PartyPoker.com European Open V Live Reporting Continues...
***Coming soon: PartyPoker.com - The Big Game III – the famous 36 hour cash game. A preview can be seen at http://www.matchroompoker.com/promo-deniii.php The final of PartyPoker.com Women’s World Open II is broadcast on Five in the UK tonight at 00.05.***
London – 11th February 2009 – The PartyPoker.com European Open V runs until Friday 13 February. Live reporting for all the heats can be found at: http://www.matchroompokerforum.co.uk.
Heat 11 is currently underway and features Annette Obrestad, Stuart Rutter, former champion Liam Flood, Christophe Haller, Paul Bracken and Richard Wheatley.
Amongst the players who signed up to play in the famous 72 runner $7,000 buy-in event include Roland de Wolfe, Vicky Coren, Juha Helppi, Ciaran O’Leary, Eoghan O’Dea, Ian Frazer, Surinder Sunar, Barny Boatman, James Akenhead, Padraig Parkinson, Julian Thew, Donnacha O’Dea, May Maceiras, Marc Goodwin, Thomas Bihl, Robin Keston, Neil Channing, Roberto Romanello and UK Open champion Michael Keiner.
The Matchroom Sport organized tournament features 12 six seat heats and two six seat turbo runner-up heats. There will be two seven seat semi finals and one six seat final. The top three players in each of the semi-finals take their chip stacks through to the final. The total prize pool is $504,000 with first place scooping $200,000. Coverage of the event will be first broadcast on Five in the UK and then distributed internationally. Coverage of the PartyPoker.com European Open is amongst the best distributed in the world and commentary will be led by the one and only Jesse May.
45-year-old Nick Slade, a professional from Preston, Lancashire in the UK took down the biggest title of his career when he scooped $200,000 and the European Open IV title last year. Slade ended up heads-up with 45-year-old Worcester internet sports trader Craig Burgess and both were regarded as outsiders on a final table that also included WSOP Europe winner Annette Obrestad, Juha Helppi, Ian Frazer and Josh Tyler.
PARTYPOKER.COM EUROPEAN OPEN IV – 3 Mills, London 1st-8th February 2008
1st Nick Slade $200,000
2nd Craig Burgess $100,000
3rd Ian Frazer $50,000
4th Annette Obrestad $30,000
5th Josh Tyler $25,000
6th Juha Helppi $20,000
PARTYPOKER EUROPEAN OPEN IV - CHIP COUNTS AT THE START OF THE FINAL TABLE
Ian Frazer – 469,000
Josh Tyler – 351,000
Annette Obrestad – 235,000
Nick Slade – 124,000
Juha Helppi – 114,000
Craig Burgess – 107,000
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Friday, February 13, 2009
Preventing Problem Gaming on the Internet, by Dan Cypra - Poker News Daily - 12th February 2009
Recently, Poker News Daily became aware of a study by Caroline Jawad and Stephen Griffiths that sought to find ways to curb problem gambling on the internet. The authors are giving readers of Poker News Daily a sneak preview as to what they can expect from their research as well as a chance to participate. Poker News Daily sat down with Jawad to learn more about her University of Wales research. Click here to participate.
Poker News Daily: Tell us how your research became focused on internet gambling.
Jawad: Gambling has been a popular source of entertainment for many centuries across many cultures. The emergence of internet gambling has been one of the most significant and controversial developments over the past two decades. Though clearly economically substantial, little is factually known about this sector, its customers, and its social and economic impacts. Online poker and electronic video-poker machines have become increasingly popular in recent years and players have begun to compete in online poker rooms.
Television stations regularly broadcast poker tournaments and the game has received substantial media coverage. But while the explosion in online gambling and online poker popularity has brought fame and fortune to some, it has brought addiction to others.
PND: Tell us about your study. What does it seeking to investigate and what methods are involved?
Jawad: Internet gaming is an industry of tremendous growth. Revenue has increased from $30 million in 1994 and, according to a PriceWaterhouseCoopers study, worldwide legal gambling revenues are set to reach $100 billion by the end of the decade. Online gambling revenues represent approximately 4% of the total global gaming market (Centre for Policy Initiatives 2004). The number of sites has increased from 30 in 1994 to over 2,000 in 2005 (GamCare, 2006).
However, there are many concerns related to the growth of internet gambling. I am trying to determine attitudes and awareness of responsible gambling and problem gambling with the help of readers of Poker News Daily. The ideal method would involve contacting a random sample of customers, most likely through e-mail, and requesting their consent to participate in an online survey. Another option is to include a link on a gaming site that asks customers to participate in a research study. While tentative approaches have been made to individual sites, it is anticipated that with the assistance of organizations promoting responsible gambling, a gaming site will approve such a link.
