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What is the
American Poker Association?
A
not-for-profit
association
made up of poker players, dealers, and other poker enthusiasts,
governed by a board of directors elected by the members.
 Operation:
The association is governed by a board of
directors elected by its members and will be financed in the future by dues, the
American Poker Association
Tour, advertisers, and sponsors. All monies collected
will be controlled by the elected board
of directors whose only objective will be to promote the game of
poker and help elevate the vocation of the poker profession. The
association would be open to all players (amateur & professional), dealers, and anyone else
involved in our game. No company, corporation, individual, or group
will profit from the association except the
members!
What is the
purpose of the American Poker Association?
Our
purpose is to promote the game of poker exclusively for the benefit
of its members and to ensure that poker enthusiasts have an organization with
their best interests in mind. Unlike most poker tournaments and
events today, we will avoid focusing solely on profits and the
bottom line. Because we are organized and form one strong group we
have begun taking control of our own destiny. Millions of dollars are being
generated by the poker industry today with virtually none of it benefiting
the player, dealers or tournament directors. We need to change the model!
Currently, players fund the tournaments, (including prize pools, room
rentals, dealers & tournament directors) with their own money
while television, advertising, sponsor fees and magazine royalties accrue to
interests other than the players and poker professionals. The
American Poker Association intends to change this model by seeking
corporate sponsorships for its tournaments, creating a rating system for
players that is fair and equitable and sharing the wealth generated by poker
events with its members through tournaments and benefits.
What is the
history of the American Poker Association?
The idea
of the American Poker Association came about during a conversation of several poker
professionals in Tunica, Mississippi in January, 2006. From this
conversation the basic concept of a true players’ association
was formed.
The basic idea was formed around the common problems and concerns shared
with us by a large group of poker professionals. When we started to share
these ideas with more poker professionals at home and on the "circuit" the
concept seemed to catch fire immediately. Others joined our small group to
assist in the establishment of the American Poker Association and suddenly, the organization was
born. The number of interested signups on the website seems to grow
exponentially each day. By August of 2006 we expect to have the early
benefits in place and to start delivering services and benefits to our
members.
Whether
you are an amateur or professional, there is no obligation or fee for
signing up. Just fill out the signup form to express your interest in
joining us in creating a brighter, better future for poker!
Plans:
We have
signed up hundreds of players since January, 2006 and are experiencing
overwhelming support. We are currently contacting potential sponsors &
advertisers and they are expressing incredible support. The next few months will
be crucial to our existence/success so please sign up. The greater
the support is from all of us, the more the American Poker Association can attract
quality sponsors to provide some much needed cash to facilitate the hiring
of skilled personnel to help us all proceed with the tremendous opportunity
and task ahead. By August, 2006 we expect to be funded and fully organized;
at that time you will be given an opportunity to become an official member
and pay the $39 estimated annual dues (the exact amount of dues not yet
decided). Of course, you may choose not to officially join even if you
have expressed interest by signing up now. The American Poker Association needs your interest
signups now to show our strength and support. |
