It's an interesting development...accept for the fact I believe Kenney and the possibility of a new site has rumbled for a while, so this is just a confirmation of sorts.
First things first.
Kenney is not driving in the same lane as most of us - I think this plays a large role in how figures like him are successful. He has a massive silly ego. Everyone forgotten how a short time ago he talked of himself becoming the first poker billionaire through winnings? Then there were some other yawner interviews where he claimed he was going to change the world, never quite specifying how or why other than laughably vague ideas about altruism (same disease which afflicts a few high rollers)....he was going to transcend poker.
However, he evidently does have a hold of sorts over people (his stables and his agency at GG Poker) so I am not surprised he might come off a potentially irresistible force ...especially if he is providing some of the start up/ working capital. Further, regarding funding, Cary Katz (PokerGO) is reportedly Kenney's long time backer. Katz is a billionaire - so I think one thing to bear in mind with Kenney is there is the possibility of a few grasping individuals involved in 'Thing's Kenney'.
Regarding Kenney's reputation and it being ruined, I am not so sure, so I think this is where the Chris Wallace article is a little naive. I know where I stand on cheaters in poker (that I have made clear) but what I have been insulted with of late is how they have literally been rehabilitated. The accusations flew and yet Kenney was given the fluff job 'explanation' interview at
poker news with Sarah Herring. Then Kenney played in the
wsop and Poker News featured him in news updates....as they did last week when Kenney final tabled a GG event. Speaking of which there was a confirmed rift with GG Poker (confirmed by GG Poker) yet he is still playing there. At the same time Cary Katz had him play in High Stakes Poker on PokerGo. Is there any downside to Kenney's life in the US at the moment but an unconfirmed barring from the EPT and Triton (which for valid reasons can't even stage events in the US).
Kenney (and Schindler and Imsirovic) seem to be swanning around in the US without repercussions and believe the more people see him/them then they will just start shrugging their shoulders. That is also why I made note of the laughable idea of The Poker Integrity Council extending an olive branch to previously banned players. Talking of the council, this week Daniel Negreanu said it should be a clean slate going forward (exactly as I predicted). Some think I am being too harsh but my attitude is if the industry is not going to crack down on
what has just recently taken place, then why bother?
So, I would think if Kenney and others can maintain a high profile (which they have through the accusations), no doubt many would try a new site, regardless of his reputation. That has nothing to with whether it would be a viable proposition or not. I never thought it a good idea for Phil Galfond to start a site and personally, I would not be looking to start a site with Kenney as a figurehead. Then, as others have asked, a
poker site in what jurisdiction? International? Because it surely won't be in the States.
So, I am just going sit sit back and see what develops. But...if it does get off the ground I am not too sure many in the poker community would avoid it to make some sort of statement.
