In an unusual meeting, representatives of Amaya gaming’s PokerStars online gambling site met with a group representing players on the site to discuss changes Amaya has made to PokerStars since acquiring it.
Details of the discussion were not released, but subsequent statements from both the players and the company indicate Amaya has few plans to undo changes.
“We deeply regret that we are not bringing back any good news for the players,” the player’s reps said in a press statement. “We tried our best to present both practical and ethical arguments against the SN/SNE cuts, but PokerStars is not willing to reconsider any of the changes.”
The statement refers to changes in the site’s bonus system, which players say has cost them promised awards.
“Although the PokerStars and Amaya representatives were apologetic and expressed regret at the impact that the decision has had on players’ perception of the brand, we did not make any real progress on this point,” the statement said. “They denied having any firm obligation to give 2015 SNs and SNEs the rewards they were promised and asserted that they did not feel that doing so would be in the best interests of their business.”
The players were represented by PokerStars players Dani Stern, Isaac Haxton and Daniel Dvoress. Poker pro Daniel Negreanu also attended at least part of the meeting.
Players have reportedly been upset by Amaya’s changing of the sites VIP program, bonuses and rake policies, among other things. The site has also expanded to offer sports betting and casino games leaving many players feeling that online poker is no longer a priority.
For Amaya, Amaya VP of Operations, Eric Hollreiser, PokerStars and Amaya VP of Corporate Communications, Severin Rasset, PokerStars Head of Poker Room Management, Baard Dahl, from PokerStars Poker Room Management, and David Baazov, CEO of Amaya attended.
The company in its own statement said it felt it had to keep to its changes due to the changing nature of the online poker industry.
“In considering changes, we believe we are successfully balancing our responsibility to recreational players, the game of poker, and the interests of our employees and shareholders against the expectations of our professional poker player community,” Amaya’s statement said.
“It is common for people to disagree on interpretation of data and the insights gained from this interpretation. As we expressed in the meeting, we are open to continued dialogue regarding our analysis and whether the changes will accomplish our goals. Although it’s very early, the initial data seems to confirm that we made the right decision with the VIP Club changes as player bankrolls are lasting longer in ring games and net deposits are up.
“Although that may not be what some players want to hear, the recent meeting demonstrated that an ongoing dialogue can provide greater understanding. We hope to build upon this meeting, and to continue listening to players, even if—and especially when—they disagree with us,” the statement said.
