Interview With World Poker Tour's Steve Lipscomb

Pokerati recorded an interview with Steve Lipscomb at the World Series of Poker. Here's a summary:

WPT Enterprises has been laying people off. They'll be announcing something regarding a TV deal soon. The WPT needs to reinvent itself but won't be going away. They aren't limited to the US TV market: they have many broadcasters worldwide. They need to find a new way to make revenue, e.g. the WSOP makes money through owner Harrah's hotel/casinos. The real money is being made online, which WPT has been restricted from participating in. They're moving to getting sponsorships from the online poker rooms. Lipscomb would love to own the casino, like they do at the WSOP. The WPT exists in many markets. They're finding a new broadcaster in their first market, the US, but it isn't even their most important TV market any more. They can make more money in the online business internationally. The market won't allow the WPT to make money the way they used to (license fees for their shows). You have to pay to get on TV these days. They'll get the WPT on TV now by being sponsored by online sites, so they may have to revert to a restrictive logo policy (so that sponsors don't end up paying to advertise other sites).

The first event of season 7, the Bellagio Cup, is scheduled to be taped on July 17.

See also World Poker Tour Looking For A Broadcaster As GSN's Option Expires and WPT Extends GSN's Option To Air Season 7 Of World Poker Tour.