WSOP Troubles
Introduction
Despite the 2009 WSOP Main Event only having just been completed last week it appears that a ‘night of the long knives’ has erupted over the way it was handled, resulting in the resignation of commissioner Jeffrey Pollock. Describing his departure as “bittersweet” all that Jeffrey would say was that he had “great memories” and appreciated the opportunity to be part of the WSOP.
So why has Jeffrey Pollock left the WSOP?
Since 2005, under Pollock’s direction, WSOP not only expanded in America but also successfully developed a European brand, drawing in even more of the world’s top poker players. However, his resignation, coming just days after what would seem to have been a successful WSOP 2009 Main Even final, is almost certainly a result of WSOP brand owners, Harrah’s, announcement of the formation of Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment to establish a more solid footing in the lucrative online poker business. In forming this new company Harrah’s had already acquired the services of Mitch Gamber, from Party Gaming, as CEO. Although Pollack was the nominal President of the new organisation, there was no real base from which he could drive developments himself. However, a bit more research reveals another possible reason for the sudden departure.
WSOP TV ratings fall
Perhaps Pollock should have spiced up the TV coverage somehow?
Jeffrey Pollock was the instigator behind splitting the WSOP so that, in effect two tournaments took place with the Main Event occurring months after the qualifying; supposedly to increase interest in it. It was also he who agreed with the TV companies to have edited tape-delayed TV poker coverage. Unfortunately, at a time when the new Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment would want to maximize promotional opportunities for the groups feature poker tournament – TV viewing figures actually fell! Although the differences in the numbers concerned from last year to this are only small, if ESPN can only bring in 1.8 million viewers, down 100,000 from 2008, on average for the WSOP – then they’re clearly not bringing any new audiences to the game, that then might go on to play online poker through the new venture.