WPT SETTLEMENT BENEFITS ALL POKER PLAYERS

25 April 2008

Player release dispute resolved amicably


Five determined professional poker players have seen their resolve rewarded by the settlement of their long-running legal dispute with World Poker Tour Enterprises Inc. over the use of player release forms. Although the settlement includes no pecuniary damages, it does involve a change in the contested WPT player release.

Top pros Chris Ferguson, Andrew Bloch, Annie Duke, Phil Gordon, and Howard Lederer, accompanied by Greg Raymer and Joe Hachem originally launched the dispute with WPT some two years ago (see previous InfoPowa report) The latter two players subsequently relinquished their involvement in the action.

In 2007, the players applied for a summary judgement on the issue, which was denied.

The dispute revolved around the player release form demanded by WPT when players enter one of its tournaments. The litigants were concerned that by signing the forms, which controlled the use of their images at the events, they could violate or prejudice other activities and agreements in different endorsement deals conditional on their celebrity. By refusing to sign the release forms, the players were excluded from WPT events, and the players claimed that the situation amounted to a violation of their rights in terms of anti-trust law.

In a statement commenting on the settlement, WPT Enterprises emphasised the whilst it did not constitute any admission of wrongdoing, the company wished to resolve the matter.

"WPTE continues to deny any liability or wrongdoing, but wants to settle its differences with the players so that the tour can focus on its continued growth rather than litigation." WPTE founder and CEO Steve Lipscomb commented. "We are glad to put this dispute behind us, and we look forward to working with all players to grow the sport of poker."

The settlement was described by Chris Ferguson as fair for all poker players: "We are happy to have come to an agreement that is fair to all players, and to have put in place a new release that clears up ambiguities in how players' images may be used. We are especially happy that this new release will apply to all poker players who wish to participate in WPT tournaments and events. WPTE has created some of the best poker events in the world, and we are excited to participate in them once again."

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa