Online Poker

Bodog Poker Network CEO Patrik Selin is really keeping up the adventurous Bodog spirit by putting a 1,000 Euro bounty on himself. He'll pay the bounty to whoever busts him out of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Grand Final, so put those shotguns away. He figures involvement in live events could be a great way to improve his own poker room. In the man's own words:

"I think it's a shame more senior management of poker rooms do not play at these events as it is the best way to find out what players want."

Maybe. Asking them what they want probably also works.

"Everybody at a live event is passionate about the game and happy to talk about their likes and dislikes which is invaluable to anybody running a poker room," said Selin

I'm not sure people are all that happy to talk about their likes and dislikes while playing. In fact, if I were playing, I'm pretty sure I'd troll you to death by just making up ridiculous complaints to see if I could put you on tilt. Especially if you're offering a 1,000 Euro bounty to bust you out!

"Now I have raised the stakes and will be putting 1,000 Euro straight into to the hand of the person who knocks me out which should make the banter even more fun in Monaco," said Selin.

More fun for whoever knocks you out, sure, but more fun for you? Can Selin really hand over 1,000 Euro to the player who just knocked him out? Even if they are a total donkey who only beat him because they got lucky on an absolute joke of a hand? If he really is so calm about getting knocked out, then he's a better man than I.

While I see some problems with Selin's approach to finding out what players want, I do think this is a very nice gesture. The man's no slouch at poker, either, as he managed a money finish at the 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event. He's also reached two televised final tables, with a Ritz Club Live Tournament win in 2006 and a second placing at the UK Open Main Event in 2007.

Who knows, maybe this isn't so much a bounty as a bet that Selin has made with himself to add some motivation for a victory? Plus, "Bodog Poker CEO Wins PokerStars Tournament" could be a nice headline... And think of the marketing potential! If he loses, he gets goodwill because of the bounty. If he wins, he'll get props from everyone and a symbolic victory over PokerStars.

...

My God, this man is a genius!

Is anyone out there looking to play in Monte Carlo? Do you have your sights set on knocking out Patrik Selin? Tell us of your plans in the comments.

- Shad