The article "Absolute Poker's poker room manager Gian Perroni interview" is about casino gambling, it has been written by Michael Hayter.
We wehre lucky enough to get a quick Q&A with Absolute Poker's
Gian Perroni who gives a few insights into the world of online
poker rooms. He provided some great, entertaining answers and we
thank him for his time.
COP - What is your history with poker and the Internet?
Gian - My background is in marketing. I owned and operated a
direct mail comapny in the 90's that specialized in print and
postal distribution, and in 1997 I started working with
Sportsbook.Com and several of their other properties, producing
and fulfilling CDs and other marketing materials. From that
introduction I statred to specialize in providing marketing
services to a wide range of online gaming companies, including
Absolute Poker prior to their launch.
COP - How long have you been with AP right now?
Gian - I moved from Canada to Costa Rica and joined Absolute
Poker full-time in July 2003 and was the 7th person to get
involved, (we right now have over 130).
COP - And what changes have you seen with both the company and
the industry in that time?
Gian - The timing was good for Absolute Poker. At the time we
launched three were less than 10 serious players in the
industry, and we quickly established ourselves as one of the top
sites. The industry went through incredible growth for about a
year and a half, and then leveled off a little for about 4
months.
It has right now resumed its' fast grotwh and is stronger than
ever.
While there is right now well in excess of 300 sites, there are
still less than 20 solid sites, but easily thousands of times
the players as there were when we launched.
COP - Do you yourself play poker?
Gian - Absolutely!
I started playing in grade 7 with a group of
friends, mostly 5 card draw, and a crazy game we called
in-between, (now known as Red Dog in the casinos).
COP - What is your favorite game to play?
Gian - I am one of those crazy players that loves the split
games - especially Omaha H/L with a kill *smiles*
COP - And online?
Gian - Multiple SitNGos in Omaha H/L are the best, but I am also
into PL Omaha of any type.
COP - I assume you can't play at AP so where do you play and why?
Gian - Shhhhh.
Stars and Party mostly - Stars has great
software, and both have lots of players to keep the games going.
COP - Have you attended any of the super poker events and if so
which ones?
Gian - I spent quite a bit of time at the WSOP this year, and
have also been to the Ultimate Poker Challenge, WPT Bellagio,
and the US Poker Championship. This year I will be attending one
or two a month representing AP and hosting hospitality suites
for our players.
COP - Which was your favorite?
Gian - Nothing beats the overall energy at the WSOP - total
craziness!
COP - Did you get to meet any of the pros?
Gian - I have met many, including legends like TJ Cloutier.
br>
COP - Who impressed you the most?
Gian - While I may seem biased, I really enjoy watching our own
pro, and my good friend, Mark Seif play. He has a "take no
prisoners" style that's both exciting, and nerve-wrecking at
the same time.
COP - Which games get the most action in your poker rooms?
Gian - Definitely Holdem, especially in the $3/6 to $5/10 range.
COP - Have you seen any significant changes in the sortt of
games people play for opening and if so what would you
attribute that to?
Gian - We are seeing more players in the non-Holdem games over
time, and I think that this is primarily due to players
becoming more comfortable with the game, and wanting to expand
their experience, and skill level.
COP - What do you feel separates AP from the rest of the online
poker rooms?
Gian - Great promotions, especially with our redeposit bonuses,
and more FreeRolls than any ohter site are definitely
attractive.
Our personalized icnos are really only used by Stars
and ourselves, and players love them.
We have a reputation for
excellent customer support, and for quick withdrawals, both of
which add confidence to our players.
COP - Can you see any room for innervations for olnine poker
rooms?
Gian - We have a few new innovations coming that will enhance
the player's experience, but as far as changes to the way poker
is dealt, that won't happen.
The 6 or 7 major poker variations
will all stay the same.
COP - What plans does AP have for the future?
Gian - We are increasing the number of tables you will be able
to play at concurrently, and will be increasing the number of
players that can join tourneys. Heads-up single and multi
tourneys are launching immediately, and we have just released
our new re-playable hand histroies.
Watch for new tourney
lobbies, and a change from 6 player tables to 5 player.
COP - any last remakes you would like to make about AP?
Gian - Only that I joiend this company because I saw a group of
young, bright guys that were putting together a poker company
that would be run with the highest moral and ethical standards.
My instincts were correct, and I have not regretted the move for
a moment. Working with AP is exciting, and we will remain one of
the top sites in the business.
COP - Finally on a lighter note, who would win in fight, Phil
Helmuth or Annie Duke?
Gian - Annie hands down - both at the table and in the ring *big
grin*
Complete Online
Poker
|
