Brunson, Binions and WPT

[valente]

Anyone have any thoughts on the proposed take over of WPTE, by Brunson.

People have speculated that Binion is behind this. Obviously Lyle and Doyle know each other.. as they play in the big game at the Bellagio.

Is it possible that this was a hoax ??

I find it unlikely that the most respected Poker Player of all time would involve himself with a hoax at this point in his life.

It would make alot of sence for his Doyles Room venture to own and aquire the WPT for a cross marketing bonanza... and im sure Mr. Binion would love to get back into the poker business.

It all sounds logical to me.

[That guy]

12:19pm PST 12-Jul-05 Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. ( MCF Research) WPTE WPTE.O
Merriman Note: WPTE (07-12-05)


Merriman Curhan Ford & C O.
AMEX: MEM
Member NASD/SIPC

AM Research Highlights July 12, 2005

World Poker Tour Enterprises(WPTE) (b)
Maintain Buy
Cap (M): $443.1
Price: $23.20
Revenue Estimates (M)
FY05 Prev NA Current $24.5; FY06 Prev NA Current $45.1
EPS Estimates
FY05 Prev NA Current $0.20; FY06 Prev NA Current $0.65

Brunson Bluff Called, Shows Nothing; Dealing Fresh Cards

Bluff called. According to a press release issued last night, WPTE
contacted Doyle Brunson, the sole investor identified as a potential purchaser
in the $700M offer for the company. Brunson suggested that WPTE should not
expect further contact regarding the offer. Thus, it will seemingly lapse today
at 5:30 PM PDT.

Back to business. We expect some weakness in shares early on. However, we
believe several new investors have also patiently waited in the wings as the
Brunson offer scenario played out. These investors, like us, believe in the
brand and online wagering earnings potential of WPTE. Thus, while we could
babble at length regarding the dizzying flurry of acquisition chatter that
ultimately led to business as usual at WPTE, we choose instead to remind
investors that we continue to value shares at $26.00 as we monitor online
wagering traffic, which could ultimately provide upside to our valuation. In
other words, we believe WPTE is a good fundamental play and would be buyers on
any weakness.

-- David B. Bain (310) 806-4930 dbain@mcfco.com

[That guy]

seems to me like something HAS to be brewing relative to starting a players union...

poker players should take their cue from the NFL and get into a revenue sharing deal with the networks. maybe this is what Doyle is ultimately organizing... except that WPTE is only a production company.

who knows but there has to be a lot of chatter about how to organize poker into a successful league like the NFL has done...

[Tom1975]

Which Mr. Binion are you referring to? Benny is no longer with us, and his son Jack is still in the poker business - he owns one of the MS casinos last I checked.

[tylerdurden]

[ QUOTE ]
Which Mr. Binion are you referring to? Benny is no longer with us, and his son Jack is still in the poker business - he owns one of the MS casinos last I checked.

[/ QUOTE ]

Jack sold everything to Harrah's. He is still employed by Harrahs in a limited capacity as a spokesperson for the Tunica Horseshoe.

[GreywolfNYC]

I think he might have gotten his names mixed up and meant to say Lyle Berman.
Here's a prediction: Jack Binion will be back in Vegas with a new casino within two years.

[Johnnyj580]

[ QUOTE ]
seems to me like something HAS to be brewing relative to starting a players union...



[/ QUOTE ]

I hope they get dental in thier union coverage. So many good poker players, with so many BAD teeth. I won't name names, wait, yes I will. Annie Duke, Juan Carlos 'don't call me just Carlos' Mortenson, Phil Hellmuth, Erik Siedel, Mrs. Phillips

John

[valente]

Jack Binion and Doyle are good friends, Jack used to own the WSOP.. now its owned by Harrahs.

Why wouldn't Jack and Doyle take a stab at this together?? Doyles in the Online Business, obviously Jack know's how to run successful tournaments...

looks like a smart move, except its looking more and more like a scam unless Doyle steps up to the plate with some specifics