Champion poker player Phil Bellamuth may have extracted millions from his poker opponents, but he doesn't intend to keep all of those chips to himself. Bellamuth has high ambitions in the world of philanthropy.
"Steve Jobs was a billionaire yet snubbed non-profits. I want to be the Bill Gates of the poker world...Phil Gates.”
Bellamuth's not bluffing. He founded The Poker School for Disadvantaged Children (PSDC), a K-12 charter school that promises to train the next generation of successful poker players. Funding comes from a variety of public and private sources, including a share of the students' individual winnings. Bellamuth is well-intentioned.
“Kids today lack direction. They must learn skills that will enable them generate an honest, sustainable income. PSDC teaches disadvantaged children two arts: well-timed deception and ruthless gerrymandering. We teach them mathematical cunning, uncompromising brinkmanship, and that morality depends on context. These are life lessons, not just academic ones."
The school's poker-focused curriculum reflects the school's immersive approach to education. Students learn math and statistics through repeated poker drills. The reading list comprises exclusively of poker books. In place of an athletic program, students take classes that range from card tricks to performance card throwing. Students wear poker memorabilia in place of standard uniforms.
Bellamuth remains optimistic despite having to endure harsh criticism from all sides of the political spectrum.
"We're going ‘all-in’ with this program. We're never going to fold. They deserve a second chance. We know all of these children have bright futures. Doubtless, you can 'call' me on that!"