PND: Have other studies been done that are similar to yours? What have they found?
Jawad: A review of 60 popular internet poker, casino, and sports-betting sites revealed wide variations in the extent and types of player protection strategies (Wiebe, 2006). Information ranged from as little as a statement of age limits or a link to Gamblers Anonymous to self-exclusion options, an on-site counselor, and opportunities for setting time, money, and loss limits (Jawad, 2006, Wiebe 2006).
The independent online gambling authority, eCogra, released the results of its survey of online gamblers from 100 different countries in 2008. According to the survey, the typical online casino player was most likely to be female (54.8%), aged between 46 and 55 years old (29.5%), play two to three times per week (37.0%), and wager around $50 per session (18.1%). The survey found out that while women tend to spend more time playing at the internet casinos, they spend less money than men, who play for shorter periods of time, but more money.
The top three things people want in an online casino are good bonuses (76.2%), variety of games (62.0%), and different depositing methods (56.8%). The average online poker player is more likely to be male (73.8%), between 26 and 35 years-old (26.9%), plays two to three times per week (26.8%), and feels that there is more skill involved than luck (31.9%).
The available research offers little insight into the extent and nature of problems associated with internet gambling and the effectiveness of player protection options. Most information is based on general population prevalence studies. There is a lack of research that has investigated features of responsible gambling and their effectiveness. What little has been done has been either inconclusive or has only found partial support for their effectiveness (Blaszczynski, Sharpe and Walker 2001; Loba et al 2002; Schellinck and Schrans, 2002).
What is clear is that further research is urgently needed to investigate the applicability and the general effectiveness of responsible gambling features. This needs to be done in ecologically valid settings with the help of the operators and other industry stakeholders rather than in psychology laboratories at academic institutions. Only then can competent conclusions be reached regarding their role in social responsibility in the remote gambling environment.
PND: What do you expect to find when you’re done? Are there any preliminary results?
Jawad: My review of internet gambling and responsible gambling literature found disproportionately fewer studies addressing the issues of responsible gambling features. However, it has been argued that research does indicate optimism for the development and implementation of responsible gambling or safety features for new gambling technology (Peller, LaPlante and Shaffer, 2007). Unfortunately, the methodology of this research has been basic and limited in scope (Peller, LaPlante, and Shaffer, under review).
It is suggested that the history of safety features for other industries is that they become safer as they evolve and mature (Peller, LaPlante and Shaffer, 2007). For example, the effectiveness of automobile safety features has improved dramatically over time (Armes, 2005; Hasbrook, 1956). Empirical research investigating the causes of passenger injuries has been essential to improving the engineering of automobiles (Green and Woodrooffe, 2006; Motao, Cummings, Haitao, and Cook, 2007; Shladover and Tan, 2006; Woodruff and Gregory, 2005). Ultimately, the creation of parameters that promote safer gambling for new technologies will need to involve collaboration between researchers, industry officials, and policymakers. Informally, research participants have indicated that responsible gambling features only work for recreational and not problem gamblers. My research hopes to clearly identify features that players believe would work.
PND: How will you use the data and how is it presented at the end of the study?
Jawad: The data submitted will be totally anonymous, recorded securely, and submitted to the University of Wales. I hope the conclusions of my study will offer evidence-based recommendations that may assist organizations in targeting and designing prevention and education services that aid at-risk and problem gamblers.
The study will use qualitative methods which result in textual or narrative information that is either descriptive or subject to other forms of analysis. Quantitative research questions, unlike their qualitative counterparts, tend to be very specific in nature. Even appropriately conducted qualitative methods can be highly invasive. My qualitative research questions emphasize deriving an understanding of how responsible gambling can be perceived and constructed.
PND: How can the results of your study help poker players in the future?
Jawad: Gambling is a compulsive and potentially addictive activity. Societies have traditionally sought to control it proactively. For the majority of Internet gamblers including poker players, they are buying entertainment and having fun. To date, the available research offers little insight into the extent and nature of problems associated with Internet gambling and the effectiveness of protection options in helping players control themselves. Most information is based on general population prevalence studies. There is a distinct of lack of research that has investigated features of responsible gambling and their efficacy. What little has been done has been either inconclusive or has only found partial support for their effectiveness. It is hoped that the results of this study will inform players who might be having problems with their gambling.
Check out Jawad’s internet gambling study. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Poker News
Recently, Poker News Daily became aware of a study by Caroline Jawad and Stephen Griffiths that sought to find ways to curb problem gambling on the internet. The authors are giving readers of Poker News Daily a sneak preview as to what they can expect from their research as well as a chance to participate. Poker News Daily sat down with Jawad to learn more about her University of Wales research. Click here to participate.
