Seven Big-Time Players Sue WPT

When a player enters a major land-based tournament, the tournament circuit sponsor will often force the player to sign an agreement letting the tournament circuit use his or her name and image in advertisements.

Seven big-name players, including Joe Hachem, Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer, and Greg Raymer, have sued the World Poker tour over this practice. By forcing them to sign these agreements to enter tournaments, the WPT gets access to lucrative rights without having to pay for them. Essentially, they can use the player's name and image in advertisements, video games, and other products for free.

The WPT is being accused of colluding with casinos to get access to these rights. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court in Los Angeles.

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