this letter is being sent via first class mail also

Mr. Jack Effel
WSOP Director @ Rio
3700 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89105

June 11, 2017

The Colossus 2017 Failure

Dear Mr. Effel,

My name is Daniel (Dan) Dandreo and I am a businessman from Massachusetts and I am also in the poker business. I am a part time poker player primarily playing 20/40 limit at Foxwoods and Bellagio, as well as MTT in New Hampshire. I am an older player. At poker, I’m mild mannered, keep quiet and mind my own business. Back home I’m a boisterous and aggressive ice hockey coach.

I LOVE the WSOP! I come each year and play in an event or two. I buy everything in sight from the gift shop for myself and my family; to the point it’s somewhat embarrassing at check out. The amount of merchandise I buy adds a luggage overage charge on the flight home every year. This year’s merchandise put me 11 pounds overweight and $42.00 fee.

I love hanging around the Rio and seeing all the great players and I love hanging around Brasilia room watching people play down. (Did I tell you how much I love WSOP?)

I follow all the great players on twitter as well as a group of players that play out of Massachusetts and Foxwoods. Its fun to follow their highs from the thrill of victory, to the agony of defeat…. Although I follow a ton of these players, I do not know but a handful personally.

This year’s trip I happened to be in town during the Colossus event and was one of 18,000 plus players. I made a one flight donation that lasted all of 4 hands (LOL). I didn’t care, the buzz of the room and excitement of all those players playing for a chance at One Million Dollars was worth the entry and being present in the room. I want to reiterate, I love WSOP! I tell everyone back home how astonishing it is to see so many players, being managed by so many temporary employees. I love to tell the local room managers WSOP moves and manage players effortlessly each year and I’m amazed every year at how smooth they pull it off. Although you hear about some problems, I’ve never seen any real issues.

Until this year. And this is the reason for this report to you thru this letter.

Like many other players, I was following live updates and twitter updates from players I follow. As colossus was winding down, there were 3 players I follow on twitter closing in on the final table. Although I only know them thru twitter, I was super excited to see them play in person and I headed over to watch them play. When I arrived at Rio, I literally ran to the Brassila room, where there were now 10 players left and a final table. 3 of the players I follow were at the table and although they don’t know me, I was extremely excited to see 3 players I follow playing for the Million Dollars. On the way in the side door I passed one of them, Luke Vrabel. He does not know me but I said to him: Good Luck Kid! He instantly said thank you and kept walking.

So I head inside and locate the table where they are on break, doing chip counts. I see the table roped off, and I was excited, and I mean, real excited. 18,000 players down to 10.

The first thing I notice is that they are going to continue to play and the spectators were going to be within 4-5 feet away from the players. I was shocked at how close proximity we were going to be; even at Foxwoods and in New Hampshire, the ropes are at least 6 to 8 feet away from the backs of the players. I was directly on the rope and could touch the player in the 4 and 5 seat. In fact, I could see the hole cards on the 5 seat almost every hand and occasionally I could see the 4 seat. Trying to be naïve, I could not believe we could be so close with a million dollars on the line. In fact, I can’t remember seeing any final table being played down with spectators being able to see hole cards. I started to wonder if anyone on my side of the rope was letting the other players know what 5 & 4 seats cards were. There was lots of texting going on. At that point I started thinking that the spectators could actually give away hole cards and tells and worried that I might me giving tells to the players on the other side, so I stopped looking at their cards. I doubt there was any type of collusion, but not for lack of it not being an easy and obviously thing to pull off.

I know (thru twitter), the 4 seat, the 7 seat, and the 10 seat. 4 and 7 seats have colorful twitter pages and personalities and are fun to follow. It’s a known fact that some of the world’s best brains are colorful and quirky, these two are no different.

