According to online gaming publication “Professional Poker”, Blue Moon Entertainment has recently made claims alleging the format of Bodog’s new reality poker show closely resembles its own show “Poker Showdown.” The Los Angeles based reality TV firm has backed up its claim by lodging a case with the Superior Court.

The first episode of Bodog's show, which is hosted by its colorful chief executive Calvin Ayre, will first appear on Fox Sports TV this week. BlueMoon attempted to prevent the show from screening but were unsuccessful when a judge failed to grant the production company an injunction.
However, while some believe the conflict results purely from the similarities between the two shows, others say it more accurately stems from a soured business relationship. Blue Moon claims laid out in their litigation against Bodog refer to the firm’s input in "...complete project disclosure and numerous proposal and development materials, including product overviews and synopsis, episodic outlines, distribution and marketing breakdowns and production schedules with full analysis." The work was claimed to have taken place between the months of May and August 2005.

Blue Moon’s claim refers to a non-disclosure agreement concerning the business relationship between the two parties and seeks damages for breach of contract, breach of confidence and misappropriation of ideas.

A Bodog spokesperson has responded that the firm has hired legal counsel and intends to file defense and counterclaims. However, he also indicated that Bodog would prefer to settle the dispute without resorting to legal action. Bodog hopes to meet with Blue Moon to "...resolve the matter without the need for litigation,” the spokesperson said.
Blue Moon is well known as a producer of reality shows and documentaries that have made it to American television screens on leading networks for the past ten years.

Bodog’s new show “Wild Card Poker” is a six-episode reality series featuring a $500 000 poker tournament. Set in Costa Rica, it also gives gaming fans an intimate insight into the glamorous lifestyle and activities of Bodog's billionaire founder, Calvin Ayre.

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