Poker Site Leaders in Broadcast Row

A row over broadcasting rights for next season’s High Stakes Poker coverage has developed between poker sites PokerStars and Full Tilt. Barry Greenstein, the latest member of the Poker Hall of Fame, stated that the argument is likely to lead to a number of leading poker players not attending the tournament. 

PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site, has secured the sponsorship rights to the High Stakes Poker events, along with the back catalogue from previous seasons’ matches. 

This situation has left Full Tilt unhappy that their main competitor has gained the rights to the existing High Stakes material. The casino giant does not feel that its sponsored players should be seen playing at a predominantly PokerStars-promoted tournament. 

Full Tilt is yet to comment on the matter, but Greenstein says that it will lead to confusion amongst poker fans who see their sponsored players without advertising at PokerStars events. If this proves to be the case, then some of the game’s high profile players might not be seen at the competitions. Full Tilt stars that this would effect include Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, Mike Matusow, Chris Ferguson, Gus Hanson and Patrik Antonius, to name but a few. 

While fans wait to see if their favourites will appear, Full Tilt and PokerStars have not said anything regarding the situation. But with filming of the seventh series due to start soon, decisions will soon need to be made.