GGPoker released the following statement on Twitter: “GGPoker would like to confirm that Dan Bilzerian remains a partner.
“We will continue to work closely with Dan to engage with new player communities and grow our favourite game. Expect to hear about some new and exciting partnership activities in the coming months.”
Bilzerian’s ambassador profile was removed from the GGPoker website on 8 March, International Women’s Day.
Many commentators took this as a permanent erasure of Bilzerian from GGPoker’s roster, given the controversy surrounding Bilzerian’s lifestyle and treatment of women.
Bilzerian has cultivated a reputation as one of the most successful, lavish poker players in recent years. This persona is marred, however, by frequent reports alleging drug-fuelled parties that promote the public objectification of women. He has also been involved in several controversial lawsuits relating to failed business ventures.
Successful female poker players, including Canadian pro Vanessa Kade, have taken offence at GGPoker’s decision to stick with Bilzerian as a brand ambassador. Its decision to remove Bilzerian for one day only, International Women’s Day, then reinstate him immediately after did not go down well with Kade.
Kade’s tweets were disallowed on GGPoker’s official Twitter page, prompting further backlash from herself and others, who cast doubt over GGPoker's attitudes towards women within poker.
