Online Poker

I've been reading up on the rules and regulations surrounding various WPT, WSOP and other big tournaments around the world as Poker.com is about to start offering seats to these type of events through satellite tournaments.

I've been reading not only the rules of the actual organisations holding the events we may send players to, but also the guidelines that other online poker rooms set for the players that they send via satellites.

A lot of the rules astoundingly deal with 'Logo Wear'. In case you're not aware, there is a lot of conjecture surrounding exactly what attire players are allowed to wear at the poker tables when playing in a tournament. Some TV executives have set draconian rules as to the size and wording of logos able to be worn on clothing, and most of the forms you have to sign before playing in a tournament deal with this issue.

To me it seems a little ridiculous, especially when compared to other sports. Look at a NASCAR event for example, or watch Tiger Woods play golf, or check out the jersies of even international Rugby teams these days. Sponsorship and endorsement is everywhere in all other sports, what makes Poker any different?

What really pushes my buttons is that Poker players are playing with their own money as well! It's fair enough if the TV network is ponying up the cash prizes, then they should be able to have some say in how the players appear. But in the case of WPT events, the players are paying upwards of $10,000 to play. Why should any TV exec have any say in what that player wears. The TV people are not contributing one brass razoo to the prize pool.

If poker was struggling with ratings and there was no interest in having it shown on TV, then players could cater to the TV executive's wishes in the best interest of the sport. But poker on tv is booming. It is one of the highest rating sports around! The TV networks are cleaning up with advertising revenue, but the players that everyone tunes into watch are still being stuck with crazy rules governing how they can make a living from their chosen occupation.

The worst thing is that this stupid rule is filtering down to the grass roots level also. I've heard of many non-televised events at your everyday local casino that will not permit 'Logo Wear'. Why not! Imagine if your local basketball league told you that they did not permit Nikes to be worn... Only brand free footwear is allowed.... You'd laugh in their face and I really can't see how this is any different.

I think that the players need to take a stand and stick up for their right to wear what they like and make some extra income on the side by helping a poker business advertise their product.

I think I might get some t-shirts made up with "This is not a Poker.com t-shirt" emblazoned across the front. I wonder what they'd say to that.....

To continue the staff introductions, I present to you Helen, the Poker.com Webmistress. Helen loves F1 racing and arguing with Paul. Although she's one of the few girls currently working in the Poker.com office, she is not afraid to take on the boys and most of us are a little scared of her.... Say hi to Helen if you see her policing the Poker.com forum and tell her to start posting n the blog more often!

kris @ poker.com