Organization Looks to Set Worldwide Standards for Poker

An independent organization has its sights set on bringing some standards to the world of tournament poker. With poker growing by leaps and bounds on an international level, there is a need now more than ever to bring some consistency and standards to the rules of the game at the tournament level. Marcel Luske, a touring tournament professional is head of The Federation Internationale de Poker Association (FIDPA), The Federation is seeking to establish standard rules and procedures for tournament poker.

Luske started the International Poker Federation in 2002 to help build awareness about poker in Europe and around the world. In 2007 he partnered with fellow professional Michelle Lau to form the FIDPA. Since their creation, the FIDPA has been lobbying to bring consistency and standards to poker. The FIDPA has created a set of rules called The IP rules which are basically a set of rules taken from the Tournament Directors Association as well as rules based on input from leading poker authorities around the world. The Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas has recently adopted the IP rules and is endorsed by the FIDPA. As the Federation has gained in popularity, many land based casinos are seeking their endorsement to help the effort in bringing consistency and standards to poker.

The FIDPA has recently announced that it will be endorsing the World Poker Congress. The Congress serves as a bridge between land based casinos and online based casino and poker room operators, the Congress meets annually in October to discuss issues and strategize. Organizations like the FIDPA are helping to make online poker a more accepted and legitimate entity. By standardizing rules and regulations across the world, the FIDPA is ensuring that poker play around the world will be conducted fairly and with consistency, two very important factors in the move to legalize online gaming in some countries.