When it comes to poker tours, that's about all they are - tours.  When it comes to poker associations, that's also about all they are - associations.  So when Amateur Poker Limited came up with an idea to combine the two into an all-in-one poker tour and association, many players were saying, "but of course".  Known as the Amateur Poker Association and Tour (APAT), the world's very first combined poker tour and association is scheduled to hold its inaugural tournament on September 23 at the Broadway Casino in Birmingham, UK.

Designed to cater to the "everyman" poker player, APAT is scheduled to host high profile casino poker tournaments, but with low entry fees and buy-ins.  So how does Amateur Poker Limited expect to make their poker tournaments high profile (meaning big money) if the fees and buy-ins are considerably less?  Well, the answer to that question lies in sponsorship.  By using sponsors to help fund the prize pools - thus raising the jackpots - APAT will give the sponsors broad exposure in return.  The only challenge at this point in time is to drum up enough attention for the new poker tour....Oh, did I forget to mention it's a poker association also?

As a poker association, APAT will be comprised of members who will be able to meet other members in online poker rooms and tournaments around the globe.  Under the sponsorship of PokerPlayer Magazine, the Association will consult with gaming, online casino gambling and poker authorities with the sole intent of improving the players experience in the tournaments. There will be a small membership fee of ten British Pounds, which will keep the association up and running so that players can help to steer the future direction of the poker industry and to insure its continued growth.

The association is encouraging poker levels of all skill levels to join.  Those who are new to casino poker are especially being urged to join, considering the fees to play are much more suited to those poker players still familiarizing themselves with the game and tournament scene.  The first year of events will undoubtedly keep players busy, for it is scheduled with many events, including the World Amateur Poker Championships. As for the event winners, they will win a guaranteed cash prize, and engraved "Champion Cup" and an all-expenses-paid entry into the European Poker Tour or World Series of Poker main events.  Online qualifications and applications are being processed now, which interested players can learn more about by visiting apat.com.