Right off the bat, maybe the first 5 hands or so, there is a group of very loud players on the rail to my left and located directly across from 7 seat (Vrabel). There were 6-10 people and a few were drinking and most of them were making comments to one player at the table. Vrabel in the 7 seat. They were loud, they were rude, and they were obnoxious. They were mere feet away. I couldn’t believe it. These guys were in a high profile final table, and people 4-5 feet away were taunting one of the players. The guy in the 3 seat, just off to my right, would also egg on a few of his pals in the taunting. How could this be happening?

I know the 7 seat, Vrabel is a world class player having won the Sunday million anniversary event a few years ago along with a Lamborghini, and although I never played with him or seen him play live, thru his poker writing on twitter, I knew this kid was a player. He had a lot of chips and definitely a chance to win. I know the 10 seat is a great player as is the 4 seat. I did not know the others.

So I stand there and watch these people continue to taunt 7 seat. 7 seat got out of his seat, walked to rail several times and very politely asked that they quite down and this is a big event and a million dollars and please respect him and the game. Please be nice, and he said it much nicer than I ever could have. Nothing changed, they kept trash talking him and taunting him. I know talking is allowed between the players, but continuous taunting from the spectators is absolutely not allowed.

I watched 7 seat approach the TD and ask him if he could quite the crowd down. 7 seat was clearly getting exasperated as this taunting went on for several hours. The taunters were cheering for 10 seat.

Again and again 7 seat asked the crowd for respect and he repeatedly asked the TD to do something about it. A woman arrived and looked to be the TD superior. The situation was explained and security was brought in. On guy in a basic Rio security outfit and another in a more formal looking police style outfit.

Immediately I felt a little bit of relief. Here I am with no dog in the fight except the fact that 7 seat was getting bullied with a million dollars on the line after beating 18,000 players and nothing was being done to help him. Thank god security came. Except, they did nothing to the crowd of taunting people. Instead, they stood right behind 7 seat. On each side of him, imposing over him. Intimidating him. Nothing was said to the crowd, their position was one that they were poised to eject 7 seat from the event.

At this point, 7 seat was clearly upset and it was affecting his game. As a hockey coach, father and mentor, I started reviewing the situation and was contemplating getting involved and confronting the crowd. I always do the right thing and jump in and protect people getting bullied. I was also thinking why would another spectator have to butt in and do this when security and management were within feet away?

A player was being bullied and management was standing there not doing anything about it. That kid in 7 seat Vrabel, was being a complete pro and he was getting bullied by the WSOP management team in addition to the taunters on the rail. I determined that Vrabel was in no physical danger, but was definitely suffering potential financial damage. I had 2 choices, walk away, or get involved. I’m a fairy large person and felt getting involved might have meant a full hockey fight melee on the rail and I was afraid Vrabel would get DQd if I did that.

Since Vrabel was not facing physical damage, I walked away at the start of the last level. I decided I would report the incident to Mr. Efell along with suggested remedies, and let Vrabel know he should also pursue his rights to compensation legally. In hind sight the next day, I regretted not trying to stop the bullying and I apologized to Vrabel via twitter. I also told him I would write to Mr. Effel and would publicize what happened.

So Mr. Effel, here’s what I see. The WSOP is a huge corporation and huge corporations occasionally have problems. The WSOP at the Rio is a huge and amazing event involving tens of thousands of players and thousands of employees. There is no way you personally can oversee every one of those employees, however, as CEO you are responsible for the behavior and conduct of your employees and oversight on keeping the integrity of the game intact. You had a player that was being taunted and bullied by and under your team’s management. Management was properly notified and not only did they fail to remedy the situation, they compounded the problem by bringing security in and further intimidate the player, your customer, and a world class professional poker player.

Nothing else matters. WSOP failed to protect this player and in this kid was damaged. He was publically ridiculed, then bullied and intimidated by your staff, and I call on you as an executive to clear this up. It’s not an easy situation, but I’m confident you will do the right thing.