Poker News Daily: Tell us how your research became focused on internet gambling.
Jawad: Gambling has been a popular source of entertainment for many centuries across many cultures. The emergence of internet gambling has been one of the most significant and controversial developments over the past two decades. Though clearly economically substantial, little is factually known about this sector, its customers, and its social and economic impacts. Online poker and electronic video-poker machines have become increasingly popular in recent years and players have begun to compete in online poker rooms.
Television stations regularly broadcast poker tournaments and the game has received substantial media coverage. But while the explosion in online gambling and online poker popularity has brought fame and fortune to some, it has brought addiction to others.
PND: Tell us about your study. What does it seeking to investigate and what methods are involved?
Jawad: Internet gaming is an industry of tremendous growth. Revenue has increased from $30 million in 1994 and, according to a PriceWaterhouseCoopers study, worldwide legal gambling revenues are set to reach $100 billion by the end of the decade. Online gambling revenues represent approximately 4% of the total global gaming market (Centre for Policy Initiatives 2004). The number of sites has increased from 30 in 1994 to over 2,000 in 2005 (GamCare, 2006).
However, there are many concerns related to the growth of internet gambling. I am trying to determine attitudes and awareness of responsible gambling and problem gambling with the help of readers of Poker News Daily. The ideal method would involve contacting a random sample of customers, most likely through e-mail, and requesting their consent to participate in an online survey. Another option is to include a link on a gaming site that asks customers to participate in a research study. While tentative approaches have been made to individual sites, it is anticipated that with the assistance of organizations promoting responsible gambling, a gaming site will approve such a link.
PND: Have other studies been done that are similar to yours? What have they found?
Jawad: A review of 60 popular internet poker, casino, and sports-betting sites revealed wide variations in the extent and types of player protection strategies (Wiebe, 2006). Information ranged from as little as a statement of age limits or a link to Gamblers Anonymous to self-exclusion options, an on-site counselor, and opportunities for setting time, money, and loss limits (Jawad, 2006, Wiebe 2006).
The independent online gambling authority, eCogra, released the results of its survey of online gamblers from 100 different countries in 2008. According to the survey, the typical online casino player was most likely to be female (54.8%), aged between 46 and 55 years old (29.5%), play two to three times per week (37.0%), and wager around $50 per session (18.1%). The survey found out that while women tend to spend more time playing at the internet casinos, they spend less money than men, who play for shorter periods of time, but more money.
The top three things people want in an online casino are good bonuses (76.2%), variety of games (62.0%), and different depositing methods (56.8%). The average online poker player is more likely to be male (73.8%), between 26 and 35 years-old (26.9%), plays two to three times per week (26.8%), and feels that there is more skill involved than luck (31.9%).
The available research offers little insight into the extent and nature of problems associated with internet gambling and the effectiveness of player protection options. Most information is based on general population prevalence studies. There is a lack of research that has investigated features of responsible gambling and their effectiveness. What little has been done has been either inconclusive or has only found partial support for their effectiveness (Blaszczynski, Sharpe and Walker 2001; Loba et al 2002; Schellinck and Schrans, 2002).
What is clear is that further research is urgently needed to investigate the applicability and the general effectiveness of responsible gambling features. This needs to be done in ecologically valid settings with the help of the operators and other industry stakeholders rather than in psychology laboratories at academic institutions. Only then can competent conclusions be reached regarding their role in social responsibility in the remote gambling environment.
PND: What do you expect to find when you’re done? Are there any preliminary results?
Jawad: My review of internet gambling and responsible gambling literature found disproportionately fewer studies addressing the issues of responsible gambling features. However, it has been argued that research does indicate optimism for the development and implementation of responsible gambling or safety features for new gambling technology (Peller, LaPlante and Shaffer, 2007). Unfortunately, the methodology of this research has been basic and limited in scope (Peller, LaPlante, and Shaffer, under review).
It is suggested that the history of safety features for other industries is that they become safer as they evolve and mature (Peller, LaPlante and Shaffer, 2007). For example, the effectiveness of automobile safety features has improved dramatically over time (Armes, 2005; Hasbrook, 1956). Empirical research investigating the causes of passenger injuries has been essential to improving the engineering of automobiles (Green and Woodrooffe, 2006; Motao, Cummings, Haitao, and Cook, 2007; Shladover and Tan, 2006; Woodruff and Gregory, 2005). Ultimately, the creation of parameters that promote safer gambling for new technologies will need to involve collaboration between researchers, industry officials, and policymakers. Informally, research participants have indicated that responsible gambling features only work for recreational and not problem gamblers. My research hopes to clearly identify features that players believe would work.
