GGPoker to retain Dan Bilzerian as brand ambassador in controversial twist
Source confirms Instagram influencer to be involved in “major projects” despite backlash on social media among online poker community
GGPoker’s controversial brand ambassador partnership with Dan Bilzerian is set to continue following reports the social media influencer had been axed by the operator.
The deal with the self-purported gambling playboy appeared to have come to an end as his name, images and emojis had been wiped from the operator’s site.
This came, coincidently, on International Women’s Day (8 March) and was met with scorn as to why it had taken the operator this long to part ways with a Bilzerian.
However, in what appears to be a U-turn, GGPoker posted on Twitter this week confirming Bilzerian would continue as a brand ambassador.
GGPoker said: “GGPoker would like to confirm that Dan Bilzerian remains a partner. We will continue to work closely with Dan to engage with new player communities and grow our favourite game.”
Fearing a backlash, GGPoker also disabled replies to the tweet, which was indeed met with disdain from the poker community.
GGPoker would like to confirm that Dan Bilzerian remains a partner.
We will continue to work closely with Dan to engage with new player communities and grow our favorite game.
Expect to hear about some new and exciting partnership activities in the coming months.
— GGPoker (@GGPoker) March 23, 2022
Vanessa Kade, a former GGPoker ambassador who left when Bilzerian was onboarded in protest against his misogynistic behaviour, took to Twitter to deride the announcement.
She said: “Can’t imagine a way to blunder literally every decision and communication since this mess started more than [GGPoker] actually have. It’s kind of incredible really. You’d think they’d invest in some good PR. Disallowing comments on their announcement is embarrassing and says it all.”
loooooooool
man, yikes. https://t.co/JfTbdfeh37— Vanessa Kade (@VanessaKade) March 23, 2022
A GGPoker source confirmed to EGR the operator would work with Bilzerian on “major projects” in the future.
GGPoker signed Bilzerian as a brand ambassador in December 2020.
The appointment of Bilzerian, a self-styled macho-man who likes to surround himself with guns, money and bikini-clad models, was criticised by Kade and others on Twitter at the time as well.