GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 5 - May 2008

“Reaching one million members puts the PPA on par with such political powerhouses as AARP and the National Association of Realtors, and will allow us to advocate even more effectively on behalf of our members,” — Poker Players Alliance (PPA) Chairman and Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato after the organization reached the one- million member mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How do you use the World Series of Poker and other major poker events to help you attract and convert traffic? “While we do not believe we have done anything illegal, we do not wish to be associated with anything that may be considered illegal by the United States government.” — ePassporte letter to clients when announcing it would no longer process transactions with online poker sites “It’s a bold move, but a necessary one.” — Jeff Sandman, spokesman for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative on the new legislation proposed by Congressmen Barney Frank (right) and Ron Paul that would prohibit implementing of regulations that would enforce the UIGEA “Sebastian’s accomplishment demonstrates how achievable it is to go from rags to riches if you’re a skilled poker player.” — Lee Ferris, Marketing Manager for VC Poker, on 22-year-old Sebastian Wiza’s (left) CZK 152,000 win at the VC Poker Prague Poker Palooza in March. Wiza earned his seat into the event via a freeroll. Geir Ove 3wpoker.com: The poker rooms keep on adding new and cool ways to get a seat at some of the big events out there, so the satellites are used as an effective tool. We promote these satellites with news, articles, banners and text links. When the rumble starts, I start adding images and information from the events while they are happening. I also use a tool from PokerL- istings that helps me get the latest reports from the events direct- ly on my site. I notice a significant increase in hits when I do this during major events, and can truly say that my work has been rewarded with quite a few downloads and clicks. Cheryle Kaus BonusInternetPoker.com: I list every detail there is about upcoming events, from where to qualify, how to qualify, and, above all else, the best deals out there. I also compare the events from one room to the next. This may not convert players since they could have an account already, but if they are anything like me, they will shop around. To me this is basic common sense. Everyone wants the best deal and instead of pushing every promotion out there, I place a large amount of emphasis on where the aver- age player really stands a shot at winning. Do I think it’s effective? Absolutely. I use what I would like to see as a player and what I would search for if I wanted to play in these events, and make sure I am detailed about each sub- ject. Each piece of information you put out there is another way for a player to find you. Chipleader: The No. 1 way is visibility. We want to be seen on every camera at every table at every angle and, of course, we want to have our guys at the final table. We are also making a huge push at the WSOP this year with the launch of the UB Army led by Phil Hellmuth and Annie Duke. A a r o n O’Sullivan 32Red: We sponsor one of the most up-and-com- ing British players in Stuart Rutter and of- ten reward our existing players with seat promotions to the biggest events. The WSOP is no exception. We offered seats to the event in Vegas worth $13,000 each and then put in an extra $3,200 as spend- ing money. Players only need to win a few satellites to be one step closer to that huge first-place WSOP prize. Webmaster News | GPWA TIMES