PND: How will you use the data and how is it presented at the end of the study?
Jawad: The data submitted will be totally anonymous, recorded securely, and submitted to the University of Wales. I hope the conclusions of my study will offer evidence-based recommendations that may assist organizations in targeting and designing prevention and education services that aid at-risk and problem gamblers.
The study will use qualitative methods which result in textual or narrative information that is either descriptive or subject to other forms of analysis. Quantitative research questions, unlike their qualitative counterparts, tend to be very specific in nature. Even appropriately conducted qualitative methods can be highly invasive. My qualitative research questions emphasize deriving an understanding of how responsible gambling can be perceived and constructed.
PND: How can the results of your study help poker players in the future?
Jawad: Gambling is a compulsive and potentially addictive activity. Societies have traditionally sought to control it proactively. For the majority of Internet gamblers including poker players, they are buying entertainment and having fun. To date, the available research offers little insight into the extent and nature of problems associated with Internet gambling and the effectiveness of protection options in helping players control themselves. Most information is based on general population prevalence studies. There is a distinct of lack of research that has investigated features of responsible gambling and their efficacy. What little has been done has been either inconclusive or has only found partial support for their effectiveness. It is hoped that the results of this study will inform players who might be having problems with their gambling.
Check out Jawad’s internet gambling study. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Poker
Casino News
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Poker News
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
PKR Live to return to London this spring
10th February 2009
LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- PKR.com has announced that its hugely popular land based festival PKR Live will return to London's Loose Cannon this spring. Taking place between April 17-19, the highlight of the three day festival will be a $500 buy-in main event with an expected prize pool of $75,000.
The inaugural PKR Live took place in November 2008 and proved a huge hit with players coming from as far a field as Canada and Russia to meet the faces behind the avatars. The community spirit at the event was unparalleled, and was a recurring theme throughout the hundreds of positive player comments the event received. Such was the atmosphere, Stacked Magazine Editor Rick Dacey said: "I've been to tournaments in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas, the Bahamas and Barcelona, but I've never experienced such a sense of goodwill and enjoyment as I did at PKR Live."
Participation in PKR Live II is strictly limited to satellite qualifiers and invited guests. A range of satellites are now running at PKR.com, allowing players to win $1,000 packages that include buy-ins to all three tournaments running over the weekend. $600 'seat only' packages – providing entry to all PKR Live II tournaments only – are also available. The complete satellite structure can be viewed here.
Simon Prodger, Marketing Director at PKR.com said, "We're delighted to announce our return to the live arena! PKR Live was great fun to be a part of and showed that PKR has the most vibrant poker community anywhere online. We look forward to providing another 150 of our players with a weekend to remember!"
A full list of player comments following the first PKR Live can be found in the PKR Live forum thread, and official photos can be viewed in the online gallery.
Feedback from PKR Live
Here's what some of the PKR.com users had to say about the event:
"Firstly, can I pass on a massive THANK YOU to everyone involved at PKR for organising such an excellent weekend of poker. This event was truly TOP CLASS. I can honestly say it was absolutely faultless, and I enjoyed every minute." Catweasil
"The PKR Staff rocked, the dealers were fantastic and the PKR players were unbelievable. This was my first live event and the players made me feel so comfortable all hint of nerves were gone." MRDICKIE
"One of the best live events I have ever been to, with undoubtedly the best people and atmosphere of the lot!" Soosick
"PKR Live was a massive success…the event was a triumph for COMMUNITY" Azurecoil "Best weekend I have had in agessssssssssssssssss. It was fun to finally put some faces to some of the amazing characters who play on this site!" theruffler
"PKR live was as good as......Hhhmmm, No, BETTER than... SEX!!!" eyesofgreen
"A fantastic event, great poker, bad beats, sick moves, scantily clad promo girls, massage girls, alcohol (aplenty), chocolate and chipsets all rolled into 1 weekend what more could you ask for?" rockafellagio
"3 cheers for PKR, long live PKR!!!!... a well organised, well structured and just a simply great event." callmebabe
"Massive thanks to PKR for an awesome weekend, was a pleasure to meet and play against so many friendly people." Mafio
"What a great weekend from start to finish. I didn't do that well in any off the events but enjoyed every minute of poker I played." Rockafella
"Had an awesome time at PKR Live. Great organisation, great location and a great tournament setup! Met some nice people and had lots of fun, Love to be there next year again!" FabFreddy8
"I had an awesome time and want to say thank you to everyone involved, the players and staff. PKR for life!" NutterzUK
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10th February 2009
LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- PKR.com has announced that its hugely popular land based festival PKR Live will return to London's Loose Cannon this spring. Taking place between April 17-19, the highlight of the three day festival will be a $500 buy-in main event with an expected prize pool of $75,000.
