The following was released by World Poker Tour Enterprises (WPTE) today as a response to the lawsuit seven poker players filed against the company. For a detailed article on the antitrust suit filed yesterday by Annie Duke, Howard Lederer, Phil Gordon, Greg Raymer, Joe Hachem, and Andy Bloch, click here.
And be sure to keep an eye on CardPlayer.com for the latest on this unfolding story.
The release reads:
WPT Enterprises, Inc. today announced, that while it has not received formal notice of a filing of suit, based on an initial review of a complaint posted on a website by seven poker players, the Company believes the asserted antitrust and other claims severely distort the facts and misrepresent the current state of competition in the poker industry.
WPTE's General Counsel, Adam Pliska, stated, "We believe the claims alleged in this suit are without merit and plan to vigorously defend our position while pursuing all available legal avenues necessary to end this unfounded attack." The Company will be represented by the Los Angeles-based law firm Gibson Dunn and Crutcher LLP.
"We are proud of our contribution to the growth of the poker industry and are happy many players have benefited from it," said Steve Lipscomb, founder and CEO. "Therefore, we find it disappointing that a handful of players, of the many thousands who play in WPT events each year, have decided to make these claims even as the sport continues to grow."
