The Grinder Gets Un-Locked

Controversial online poker site Lock Poker has lost their most recognizable name.

Michael Mizrachi has ended his endorsement deal with Lock Poker after less than a year of representing the room.

Mizrachi signed with Lock in January of 2013.

At the time, Mizrachi had this to say about Lock: “Lock has grown exponentially and proven to be a leader in the online poker industry in a very short period of time […] I am excited about this partnership with Lock and even more excited to join their team of pros. I can’t wait to get started.”

Mizrachi confirmed his exit in a brief interview with Bluff, saying “yes [the relationship] has ended” and that he’ll “send out a statement soon.”

Skip to the 1:45 mark to view:

Why Mizrachi left Lock

Mizrachi offered no specific reason for his departure. But I would assume his decision was driven by two factors:

• The ongoing problems at Lock Poker (see below).
• The need to end any association with unregulated properties in order to clear the way for an endorsement deal with a regulated property (perhaps Mizrachi’s former marketing partner Churchill Downs?).

Mizrachi’s exit the latest setback for Lock Poker

Lock’s troubles extend well beyond the loss of Mizrachi. The beleaguered room has been under fire from players for cashout speeds that lag well behind industry averages.

Due to those processing problems and a host of related issues, the value of Lock Poker money on the secondary market has dropped dramatically in 2013.

Site maintains a large roster of pros

While Mizrachi may have split from Lock, the site continues to maintain a substantial roster of professional players that continue to endorse the room.

According to the Lock Poker website as of October 15th, 2013, affiliated players include such well-known names as:

• Felipe Ramos
• Annette Obrestad
• Melanie Weisner
• Eric Lynch
• Greg Tiller
• Jared Hubbard
• Casey Jarzabek