Last week, the industry learned that poker author, commentator, radio show host, and professional Bernard Lee had inked an agreement to represent Foxwoods. Now, Terry Chiaradio, Director of Poker for Foxwoods Resort Casino, shares her thoughts.
The deal brought together one of New England’s most prestigious poker venues and the area’s top media personality. Lee hosts the recurring “Bernard Lee Poker Show” in the greater Boston area and also writes a column for the Boston Herald newspaper dubbed “The Final Table.” In fact, two books have been released featuring memorable hands from his newspaper series. Furthermore, Lee serves as the co-host of ESPN’s “Inside Deal” along with Laura Lane, an internet-only poker news show that aired weekly leading up to the final table of the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event.
Chiaradio told reporters what led the land-based casino to sponsor a poker pro: “As one of the premier gaming destinations in world, Foxwoods Resort Casino believes in cutting edge ideas and is always on the lookout for top talent. A relationship with the top poker personality and professional player in the area, Bernard Lee, seemed to be a perfect match. When we met Lee, his professionalism and personality showed us that a relationship would benefit both parties.” Lee won tournaments held as part of the Foxwoods World Poker Finals in three successive years from 2006 to 2008.
Foxwoods will now sponsor Lee’s radio show and the poker pro will represent the casino’s World Poker Tour (WPT) room. Chiaradio explained that the relationship is symbiotic: “Lee will be a valuable asset in bringing even more energy and excitement to one of the top poker rooms in the world. Foxwoods can also draw upon Lee’s vast experience from his prior career in business, specifically marketing and new business development.” Lee was formerly a marketing and new business development manager for a Fortune 500 company.
The deal runs for two years and Lee is expected to appear in marketing campaigns for Foxwoods’ poker room. In addition, the company squashed rumors of any additional players signing with the casino, telling reporters, “Foxwoods feels that we have chosen the perfect candidate, so there are no plans for any future player signings by Foxwoods Resort Casino.” Lee made his mark on the live poker scene in 2005, when he took 13th in the WSOP Main Event for $400,000.
Some in the poker industry have questioned why Foxwoods, which draws its patrons from a narrow geographic region, would sign a poker player in a similar fashion to PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, which market to the masses. Chiaradio commented, “Although a national and worldwide presence is important, casinos focus their efforts primarily on drawing players from the surrounding regions. Foxwoods Resort Casino is the premier gaming destination in the region and Bernard Lee is the top poker personality and professional player in area. This relationship is the perfect marriage of both.”
Lee has cashed in tournaments around the United States, including Atlantic City, Biloxi, Council Bluffs, Louisville, and Las Vegas. In a previous interview, Lee told Poker News Daily that his live event schedule might expand slightly, including trips to places like London for WSOP Europe. The question now remains as to whether other brick-and-mortar casinos will follow suit and sign players in droves. Chiaradio weighed in: “I think this could spark interest from other poker rooms across the country – maybe even the world. For Foxwoods, this relationship with Bernard Lee was a perfect fit. I believe other casinos could find a natural match as well.”
According to Bluff Magazine, Team PokerStars Pro member Daniel Negreanu inked a sponsorship agreement with the Wynn in 2005. In addition, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi formerly had ties to Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
