LAS VEGAS, March 27, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The World Poker Association (WPA), www.wpapoker.com, joins the MLB, NFL, FIFA, NHL and PGA as the sports world's latest and most needed governing body. Launched today, the official oversight body is elevating tournament poker to its rightful place among globally recognized sports. Where television and the Internet have fueled the multi-billion dollar poker boom, the WPA will unite the poker community under one banner. The non-profit WPA is the only membership-based association for tournament poker that is not directly affiliated with any for-profit poker entity.
The WPA is the only non-profit organization that unites all entities of tournament poker into a single, member-based sporting association. Understanding the concerns and needs of both individuals and organizations within the industry, the WPA will reconcile tournament issues among all entities to establish uniform standards. The organization has already attracted top names in the international poker community to its membership roster including: Joe Beevers of the Hendon Mob, poker philanthropist Barry Greenstein, Casey Kastle, Kenna "Cowboy" James, "Kill Phil" Author Blair Rodman and world-renowned Tournament Director, Matt.Savage.
"The WPA is designed to become the 'PGA of Poker,'" said Founder Jesse Jones. "Professional standards will position the WPA and tournament poker among the other great professional sports organizations of the world. We invite all members of the poker community to join us in the creation of the World Poker Association."
As the governing body of tournament poker, WPA will establish member-based committees that will incorporate a "One Voice, One Vote" policy for all tournament poker entities. Members will address the critical issues impacting tournament poker today including a Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct, uniform tournament rules and rankings, and players' rights and benefits. The WPA will also form relationships with media enterprises, incorporate international associations, support governmental and regional issues as they impact tournament poker, and contribute to worthy charity causes.
"The formation of the WPA is one of the most important steps in lifting our game to a truly professional status," said Joe Hachem, 2005 World Series of Poker Champion. "I truly urge all of you, involved in the world of poker, from around the world to join and help grow our great profession."
How to Join
Those interested in applying for membership or obtaining more information can go to www.wpapoker.com. Eligible members include:
-- Professional poker players -- Amateur poker players -- Tournament directors -- Dealers -- Casinos -- Online poker tournaments -- Poker tours -- Poker fans
Professional Poker Player Jesse Jones is well-known and respected throughout the international poker community, and approaches the sport with the attitude and aptitude one expects from a pro athlete. As a three-time throat cancer survivor he is no stranger to adversity and is dedicating all the time and effort needed to thrust poker into the spotlight of the sporting world.
"It is my dream that one day tournament poker will command the respect, participation and sponsorship that other sports have attained," said Jones. "With player and industry support, I know tournament poker will find its rightful home in the major leagues."
About World Poker Association (WPA)
The World Poker Association www.wpapoker.com was incorporated in November 2005 in Las Vegas to establish uniformity through rules and regulations, benefits and privileges to those players and entities participating in land-based and online tournament poker. The WPA is designed to assure the integrity of tournament poker through fair and consistent rules and procedures thereby increasing the opportunities of individual and organizational members worldwide. To download an application and become a member, go to www.wpapoker.com.