Gambling News Blog » Tournament

The Other Side of the Felt, Vol. 8: Tournament Tipping an Issue

admin — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:04:44 +0000

This issue has been a very difficult one for me to write about but I think that it is a topic that currently deserves discussion. I like to think that my reputation was built on integrity and that money has never been the most important factor in my career selection. I also know that the people that work for me are some of the best in the industry and deserve to be paid well for the pride they take in their work.

In most major tournaments today a percentage is withheld and most players accept the fact that gratuities are warranted when good service is provided. Occasionally, however, the system doesn’t work. Some players leave a tip not knowing that money has already been withdrawn from the prize
pool. Other times, players don’t leave anything, believing arrangements have been made when that really isn’t the case. Either way, the question has been raised as to where the responsibility lies. In short, the present system is broken and steps need to be taken to address the problem.

The 2001 WSOP was the first time I can recall where a mandatory tip was withheld from a prize pool and while many pros at the time complained, it has now become an industry standard to withhold 3% from the prize pool. The problem happens when some events withhold tip money and others don’t. Combined with a lack of proper information to the players, it is a big problem. Most pros that I spoke to now prefer to have a percentage withheld in advance so that they do not have to worry about making this tough decision at the end of the tournament when they should be celebrating.

I recently directed an event at the Bay 101 in San Jose, California. The $10,000 WPT Shooting Stars event hosted by owner Marko Trapani is always a great event and one of the favorite stops on the professional tour for players and fans alike. However, I made a mistake and caused a few problems. It was really more of what I didn’t do, rather than something I did.

In regard to the dealers, I apparently cost them the sizable tips they usually receive, as I or my staff may have not been clear to the winners as to the tipping situation at Bay 101. I placed a few in a position of not knowing that 3% had NOT been withheld from the prize pool, causing them to end up in a potentially embarrassing spot. Believing tip money had been removed from the prize pool and placed aside for distribution, some of the winners did not tip as they were paid and cashing out from the casino.

Regrettably, one player was outed at a popular forum and labeled as being cheap or a stiff. This was not good for anybody, and certainly not fair to the player. When the gossip began on the internet boards, both the players and the staff joined in and the bitching began. Screams of “Screw the dealers!” and “The casinos make too much money, they should pay the dealers!” were commonplace, and I was stuck in a position of defending a tournament and dealer staff that I feel is the best on the WPT circuit. In a moment of insanity, I even posted expressing my doubt as to that player’s knowledge of the tip policy in place and I was wrong to do so. I still believe it is a player’s personal choice whether or not to tip or not in tournaments that do not withhold and the players deserve a first-class event either way.

In major tournaments it is part of my job as tournament director to liaise between players, management, and dealers, media, and even television producers and the line is very fine between doing what is best for each entity. One thing players may not understand is that tournaments on their own are not profitable and that the ancillary revenue streams such as live games, pit play, slot machines, food and hotel are usually needed. It is also true that most management does not consider the fact that poker tournaments are the best possible way to market their poker rooms, and properties and players wouldn’t be there if it was not for the tournament. I understand that the costs of touring pros are substantial, with airfares, accommodation, buy-ins, entry fees, and tips (whether mandatory or not) and I have said many times that I have a lot of respect for them and their profession.

In fact, no one can read the mind of a player and know exactly what they are thinking. Considering that no information had been officially provided by the tournament staff, how is it anybody couldn’t be confused? I accept the blame for these mistakes and will try to avoid the same with the suggestions that follow.

I think all players are entitled to know exactly when tips have or have not been withheld from a prize pool. Complete exchange of information and transparency is the goal. I plan to propose to the members of the Tournament Directors Association that they create procedures to be uniformly used by its members.

One change that should be made is a requirement that all promotional material and printed structure sheets clearly state the tip policy of the hosting venue. I also intend to suggest that the exact amounts be included. The problem is that most materials include notice when tips will be taken from the prize pool, but no information as to when they will not be withheld. Let’s place complete information into the documents whenever possible.

I also believe that when players reach the money, the Tournament Director should announce to the remaining field something like this: “Congratulations on making the money. All of you should know that X% of the prize pool has been withheld for the dealers and tournament staff. Thank you very much.” When applicable, I also think something like the following is appropriate, “Money has not been withdrawn from the prize pool as a gratuity for the dealers or tournament staff. If you would like to leave a tip, it would be greatly appreciated.” No confusion there.

I also do not believe that it is appropriate to solicit further tips from players when 3% has been withdrawn. Therefore, I will suggest that no Tournament Director make any ambiguous comments which might cause confusion. If players decide to leave additional money on top of what is already withheld of course it is appreciated but they should never feel any obligation or be talked about negatively if they don’t and in fact I have fired dealers in the past for doing so.

