- Baazov posted as replies to two threads—one in the populous News, Views and Gossip, the other in the more sedate Poker Legislation forum.
- Baazov’s account is “green,” indicating that it has been verified by moderators.
David Baazov, CEO of Amaya Gaming and soon to be owner of Rational Group and its brands PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, has joined the Two Plus Two poker forums.
“Amaya plans for PokerStars to continue providing an unmatched poker experience that loyal players have grown to expect,” he writes in his first post.
“We expect it to continue to grow by offering world class customer service and VIP program, increasing investment in customer acquisition, and entering new markets.”
“Utmost Respect”
“The company always operates with the utmost integrity and respect for its customer base and PokerStars will continue that approach, led by its experienced executive management team and dedicated employees,” he continues.
In an exclusive pokerfuse PRO interview conducted last year, Baazov echoed similar thoughts, explaining how Amaya had “taken several steps beyond current regulation” to ensure the safety in player funds following its 2012 acquisition of Ongame.
Double Posts
The statement was posted as replies to two threads—one in the populous News, Views and Gossip, the other in the more sedate Poker Legislation forum. Both threads are dedicated to discussing Amaya’s shocking $4.9 billion acquisition of PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.
Baazov’s account is “green,” indicating that it has been verified by moderators.
Baazov’s post seeks to allay concerns raised by players that the business strategy that made it so popular among players—its excellent customer service, transparency in operation, and tenacity in operating wherever it can in the world—will be eroded following the large acquisition.
“Let me be clear in saying that our most important relationship will be with you, the players, and we look forward to building on the trust PokerStars has established with the poker community over the past 14 years,” finishes Baazov, signing off with “Personally and sincerely.”
PokerStars Speaks
PokerStars, ever-present on many community poker forums, has also been proactive in responding to player concerns.
Following concerns that the acquisition would result in the withdrawal from certain markets, particularly Canada, a company spokesperson assured players that it had no such plans to withdraw.
Amaya seeks to bring the PokerStars and Full Tilt brands to the United States.
Its most likely entry will be New Jersey, where licensing talks have already re-opened. Licensing could be complete by the fall, and Resorts, the brick-and-mortar partner of Rational Group, could bring the iconic online poker brands to the market by early 2014.