The inaugural PKR Live took place in November 2008 and proved a huge hit with players coming from as far a field as Canada and Russia to meet the faces behind the avatars. The community spirit at the event was unparalleled, and was a recurring theme throughout the hundreds of positive player comments the event received. Such was the atmosphere, Stacked Magazine Editor Rick Dacey said: "I've been to tournaments in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas, the Bahamas and Barcelona, but I've never experienced such a sense of goodwill and enjoyment as I did at PKR Live."
Participation in PKR Live II is strictly limited to satellite qualifiers and invited guests. A range of satellites are now running at PKR.com, allowing players to win $1,000 packages that include buy-ins to all three tournaments running over the weekend. $600 'seat only' packages – providing entry to all PKR Live II tournaments only – are also available. The complete satellite structure can be viewed here.
Simon Prodger, Marketing Director at PKR.com said, "We're delighted to announce our return to the live arena! PKR Live was great fun to be a part of and showed that PKR has the most vibrant poker community anywhere online. We look forward to providing another 150 of our players with a weekend to remember!"
A full list of player comments following the first PKR Live can be found in the PKR Live forum thread, and official photos can be viewed in the online gallery.
Feedback from PKR Live
Here's what some of the PKR.com users had to say about the event:
"Firstly, can I pass on a massive THANK YOU to everyone involved at PKR for organising such an excellent weekend of poker. This event was truly TOP CLASS. I can honestly say it was absolutely faultless, and I enjoyed every minute." Catweasil
"The PKR Staff rocked, the dealers were fantastic and the PKR players were unbelievable. This was my first live event and the players made me feel so comfortable all hint of nerves were gone." MRDICKIE
"One of the best live events I have ever been to, with undoubtedly the best people and atmosphere of the lot!" Soosick
"PKR Live was a massive success…the event was a triumph for COMMUNITY" Azurecoil "Best weekend I have had in agessssssssssssssssss. It was fun to finally put some faces to some of the amazing characters who play on this site!" theruffler
"PKR live was as good as......Hhhmmm, No, BETTER than... SEX!!!" eyesofgreen
"A fantastic event, great poker, bad beats, sick moves, scantily clad promo girls, massage girls, alcohol (aplenty), chocolate and chipsets all rolled into 1 weekend what more could you ask for?" rockafellagio
"3 cheers for PKR, long live PKR!!!!... a well organised, well structured and just a simply great event." callmebabe
"Massive thanks to PKR for an awesome weekend, was a pleasure to meet and play against so many friendly people." Mafio
"What a great weekend from start to finish. I didn't do that well in any off the events but enjoyed every minute of poker I played." Rockafella
"Had an awesome time at PKR Live. Great organisation, great location and a great tournament setup! Met some nice people and had lots of fun, Love to be there next year again!" FabFreddy8
"I had an awesome time and want to say thank you to everyone involved, the players and staff. PKR for life!" NutterzUK
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Doyle Brunson Comments on Michael Phelps Marijuana Incident, by Tom Jenkins - Poker News Daily - 10th February 2009
In his most recent blog post, ten time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner Doyle Brunson spoke out about the pictures that surfaced showing U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps using a bong at a party in South Carolina in November. Phelps had been the darling of the poker world following his record-breaking performance in Beijing in 2008.
Brunson shared his views on the pictures, which originally surfaced in a British newspaper: “Michael Phelps is getting a lot of flak about his picture smoking dope. It’s too bad. He is a nice kid, but he has to realize his every move is scrutinized and he can’t make mistakes like that.” In August, just weeks after Phelps won eight gold medals for the United States in the summer Olympics, the Asian Poker Tour invited the star to play in its Macau event. Phelps, who was a short plane ride away from the gambling Mecca, did not publicly respond to the invitation.
The poker world’s fascination with Phelps began when he told the Baltimore Sun newspaper, his hometown periodical, “I think it would be cool to play in the World Series of Poker. My game is a little off right now, so I’ll have to start improving it a little bit. But I think that would be cool, and it would be cool to meet some of those poker guys.” This prompted a tidal wave of Phelps-related poker press. In September, Betfair, the presenting sponsor of the World Series of Poker Europe in London, invited Phelps to play in its £10,000 buy-in Main Event free of charge. However, Phelps once again was a no show.
