Blanca Games: Absolute Poker and UB Part Ways with Poker Pros

May 09, 2011 Elaine Chaivarlis

Blanca Games has issued a statement regarding the fate of Absolute Poker and UB's pro player roster.

“Recently, Absolute Poker and UB ceased their U.S.-facing operations due to legal developments in the United States. To ensure the on-going viability of the business, it has been necessary to downsize certain aspects of Absolute Poker’s and UB’s operations. These efficiency measures have been taken to enable the brands to continue to operate their non-U.S.-facing business."

Eleven U.S.-based pros have been laid off following the events of Black Friday. Joe Sebok, Prahlad Friedman, Eric "Basebaldy" Baldwin, Maria Ho, Brandon Cantu, Tiffany Michelle, Scott Ian, "Hollywood" Dave Stann, Adam "Roothlus" Levy, Bryan Devonshire, and Trishelle Cannatella were all affected by the layoff.

“These actions are the result of the severe impact of Black Friday on the business, and these efficiency measures have negatively affected not only the financial position of the brands, but also their staff and personnel. Regrettably, the negative effect of Black Friday has extended to the Company’s highest profile group of poker professionals, known as Team UB. Consequently, Blanca’s executive management team today informed its roster of sponsored pros that, in accordance with the provisions of their agreements, their contracts have been terminated. Each of the ten Team UB pros, plus one player representing Absolute Poker, has received personal notification that their sponsorship arrangement with Blanca’s respective online poker room is now invalid."

The layoff of the poker pros, as well as the layoffs from Blanca Games' workforce last week are part of a strategic restructuring plan of the company. These downsizings will help the company focus on its non-U.S. market.

“This was a difficult task for Blanca’s management, and we are very disappointed that we have been compelled to sever ties with our sponsored pros. Over the years, the Company has been successful in gathering a group of young, extraordinarily talented and brand-appropriate poker professionals who have proudly sported its logos. We are truly saddened that circumstances have dictated this course of action, and we regret that we are no longer in a position to partner with our sponsored pros, or to provide them with a source of income for playing the game that they love. We appreciate their significant time and dedication shared with us, and we thank them for the loyalty and patience they have continued to show us even during the unsettling events of the past few weeks. We respect and admire them for their many accomplishments, both at the poker tables and away from them, and we will always be grateful for their valuable contributions to building the UB and Absolute Poker brands and to creating a rock-solid community at the pair of online poker rooms.”

According to the press release, the company is still in discussions with the U.S. Attorney's Office to reach an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to facilitate the return of U.S. players' funds.

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