A New Chance for Online Gambling in the U.S., By Eric Pfanner - The New York Times - 26th April 2009
PARIS — Is online gambling coming in from the cold?
When the U.S. Congress cracked down on Internet betting in 2006, the big, publicly traded European companies that had dominated the business closed up shop in the United States. Growth in the booming industry shifted away from these companies, once the darlings of the stock market, to private operators in offshore locations like Antigua and the Isle of Man.
But now, executives of some of the European companies whisper excitedly that they may soon get a second chance in the United States. Meanwhile, a number of European countries that have long maintained barriers are moving, under pressure from regulators, to legalize, and tax, online gambling.
“There’s still a lot of gambling going on, where there’s no revenue coming in to the governments,” said Gavin Kelleher, an analyst at the research firm H2 Gambling Capital in Ireland. “They realize they could use the revenue.”
The biggest potential change would be in the United States, where, perhaps within days, Representative Barney Frank, Democrat of Massachusetts, is expected to introduce legislation aimed at overturning the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
“He supports the repeal and wants to move forward on it,” said Steve Adamske, communications director for the House Financial Services Committee, of which Mr. Frank is chairman.
Mr. Frank tried and failed to do so once before, in 2007. But advocates of liberalization think they might get a friendlier hearing in Washington this time around. President Barack Obama, they note, boasted of his poker prowess during the election campaign. And the Democrats, who are seen as less hostile to Internet gambling than the Republicans, have tightened their grip on Congress.
A study by PricewaterhouseCoopers says the U.S. government could raise more than $50 billion over 10 years from taxes on legalized online gambling.
“I’d be amazed if it didn’t happen over the next two or three years,” said Clive Hawkswood, chief executive of the Remote Gambling Association, a trade group based in London. “It’s just a question of what exactly the regulations will say.”
Some analysts say that may be getting a little bit ahead of the game. Opponents of a repeal, including the Christian Coalition of America and the National Football League, have vowed to fight any new effort to end the ban.
Michele Combs, a spokeswoman for the Christian Coalition, said the group was gearing up for a “massive campaign” of letter-writing and lobbying to try to prevent any loosening of the law.
“We’re not saying people shouldn’t go to Las Vegas,” she said. “But when it’s in your home, it’s too easy. It breaks up families.”
U.S. sports leagues, meanwhile, worry that the ease of online betting increases the chances of game-fixing. Even the most bullish advocates of online gambling acknowledge that Internet sports betting — as opposed to poker or casino games — is highly unlikely to be legalized.
“There’s a better chance now for some sort of gaming legislation to be approved,” said Nick Batram, an analyst at KBC Peel Hunt, a brokerage firm in London. “But it took longer than expected to put anti-gaming legislation in place, and it will probably will take longer than expected to remove it.”
Since the 2006 law was passed, North America, once the biggest market, has been passed by Europe and Asia, according to figures from H2 Gambling Capital. The law makes it illegal for financial institutions to handle payments to online gambling sites. But enough people have found ways around it, some by using overseas payment processors, to ensure that online gambling remains a thriving business. H2 says online gambling generated revenue of $6 billion last year in North America, more than a quarter the global total of $22.6 billion, up from $17.6 billion in 2006.
Pulling out of the United States cost PartyGaming about three-quarters of its business. Its position as the biggest online poker provider has been taken over by PokerStars, a privately held operator based on the Isle of Man.
This month, PartyGaming agreed to a $105 million settlement with the U.S. attorney’s office in New York, involving the period before 2006, when it acknowledged that its activities had been “contrary to certain U.S. laws.” In turn, the U.S. authorities agreed not to prosecute the company, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, or its executives.
The agreement fueled speculation that PartyGaming might be trying to position itself for a return to the U.S. market, if online gambling were legalized.
Analysts say one possibility for European companies like PartyGaming, should the ban be lifted, would be to form partnerships with American casino operators. That would allow the European companies to share their online expertise. Operating alone, they might struggle to obtain licenses, given their history of run-ins with U.S. law enforcement, analysts said.
