WPTE responds to poker pros' complaint

World Poker Tour Enterprises, Inc. (WPTE) released a statement Thursday in response to a lawsuit filed by seven poker players against the company. While the company hadn't yet received a formal notice of a suit, they believe the claims put forward by the poker players misrepresents the state of competition in the poker industry.

"We believe the claims alleged in this suit are without merit and plan to vigorously defend our position while pursuing all available legal avenues necessary to end this unfounded attack," said Adam Pliska, WPTE's general counsel.

Some of the players named in suit include Howard Lederer, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Joseph Hachem, and Greg Raymer. They are arguing that before they could enter WPT poker tournaments, the WPTE required them to waive rights to use their images and names to promote products and video games.

"We're proud of our contribution to the growth of the poker industry and are happy many players have benefited from it," said Steve Lipscomb, WPTE founder and CEO. "Therefore, we find it disappointing that a handful of players, of the many thousands who play in WPT events each year, have decided to make these claims even as the sport continues to grow."