Rebbecca Scales is a prominent figure in the poker industry and has devoted much of her life to advocating for social justice, women's rights, and equality.
Raised in California, she developed her tenacious spirit from frequent relocations during her childhood. Despite the instability, her grandmother remained a constant figure, introducing her to the game of poker.
During her early adulthood, she focused on business and advocacy rather than poker. Coming from a military family, she witnessed soldiers' struggles upon returning home from war, which fueled her passion to fight for sustainable mental health care for those soldiers.
After her family returned to civilian life, she settled in Las Vegas and immersed herself and her children in the community. Unfortunately, it was during the height of the recession, and she struggled to find work. So, she returned to her advocacy roots and volunteered at Dress for Success, where she helped create a mentoring program for displaced women.
In 2016, Caesars Entertainment took notice of her advocacy and brought her on board as an Account Executive in their Studio.; This high-profile job gave her access to the city, where she helped open properties on the Las Vegas strip and worked with big stars, but most importantly, it reintroduced poker into her world. As part of her job, she oversaw the World Series of Poker (WSOP) brand. And it was a straightforward question that changed everything: Why wasn't the WSOP marketing to women? That question set her life on a new path.
This burning desire to understand why women were not taking their seats at the table rekindled her love for poker, and she began to play recreationally. However, the question still loomed, and her perception had opened to realize that this was not just WSOP but an industry-wide concern. Although she found the answer cut and dry, women at that time only made up about 3% of the market, so her question changed to: What can I do to increase the number of women who play poker?
Recognizing an untapped market, she founded Poker Queen in 2018. Initially a clothing line, she established distribution lines in China but pivoted to a successful marketing agency due to market downturns and a global pandemic. Today, her company collaborates with gaming industry leaders worldwide.
2018 was also the year she met Lupe Soto, the Owner of Ladies International Poker (LIPS), after a tournament. She approached Lupe with her brand and a burning question. She discovered that Lupe was the expert on women in poker and had recently started the Women's Poker Association (WPA) to help more women take their seats at the table. After comparing expertise, they joined forces, and Rebbecca joined the WPA board.
While serving on the WPA Board, Rebbecca has made two noteworthy contributions. Firstly, she initiated the Advocate program and played a vital role in the "Raise It Up" committee. These initiatives aim to promote the game of poker among women and eliminate the obstacles that have hindered their participation in live games. Her endeavors have resulted in positive changes in the industry and inspired others to work towards a more inclusive and hospitable environment. In 2023, the WPA expanded globally, and Rebbecca was included as a founding Board member.
In 2020, while serving on the WPA board, she learned about all women start-up called Poker Power. The organization was seeking women with expertise in Texas Holdem poker to teach the game and connect it to sustainable life skills. Initially, she took a contract position without much thought, but it turned out to be the most fulfilling work she had ever done. The organization comprises accomplished women who help other women and their allies build confidence and address issues like diversity and equal pay through poker. Unlike most poker companies, their impact is far-reaching and universal. Recently, she led a table at an event in the New Your Stock Exchange, where she had the privilege of teaching the author Belinda Luscombe of the Time Magazine article titled: "This Female Billionaire Thinks the Secret to Women's Wealth Is Poker."
In 2022, under Poker Queen Studio's, Rebbecca had the privilege of working with an intimate team on The Women in Poker Hall of Fame ceremony. Their goal was to elevate the event and make a historical moment to highlight women's importance in the game. They partnered with Poker Go Studios and live-streamed the event to over 10,000 people.
Her exceptional for The Women's Poker Hall of Fame caught the attention of the World Poker Tour (WPT). They recognized her talent and offered her a contracted Global Tour Manager position in 2023. Since then, she has had the privilege of traveling worldwide for events in countries such as Australia, Cambodia, and Vietnam, as well as within her home country
During the World Series of Poker July 2023 Tatiana, Lupe Soto and Rebbecca Scales launched a podcast titled, 'The Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas'.
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