In what will surely become one of the more awkward situations in gaming history, Doyle Brunson has parted ways with the poker room bearing his name.
News of the break first came through Jenny Woo of Gambling911.com, to whom the Texas Dolly issued the following statement:
“Reluctantly, I have decided to terminate my endorsement contract with Doylesroom.com. It pains me to leave at this time. I have aspirations of reentering the online poker business when the United States Government passes legislation, that officially legalize online poker sites. Doylesroom management has decided to continue to serve U.S. customers. Although they believe they have the right to market the name Doylesroom and to use my name and likeness for a period of time, I have asked them not to. Good luck-Shuffle up and deal.”
This newest development in the US poker industry, while shocking at first glance, does make a certain amount of sense. With all of the legal problems being faced by some of the largest internet poker providers, Brunson is undoubtedly attempting to avoid any similar complications.
Before this announcement, DoylesRoom had been poised as one of the few old-time rooms which still allowed American players. While there were certainly short-term possibilities for growth, there is little reason for the 77-year old legend to take any such risks. With ten WSOP bracelets, 34 money finishes, and two Main Event titles, the man has done more in his career than several other poker pro’s combined.