Handmark Studios is running a Twitter sweepstakes to promote the release of its Astraware Casino, a pack of 11 casino games for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch.

Handmark announced via Twitter that it will be awarding 20 $10 iTunes gift cards to selected people who have re-tweeted the promotion if the game reaches No. 1 on the top paid casino games list. As a result of the Twitter campaign, Astraware Casino moved from the No. 50 top paid casino game in the App Store on the first day it went live to No. 4 a day later, according to Handmark.

"We work closely with a number of iPhone and general tech sites to give Astraware Casino coverage and review it, and we are also doing a Twitter campaign to help promote it," said Erica Cohen, public relations manager at Handmark, Kansas City, MO. "Placement in the App Store ranking is very important, especially in the early days of a launched product.

"Higher placement obviously means more attention and higher sales," she said. "Twitter is a good vehicle to market mobile apps and games because a lot of the user base is using Twitter and it's a good immediate way to reach people.

"Plus, the viral aspect is key to help spread the word."

Handmark is a developer and distributor of mobile content and storefronts specializing in mobile games, applications, ringtones and themes.

Handmark sent the following message out to its 8,000-plus followers on Twitter: : AW Casino up to #24 in Casino Games! Giving (20) $10 iTunes cards when it hits #1. RT for chance to win. http://bit.ly/wy9iB"

Astraware Casino is the first new game release from Handmark to use the iTunes Library Integration feature of iPhone OS 3.0.

Users with iPhone OS 3.0-compatible devices can select My iPod Music from the game's Options menu and choose individual songs from their collection to create a casino-themed playlist.

Handmark will be incorporating iTunes Library integration into a range of their existing and forthcoming iPhone and iPod touch games, letting players create their own soundtrack for each game.

Updates to existing titles with this new feature will be rolled out over the summer.

Astraware Casino includes all the usual games you'd expect to find in casinos -- Texas Hold ?Em No Limit and Limit Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Slots, as well as more specialized games such as Baccarat, Three Card Poker, Video Derby and Keno.

Astraware Casino gives players $1,000 virtual dollars to begin playing with and also includes a trophy system -- the Souvenir Suitcase -- with awards given for a range of achievements in the game.

As for the target demographic of Astraware Casino, the App Store stipulates 12-plus as the appropriate age group.

Designed for more casual players, the odds are much more favorable than a real casino games, according to Handmark.

Handmark typically monetizes its mobile games via a pay-per-download model.

Astraware Casino is available at the introductory price of $0.99 for a limited time in the App Store.

"We don't offer ad-supported games; however, we do work with Google to integrate Google ads into our Pocket Express app," Ms. Cohen said. "Each of our iPhone titles also features a ?Get more Games/Apps' link within the product to cross-sell other Handmark products to users."