Amaya's changes to the PokerStars VIP program have left a bad taste in the mouths of players including the pros. The hot topic this week in poker was the meeting between Amaya and a high stakes player delegation but the lack of public communication from either side has left us all wondering what happened.
Both sides said that they are unable to comment due to non-disclosure agreements in place because of the sensitivity of the information discusses.
Poker pro Daniel Negreanu was on hand acting a go-between as an ambassador for PokerStars and an advocate for the players.
Negreanu said that overall the meeting was professional with the attendance of Amaya senior executives and CEO David Baazov popping in and out.
Amaya gave a presentation containing sensitive commercial information, which was cause to require players to sign non-disclosure agreements. The company described the need to turn its attention to the recreational players. In doing so long time cash game players seem to have been shafted by the decision to alter VIP and loyalty programs.
The meeting covered other issues and Negreanu confirmed that it was productive and both sides had the opportunity to express opinions and information.
Of course Negreanu has his personal opinions about the VIP and loyalty changes but the information provided by Amaya made sense in terms of switching the direction and focus of the site to accommodate the casual poker player.
As for any impact that the meeting may have had, Negreanu said it was a chance to share views but doesn't see Amaya making any changes to its VIP and loyalty schemes as a result. The company intends to continue such meetings with player representatives for PokerStars and Full Tilt players.
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