ONCHAN, Isle of Man, April 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The world's largest online poker site, PokerStars, an Amaya Inc. (NASDAQ: AYA; TSX: AYA) brand, has announced a partnership with the New Jersey chapter of Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Through its Corporate Giving Programme, Helping Hands, PokerStars will become a Premier Sponsor of Autism Speaks, supporting ongoing research, advocacy and awareness efforts during Autism Awareness Month in April - and beyond.

In March, PokerStars re-entered the United States by launching its platform in New Jersey and is continuing to show its dedication to the state by bringing awareness to autism research through one of the causes' largest champions: Autism Speaks - New Jersey Chapter. This cause is especially important to some of the Team PokerStars Pros, particularly Chris  Moneymaker, whose life has been affected by autism.

"Today, autism is a complex and often misunderstood disorder that affects 1 out of 68 children and millions of families, including many of those within the PokerStars family," said Eric Hollreiser, Vice President of Corporate Communications for Amaya Inc. and PokerStars. "We are eager to partner with Autism Speaks New Jersey to help raise funds and awareness for this important work."

The brand kicked off Autism Awareness Month by participating in Light It Up Blue, an international, annual campaign led by Autism Speaks, which sees thousands of iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights on April 2^nd, in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. The colour is in reflection of the Autism Speaks logo, which is blue because boys are four times more likely to be affected than girls - with 1 in 29 boys diagnosed with autism. PokerStars played its part in the day by changing its striking red spade logo to blue, to help raise awareness. PokerStars' fundraising efforts will be further supported through various campaigns and events throughout 2016 - culminating with the Autism Speaks black tie gala in Spring 2017.

"We are thankful for the generous support of PokerStars and their commitment to raising autism awareness and promoting inclusion and acceptance by leveraging their global platform," said Heather Hays, Executive Director, Autism Speaks New Jersey. "During the month of April and over the next few months, we will be announcing exciting fundraising initiatives and events with PokerStars NJ and Helping Hands to further engage with local communities and encourage friends, neighbors and families to support autism awareness."

"My family and I were delighted to learn of PokerStars' commitment to Autism Speaks New Jersey, which - in turn - will raise funds and awareness for research and advocacy across the country," said Team PokerStars Pro Chris Moneymaker. "Our family has been and is currently affected by this disorder, and as a dedicated member of the PokerStars family, I am personally touched by the brand's decision to support a cause near to my heart."

To learn more about PokerStars and Autism Speaks New Jersey or to donate to this important cause, please visit http://www.pokerstarsnj.com/about/charity/autism-speaks

About Autism  
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders - caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks  
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

About PokerStars New Jersey 
PokerStars NJ is the locally operated version of the world's most popular online poker site, PokerStars. At PokerStarsNJ.com, players physically present in New Jersey can experience and enjoy the same world class gameplay, customer service, and game integrity that PokerStars has offered globally for almost 15 years.

PokerStars NJ operates in conjunction with its partner, Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, and offers both poker and casino games online at http://www.pokerstarsnj.com to players who are physically located in the state.

PokerStars NJ uses globally established age and location verification protections, player fund protection through account segregation, and responsible gaming practices to oversee and control player activity.

PokerStars NJ is owned by Amaya Inc. (Nasdaq: AYA; TSX: AYA). Amaya US Services Limited, a subsidiary of Amaya Inc., is the internet gaming operator of Resorts Digital Gaming LLC (d/b/a "Resorts"), which is authorized and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

About Helping Hands 
Helping Hands is the PokerStars Corporate Giving Programme which provides support to charities whilst galvanising the support of the brands, players and staff.  Helping Hands is the embodiment of the PokerStars ethos that working with our communities and our people to make a difference is an essential part of being a responsible business and the right thing to do.

Helping Hands works with charities locally where we have an office presence and globally through our charity partners such as CARE International and Right To Play - helping to recover from international emergencies and using the power of sport and play to transform children's lives. Since its launch in 2013, Helping Hands has contributed more than $7 million to charities around the world.  

To learn more about Autism Speaks visit:  http://www.autismspeaks.org .

SOURCE PokerStars