Jamie Gold Lands Richest Online Sponsorship Deal in History
“I am looking for, and will find a (poker) site that we can all trust, accepts US players, and will teach and support their players without worry of impropriety or monies not being safe,” Jamie Gold stated late this past week.

Most of you will scratch your head while asking ‘Who is Jamie Gold?’ Unless you’re addicted to Poker After Dark, the humor of Phil Laak, the sex appeal of Antonio Esfandiari and the philanthropy of Don Cheadle, Jennifer Harman and Phil Ivey, then I wouldn’t expect you to recognize his name. But take notice, Jamie Gold is the 2006 World Series of Poker champion and the all-time money leader in the game – And he has just inked the industry’s most lucrative multi-year contract in history with upstart poker brand Aced.com.

“We’ve been careful and patient in waiting for the right deal,” stated Gold’s agent Sean Fredericks. Now here’s the 8-10 kicker, Gold turned down several endorsement offers over the past two years because they didn’t mesh with his philosophy of charitable giving. Since his 2006 WSOP win, Gold’s been heavily involved with over 50 charity related events, he’s helped raise more than $110,000 for such charities as MDA/ALS Division, The Sunflower Organization, Montel Williams MS Foundation, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation. He’s not just a poker player-he’s a philanthropist.

“I’m really proud of the example we, as a poker community, are setting,” he said, “Professional poker players, celebrities, athletes, and captains of industry have worked tirelessly and participated honorably in support of charitable gaming events to impact important world causes. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to give back,” added Gold. “But it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Aced and I plan to leave our mark, not just on poker, but on the world, making it a better place for future generations.”

So, how much is the deal worth? Mums the word…but according to “sources,” Gold is about to earn upwards of eight figures. Aced.com will also fund Gold’s participation in major USA, European, and Asian events. “I am not at liberty to disclose details of the arrangement,” commented Gold’s attorney Les Abell. “However, I can say that this contract is valued at more than any deal I’ve ever heard of.”

Not convinced that Jamie Gold is worth the price of Tiger Woods? Think again. His name is one of the most searched on the Internet and his compassion is infectious. I dare you to read this amazing piece Gold wrote about Parkinson’s Disease and Michael J Fox without being moved. It appeared in Bluff magazine in 2006. In part, Gold wrote:

I have a new hero, not to replace my others, but one who has already motivated me to be a better person. For years, I have been aware of the fight to cure Parkinson’s disease. I have been intimately aware of the issues facing those who have PD, but had yet to get involved in the cause. I heard about a Hollywood poker event for PD and I just had to be a part of it. The more research I did about the organization behind the event, the more impressed I became. Then I attended the event and was blown away. From an opening speech to tireless involvement throughout the evening, the force leading this charge was truly inspiring. His name is Michael J. Fox.

Aced.com launched in September 2008…Aced poker room manager Brandon Berndt stated in regards to signing Gold, “We are extremely excited to have Jamie on board, not only because of his obvious value as an ambassador for us within the poker world, but for the unparalleled enthusiasm, insight, and creativity he brings to the ongoing development of our brand. He could have chosen so many other sites, but we share his values and vision. He is worth every penny—or billion pennies.”

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com