During the same month, it was revealed that Brunson had dinner with Phelps and a few of his friends along with poker pros Hoyt Corkins, Jennifer Harman, Marco Traniello, and Todd Brunson. The Brunson father/son team and Corkins are pros that can regularly be found playing on the Cake Poker Network site Doyle’s Room, which led many to believe that Phelps was on the verge of signing with the online poker room. However, no such agreement took place between Phelps and any site.
In October, rumors were swirling around the World Poker Tour’s Festa al Lago event that Phelps would enter it. On Day 1A of the tournament, he was paraded around by Ultimate Bet pro Phil Hellmuth, who introduced the swimming star to major personalities in the poker world. Phelps was in town allegedly to attend the opening of the Real Deal poker stage show at The Venetian. However, Phelps was nowhere to be found at its premiere. Instead, he was competing at the Caesars Classic a few doors down. The Real Deal shut its doors in December.
Poker and Phelps were once again linked in November. On the same night that the CBS News program “60 Minutes” aired a segment about the online poker cheating scandals on Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker, a feature on Phelps also hit the airwaves as the final story of the night. The show aired on the Sunday of Thanksgiving Day weekend. The segment on the online poker incidents questioned why WSOP Main Event Champion Russ Hamilton was not prosecuted despite being named as the mastermind behind the Ultimate Bet wrongdoings. Hamilton recently ducked a Raw Vegas reporter’s questions outside of a Las Vegas golf course. Layne Flack was with Hamilton at the time of the incident.
Phelps has lost numerous endorsements as a result of his alleged marijuana use, including Kellogg’s. Brunson commented, “He has lost lots of money because he has lost some major endorsement deals. I think Michael will get back on track. Remember, he is a 23 year-old kid.” According to the Sun, Phelps has not decided whether he will compete in the 2012 Olympics, which will be held in London. He is in the midst of serving a three month ban from competitive swimming for his actions. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Doyle Brunson
World Series of Poker
Poker
Poker News
In his most recent blog post, ten time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner Doyle Brunson spoke out about the pictures that surfaced showing U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps using a bong at a party in South Carolina in November. Phelps had been the darling of the poker world following his record-breaking performance in Beijing in 2008.
Brunson shared his views on the pictures, which originally surfaced in a British newspaper: “Michael Phelps is getting a lot of flak about his picture smoking dope. It’s too bad. He is a nice kid, but he has to realize his every move is scrutinized and he can’t make mistakes like that.” In August, just weeks after Phelps won eight gold medals for the United States in the summer Olympics, the Asian Poker Tour invited the star to play in its Macau event. Phelps, who was a short plane ride away from the gambling Mecca, did not publicly respond to the invitation.
The poker world’s fascination with Phelps began when he told the Baltimore Sun newspaper, his hometown periodical, “I think it would be cool to play in the World Series of Poker. My game is a little off right now, so I’ll have to start improving it a little bit. But I think that would be cool, and it would be cool to meet some of those poker guys.” This prompted a tidal wave of Phelps-related poker press. In September, Betfair, the presenting sponsor of the World Series of Poker Europe in London, invited Phelps to play in its £10,000 buy-in Main Event free of charge. However, Phelps once again was a no show.
During the same month, it was revealed that Brunson had dinner with Phelps and a few of his friends along with poker pros Hoyt Corkins, Jennifer Harman, Marco Traniello, and Todd Brunson. The Brunson father/son team and Corkins are pros that can regularly be found playing on the Cake Poker Network site Doyle’s Room, which led many to believe that Phelps was on the verge of signing with the online poker room. However, no such agreement took place between Phelps and any site.
In October, rumors were swirling around the World Poker Tour’s Festa al Lago event that Phelps would enter it. On Day 1A of the tournament, he was paraded around by Ultimate Bet pro Phil Hellmuth, who introduced the swimming star to major personalities in the poker world. Phelps was in town allegedly to attend the opening of the Real Deal poker stage show at The Venetian. However, Phelps was nowhere to be found at its premiere. Instead, he was competing at the Caesars Classic a few doors down. The Real Deal shut its doors in December.
Poker and Phelps were once again linked in November. On the same night that the CBS News program “60 Minutes” aired a segment about the online poker cheating scandals on Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker, a feature on Phelps also hit the airwaves as the final story of the night. The show aired on the Sunday of Thanksgiving Day weekend. The segment on the online poker incidents questioned why WSOP Main Event Champion Russ Hamilton was not prosecuted despite being named as the mastermind behind the Ultimate Bet wrongdoings. Hamilton recently ducked a Raw Vegas reporter’s questions outside of a Las Vegas golf course. Layne Flack was with Hamilton at the time of the incident.
