Why Did the Beer, wine, & Booze Companies Quit Sponsoring Pool?

[Scott Lee]

Bruce...You're mistaken here. A-B doesn't sponsor pool in MT. Singular distributors agree to add some (not all) $$$ to the state coin-op tournament, because the promoters advertise beer specials, in conjunction with the event. The distributors do NOT "add $.25 to the cost", and bars do NOT raise prices on their products to "make up" for what the distributor adds (actually they sell the promoted beer cheaper during these events). I have gotten specific distributors to add $$$ to pool tournaments I have run (in MT and ID), because I had a business relationship (and/or friendship) with them. I lived in MT for 25 years, and was an active part of the "pool network".

As far as tobacco companies and pool...that was outlawed by Congress. It wasn't just pool, it was ANY recreational sport. Montana State University and the city of Bozeman held the National Collegiate Rodeo events there for a couple of decades...all the while with huge sponsorship $$$ from SKOAL, Copenhagen, and others. When the law was passed, that money dried up. MSU and Bozeman had become complacent in their handling of the events, and without that added $$$, other cities got involved in bidding for the annual event (which brought in millions of dollars every year to Bozeman), and Bozeman lost out to Rapid City, SD.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Now I know in Montana A-B does sponsor Pool, and one of the thing they do is add like $.25/Bottle of A-B Products sold during an events they sponsor to the Prize Fun.

Honestly years ago Camel Brand Cigarettes supported Pool, and them took their money to other venues. But there are many Camel Pool Table Light sill in use in several of the bar in the valley.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

Bruce...You're mistaken here. A-B doesn't sponsor pool in MT. Singular distributors agree to add some (not all) $$$ to the state coin-op tournament, because the promoters advertise beer specials, in conjunction with the event. The distributors do NOT "add $.25 to the cost", and bars do NOT raise prices on their products to "make up" for what the distributor adds (actually they sell the promoted beer cheaper during these events). I have gotten specific distributors to add $$$ to pool tournaments I have run (in MT and ID), because I had a business relationship (and/or friendship) with them. I lived in MT for 25 years, and was an active part of the "pool network".

As far as tobacco companies and pool...that was outlawed by Congress. It wasn't just pool, it was ANY recreational sport. Montana State University and the city of Bozeman held the National Collegiate Rodeo events there for a couple of decades...all the while with huge sponsorship $$$ from SKOAL, Copenhagen, and others. When the law was passed, that money dried up. MSU and Bozeman had become complacent in their handling of the events, and without that added $$$, other cities got involved in bidding for the annual event (which brought in millions of dollars every year to Bozeman), and Bozeman lost out to Rapid City, SD.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Well Scott my person in Montana told me so when I ask him about A-B support of pool, I think you know the guy he lives in Three Forks, and had a Unique Beard. Maybe things have changed since you let the Big Sky Country. BTW SKOAL, Copenhagen still are involved with the PRCA, and Rodeo.

 

[jay helfert]

This is just a theory of mine, but it may be because of the Law Suit when Don Mackey sued RJ Reynolds. I know RJ Reynolds is a cigarette company, but they were a corporate sponsor for men's pro pool and the Pro Billiards Tour President (Don Mackey) sued them and took them to court. Maybe other corporate companies who could sponsor pool don't want to take a chance on supporting pool because of what happened to RJ Reynolds.......

James

I'm sure that lawsuit made a lasting impression on the rest of the corporate world. Another fact was that way back when Richie Florence was putting on huge events (1980's) at all the Caesars casinos, and putting them on television, the players (they know who they are) refused to sign the necessary television releases for their images to be shown on TV. Everyone who has ever been on television signs a similar release, including ALL athletes in all sports. Budweiser was a major sponsor of these events.

Among athletes only the pool players have refused to sign standard television releases! They wanted residuals from the reruns, not realizing that the more ESPN ran the shows the better it was for them, and their future as well known athletes. Does that tell you anything. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot. They shot themselves in the head! They have consistently and systematically committed career suicide every time a real opportunity has come along. The Mackey episode with Camel was only one of many.

Sad but true folks.

 

[Scott Lee]

Bruce...You must have either misunderstood what Cheese told you, or misinterpreted what he meant. What I told you is the way it is...now as it was years ago. BTW, NO tobacco companies are involved in rodeo at the high school or college level...it was outlawed by Congress several years ago.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Well Scott my person in Montana told me so when I ask him about A-B support of pool, I think you know the guy he lives in Three Forks, and had a Unique Beard. Maybe things have changed since you let the Big Sky Country. BTW SKOAL, Copenhagen still are involved with the PRCA, and Rodeo.

