With the poker industry being as vibrant and competitive as it is, the notion of camaraderie can seem counterintuitive. But after following the industry closely for years, I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is for us to uplift one another. It’s time we as a community not only celebrate those who do but also encourage a broader movement towards mutual support.
Early last month, the Venetian Poker Room in Las Vegas hosted its grand opening with Director of Poker Operations Tommy LaRosa on hand to perform the ribbon cutting alongside a Who’s Who of the poker world. Poker players, influencers, celebrities, and Venetian executives took part in the ceremonial first hand to be dealt in the all-new, 50-table venue; a competitive gaming facility that is now the largest live poker room in Sin City.
With further regard to the attendees, a post on X from Faded Spade and Above the Felt CEO Tom Wheaton brought the topic of camaraderie and mutual support to the public forum, showcasing a photograph taken at the Grand Opening event featuring leaders from competing poker rooms across Las Vegas, beaming at each other as good, longtime friends.
Seeing that, it is clear: our poker industry is small enough that collaboration can and should flourish alongside competition. Whether as game organizers or press covering poker events, we exist in the same ecosystem, and our collective goal is to promote and grow the game we love.
I want to take a minute to acknowledge this post & the significance of these photos for the poker industry.
Here you have the most
prominent Las Vegas market poker strategy & operations leadership supporting a counterpart on a career accomplishment publicly:♠️ Are each of… https://t.co/IwHBCun4R8
— Tom Wheaton (@TomWheaton_) August 6, 2024
A Collective Poker Industry Mission
It’s essential to recognize that while we may wear the hats of competitors, we are also allies in a shared mission. Every article published, every event covered, and every innovation introduced contributes to the growth of poker as a whole. When one outlet succeeds, it creates a ripple effect that benefits us all.
Just look at how, true to its credo of “Rising Above“, the World Poker Tour (WPT) has taken the initiative to feature articles about competing tours like the EPT, PGT, and WSOP on its site. This is a great example of one of the industry titans taking the spotlight off itself in favor of shining it on the game as a whole. These types of gestures reinforce the idea that at the end of the day we’re all on the same team, pushing towards a common goal of promoting the game of poker.
The Power of Public Support
When industry leaders publicly support one another, it sets a tone for the entire community. It signals to fans, players, and potential newcomers that poker is a welcoming space. It shows that competition does not have to equate to animosity. Instead, it can be a constructive force, creating an environment where everyone can thrive and grow alongside one another.
There are countless examples of individuals and organizations who embody this spirit of cooperation. They highlight each other’s achievements and collaborate on projects that elevate the game. This kind of behavior is commendable, and it deserves to be universally applauded. We should not only recognize these efforts but actively promote them as best practices within our industry.
A Call to Action
However, it’s not enough to merely celebrate those who already champion this ethos. We must also challenge our peers—particularly the major players and operators who have yet to embrace this collaborative approach. If your organization hasn’t adopted a culture of mutual support, I urge you to reconsider your stance.
While every organization has a natural and understandable obligation to protect itself and its own bottom line, that can end up being shortsighted when zooming out to consider the relatively small size of the poker industry on the whole. Searching for and finding ways to coexist with other poker organizations is a net positive for everyone involved.
Consider the implications of this lack of support. When we allow competition to breed division, we miss out on opportunities for the growth of the game. We diminish the potential for innovation and the expansion of our audience. New players are pulled in different directions deciding between opposing events, maybe opting to skip all options out of uncertainty. By fostering a community where support is the norm, we can invite more poker enthusiasts into the fold.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of poker, let us remain vigilant about the importance of unity. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily operations and obligations, but we must keep our eyes on the big picture. Supporting one another isn’t just a nicety; it’s a necessity.
The poker industry has seen its peaks and valleys in the 20+ years since the Moneymaker Boom. But it still has immense potential. By actively embracing the spirit of collaboration, we can pave the way for a new era of growth and innovation. We can build an environment that not only attracts new players but retains them, ensuring the longevity of our beloved game. Gigantic live tournament turnouts since COVID have proven there is significant interest, so why not offer this growing audience, especially those new to poker, the best product we can?
In conclusion, I encourage everyone in our industry to take a page from the book of those who champion public support. Celebrate your competitors’ successes, collaborate when opportunities arise, and recognize that a rising tide lifts all boats. If you are a major player or operator and haven’t yet adopted this mindset, it’s time to hop on board. For the sake of our collective future in poker, let’s work together to cultivate a community that thrives on support and camaraderie.
Together, we can make the poker industry not just a competition, but a thriving community where everyone wins.
