1 July) launching an interactive gaming channel on its TV and online platforms.

Challenge Jackpot will launch in collaboration with production company Two Way Media, and joins Challenge, Bravo, Living, Trouble and Virgin1 in VMtv's portfolio of cross-platform entertainment brands.

Challenge Jackpot will allow viewers to play and bet on casino-style games. It will be a 24/7 television channel available to Virgin Media customers.

After midnight, Virgin1 and Bravo 2 will also carry daily simulcasts of Challenge Jackpot for viewers in Freeview and Sky homes. It will be the only dedicated interactive gaming service available on Virgin Media's interactive platform, and will have a website at www.challengejackpot.com.

Two Way Media will produce all Challenge Jackpot's live output. It will carry at least eight hours of live studio games every day. At launch, the flagship slot will be Roulette Nation. Outside the live broadcast hours, viewers will be able to play along with a range of automated games such as Get Set Roulette, Face Up Hold 'Em and Hot Shot Keno.