“It’s my feeling that even if the market were opened up, the U.S. government, in a palatable way, would probably find a way to give local companies a favorable position,” Mr. Batram said.
So far, Las Vegas executives have maintained a cautious stance about legalization of online gambling. Steve Wynn, chief executive of Wynn Resorts, said in an e-mail message that he thought it would be “impossible to regulate.”
“Even though it would be a benefit to our company, we are strongly opposed,” he said.
But speculation that Las Vegas casino operators were looking into the possibilities was fueled by recent reports that Harrah’s Entertainment, which owns Caesars Palace and other casinos, recently hired Mitch Garber, former chief executive of PartyGaming, for an unspecified role. Harrah’s did not return calls.
Mr. Ryan said that PartyGaming planned to focus on acquisition opportunities to increase its market share in Europe and elsewhere, something that was difficult as long as investors were worried about the U.S. litigation. “We think Mr. Frank’s efforts are quite meaningful to the sector,” he said.
Several other online gambling companies whose shares are traded in London, including 888 Holdings and Sportingbet, are still in talks with the U.S. Justice Department. Analysts expect them, along with companies like Bwin International, whose stock is traded in Vienna, to be involved in a round of consolidation in the industry — along with a possible eventual move back into the United States.
As they await developments in Washington, online gambling companies are looking for growth in Europe and Asia. Under pressure from regulators in Brussels, several European Union members, including France, Italy, Spain and Denmark, have been moving to legalize some kinds of online gambling, turning it into a regulated and taxed business. Britain was the first big European country to do so, in 2005.
Other countries, like Germany, Greece and the Netherlands, continue to hold out, though, in what the European Commission sees as an effort to protect government-sponsored gambling monopolies from private competition.
The commission in March published a report arguing that the United States was violating World Trade Organization rules by keeping out European online gambling companies, given that online betting on horse racing is permitted in the United States. But the commission said that it favored negotiations, rather than legal action, to end the dispute.
Also in March, however, the European Parliament adopted a separate measure supporting the right of individual E.U. member states to make their own rules on online gambling.
“It’s interesting that the European Commission is telling the U.S. it’s persecuting European companies when it can’t even get its own house sorted out,” Mr. Batram said.
(Credit: The New York Times)
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009
New York Times Analyzes Online Gaming Issue, by Earl Burton - Poker News Daily - 28th April 2009
When the tides of change swept Washington D. C. in November of 2008 with the presidential election, there were many areas that Americans believed would be altered. While not foremost on the minds of most elected officials, one of those policies considered for change is the legislation on online gaming and poker. An article in Monday’s New York Times offers that the time for discussions about legalizing and regulating the online gaming and poker industry could be now.
The article, entitled “A New Chance For Online Gambling In The U. S.” and written by New York Times writer Eric Pfanner in the Technology section of the paper, is an excellent recount of the history of the discussion on online gaming and how it has not only affected the United States but companies worldwide. Pfanner accurately points out how, when the Bush administration enacted the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, several companies that were freely traded on many foreign stock exchanges and had accepted regulation of their industry were forced out of the U. S. market. This left it open to companies that, while solid members of the online gaming and poker markets, were located in areas of the world that lacked the regulation required by other nations.
Pfanner reports that one of the stalwarts of the regulation movement, Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank, could be “days away” from proposing the key legislation that would overturn the UIGEA. Frank made the same efforts in 2007 but was quashed by the administration in power as well as major lobbying efforts from the National Football League and the Christian Coalition. This time around, Pfanner reports, there is a more open-minded administration under President Obama and the Democrats have a firm control on both houses of Congress, opening up the possibility of regulation.