 

[Roger Long]

I'm sure that lawsuit made a lasting impression on the rest of the corporate world. Another fact was that way back when Richie Florence was putting on huge events (1980's) at all the Caesars casinos, and putting them on television, the players (they know who they are) refused to sign the necessary television releases for their images to be shown on TV. Everyone who has ever been on television signs a similar release, including ALL athletes in all sports. Budweiser was a major sponsor of these events.

Among athletes only the pool players have refused to sign standard television releases! They wanted residuals from the reruns, not realizing that the more ESPN ran the shows the better it was for them. Does that tell you anything. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot. They shot themselves in the head! They have consistently and systematically committed career suicide every time a real opportunity has come along. The Mackey episode with Camel was only one of many.

Sad but true folks.

You hit that one right on the button, Jay. Pro players have always been their own worst enemy. They have always desired organization and leadership, but they can't tell good leadership from bad leadership.

Roger

 

[david(tx)]

I know what happened to the cigarette sponsors (Camel Tour), but why did the beer and booze companies like Bud and Gordon's Gin stop sponsoring pool tours? With all the sports bars around the country with enough tables for a small to mid-sized tournament I would think it would be a good deal for those types of companies. Johnnyt

Was watching some matches on Youtube that originated at a resort town in the Netherlands that was sponsored by Party Poker. You can't compare pool to other games sports because there isn't a centralized authority that can respond to the sponsor should there be a hiccup.

You have to remember that the government sponsors many of the sports through tax breaks , building them stadiums with your money , and also the infrastructure around them.The NCAA is a government sponsored minor league football system paid for by you.

This frees up money to overpay athletes with , your money. The exception might be the PGA. I'd bet most golf country clubs have a pool table in the clubhouse.


A pool table can be set up anywhere , and anyone can organize a tournament, so on a national level there isn't anyone for the potential advertisers to approach.

In the last 30 yrs. there have been 2 attempts at giving the NFL a run for it's money and both had television contracts and some notable investors and they failed.

Market saturation. Remember the AFL was a challenge to the NFL and they merged and the AFL was successful because there were to many cities with populations that could support the game and their were only three broadcast networks that were national.

NBC carried AFL , CBS the NFL. Don't think pool will ever have payouts rival anything but maybe bowling unless it comes up with a benefactor with deep pockets and influence.

As i said anyone can have a pool tournament. They moment and independent person organizes a successful pool tour and it becomes popular, one of the television networks will organize a competing tour and try to capitalize on the others success.

Can you say boxing promoter? The ruining of boxing came from to many competing interests and sanctioning bodies. There are are no answers , just enjoy the game.

 

[Luxury]

One day when we completely change the way pool is presented on American television we can get some sponsorships. Until then America wants things more and more faster and exciting by the day and the attention span is getting shorter and shorter. There was an ad for an upcoming game show where the contestants can win a million dollars in one minute.

If we don't change the game, pool won't have a chance.

 

[Scott Lee]

david(tx)...I'm pretty sure that the NCAA covers just a few more sports than football (like perhaps four or five DOZEN other sports). LOL

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

 

[Tom In Cincy]

IMO it is very plain and simple... just look at the existing pool community and how it supports and promotes it self to ITSELF.

Either you are a fan or a PRO.

There isn't a product that pool presents that any Corporate entity will support at this time.

When pool has a product that the fans will support then there might be a chance that even the local NEWS media will mention the event to NON-Pool playing viewers.

Otherwise, why would anyone that doesn't play pool want to watch a bank pool ring game?

 

[Scott Lee]

tap, tap, tap!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

IMO it is very plain and simple... just look at the existing pool community and how it supports and promotes it self to ITSELF.

Either you are a fan or a PRO.

There isn't a product that pool presents that any Corporate entity will support at this time.

When pool has a product that the fans will support then there might be a chance that even the local NEWS media will mention the event to NON-Pool playing viewers.

Otherwise, why would anyone that doesn't play pool want to watch a bank pool ring game?

 

[cajunfats]

You hit that one right on the button, Jay. Pro players have always been their own worst enemy. They have always desired organization and leadership, but they can't tell good leadership from bad leadership.

