Player power could become the narrative for 2019 as the Pokers Alliance and Partypoker announce the formation of advisory panels.
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="800" width="1200" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Jason Koon will help advise the Poker Alliance and Partypoker as both look to strength their positions in 2019. (Image: World Poker Tour)
Following a funding crisis in early 2018, the Poker Players Alliance found a new backer in Poker Central and shifted its focus to include all forms of betting and gaming late in the year. Renamed the Poker Alliance and with more money at its disposal, the revived group has continued its fight for regulated gaming in the US.
Poker Pros to Bolster Alliance
To bolster the work it’s done since 2005, the Poker Alliance will now refine it efforts with the help of three pro players: Daniel Negreanu, Jason Koon and Maria Ho. Otherwise known as the Advisory Board, the collective has more than two decades’ worth of experience and numerous titles to their name.
In working with the Poker Alliance, the trio will not only provide valuable insights into the thoughts and feelings of professionals and recreational players, but act as figureheads for the organization.
With Negreanu a mainstream celebrity and PokerStars ambassador, his voice should resonate with US politicians. In tandem with Negreanu’s profile and experience, Ho and Koon will provide a greater insight into the issues facing females in poker and those who grew up playing online.
Partypoker Open to Player Input
Like the Poker Alliance, Partypoker has decided to open its proverbial ears and listen to what players really want. Announced on January 11, the Player Panel will see a group of Team Partypoker pros advice the operator on a variety of online and offline issues.
“We have assembled a highly qualified team that contains some of the most respected and experienced poker players in the world. This elite team will help drive partypoker forward whilst ensuring that the interests of our players are central to our decisions,” said Partypoker managing director Tom Waters.
Alongside pros such as Isaac Haxton and Sam Trickett, Jason Koon will help shape policies regarding cash games, tournaments, software and more. Additionally, in working as an advisor to the Poker Alliance and Partypoker, Koon will be able to offer political and business insights to each respective entity.
For Partypoker, the decision to form a panel of advisors will bolster its recent run of success. After hosting the richest online MTT in history, the operator is looking capitalize on its current popularity and use player power to challenge PokerStars for the number one spot live and online.
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="32" width="32" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="120" width="120" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
