Phil Hellmuth, who is arguably the best WSOP player of all-time, recently had a very interesting interview with Mark Hoke at Short Stacked Radio about a potential sponsorship deal and online poker legalization in America. 

Online Poker Legalization

As for legalized online poker, Hellmuth thinks this is coming rather quickly in the United States as he told Hoke, "I wouldn’t be surprised if online poker were passed in the next five days." He continued by saying, "I wouldn’t be surprised if it passed before Feb. 1 - I think there’s going to be the biggest explosion in poker history the minute (poker) is legalized.

Assuming the Poker Brat is correct, there will be plenty of suitors looking to sign him to a deal. He hasn't been under contract with any online poker site since his deal ended with Ultimate Bet just before 2011 started.

Poker Sponsorship Deal

Hellmuth spoke about a potential sponsorship deal coming very soon by stating, "I happen to be in a pretty lucky position where we have had more than one discussion recently, you know, there’s some very big companies and some very big people that are starting to get ready for the legalization of online poker." Hellmuth also commented, "You may find me signing something in the next two weeks. You may find me signing with a company that no one’s ever heard of. Don’t be surprised if that happens."

The major reason why Phil Hellmuth is such a desirable signing for any online poker room is that he holds the record for the most WSOP gold bracelets with 11. He also has over $13 million in live tournament winnings, and a 1989 WSOP Main Event title.

Besides his playing accomplishments, Hellmuth has molded himself into a brand through his constant berating of other players, large number of media appearances, and overall good business sense.