Phelps has lost numerous endorsements as a result of his alleged marijuana use, including Kellogg’s. Brunson commented, “He has lost lots of money because he has lost some major endorsement deals. I think Michael will get back on track. Remember, he is a 23 year-old kid.” According to the Sun, Phelps has not decided whether he will compete in the 2012 Olympics, which will be held in London. He is in the midst of serving a three month ban from competitive swimming for his actions. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Doyle Brunson
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
888 Holdings 4th Quarter Figures Bad, January Good - 5th February 2009
The online poker craze appears to be going off the boil judging by 888 Holdings's fourth quarter figures, though the online gaming firm said its full-year 2008 earnings should meet market expectations, according to Thursday's Sharecast.
"The upbeat nature of 888's statement seems to have rubbed off on rivals PartyGaming, which is sharply higher ahead of a trading update tomorrow, while bookie William Hill also advances."
But have no fear say 888 Holdings company officials, and the market responded.
Shares in 888 Holdings rise 6.9 percent to 105 pence after the online gaming group says January revenues grew following the tough final quarter of 2008 which saw operating income fall 8 percent due to the impact of the weak pound and the economic downturn.
Encouragingly, January has started well, with net gaming revenue up 10 percent ... though given the weak fourth quarter -- with customers in core products down as well as more currency-led spend -- it is difficult to be confident of upgrades,' Collins Stewart analysts say. (Credit: Gambling911.com)
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888
PartyGaming
Poker News
The online poker craze appears to be going off the boil judging by 888 Holdings's fourth quarter figures, though the online gaming firm said its full-year 2008 earnings should meet market expectations, according to Thursday's Sharecast.
"The upbeat nature of 888's statement seems to have rubbed off on rivals PartyGaming, which is sharply higher ahead of a trading update tomorrow, while bookie William Hill also advances."
But have no fear say 888 Holdings company officials, and the market responded.
Shares in 888 Holdings rise 6.9 percent to 105 pence after the online gaming group says January revenues grew following the tough final quarter of 2008 which saw operating income fall 8 percent due to the impact of the weak pound and the economic downturn.
Encouragingly, January has started well, with net gaming revenue up 10 percent ... though given the weak fourth quarter -- with customers in core products down as well as more currency-led spend -- it is difficult to be confident of upgrades,' Collins Stewart analysts say. (Credit: Gambling911.com)
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The 2009 Canadian Open Poker Championships to be Held May 13-17 in Calgary - 9th February 2009
The Canadian Poker Tour, owned and operated by HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc. (PINK SHEETS: HDUP), is proud to announce details of the 2009 Canadian Open Poker Championships. The event will be held May 13-17th, 2009 at the new Stampede Casino in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A total of 5 events will take place and will again this year feature a $5000 buy in Heads Up Main Event. Last year international professional poker players from around the world played in what has been branded the best structured heads up event in the world. "If only the NBC Invitational or World Series of Poker formats were half this good," commented 2005 WSOP Main event winner Joe Hachem. The Main Event will feature 128 players playing best 2 out of 3 with $10,000 in starting chips and 20 minute blinds.
In 2008, pros and celebrities such as Jennifer Tilly, Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Brad Booth and winner Huckleberry Seed all came to participate in one of Canada's premier televised poker events and this year is shaping up to be bigger and better. "The Canadian Open rocks!" stated poker pro Phil Laak known around the world as "The Unibomber", "I can't wait to come back."
With a total estimated prize pool of over $1,000,000 for the series of events, Calgary will be the centre of the poker universe during this week that is also known for its big money cash games running around the clock. Known for hosting its spectacular parties at major events, the Canadian Poker Tour will be announcing details of "The Ultimate Player's Party" to be held the night of Wednesday May 13 when brackets will be drawn for the main event.
As an officially sanctioned Canadian Poker Tour event, money winners in all 5 tournaments will earn valuable player points towards the CPT's Player's Point Championships to be held at the end of the year, crowning Canada's premier poker player. For more details please refer to www.canadianpokertour.tv or find out more in the February/March issue of Canadian Poker Player Magazine.
Registration for all events will be available next week through www.ticketmaster.ca or call the Stampede Poker room at 403-514-7058 directly. Satellite tournaments will be held daily until the event and details on online satellite qualifying will be announced later this week. For additional information please contact the Canadian Poker Tour offices at 403-269-9039.
Event Outline
Monday, May 11th - Main Event Satellites.
$65 Buy-in ($55+$10) @ 12pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for 7pm
satellite.
$550 Buy-in ($520+$30) @ 7pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for
Heads-up Main Event.
Tuesday, May 12th - Main Event Satellites.
