ATTENTION: All Pub Poker Providers/Managers and Employees

[bishop]

I am pretty pumped about this guys and it might not be abundantly clear as to why this may be a good thing for players and operators alike, some of the benefits that I just thought of now (in another forum) are:

I am pretty pumped about this for reasons that might not be apparent to you, as a player:

*it begins to legitamize the pub poker industry as a sector of the gaming/entertainment industry and will no longer be seeing as a"fad" or short term product

* adds credence to the fact that pub poker leagues can hold legitimate tournaments on par with casinos

* instigates national operational, advertising and competition guidelines.

* give players another avenue to voice their concerns and complaints to a governing body rather than to the managers of the providers grievance is with.

* allows operators to take their grievances with other operators to a governing body without the need to publicly slander each other.

* forms a nationally accredited training program for all TD's

*strict rules and guidelines for prize pool distribution - complete transparency for players and no perception of "shady" dealings

* gives the stamp of approval to providers allowing consumers to know that they are protected by Accord STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE and PROMISE TO PLAYERS - eventually non members of accord may suffer as players search for accord accredited games.

[LandoCalrisian]

Has anybody approached Western Australian Poker League (WAPL)? If not, would there be anybody out there that has contact with their head office?

[bishop]

Has anybody approached Western Australian Poker League (WAPL)? If not, would there be anybody out there that has contact with their head office?

Sending them an email later tonight mate.

Have dealt with Jason and Frank on numerous occasions.

[dirtydiana]

Harbord Diggers Poker HQ is at your disposal if you would like, most happy to join in discussions any time

[bishop]

Hi Guy,

Well since the last update I have hit a few hurdles from other providers and they do raise some valid points:

1.) I have been contacted by a couple of providers who will not participate based on another individual's attendance; due to past indiscretions or business dealings.

2.) I have received several comments along the same line: "You're going to strengthen the small/crappier providers and work alongside other operators whilst you will be trying to take venues for them"

3.) Other comments along the lines of: I will not be told how to advertise/operate my business.

4.) There are only a small number of providers doing the wrong thing; the rest of us are fine as is.

5.) My scheme to bring together all providers is pointless, anti competitive and bordering on illegal.

Now all of these points hold some validity but the topics I have addressed thus far are for DISCUSSION; nothing has been put into play, signed off on or agreed to. I generally believe that some form of governing/regulatory body needs to be formed, if no guidleines are warranted for operations then perhaps a body for players to come to or an organisation of providers is formed to lobby local/state and federal governments on the behalf of all poker providers.

I really don't know, but I strongly believe that all of us getting together and discussing the industry and what we would all like to see implemented/discussed could not hurt.

So right now I am second guessing whether I am wasting my time on this matter. I am not doing this for my company, instead I am actually on behalf of players everywhere who have a right to expect the same legitimate game ran across the country.

I also do this on behalf of providers who operate in immature or developing markets that are having issues with current legislation or operations. And finally I do this because the pub poker industry will rapidly develop and change over the next two years as online partnerships and affiliates become the norm to develop other revenue streams (due to the competitive nature of operators and the cut throat, non regulated markets we all operate in).

SO I have several questions for players and venues:

1.) Do serious players even care about the formation of an accord or association that governs the industry? If you knew you had the option between venue a and venue b and venue a was an industry member but venue b wasn't do you care?

2.) Does a venue care who the provider is? When contemplating a provider do they even consider the ethical and moral responsibilites of the provider and the treatment of their customers? Would a venue be more willing to take on an accord authorised provider (who may be more expensive) than a non accord provider?

I'm not too sure if I should continue down this track and maybe it's up to the players to demand the formation of a regulatory/governing body; and as of today they haven't demanded this before.

I would like to thank everyone who has shown their support of this thus far and in particular Joel Dodds and Grant Levy who have shown their willingness to be involved in this as well as Paul (Jade Tavern), Brad (OPT), Landon (Pokerama), Bart (NPL and venue Poker) and Diana (Harbord Diggers) who have all contacted me personally to pass on their full support and ideas.

[bishop]

Email was circulated today to all who have supplied email addresses.

[Baron Vo Mandor]

Bishop cant speak for all serious pub poker players(thats bound to generate a few lol's here).

But I for one am sick of the amaturish way a lot of operator's conduct themselves, how we as consumers are sometimes treated with disdain, and have no recourse if we feel we have been harshly treated.

The lack of transparency in a lot of the payouts and how you get made feel guilty, like a goose or outright abused if you ask.

A independent commission/governing body could only be a good thing and reason a lot of companies wont jump on board is because they like being able to treat the players however the hell they want basically and do as they please.....

And the usual disclaimer obviously this isnt applicable to all operators some do a passable job, some do a great job, however atleast 75% of the leagues/rooms I've played have been shithouse and would only benefit from a league such as this.

[Sin City Admin]

Bishop.

Lets get the ball rolling regardless. There are going to be some that dont want any part of it but there will be many that do.

If we can proove it is worth it, then there is nothing stopping more joining later.

See ya soon.

Cheers,

Paul

[LandoCalrisian]

Bishop.

Lets get the ball rolling regardless. There are going to be some that dont want any part of it but there will be many that do.

If we can proove it is worth it, then there is nothing stopping more joining later.

See ya soon.

Cheers,

Paul

100% agree Paul.

Would it be possible to set up the forum in Sydney around or during the Sydney Championships? I believe the dates have been set for August 31 to September 12.

[bishop]

First two weeks in September is ok but doesn't allow a lot of time for planning and allowing other state providers to arrange accom and flights.