The truth is, I always feel uncomfortable asking for tips and I’m not very good at it. The players deserve to have all the facts so they can make an informed decision. I completely dropped the ball at the Shooting Stars event and hereby apologize to all. Once players have received complete and accurate information regarding the status of the tip money of each event, they will be in a better position to make an informed decision. After all, tipping is a personal decision, and one that should be made only after knowing exactly what the circumstances are.

See you at the final table!

Matt

Matt Savage is one of the world’s most recognized poker tournament directors, and has been involved with over 350 televised events including the World Series of Poker, World Poker Tour, and many others. Matt is a founder of the Tournament Directors Association, the first inductee into the Poker Managers Hall of Fame, and actor in the movie Lucky You. If you have questions about any rulings please send them to AskTheBoard@PokerTDA.com or check out Matt’s website at SavageTournaments.com.

pokernews.com

Win a PokerNews Exclusive seat to 888.com’s World Poker Crown $3 Million Guaranteed tournament!

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:04:48 +0000

Do you think you have what it takes to become crowned poker royalty? 888.com is giving players the chance to take home this title at their very first World Poker Crown (WPC) tournament on Saturday April 26 at 14:00 GMT. Battle it out to become one of the final eight players and players will be flown to an exclusive location in Peralada, Spain where they will compete in the live, offline final table (May 6-10) to possibly become the winner of the WPC and to take home $1 Million guaranteed in prize money!

As one of the final eight, players and their guests will be treated like royalty receiving such luxuries as complimentary flights and transfers to Barcelona, Spain, a nights stay at the 5 star
Hotel Arts in Barcelona, a private helicopter transfer from Barcelona to Spain’s exclusive Peralada Castle Resort, 3 nights accommodation at the 5 star Peralada Hotel, a chance to party aboard a stunning yacht in Peralada and full hospitality at all the organized events. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy some feature time on television as the final table will be filmed and broadcast later across the United Kingdom, Germany and Latin America.

On top of all that, PokerNews and Pacific Poker give our players several chances at this fantastic event by hosting three exclusive qualifiers which reward the winner with a seat to the WPC tournament on April 26 at 14:00 GMT.

The three qualifiers begin at 20:00 GMT on the following days;

Friday April 11
Friday April 18
Thursday April 24

Interested players should download Pacific Poker through PokerNews, register a new account and make a deposit. Buy-in to the tournament for only $1.10 and you are good to go! If you already have an existing account with Pacific Poker, don’t fret – you can still participate so long as you signed up through PokerNews and have fulfilled all other entry requirements. Alternatively, you can buy-in to the WPC $3 Million Guaranteed tournament for $1,000+50, or participate through one of their many satellites, for as little as $3.30.

Don’t miss out – download Pacific Poker through PokerNews today for your chance to take the throne of the World Poker Crown where you may just go home a millionaire and a member of poker’s first royal family!

Ed Note: Pacific Poker also offers PokerNews players a fantastic first deposit bonus of 60% up to $100.

pokernews.com

A Successful Night at the Montel Williams MS Foundation Gala and Poker Tournament

admin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:03:46 +0000

[Editor's note: In lieu of her regular 'Women's Poker Spotlight' column, regular PokerNews contributor Tina Bergstrom brings us a first-person account of the recent Montel Williams MS Foundation Pro-Celebrity Poker Challenge festivites, where she worked as one of the event's organizers.]

When I was invited to be a part of the Montel Williams MS Foundation’s Gala and Poker Tournament, I jumped at the chance. My stepdaughter lives with MS every day of her life, so I saw this opportunity to give back to the community through poker. While last week’s festivities in New York City were a wild success, Montel Williams’ MS Foundation will continue to raise money as it finishes out an online
charity auction found at charityfolks.com, with the last bidding day April 2nd.

The gala, held at Cipriani’s Restaurant in Manhattan last Thursday evening, was a beautiful evening. The night’s emcees, actress Robin Givens and model Emme Aronson, led the gala’s attendees throughout the festivities. The night began with a video informational segment that explained multiple sclerosis and how the event’s fundraising will be put to use. Attendees were then treated to a full buffet and bar followed by live music and dancing. Truly, the height of the evening was a star-studded charity poker tournament hosted by Montel Williams and Robert Daily.

