As a way to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the European Poker Tour, PokerStars has published a book that covers the history of what has become the top tournament circuit on the European continent. That book, however, will never be seen by the general public (at least at this point).
The 300-page book, simply entitled “EPT: Ten Years,” is a comprehensive look at the formation of the EPT by British poker professional and businessman John Duthie (the story goes that he had his conception for the EPT while in the bathtub), a trip through the early years as the EPT emerged and its growth into one of the powerhouses in the tournament poker industry. Through the anecdotes from those involved on both sides of the felt and photography that is rumored to be second to none, the story of the EPT is told in a manner as to explain why it has become one of the top tournament circuits in the world.
So what would be the dollar figure for such a priceless piece of poker history? There isn’t one and, furthermore, PokerStars is making it so that very few people may ever own a copy of the book.
According to the PokerStars blog, there are limited ways to get a copy. “One way is to win an EPT Main Event,” the blog states. “Each of the tour’s 101 champions will receive a complimentary copy of the book.” Beyond that, the blog states the only other way to pick up a copy of the book basically excludes any fans in the United States from getting a copy. “You can purchase the book with frequent player points (FPPs) through the PokerStars VIP store beginning in mid-December.” The blog does go on to state that copies will be given away (not indicated how many) during the EPT Live broadcasts of the EPT Prague Main Event that concludes on December 17.
The question would be for PokerStars, the EPT and its ownership entity Amaya Gaming is why exclude the general public? The past and future champions of the EPT have already garnered their respective trophies (and boatloads of cash), so a 300-page coffee table book isn’t going to exactly be a significant reward for their achievements. Furthermore, offering it through the PokerStars VIP Store – which U. S. players haven’t been able to access since the “Black Friday” indictments forced the #1 site in the online poker industry out of the country – seems to be a further insult to U. S. players.
PokerStars and the EPT were helped to their current level of popularity with a strong contingent of U. S. professionals, casual poker players looking for an online game to pass the time and general poker fans. Since their inception in 2001, PokerStars became the “go-to” stop for U. S. players, especially following the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006. It was estimated that, prior to 2011, as much as 40% of PokerStars’ traffic came from the United States.
Coffee table books such as “EPT: Ten Years” can go for anywhere from around $20 on up to hundreds of dollars, depending on their content. While the publishing business is a difficult one, such a book as “EPT: Ten Years” should probably be a significant addition to any poker aficionados bookcase. It wouldn’t be out of the question to offer the book to the general public, with a decent price (let’s say $30-$50), and watch the cash register ring as people look to pick up the tome.
Maybe PokerStars and the EPT will rethink the current purchasing status of “EPT: Ten Years” and make it available for the general public instead of shutting out people worldwide that have helped to support both entities since their inceptions.
