Amaya CEO Addresses 2+2 Community Regarding PokerStars Deal

How important has the 2+2 (twoplustwo.com) online poker forum bedome over the years? It’s important enough that the CEO of Amaya Gaming, David Baazov felt he needed to address the community directly after Amaya Gaming purchased the darling of 2+2 and poker players around the world, PokerStars.

By addressing the community so quickly Baazov may be one of the few people in his position that understand the need to do outreach and have a presence on the poker forum.

The poker world tends to have a love hate relationship with 2+2, but the importance of the forum is hard to argue, and Baazov’s recognition of this should be commended and is a very good sign for PokerStars new captain.

Although this shouldn’t be all that surprising as Baazov has been praised by many of the years as one of the more forward-thinking executives in iGaming. Zokay Entertainment owner Alexandre Dreyfus recently told me Baazov was “smart to sense” PokerStars was in play, calling Baazov “ballsy and smart” for making the deal.

Baazov’s vision is something he has put on full display in interviews as well, including the one below:

Baazov’s posts on the forum looks like a preemptive effort to assuage some of the potential fears that the publicly owned Amaya Gaming may consider making some cuts in order to increase profits and improve the company’s spreadsheet — not that it needs much improving.

This is something Baazov apparently wanted to put to rest as he spoke directly to a number of these issues that have been whispered about; the things that players understand are in large part responsible for making PokerStars beloved over the years; specifically the site’s exemplarity customer support department and favorable VIP Program.

Taking his 2+2 post at face value, Baazov and Amaya understand where PokerStars bread is buttered, and understand the current favorability of PokerStars, and any worries over diminishing value from the VIP Program, or customer service cuts are misplaced.

According to Baazov’s post, Amaya will let PokerStars continue to operate as it has; which is incredibly smart considering the company makes over $1 million a day and is the most trusted brand in the industry.

As Mark Twain once said, “the rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” and any rumors (no matter how small) that Amaya will be changing things at PokerStars also seem to be exaggerated.

Baazov’s first 2+2 post reads:

Dear 2+2 posters,

PokerStars has been an industry leader in providing the best game experience, protection of players balances, customer service, and online security for the past 14 years. For that reason, it is the most beloved poker brand in the world.

Amaya plans for PokerStars to continue providing an unmatched poker experience that loyal players have grown to expect. And we expect it to continue to grow by offering world class customer service and VIP program, increasing investment in customer acquisition, and entering new markets.

The company always operates with the utmost integrity and respect for its customer base and PokerStars will continue that approach, led by its experienced executive management team and dedicated employees.

Let me be clear in saying that our most important relationship will be with you, the players, and we look forward to building on the trust PokerStars has established with the poker community over the past 14 years.

Personally and sincerely,

David Baazov