Roger

Roger and Jay, Correct! The Pro's have always desired good leadership. They have not however,desired good organization. Organization requires them to park the ego at the door on an individual basis,and work together. Jay is absolutely right about the players shooting themselves in the head over TV residuals. Since I spent a year in Hollywood working in film and TV, I always enjoy seeing myself in reruns. Most all the work was non-union so I don't get a check,but it keeps my career alive and I have background in case I return one day to acting(I still do local stage here).
I also see my friend Run the Century posted his observation on the sponsoring of events by "persuasion" by a sort of product avoidance. This will work as part of a rogue marketing movement that targets products and the substantial number of pool players cooperate.
We can argue till the cows come home about sponsorship from beer,tobacco,or any other product you see in an establishment you play in.
Outside of these establishments we as pool players buy millions of products that we would never see in our Pool Room or Bar.The Women have tremendous marketing power,but they aren't using it. The men have possibilities,but they don't see it!!
We can do this...... We must do this..... We Will Do This!!!

 

[david(tx)]

david(tx)...I'm pretty sure that the NCAA covers just a few more sports than football (like perhaps four or five DOZEN other sports). LOL

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

That is right Scott and until the advent of European professional basketball leagues the NCAA basketball programs was essentially the only source for the NBA to draw from as far as talent.

Even MLB funds some of the leagues in other countries as far as winter ball but they still get subsidy through stadium construction and unconstitutional seizure of private property.

If you ever hear of the use of eminent domain to build a pool room , you will know that pool has reached the pinnacle. But would you want that?

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

I'm sure that lawsuit made a lasting impression on the rest of the corporate world. Another fact was that way back when Richie Florence was putting on huge events (1980's) at all the Caesars casinos, and putting them on television, the players (they know who they are) refused to sign the necessary television releases for their images to be shown on TV. Everyone who has ever been on television signs a similar release, including ALL athletes in all sports. Budweiser was a major sponsor of these events.

Among athletes only the pool players have refused to sign standard television releases! They wanted residuals from the reruns, not realizing that the more ESPN ran the shows the better it was for them, and their future as well known athletes. Does that tell you anything. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot. They shot themselves in the head! They have consistently and systematically committed career suicide every time a real opportunity has come along. The Mackey episode with Camel was only one of many.

Sad but true folks.

This is very good information Jay thank for your post.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

Bruce...You must have either misunderstood what Cheese told you, or misinterpreted what he meant. What I told you is the way it is...now as it was years ago. BTW, NO tobacco companies are involved in rodeo at the high school or college level...it was outlawed by Congress several years ago.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

My post Scott, was about Pro Rodeo, and maybe I should have said Smokeless Tobacco is still very visible in Pro (Adult) Rodeo, sorry for the confusion.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

IMO it is very plain and simple... just look at the existing pool community and how it supports and promotes it self to ITSELF.

Either you are a fan or a PRO.

There isn't a product that pool presents that any Corporate entity will support at this time.

When pool has a product that the fans will support then there might be a chance that even the local NEWS media will mention the event to NON-Pool playing viewers.

Otherwise, why would anyone that doesn't play pool want to watch a bank pool ring game?

Do you see any fixes for the problem?

 

[1 Pocket Ghost]

You know, it's kind of funny, (not funny HA HA) that very often I see a pool table in the background of many ads on TV. Someone in the AD industry MUST think that backdrop is "worthwhile" and effective in advertising !!!

Good point/observation.


- Ghost

 

[Tom In Cincy]

No, nada, none at the present time.

Do you see any fixes for the problem?

 

[poolsucker]

sponsership

I read a fews ago that congress put in affect that tobacco and alcohol companies could only sponser 1 nationwide sports tour or events and this why we have not seen it since.

No, nada, none at the present time.

 

[ceebee]

I feel as you do. No more Bud, Coke, Snickers & Frito-Lay products until somebody sponsors a couple of Pros... That is only fair... the concessions folks are getting rich in Pool Rooms, Sports Bars & Taverns across this nation.

We just need to organize, to build "our voice", which will be heard.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

I feel as you do. No more Bud, Coke, Snickers & Frito-Lay products until somebody sponsors a couple of Pros... That is only fair... the concessions folks are getting rich in Pool Rooms, Sports Bars & Taverns across this nation.

We just need to organize, to build "our voice", which will be heard.

You idea work for me.