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The World Poker Association (WPA), which promotes professionalism in poker worldwide and supports the highest ethical standards in poker tournament activities, today announced adoption of an Ethics Code that is mandatory for admission and continued membership in the WPA.
“The Ethics Code is the cornerstone on which the WPA has established itself as a single, unified voice for millions in the commitment to professionalism in the worldwide poker community,” says Wendeen Eolis, Vice Chair of the WPA and Chair of the Ethics Committee.
At the first organizational meeting of the WPA’s Board of Directors, a framework for the Ethics Code was defined. The Board then developed and adopted an Ethics Compliance Pledge as part of the membership application and a condition for continued membership in the Association. It states:
“As a condition of admission and continued membership in the World Poker Association (WPA), I pledge to support and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in all aspects of poker competition and tournament activities, and hereby agree to comply with the WPA’s Code of Ethics as developed and periodically updated by the WPA and posted on its official website, wpapoker.org.”
The Ethics Code expands upon the Ethics Compliance Pledge with detailed provisions that advance the WPA’s mission to promote professionalism in the poker industry around the globe. “The Ethics Committee devoted many hours to the development of language that integrates standards of sportsmanship as well as integrity into the WPA’s Code of Ethics,” explains Eolis. Ethics Committee Co-Chair. and World Series of Poker Champion Tom McEvoy adds, The Code is pointed and clear in its message,” beginning with Article 1 which states:
“WPA members commit to support professionalism in all aspects of poker competition, recognizing that the play of each person’s poker hand is strictly an individual undertaking, and that any form of “team cooperation” with respect to the play of any poker hand is strictly prohibited.”
The general provisions of the Code also require: “Members agree to treat all those involved in poker competitions with courtesy and respect. Members are expected to reflect admirable sportsmanship in the context of spirited competition.”
Additional sections of the Ethics Code address relationships between players as well as relationships between players and dealers, players and management, and external relationships.
The WPA now boasts more than 1,300 voting members. The Association is growing rapidly with a highly recognized core of marquee players and other leaders in the poker industry paving the way. The WPA is setting the benchmark for professionalism in poker worldwide with its uncompromising standards of integrity and sportsmanship.
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info[.]wpapoker.org 