Photo courtesy Nathan Yungerberg, Yungerberg Productions LLC

With dignitaries from all over the world and poker professionals from every corner of the United States, the charity poker tournament was both entertaining and impressive. A Las Vegas tournament staff flew to New York to offer their time and talents, including Dianna Donofrio of Public Relations/Marketing DG Holdings; Kyle Morris of TVPoker.com; Janis Sexton a noted tournament director, Kosta Trigazi, and myself. Poker pros who attended the event were Mary Jones, Karina and Chip Jett, Marsha Waggoner, Barbara Enright, Max Shapiro, Robert Williamson III, Annie Duke, Russ Hamilton, Freddie Deeb, Jamie Gold, Scott Fischman, Victor Ramdin and Susie Isaacs. Victor Ramdin came out on top of the final table, which consisted of four pros and six relatively novice players.

I had a side bet with one of my fellow tournament staffers that three or more ladies would make the final table, and I won that bet! Beth Fischman (sister to Scott), Barbara Enright, a girlfriend of Jamie Gold’s named Ashley, and Karina Jett all made the final table. The tournament had a fast structure and a beginning chip stack of 2000, which made this a perfect event for ladies.

Prizes for the final table ranged from a stunningly cut sapphire to buy-ins to the 2008 World Series of Poker and a black diamond necklace. Beautiful door prizes were given away continuously through out the night, along with goodie bags given to every attendee. A donated poker table which was then autographed by Montel Williams and all the pros in attendance sold in a live auction held during the night’s festivities along with a autographed felt from the final table during the 2006 WSOP. Jamie Gold told me after the event, “I’ve been involved with many charity events, and this one outclasses all of them by far!” 100 percent of the proceeds of the event went to the MS Foundation.

Almost eight years ago, Montel Williams went public with his own affliction with MS. He established the Montel Williams MS Foundation, which directs its research for treatments and helps make drugs available to everyone. Montel said, “It is my strongest desire to continue having fund raising events to support the research to finding a cure.” The next fundraiser will be June 6th 2008 at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. Check in at goldennugget.com/home/casino/the_grand_poker_series/ for additional details on how one can attend and support Montel in his fight for a cure for MS.

pokernews.com

iPoker’s $2 Million Guaranteed Tournament – ‘lekkimmd’ Emerges Victorious

admin — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:03:33 +0000

Last Sunday (March 2) at 20:00 GMT, the much anticipated $2 Million Guaranteed Tournament finally began. Hosted by the iPoker network, a field of 1,380 players battled it out for over 14 hours, all vying for a piece of the massive prizepool, which ended up totalling an impressive $2,070,000. Although direct entry was set at $1500+80, many players managed to qualify through the various sit-n-gos and multi-table satellites available – some for as little as $3+0.30. After the hands had been played, ‘lekkimmd’ outlasted all other entrants and collected the first prize of $434,000.

iPoker were extremely happy with the turnout and are confident their next major tournament will be an even bigger
success. “The $2 Million tournament generated amazing interest among our players, who competed for months for a chance to make it to the money. Now our players have set their sights on the even higher prize pool available at the upcoming ECOOP II tournaments,” explains Titan Poker Manager, Robin Steele. “Scheduled for May, ECOOP II features a total of 10 tournaments with $3.5 Million in guaranteed cash prizes. Titan Poker continues to up the ante!”

The results for the final 10 are as follows:

Place Nickname Amount
1st lekkimmd $434,700.00
2nd sigge79 $227,700.00
3rd dypwhuer $165,600.00
4th florin76 $124,200.00
5th fishface1 $103,500.00
6th bearbeer $82,800.00
7th RakIsUnderAttack $62,100.00
8th foxystu $41,400.00
9th IampinbaLL $28,980.00
10th UNATTENDED1 $20,700.00

The ECOOP II will kick off on Friday May 23 at 20:00GMT and conclude on Sunday June 1. Buy-in to the Main Event for $1,000 + $60 or qualify through their daily satellites. Better still, players who finish in the top 100 of the Main Event leaderboard go into a massive $50,000 freeroll – so don’t miss out! Download Titan Poker through PokerNews today for your chance to take home a share of the $3.5 Million guaranteed prizepool!

Ed Note: Titan Poker also have four exclusive €1,500 PokerNews Cup Austria Freerolls coming up on March 12, 19, 26 and April 9!

pokernews.com

The Other Side of the Felt, Vol. 3: The Ladies-Only Tournament Debate

admin — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:03:29 +0000

According to a recent online poll, 40% of those that responded feel that “ladies only” tournaments are not good for poker. I myself have flip-flopped on the issue as many times as a presidential candidate.

My current stance on the subject is that it brings more players into the game that might never play unless these events existed, and what is wrong with that? I used to look forward to the WSOP Ladies Event because more than half the field was players I had either never seen before or would only see once a year. Back then, it seemed like the same 200 players for 40 straight days, and the ladies tournament on Mother’s Day was a nice break.