$65 Buy-in ($55+$10) @ 12pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for 7pm
satellite.
$550 Buy-in ($520+$30) @ 7pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for
Heads-up Main Event.
Wednesday, May 13th - Event #1 - No Limit Hold'em - One day event @ 12pm.
$550 Buy-in ($500+$50) - 5000 in starting chips.
Thursday, May 14th - 29th - Event #2 - Main Event Heads-up Championship.
$5000 Buy-in ($4600+$400) - Maximum 128 players
Best 2 out of 3 match play. 10,000 in starting chips for each game.
---Bracket Drawing - Wednesday, May 13th. 10pm @ C.P.T. Ultimate Players
Party.
Friday, May 15th - Event #3 - Pot Limit Omaha - One day event @ 4pm.
$200 buy-in with $100 re-buys and $100 optional add-on.
Saturday, May 16th - Event #4 - No Limit Hold'em - One day event @ 2pm.
$1100 Buy-in ($1000+$100) - 10000 in starting chips.
Sunday, May 17th - Event #5 - No Limit Hold'em - One day event @ 12pm.
$550 Buy-in ($500+$50) - 5000 in starting chips.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Canadian Poker
Canadian Gaming
Poker
Poker News
The Canadian Poker Tour, owned and operated by HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc. (PINK SHEETS: HDUP), is proud to announce details of the 2009 Canadian Open Poker Championships. The event will be held May 13-17th, 2009 at the new Stampede Casino in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A total of 5 events will take place and will again this year feature a $5000 buy in Heads Up Main Event. Last year international professional poker players from around the world played in what has been branded the best structured heads up event in the world. "If only the NBC Invitational or World Series of Poker formats were half this good," commented 2005 WSOP Main event winner Joe Hachem. The Main Event will feature 128 players playing best 2 out of 3 with $10,000 in starting chips and 20 minute blinds.
In 2008, pros and celebrities such as Jennifer Tilly, Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Brad Booth and winner Huckleberry Seed all came to participate in one of Canada's premier televised poker events and this year is shaping up to be bigger and better. "The Canadian Open rocks!" stated poker pro Phil Laak known around the world as "The Unibomber", "I can't wait to come back."
With a total estimated prize pool of over $1,000,000 for the series of events, Calgary will be the centre of the poker universe during this week that is also known for its big money cash games running around the clock. Known for hosting its spectacular parties at major events, the Canadian Poker Tour will be announcing details of "The Ultimate Player's Party" to be held the night of Wednesday May 13 when brackets will be drawn for the main event.
As an officially sanctioned Canadian Poker Tour event, money winners in all 5 tournaments will earn valuable player points towards the CPT's Player's Point Championships to be held at the end of the year, crowning Canada's premier poker player. For more details please refer to www.canadianpokertour.tv or find out more in the February/March issue of Canadian Poker Player Magazine.
Registration for all events will be available next week through www.ticketmaster.ca or call the Stampede Poker room at 403-514-7058 directly. Satellite tournaments will be held daily until the event and details on online satellite qualifying will be announced later this week. For additional information please contact the Canadian Poker Tour offices at 403-269-9039.
Event Outline
Monday, May 11th - Main Event Satellites.
$65 Buy-in ($55+$10) @ 12pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for 7pm
satellite.
$550 Buy-in ($520+$30) @ 7pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for
Heads-up Main Event.
Tuesday, May 12th - Main Event Satellites.
$65 Buy-in ($55+$10) @ 12pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for 7pm
satellite.
$550 Buy-in ($520+$30) @ 7pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for
Heads-up Main Event.
Wednesday, May 13th - Event #1 - No Limit Hold'em - One day event @ 12pm.
$550 Buy-in ($500+$50) - 5000 in starting chips.
Thursday, May 14th - 29th - Event #2 - Main Event Heads-up Championship.
$5000 Buy-in ($4600+$400) - Maximum 128 players
Best 2 out of 3 match play. 10,000 in starting chips for each game.
---Bracket Drawing - Wednesday, May 13th. 10pm @ C.P.T. Ultimate Players
Party.
Friday, May 15th - Event #3 - Pot Limit Omaha - One day event @ 4pm.
$200 buy-in with $100 re-buys and $100 optional add-on.
Saturday, May 16th - Event #4 - No Limit Hold'em - One day event @ 2pm.
$1100 Buy-in ($1000+$100) - 10000 in starting chips.
Sunday, May 17th - Event #5 - No Limit Hold'em - One day event @ 12pm.
$550 Buy-in ($500+$50) - 5000 in starting chips.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Canadian Poker
Canadian Gaming
Poker
Poker News
Sunday, February 08, 2009
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