Dispute Over Player Release Resolved At Last

Two years ago top poker pros Andrew Bloch, Chris Ferguson, Annie Duke, Phil Gordon, and Howard Lederer, accompanied by Joe Hachem and Greg Raymer launched a dispute with World Poker Tour Enterprises Inc. over the use of player release forms.
The latter two players subsequently relinquished their involvement in the action. Now the remaining 5 have seen their resolve rewarded with the settlement of the long legal battle. Although no damages were awarded, the settlement involves a change in the contested WPT player release.

The original dispute centered on the player release form which the WPT demanded when players enter one of its tournaments. The litigants claimed that by signing the forms, which controlled the use of their images at the events, they could violate or prejudice other activities and agreements in different endorsement deals conditional on their celebrity.
Players who refused to sign the release forms were excluded from WPT events, and the players claimed that the situation amounted to a violation of their rights in terms of anti-trust law. Now, in the statement following the settlement, WPT Enterprises emphasized that while it did not constitute any admission of wrongdoing, the company wishes to resolve the matter.
Chris Ferguson described the settlement as fair for all poker players: “We are happy to have come to an agreement that is fair to all players, and to have put in place a new release that clears up ambiguities in how players' images may be used. We are especially happy that this new release will apply to all poker players who wish to participate in WPT tournaments and events. WPTE has created some of the best poker events in the world, and we are excited at the prospect of participating once again.”

WPTE founder and CEO Steve Lipscomb made the following statement: “WPTE continues to deny any liability or wrongdoing, but wants to settle its differences with the players so that the tour can focus on its continued growth rather than litigation. We are glad to put this dispute behind us, and we look forward to working with all players to grow the sport of poker.”

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