GGPoker Celebrates Dan Bilzerian Deal as Twitter Erupts

December 4th, 2020 | by Greg Shaun

Dan Bilzerian is the newest member of Team GGPoker and will fly its flag alongside the likes of Daniel Negreanu and Bertrand Grospellier.

GGPoker has caused a stir after announcing a new partnership with Dan Bilzerian. (Image: GGPoker)

GGPoker made the announcement last night and, already, the move has sparked a debate online. As one of poker’s most controversial characters, Bilzerian often splits opinion, and his latest move has certainly done that.

However, even before poker players had a chance to react, GGPoker announced a special $100,000 freeroll to smooth things over.

GGPoker Ready to Party

To mark the deal and celebrate Bilzerian turning 40, GGPoker will host “Dan’s $100,000 Birthday Freeroll” on December 7. The MTT is open to all new customers that sign-up using the code BLITZ40 and make a deposit of $10+.

GGPoker isn’t active in the United States. However, those that can enter have the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas in 2021 if they eliminate the birthday boy.

Ewww. Just seeing his name makes me feel like I need a shower.
— DynastyFreak001 (@Branchtana001) December 4, 2020

GGPoker is sweetening the pot with an array of additional bounties, a $10,000 top prize, and the chance to play Bilzerian heads-up. The organizers are always guaranteeing cash prizes to at least 50% of the field.

The lead promotion is certainly newsworthy in its own right. However, it’s the decision to make Bilzerian a GGPoker Ambassador that’s really got people talking.

Poker Players React to Dan Bilzerian Deal

After GGPoker announced the partnership on November 3, Twitter erupted. Many of those moved to make a comment were unhappy about the choice of representative.

mike postle is a better ambassador for the game then dan ffs
— Daniel the Jewish Rastafarian roadman (@John35933959) December 3, 2020

The negative comments aren’t surprising given Bilzerian’s antics over the years. The self-styled playboy has divided opinion on numerous occasions and doesn’t seem to care who he offends.

The marketing team at GGPoker will have known that going in. However, any potential risk of upsetting people could be outweighed by the potential growth that could come from the partnership.

Is there some sort of April Fools Day style event in December that I'm not aware of?
— Sir Justin Kaiser, PhD (@notjustinkaiser) December 3, 2020

The American currently has over 34 million followers on Instagram and Twitter. This, combined with an ability to attract attention from large media outlets such as TMZ, means GGPoker could generate some extra exposure by working with Dan Bilzerian.

However, this exposure could come at a cost. Judging by some of the comments on Twitter, GGPoker is playing with fire. Now we’ll just have to wait and see if Bilzerian is too hot to handle.