There are many statues in Nevada law that protect this type of situation as well as hearing before the gaming commission. He has financial damages for sure and I would expect him to retain council to pursue such damages. I cut and pasted several passages which pertain at the minimum, areas where he should have been protected. Your staff sullied the integrity of the game and I left Las Vegas very saddened about this incident, but with hope something gets worked out with this kid and the same thing does not happen in the future.

This kid had a chance to win a million dollars, and had already beat 18,000+ other players, no one other than the other 9 players at that table had a right to beat him out of one nickel or ounce of dignity.

My suggestions are as follows:

1. Please contact 7 seat Vrabel, either thru his council or maybe one of his poker pro associates and try to work something out. If he has council, work it out privately, equitably and professionally. (I don’t know him, so I’m not your guy)

2. The tables along the rail in Brasilla need more space away from the rail. At no time should any spectator be able to see a live players hole cards. Collusion is much too eager and tempting and for many of these players, its tempting life changing money.

3. Add some training for your staff and security for crowd control. There should NEVER, EVER be a time where players are taunted from the rail. NEVER.

I am available to discuss this matter with you via email, phone or in person. I would be happy to fly back to Vegas and discuss it in person with you.

Sincerely yours,

Daniel J Dandreo III


2017 World Series of Poker® Official Tournament Rules Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

SECTION IV – PARTICIPANT CONDUCT AND TOURNAMENT INTEGRITY
40. The competitive integrity of all Tournament play at the WSOP is paramount. All participants must adhere to the spirit and letter of the Official Rules of the WSOP that forbid play or any action that is illegal, unethical or constitutes cheating or collusion in any form.

a. Cheating is defined as any such act engaged in by a participant to break the established rules of play to gain an advantage.

c. All participants are entitled to expect civility and courtesy from one another at every Tournament table and throughout the Tournament area. Any individual who encounters behavior that is not civil or courteous -- or is abusive in any way -- is encouraged to immediately contact a Tournament official. Participants who violate this rule are subject to penalty in accordance with Rules 40, 41, 42,113, and/or 114.

43. Any attempt by any person to deliberately damage, corrupt or undermine the operation of the WSOP Tournament may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such an attempt be made, Rio reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent of the law.

46. Rio prohibits the use of obscene or foul language in any public area of the casino at any time. Any participant who uses such language or makes a foul, profane, obscene or vulgar statement, or speaks abusively or in an intimidating manner to another participant, a dealer or a Tournament staff member, will be penalized. These penalties will be levied based on Rules 40, 113, and 114.

47. Any participant who taunts another participant through theatrics or gestures or engages in any form of inappropriate behavior intended to disrupt other participants in the tournament will be subject to penalty in accordance with Rules 40, 113, and 114. 48. Participant or staff abuse will not be tolerated. A participant will incur a penalty up to and including disqualification for any abuse towards another participant or staff member, and the participant could be asked to leave the property. Repeated etiquette violations, including, but not limited to, touching another participant’s cards or chips, body, or clothing, delay of game and excessive chatter will result in penalties.

49. The WSOP is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including gaming, and all aspects of the WSOP are subject to the approval of appropriate regulatory authorities.