As expected, there is a great deal of posturing on both sides of the debate. In Pfanner’s article, Clive Hawkswood, one of the chief executives of the trade group Remote Gambling Association in London, states, “I’d be amazed if it didn’t happen over the next two or three years. It’s just a question of what exactly the regulations will say.” Others, such as spokeswoman Michele Combs of the Christian Coalition, are mobilizing their forces to mount an anti-gaming campaign and maintain the status quo.
Perhaps the most surprising voice in the opposition to the legalization and regulation of online gaming and poker is none other than Las Vegas billionaire Steve Wynn. According to Pfanner’s article Wynn – who created the poker destinations of the Mirage, the Bellagio and the Wynn Hotel – stated that the online world would be impossible to regulate. He is quoted in the article as saying via e-mail, “Even though it would be a benefit to our company, we are strongly opposed.”
Also mentioned in Pfanner’s examination of the online gaming and poker world is how Europe handles the industry. He discusses how England has enacted gaming regulation successfully but also demonstrates that other nations, such as Germany, Greece and the Netherlands, aren’t as willing to enact regulation because it would affect their state-run gaming operations. While Europe and other nations have been active in trying to enforce free trade rights in the U. S. through the World Trade Organization, Pfanner surmises at the end of the article that these nations should figure out how they want to handle the issue between their own borders before attacking the United States.
While there has been a great deal of change in different legislative arenas of the U. S. - both good and bad - Pfanner’s work details out the difficulties and politics of the online gaming and poker question not only in America but also around the world. Regulation of the industry would generate a sizeable amount of revenue for the U. S., but whether online poker players are any closer to the freedom of playing the game without rebuke is still a burning question. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Poker News
When the tides of change swept Washington D. C. in November of 2008 with the presidential election, there were many areas that Americans believed would be altered. While not foremost on the minds of most elected officials, one of those policies considered for change is the legislation on online gaming and poker. An article in Monday’s New York Times offers that the time for discussions about legalizing and regulating the online gaming and poker industry could be now.
The article, entitled “A New Chance For Online Gambling In The U. S.” and written by New York Times writer Eric Pfanner in the Technology section of the paper, is an excellent recount of the history of the discussion on online gaming and how it has not only affected the United States but companies worldwide. Pfanner accurately points out how, when the Bush administration enacted the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, several companies that were freely traded on many foreign stock exchanges and had accepted regulation of their industry were forced out of the U. S. market. This left it open to companies that, while solid members of the online gaming and poker markets, were located in areas of the world that lacked the regulation required by other nations.
Pfanner reports that one of the stalwarts of the regulation movement, Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank, could be “days away” from proposing the key legislation that would overturn the UIGEA. Frank made the same efforts in 2007 but was quashed by the administration in power as well as major lobbying efforts from the National Football League and the Christian Coalition. This time around, Pfanner reports, there is a more open-minded administration under President Obama and the Democrats have a firm control on both houses of Congress, opening up the possibility of regulation.
As expected, there is a great deal of posturing on both sides of the debate. In Pfanner’s article, Clive Hawkswood, one of the chief executives of the trade group Remote Gambling Association in London, states, “I’d be amazed if it didn’t happen over the next two or three years. It’s just a question of what exactly the regulations will say.” Others, such as spokeswoman Michele Combs of the Christian Coalition, are mobilizing their forces to mount an anti-gaming campaign and maintain the status quo.
Perhaps the most surprising voice in the opposition to the legalization and regulation of online gaming and poker is none other than Las Vegas billionaire Steve Wynn. According to Pfanner’s article Wynn – who created the poker destinations of the Mirage, the Bellagio and the Wynn Hotel – stated that the online world would be impossible to regulate. He is quoted in the article as saying via e-mail, “Even though it would be a benefit to our company, we are strongly opposed.”
Also mentioned in Pfanner’s examination of the online gaming and poker world is how Europe handles the industry. He discusses how England has enacted gaming regulation successfully but also demonstrates that other nations, such as Germany, Greece and the Netherlands, aren’t as willing to enact regulation because it would affect their state-run gaming operations. While Europe and other nations have been active in trying to enforce free trade rights in the U. S. through the World Trade Organization, Pfanner surmises at the end of the article that these nations should figure out how they want to handle the issue between their own borders before attacking the United States.
