The signing into law of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act has shown the poker community many things about government, hypocrisy, and, most importantly, the need for us to stand up and stand together to protect the game that we love. The time is now, as we see our rights as poker players and our industry as a whole being challenged.
The World Poker Association (WPA) was established as a non-profit organization by Jesse Jones to provide that unity for tournament poker – online and live – through the concerted efforts of the its members. The WPA’s mission? To assure the integrity of tournament poker by establishing fair and consistent rules and procedures and thereby increase the opportunities of individual and organizational members worldwide.
As tournament poker continues its phenomenal growth across the glove – from casino and online events to bar leagues and charity tournaments – there is a popular desire for continuity and a clear set of rules and procedures that encompasses the needs of everyone, from the players to the dealers, from the casinos to the online gaming websites.
Jones formally introduced the WPA to the masses at the 2006 World Series of Poker, tirelessly recruiting hundreds of poker players, fans, dealers, and other tournament staff to join. Many of the game’s top pros joined immediately as founding members of the WPA, i.e. Phil Hellmuth, Johnny Chan, Phil Gordon, Men "The Master" Nguyen, Marcel Luske, Barry Greenstein, and Daniel Negreanu – to name only a few. Organizations have also been taking a keen interest in the WPA, as they realize that everyone will soon band together to make decisions about tournament poker, and they want their voices heard as well.
Thus, the WPA has grown and is nearing the 1000-member mark, at which point nominations will begin for the Board of Directors. Only a few members are needed to reach that goal, though the organization will continue to grow by leaps and bounds in order to truly have a positive affect on tournament poker.
Committees are also forming quickly to take action and build the WPA. For example, Tom McEvoy is heading up the Ethics Committee and is in the process of creating a comprehensive code of ethics and conduct, and coordinating with Leon "Jingo" Jingozian of the Dealers Committee and other members to collect input from all. Craig Hartman is chairing the Budget & Finance Committee to develop the 2007 budget. Mary Jones is leading the Elections Committee in establishing the nomination and election requirements for the Board of Directors. And Mark Fracalossi is overseeing the Media Committee to disseminate the word about the WPA.
The WPA asks you to take a look at the website, www.WPAPoker.org, and consider playing a role – as a member or a committee volunteer – in determining the future of tournament poker. Questions can be addressed on the website, and the forums and various sections have a plethora of information about the organization.
Your opinions and participation in the WPA are welcome. Remember, the cards are in your hands!
This article was written by Jennifer Newell – freelance writer, poker enthusiast, and volunteer member of the WPA's Media Committee.