Calvin Ayre Retires From Bodog???

JohnG · #1 () 04-21-2008, 01:41 PM

Just received this email from Bodog:

Quote:

Calvin Ayre Announces Retirement from Bodog
For Immediate Release

April 21, 2008

Calvin Ayre, the internationally noted billionaire playboy founder of Bodog, will be retiring from his largely ceremonial role as the face of Bodog.

Additionally he will no longer be involved in Bodog operationally. In mid 2007 he successfully transferred ownership of the Bodog brand in North America to the Morris Mohawk Gaming Group. Internationally Bodog has put in place a very competent and significantly European executive team that is already managing Bodog Europe and Africa and plans to further expand to Latin America.

Ayre will be taking some time to himself in his home in Antigua and will continue to support charitable opportunities through the Calvin Ayre Foundation.

Ayre noted that, “While it has been great fun to live my life in front of the world’s cameras and online though my blog, I am looking forward to a more private and meaningful period of giving back and working to support the Calvin Ayre Foundation.”

About Morris Mohawk Gaming Group

The Morris Mohawk Gaming Group (www.morrismohawk.com) is located in the territory of Kahnawake just outside Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission to offer gaming services from Kahnawake to users worldwide. Morris Mohawk Gaming Group is led by Olympic Gold medalist, Order of Canada recipient and First Nations' leader Alwyn Morris. For more information, contact Media Relations at pr@morrismohawk.com.

About Bodog

Bodog has its head office, and is licensed in, the Caribbean nation of Antigua. Bodog (www.bodoglife.com) offers online gaming, which includes Poker, Casino and a host of other gaming products. Bodog does not offer ‘for money’ gaming services within North America. For more information, contact Media Relations at pr@bodoglife.com.

Read More: Link On His Blog

kaus · #2 () 04-21-2008, 01:43 PM

Yeah just got that to. Just curious if this would be a decision based on legal issues and possibly why Bodog is now moving into areas they couldnt/wouldn't before.

I can't see someone just letting go of a company like that without a reason,

Greg · #3 () 04-21-2008, 01:49 PM

Really interesting timing here. I doubt he is stepping down for any legal reasons. He never cared about that too much beforehand. Possible he has gotten Bodog to the point he wants to step down and do other things. Might be a personal call all together. When you have all the money in the world why not just do things to help people. Calvin is a pretty nice guy from all accounts I have seen.

SelfMade · #4 () 04-21-2008, 02:19 PM

I skeptical that he's stepping down at all. But I have no doubt it's for legal reasons: just reread the press release.

ThePokerBank · #5 () 04-21-2008, 02:39 PM

Well that's a bit of a surprise, didn't see that coming. In fact, I was all ready to say "I doubt it etc." after reading the title of the thread, but it seems pretty official. I didn't expect to hear that seeing as his BODOGfight thing seems to be picking up pace.

Does anyone think that this will have an effect on the way things are run at Bodog? Like pulling out of the US or whatever.

kaus · #6 () 04-21-2008, 02:46 PM

I dont think so but they are working towards major expansions in Europe, Asia and other areas which I cant wait for

..... I really hope they dont pull out

PFO · #7 () 04-21-2008, 03:05 PM

Kind of a surprise. I though Calvin Ayre was all about getting his face out there.

alexpratt · #8 () 04-21-2008, 03:41 PM

Wierd - That has got to me more to this, or that it isn't a 100% step down - I am sure time will tell.....

I am pretty dam sure they won't pull out the US, after all was that Morris Mohawk deal all about keeping them in the US

carbonrichie · #9 () 04-21-2008, 03:53 PM

How much of Morris do you think he owns ;-)

Doubt he's retiring at all. Just making operations legal/above board so the move to EU and Asia can go smoothly alongside the existing operation.

He's done Business 101 and he's a clever man. He'll still be pulling the strings....

Rich.

punchtheclock · #10 () 04-21-2008, 04:19 PM

Cheif Norton has another scam lined up I see. Is there anyone running a gaming commission that doesn't live in an ice fishing shed? you would be better off saying you are regulated by the Al Queda Gaming Commission, at least people would know they are dealing with someone who has some capabilities.