Phil Hellmuth and Online Poker Network Support Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

Friday, September 9th, 2005

Toronto - Leading online poker software developer, Excapsa Software, their network's primary licensee, UltimateBet.com, and Phil Hellmuth announced today that three fundraising poker tournaments will be held on UltimateBet.com to benefit the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, beginning September 8th. Two smaller events will lead up to the main event on September 10th. One hundred percent of all revenues generated will be donated. In addition, both Excapsa Software and UltimateBet.com have pledged to match 100% of all funds raised up to $25,000 each and poker pros, Phil Hellmuth Jr. and Russ Hamilton have challenged the poker network by adding $10,000 each.

World Champion poker player, Phil Hellmuth, Jr., will host these online events. "As with 9/11 and the tsunami, watching television coverage of Katrina is incredibly upsetting. I asked myself what I could do to help. Having so many celebrity friends prepared to help has warmed my heart as I continued to reach out and ask for more assistance," stated Hellmuth. "I believe our efforts will make a difference."

Players in the September 10th event also have the opportunity to win one of these generously donated prizes:

-- Lunch with poker champions Jennifer Tilly, Phil Laak and Antonio Esfandiari

-- Lunch with NFL legend Troy Aikman

-- 2 press box passes and a look into the TV booth for an ESPN college football game with UCLA and Rose Bowl quarterback and ESPN college football color man, David Norrie

-- Golf lesson and lunch with golf great Corey Pavin

-- 1 hour poker lesson with TeamUB member Antonio Esfandiari

-- Back-to-back lessons with poker champion Phil Hellmuth and tennis great Andy Roddick

-- 1 hour poker lesson with poker player TJ Cloutier

-- Dinner with professional poker champion Annie Duke

-- A seat at the private $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em poker game with That 70's Show's Laura Prepon, Chris and Danny Masterson and poker great Johnny Chan. Chan will also give lessons.

Oakley has also generously donated 4 pairs of Oakley Thumps for the two smaller events on September 8th and 9th.

All proceeds from the online poker tournaments will be donated directly to The American Red Cross and earmarked for Hurricane Katrina recovery.

Full details can be found at www.ultimatebet.com.