126. Participant Disputes: All participant disputes with Rio shall be resolved in accordance with Nevada law NRS 463.362 Resolution of Disputes. a. Whenever a patron and a [gaming] licensee, or any person acting on behalf of or in conjunction with a [gaming] licensee, have any dispute which cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the patron and which involves: 1. Alleged winnings, alleged losses or the award or distribution of cash, prizes, benefits, tickets or any other item or items in a game, tournament, contest, drawing, promotion or similar activity or event. 2. The manner in which a game, tournament, contest, drawing, promotion or similar activity or event is conducted, the [gaming] licensee is responsible for notifying the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board or patron in accordance with the provisions of subsection 2, regardless of whether the [gaming] licensee is directly or indirectly involved in the dispute. b. Whenever a dispute described in subsection 1 involves: 1. At least $500, the [gaming] licensee shall immediately notify the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board. 2. Less than $500, the [gaming] licensee shall notify the patron of the patron’s right to request that the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board conduct an investigation. c. Upon being notified of a dispute, the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board, through an agent, shall conduct whatever investigation it deems necessary and shall determine whether payment should be made. The agent of the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board shall mail written notice to the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board, the [gaming] licensee and the patron of the agent’s decision resolving the dispute within 45 days after the date the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board first receives notification from the [gaming] licensee or a request to conduct an investigation from the patron. The failure of the agent to mail notice of the agent’s decision within the time required by this subsection does not divest the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board of its exclusive jurisdiction over the dispute. d. Failure of the [gaming] licensee to notify the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board or patron as provided in subsection 2 is grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to NRS 463.310 to 463.3145, inclusive. e. The decision of the agent of the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board is effective on the date the aggrieved party receives notice of the decision. Notice of the decision shall be deemed sufficient if it is mailed to the last known address of the [gaming] licensee and patron. The date of mailing may be proven by a certificate signed by an officer or employee of the [Nevada Gaming Control] Board, which specifies the time the notice, was mailed. The notice shall be deemed to have been received by the [gaming] licensee or the patron 5 days after it is deposited with the United States Postal Service with the postage thereon prepaid

Thanks for posting this.

I have always wondered why they let the rails go crazy at non Main FT's.

Really wish there was some reasonable solution for this, as I think a bunch of your boys going crazy for you is good. But getting harassed while trying to play for millions would put me over the edge.

Wow, good on you to step up and say something.

Maybe the WSOP should construct giant glass cubes for players to compete in, so that players with difficulty handling pressure can concentrate in complete silence. For the fans at home, this would make for an excellent viewing experience.

Skip the first 5 paragraphs at least.

This is a more thought out post than vraebel (slaymericas) thread the other day telling us he is better at poker than we ever will be, that he sleeps with more women, and a host of insults while saying he was not out of line at all in the encounters and how the TD not siding with him in telling the spectators to be quiet cost him hundreds of thousands in equity
(thread got locked and he got banned within like 20 mins for spam posting insults and how he is a major victim in the situation and never playing wsop again)


Still unsure how someone expects absolute silence while playing a final table with spectators and fans watching at the WSOP in a casino What should the TD do? Kick them out for cheering ? Say the princess at the table requests they leave and call security?


Link to Vraelbel post:

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/29...again-1670266/

Tread: this was not cheering. this was all out taunting before, during, after each hand at one person....

Not saying anything about this particular situation, but Vrabel has previous at the WSOP - big arguments (which eventually involved security) with Negreanu and Lindgren back in 2013.

He's just tweeted and FB-ed that he's quitting the WSOP for good...

https://www.facebook.com/luke.vrabel...55398180604710

Just saw the TreadLightly's post - was wondering what the deleted posts were about :/

I don't think that accurately or fairly reflects what was posted in OP.

It's a tough one really.
Sure, the rail was out of line, but Vrabel's a douche anyway.
Probably a push.

Hedge: I posted as a spectator and don't know him other that his twitter, which can be colorful. I was super impressed how professionally he was trying to manage the situation.

it doesn't have to be silence, but at least allowing players have to have some quiet to think about hands during the hand is reasonable. Cheering between hands and such is fine. It's shouldn't become a situation where someone is bullied though

OP - you make a valid point that needs addressing, but because you go 'round the houses' to get there, this will put people off taking notice of what you say. Cut out the unnecessary bumph and maybe bullet point your concerns and this will go a long way to getting your point across succinctly.

No one really cares how obsessed you are with WSOP when it comes to assessing your complaint.