While there has been a great deal of change in different legislative arenas of the U. S. - both good and bad - Pfanner’s work details out the difficulties and politics of the online gaming and poker question not only in America but also around the world. Regulation of the industry would generate a sizeable amount of revenue for the U. S., but whether online poker players are any closer to the freedom of playing the game without rebuke is still a burning question. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Party Poker May Million Dollar Rake Race - 28th April 2009
Party Poker are celebrating spring with an excellent million dollar rake race taking place throughout May. Part of the Party Gaming Group, the poker site has quickly become popular with players , largely due to its promotions and extra features.
The May Million Dollar Race will involve 3000 players all competing to win a part of the $1,000,000. Beginning on the 1st May the monthly race is expected to attracted thousands of players.
The user who finishes at the top of the leaderboard will take home a huge $20,000 as well as a WSOP package worth the same amount. Simply play at Party Poker throughout May and try to win as much as possible.
The top ten players will all win a WSOP package which includes, travel, accommodation, entry fees for the event as well as spending money.
A PartyPoker.com spokesman said, “This promotion is simple - the more Race Points you earn the higher up in the leaderboard you climb and the more cash and prizes you can win. We are under starters’ orders and off for our biggest ever rake race this Friday. The race has great prizes from 1st through to 3000th!”
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Party Poker are celebrating spring with an excellent million dollar rake race taking place throughout May. Part of the Party Gaming Group, the poker site has quickly become popular with players , largely due to its promotions and extra features.
The May Million Dollar Race will involve 3000 players all competing to win a part of the $1,000,000. Beginning on the 1st May the monthly race is expected to attracted thousands of players.
The user who finishes at the top of the leaderboard will take home a huge $20,000 as well as a WSOP package worth the same amount. Simply play at Party Poker throughout May and try to win as much as possible.
The top ten players will all win a WSOP package which includes, travel, accommodation, entry fees for the event as well as spending money.
A PartyPoker.com spokesman said, “This promotion is simple - the more Race Points you earn the higher up in the leaderboard you climb and the more cash and prizes you can win. We are under starters’ orders and off for our biggest ever rake race this Friday. The race has great prizes from 1st through to 3000th!”
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Companies Gearing Up for Intra-State Poker Will Dominate Internet Gambling -iGaming - 27th April 2009
Implications
Harrah's is rumored to have hired Mitch Garber, former CEO of PartyGaming (PYGFM), to head its World Series of Poker and online gaming operations. PYGFM itself settled with the federal Department of Justice, and is looking to now get back into the U.S. Rep. Barney Frank had to delay repealing the UIGEA, but the states are moving ahead with intra-state gambling, particularly poker in California. And the operators who get in on the ground floor will be in the best position to control the entire U.S. market.
Analysis
The continuing financial crisis has delayed Frank's reintroduction in Congress of his bill to amend the UIGEA, to create a federal regulatory and taxing authority. But even under existing law, states like California are actively looking at expanding Internet gambling. More than 20 states already have at-home betting on horseracing, so there is no logical reason to not have the same for dogracing, or poker. The California bills authorizing Internet poker have actually already been introduced, though the specific language will be added by amendment in late May or early June. California is such an enormous market, that the gaming companies that are most successful if the state legalizes intra-state poker will dominate the U.S. and even the world markets when Congress allows interstate compacts. PartyPoker captured 40% of all online poker by being one of the first, with the best marketing.
Harrah's already works with California Indian tribes and for years has been trying to buy a California cardclub. It has an active online play for fun site. The rumors about Mitch Garber, who reached his own settlement with the DoJ, may or may not be true. But Harrah's won't let an opportunity like California Internet poker go by. PYGFM is already looking to get in, but bad blood with Garber may prevent any deal with Harrah's.
