GGPoker have plans to make “a concerted effort” to reach out to female poker players following the controversial signing of Dan Bilzerian.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Bilzerian had signed with GGPoker as a brand ambassador. The announcement was followed up by a $100,000 birthday freeroll to celebrate the signing of the social media influencer, but not everyone is happy with the announcement, with some in the poker community of the opinion that GG signing Bilzerian has been counterproductive following the game’s efforts to make poker more inclusive.
A keen poker player, Bilzerian is a controversial figure, and his 32 million followers on Instagram will be well aware of his playboy lifestyle.
GGPoker, however, insist they remain focused on making poker “more inclusive”.
A company spokesperson was quoted by Pokerfuse.com as saying: “One of GGPoker’s main goals is to bring the game to a wider audience and make it more inclusive. Dan Bilzerian helps us accomplish that goal. In just days he’s brought tens of thousands of new players to GGPoker.”
Bilzerian has been largely quiet since the deal was announced, but in a press release insisted he would work with GGPoker to help reach out to social and recreational poker players.
“Part of making poker more inclusive is actively balancing out audiences that Dan does not always reach,” the spokesperson continued.
“Over the coming weeks and months, GGPoker will make a concerted effort in extending our outreach to female players.
“The game of poker doesn’t discriminate…every player should have a welcome seat at the table.”
GGPoker is currently getting ready for the $100Million WSOP Winter Online Circuit Series which starts this weekend.
New players yet can get a welcome bonus worth up to $600 by using the GGPoker bonus code NEWBONUS when joining GGPoker.com.
A series of 18 WSOP Circuit Ring Events, where over $30m is guaranteed, in addition to a number of big-money side events, are scheduled ahead of the $1,700 Main Event on January 10 where there is a $10m guarantee.