- The Venetian, through Executive Director of Poker Operations Kathy Raymond, has released a statement regarding the issue.
- “Given our Chairman’s [Sheldon Adelson] clear position on the matter of online gaming, the Venetian/Palazzo made a business decision to not allow an online blog during the Mid States Poker Tour event.”
Last week, PokerNews was denied access to its self-sponsored MSPT series due to its affiliation with online poker. The Venetian, through Executive Director of Poker Operations Kathy Raymond, has since released a statement which was subsequently published by PokerNews.
“Given our Chairman’s [Sheldon Adelson] clear position on the matter of online gaming, the Venetian/Palazzo made a business decision to not allow an online blog during the Mid States Poker Tour event,” offered Raymond.
The decision by the Venetian came as a surprise to many in the poker industry; especially considering that PokerNews is the official sponsor of the Mid-States Poker Tour.
A Two Plus Two thread on the topic has amassed more than 100 replies with the vast majority of posters siding against Adelson, who is the founder of the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling (CSIG).
PokerNews Response
PokerNews issued its own statement concerning the denial of access via Editor-in-Chief Donnie Peters.
“With each MSPT event, PokerNews Live Reporting comes as an option for the venue. Venetian decided not to pick up this option, and PokerNews was given no specific reason,” said Peters.
“We are aware of Sheldon Adelson’s stance against online poker, and would like to remind everyone that his stance is a hindrance to the growth of the game we all love.”
Peters went on to say that “PokerNews remains committed to the MSPT as the tour continues to flourish, and we look forward to providing live coverage. With 12 events remaining on the 2014 MSPT schedule, we encourage all poker players to attend one of the upcoming MSPT stops.”
