Rob Yong Pledges $1.2 Million to Establish Global Poker Association

Rob Yong has announced a new initiative to create a global poker association, pledging $1.2 million and 5 years of his time to the cause. The association aims to unify the poker community, which currently consists of various independent groups including players, organizers, media, online poker rooms, live casinos, and more.

Yong's basic proposals for the global poker association received widespread approval from poker Twitter. He does not plan to lead the association but expects members to vote for leaders. “Maybe we get 100,000 members and have an election then,” says Rob, adding: “One area that I can help is in setting it up, and I think it’s important that it has “legs” in terms of long-term stability. “So, what I’m willing to do is guarantee 5 years of stability, so...the basic costs of running a website, a couple of people on social media, bits and bobs like that are covered.” That, Rob thinks, will work out at $20k per month, so his $1.2million is a 5-year commitment to get things off the ground and ensure it has some time to get moving.

Yong's initiative has sparked interest and discussions within the poker community. The idea is that if poker doesn’t police and regulate itself, and help each other along the way to a better environment, then outside influences and factors will remain either too strong or not fit for purpose.