European Poker Tour Prize Pool Coverup: Players Allegedly Shorted

Thomas Kremser parted ways with the European Poker Tour (EPT) after a seven-year relationship citing a “need to explore new adventures”.  PokerQ4.com is now claiming his abrupt departure comes on the heels of a potential scandal brewing within the EPT. 

PokerQ4.com understands from a very respected player and tournament advisor on the European Poker circuit, who wishes remain to anonymous, that the reasons given publicly for the split between Thomas Kremser Poker Events (TK Poker Events) and PokerStars are very different from what went on behind closed doors. They are at best a face-saving exercise for the two parties, at worst a cynical cover-up instigated by PokerStars so as not to be embroiled in a scandal that would further compound their delicate legal position following Black Friday actions by the Department of Justice against online poker operators in the US.

The real reason for the split, according to our source, is that shortfalls were discovered in EPT prize pools – meaning, in essence, players were paid out short. At this stage it is important to stress that there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of Thomas Kremser or TK Poker Events or indeed PokerStars, however, the news does the beg question how this could have happened, where the money went to and just how many EPT prize pools are now in question?

PokerQ4.com, having had past involvement in organizing live poker events itself, acknowledged that shortfalls can occur, especially when the prize pool exceeds €5 Million, as is the case with the European Poker Tour.   

Shaving off a few tenths of a percent here and there must be very easy. Think about it, can you honestly say that for every live event you have ever played you have checked that the percentage distribution of the tournament prize pool matches the total amount of money in play?

- Ace King, Gambling911.com