I will admit I did not fully read OP as I am busy , and my comments were based on vraebels thread himself + his days of twitter and facebook rants that have not helped his side of the situation at all and made it seem much more likely he provoked any comments thrown at him either at the table itself or via previous encounters with players at the table or on the rail that lead to them making comments. Also ridiculous for him to throw out accusations saying that their comments cost him hundreds of thousands in equity and that the TD should be fired or he will not play anymore events, calling a player from the tables gf a ***** and fat and many other insults on twitter every day since etc.

Him saying that if it was negreanu it would be handled differently (in his words) , ya that is true, because negreanu is not the type to constantly get in arguments and fling out brash insults on twitter 50 times a day , so if people on the rail were 'taunting' him it would probably be a little more uncalled for.


I assumed this post was a re-hash of what was already said and it was a friend or spectator that he got to post their side of the story on his behalf. I take it back if this is post is about other issues besides vraebels situation and rants. Also I will add it does sound like everybody in the final table situation should have handled themselves better spectators, and TD included.

Pretty horrible.
Marty Mathis (LipoFund) was also on the rail and posted about how ridic the situation was at that FT wrt the rail...
I've often wondered if the WSOP has event planning consultants help them...ever...with this event growing in some capacity each year, increasing security and customer service concerns, and similar problems occurring year after year...
Either they need to hire a firm to help them with this, or fire the current ones they employ.

They handled it terribly from the moment they decided the HU should be on the mothership instead of Colossus

Agree, it can be tough to get through Slayer's rants, and if you don't know him IRL, it can be impossible. However he is a good person, has a good heart and this is just his personality. It's not meant to harm anyone, and I encourage people to try and get through it to see this.




OP said at the beginning of the post that he does not know Slayer personally. Did not sound like or infer that Slayer asked him to post or write this specifically. Other people have posted on FB and twitter about these events as well. Hopefully they will find this thread and comment as well.

One other thing I am curious about is, when security was called to stand by vraebel , from OPs story and vraebel on twitter it seems that they called security because he kindly asked the rail and then the TD "Hi could you please quiet down / get the rail to quiet down , I am in a big spot please just show some respect and let us play the final table" ?

Seems you only call security if someone is getting aggravated and being rude towards staff or customers and you are unsure what they might do? A non bias opinion in that regard would be helpful to knowing what exactly happened?

Obviously it is terrible if the TD is standing there and the rail is yelling insults at a player on the table and making fun of plays / when he loses etc and nothing happens. Just seems things don't add up here. Oh well I do not have a dog in the fight will wait to see what other witnesses say about it


Also from a "non bias perspective" do you really need a description like this in your letter / post about a situation?

"I know the 7 seat, Vrabel is a world class player having won the Sunday million anniversary event a few years ago along with a Lamborghini, and although I never played with him or seen him play live, thru his poker writing on twitter, I knew this kid was a player. He had a lot of chips and definitely a chance to win"

While calling the other two players 'you know are good players' by their seat name and no description

Tread, he beat, like ? A million players ? ( not online player) so my thought was he was the guy to beat? I guess I respect people's game that can pull something like that off as World Class...

That is quite a few words you got there op.

Imho Puckster is a class act, on and off the felt, and about as big as a bear, so it's prob good he didn't pull off the goalie mask lol. Best of luck in his new biz venture to grow poker in N.E. I'm curious why the this gentleman specifically was taunted - I figure it was simple drunkenness/lack of being used to having friend in spotlight/mob mentality type stuff by his opponents' rail, but I'm ignorant. At any rate, Caesars always seems to be caught up in being unable to handle the balance of pleasing ALL their customers - the ones paying the rake, the ones paying the ad revenue, and everyone in between. It must be a very tough tourney to run and proper staffing is key I'd guess.

I think I'd lose my mind if I went into the Colossus FT looking to be have some camaraderie w the table while enjoying the accomplishment (while simultaneously trying to take every chip), only to have your tablemate's rail verbally harass you. If that's what happened, cuz I wasn't there.

Na that's minimum 500k per cube.

Surely OP saying he could see their cards was the main thing? Unless OP exaggerated a bit