The World Series of Poker is one if not the most recognizable poker tournaments in the world and is one of the most anticipated events every year in the world of poker. The WSOP brand earns millions of dollars each year by hosting events and they also make money by charging poker companies to advertise during WSOP events. Recently one online poker company decided to sue the WSOP for what they are calling breach of contract.
Everest Poker is suing the WSOP for breach of contract as they state that the WSOP broke an agreement between the online poker room and the brand. Everest Poker says that the WSOP allowed Full Tilt’s logo to be shown on the table felt while the WSOP was still being aired by RTL9 in France. It was in February 2010 that the WSOP broadcast in France with the Full Tilt name and logo instead of the Everest Poker brand.
Everest Poker paid the WSOP to have the rights to have their logo on the felt during the WSOP and their logo was to be seen during televised events. The company is claiming that they had already told officials from ESPN, Harrah’s and the WSOP about potential problems and they discussed the matter thoroughly.
Everest Poker had told the above mentioned companies that they do not accept US players and that the majority of their revenue was from French customers. They are now looking to terminate their advertising contract with the WSOP. The contract was set to run through 2010 and Everest Poker paid$6.2 million in 2008, $7.9 million in 2009 and they do not believe they should have to pay the $8.4 million for the 2010 WSOP.