Roberto Luongo Criticised Over Poker Ads
Vancouver Canuck's ice hockey goalie, Roberto Luongo has been criticised for appearing in and endorsing BC Lottery Corp's online poker site through their commercials.
In the Roberto Luongo poker ads, Luongo is seen playing poker and the ad intimates that if you go online at PlayNow.com you could have a chance to play against the Canuck's goalie. Luongo is the first hockey player to be signed by the poker site.
Chris Fairclough, spokesman for BC Lottery Corp said, "He has an account, so he can play online whenever he wants, but we will also have additional opportunities. He's going to have a charity tournament, like a physical [one], where you will be able to win a chance to go play with him."
Candace Plattor, psychological councillor slammed Luongo for his decision to endorse the game. She said, "He's endorsing something that is potentially dangerous. People don't take this seriously enough. It is potentially dangerous. He may as well be saying to people, to kids, 'Sure, go and smoke'."
Plattor specialises in addiction counselling and feels that Luongo is acting as a poor role model. "I'm very disappointed that he would do this. I think he doesn't have his facts. I think he might have made a really poor choice."
PlayNow.com has responded to the BC Lottery Corp poker ads 'controversy' by saying that PlayNow.com promotes responsible gambling and generates income which is beneficial to all people in British Columbia.
Luongo Defends Poker Ad Appearance
Luongo, who is a dedicated poker player and played to the final table in the 2009 PokerStars tournament, defended his decision to endorse PlayNow.com.
"I've always enjoyed playing poker and my competitive side is looking forward to practicing my poker skills?. It's poker, it's one of my passions. It's a great endorsement and this site is licensed by the government and so it's really exciting for me," said Luongo.
Rhonda Garvey from BC Lottery Corp said, "This is an exciting announcement for our players; they will now have the opportunity to play poker against Roberto Luongo. This partnership gives our players access to great prizes like the chance to test their poker skills against the hockey all-star."
Luongo has said that he is not able to play poker as often as he would like due the busy nature of the National Hockey League Season.
"I try to do the least amount as possible because obviously I want to focus on playing hockey," he commented. Fairclough would not disclose how much the Roberto Luongo online poker commercials are worth to the player.