Lupe Soto is the founder the LIPSTour and
had this to say: “Ladies events are designed to bring women into the poker arena in a comfortable, friendly, yet competitive environment. Through these venues a woman can learn the game, hone her skills and move on to open events with confidence. Even though we have made great strides in the game, it is not unusual to be one of a handful of women in a mostly male poker room. We would like to change that, and in some areas, we have succeeded.” Lupe has also just broken ground with the Women in Poker Hall of Fame at Binion’s. The first four inductees were Linda Johnson, Barbara Enright, Susie Issacs, and Marsha Waggoner. All four have played a huge role in women feeling comfortable enough to enter what is considered a male dominated “sport”.

The biggest criticism of ladies events is discrimination. Many ask why there are women’s-only events and not events for just men, or for one race, or religion. Apparently the state of California feels the same way, as they have mandated that casinos allow men to play in ladies-only events, and even that calling them “ladies only” may in fact be unlawful under the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The truth is that men have played in ladies-only events as far back as 1996, when players dressed in drag to play a ladies event at Bay 101 in San Jose. Among the crossdressers were WSOP bracelet holder Perry Friedman and two-time WPT champion Phil Gordon. The most famous player to attempt to win a ladies-only title has to be ultra-macho former baseball star Jose Canseco, who attempted that recently at Commerce.

Despite the criticism, the World Poker Tour has decided to start its own ladies series. Kat Kowal is the Executive Vice President of WPT Studios and she sees the value of ladies events. Said Kowal: “Women are such a major force in poker — they account for about 40% of all online players, yet they are only representing a small portion of the big events in land-based casinos. Ladies events provide opportunities for those amateur and semi-pro women who want to take their game to the next level or test their skills in a tournament environment without having to pay a costly five-figure buy-in. Ladies events support and perpetuate the evolution of the sport and recognition of the women who play.” Women’s tournaments on TV seem to be popular also as the World Poker Tour Ladies Night continues to be the highest rated show every year.

The bracelet issue is another complaint I have heard. There is a large group of players that feel that the WSOP should not award bracelets to non-open events like the ladies, employees or seniors event. These days there are so many bracelets given away, what is the difference if there is another given away for a ladies event that has over 1,000 players? It is still a major accomplishment deserving of a bracelet. If having ladies events increases the percentage of women playing up to 20%, that would be millions of new players in the game, not to mention that poker rooms around the world would not only look better, but definitely smell better, too. Women could be the next big poker explosion to keep the momentum going.

My biggest mystification is the fact that women are not winning more events. If 5% of women play in majors why don’t they win 5% of the major tournaments? I think that women winning major televised tournaments, like Annette Obrestad has done at WSOP-Europe, would be huge for the poker boom as well. So step it up, ladies, we are all counting on you!

For those interested in supporting ladies poker, here are some upcoming events:

LIPSTour
Sun, Feb 10th, 10:00 am PST
Canterbury Park Racetrack & Card Club – Shakopee, MN
$100 + $25 (No Rebuys)

Wed, Feb 13th, 12:00 am PST
Sunshine Players Group Cruise – Mexican Riviera
$100 + $25 (No Rebuys)

Sat, Feb 16th, 11:00 am PST
The Orleans Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV
$150 + $25 (No Rebuys)

Sun, Feb 24th, 10:00 am PST
Canterbury Park Racetrack & Card Club – Shakopee, MN
$100 + $25 (No Rebuys)

Sun, Mar 2nd, 2:15 pm
The Bicycle Casino – Bell Gardens, CA
$100 + $25 (No Rebuys)

Sun, Mar 9th, 10:00 am PST
Canterbury Park Racetrack & Card Club – Shakopee, MN
$100 + $25 (No Rebuys)

Sat, Mar 15th, 11:00 am PST
The Orleans Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV
$150 + $25 (No Rebuys)

Sun, Mar 16th, 9:00 am
Bay 101 – San Jose, CA
$300 + $30 (No Rebuys)
In association with World Poker Tour Ladies (WPTL)

Sun, Mar 30th, 10:00 am PST
Canterbury Park Racetrack & Card Club – Shakopee, MN
$100 + $25 (No Rebuys)

World Poker Tour Ladies
Sun, Mar 16th, 9:00 am PST
Bay 101 – San Jose, CA
$300 + $30 (No Rebuys)
In association with Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS)

Sun, Mar 29th
Foxwoods Resorts and Casino – Mashantucket, CT
$530 + $70 (No Rebuys)

Sun, April 13-14th and April 25th Televised Final Table
WPT Ladies Championship
Bellagio – Las Vegas, NV
$1,500 + $90 (No Rebuys)

See you at the final table!

Matt

pokernews.com