A wild card is Lakes Entertainment (LACO), headed by expert poker player Lyle Berman, with strong ties to the World Poker Tour and a California tribe. Most other gaming companies are either too worried about, or already in, bankruptcy -- MGM Mirage (MGM), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Trump Entertainment Resorts (TRMPQ), Station Casinos, Herbst Gaming, Greektown Holdings, Legends Gaming, Magna Entertainment (MECAQ), Progressive Gaming (PGICQ), Greek Isles, Tropicana Entertainment, Riviera Holdings (RIV), Hooters, Empire Resorts (NYNY), UTGR, Majestic HoldCo.
Penn National Gaming (PENN) and to a lesser extent Wynn Resorts (WYNN) and Boyd Gaming (BYD)are in great shape, but have never shown much interest in the Internet, and are looking to pick up land-based casinos at bargain prices from MGM. Regional gaming companies like Isle of Capri Casinos (ISLE) and Pinnacle Entertainment (PNK) and foreign landbased operators have no natural ties with California.
Internet operators, on the other hand, want in. Publicly traded companies that pulled out of the U.S. market are looking into following PYGFM's lead. SportingBet and 888 Holdings are in discussions with the DoJ to pay cash for settlements giving them a clean bill of health and the right to start taking legal bets from Americans, as soon as the law is made clear.
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Implications
Harrah's is rumored to have hired Mitch Garber, former CEO of PartyGaming (PYGFM), to head its World Series of Poker and online gaming operations. PYGFM itself settled with the federal Department of Justice, and is looking to now get back into the U.S. Rep. Barney Frank had to delay repealing the UIGEA, but the states are moving ahead with intra-state gambling, particularly poker in California. And the operators who get in on the ground floor will be in the best position to control the entire U.S. market.
Analysis
The continuing financial crisis has delayed Frank's reintroduction in Congress of his bill to amend the UIGEA, to create a federal regulatory and taxing authority. But even under existing law, states like California are actively looking at expanding Internet gambling. More than 20 states already have at-home betting on horseracing, so there is no logical reason to not have the same for dogracing, or poker. The California bills authorizing Internet poker have actually already been introduced, though the specific language will be added by amendment in late May or early June. California is such an enormous market, that the gaming companies that are most successful if the state legalizes intra-state poker will dominate the U.S. and even the world markets when Congress allows interstate compacts. PartyPoker captured 40% of all online poker by being one of the first, with the best marketing.
Harrah's already works with California Indian tribes and for years has been trying to buy a California cardclub. It has an active online play for fun site. The rumors about Mitch Garber, who reached his own settlement with the DoJ, may or may not be true. But Harrah's won't let an opportunity like California Internet poker go by. PYGFM is already looking to get in, but bad blood with Garber may prevent any deal with Harrah's.
A wild card is Lakes Entertainment (LACO), headed by expert poker player Lyle Berman, with strong ties to the World Poker Tour and a California tribe. Most other gaming companies are either too worried about, or already in, bankruptcy -- MGM Mirage (MGM), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Trump Entertainment Resorts (TRMPQ), Station Casinos, Herbst Gaming, Greektown Holdings, Legends Gaming, Magna Entertainment (MECAQ), Progressive Gaming (PGICQ), Greek Isles, Tropicana Entertainment, Riviera Holdings (RIV), Hooters, Empire Resorts (NYNY), UTGR, Majestic HoldCo.
Penn National Gaming (PENN) and to a lesser extent Wynn Resorts (WYNN) and Boyd Gaming (BYD)are in great shape, but have never shown much interest in the Internet, and are looking to pick up land-based casinos at bargain prices from MGM. Regional gaming companies like Isle of Capri Casinos (ISLE) and Pinnacle Entertainment (PNK) and foreign landbased operators have no natural ties with California.
Internet operators, on the other hand, want in. Publicly traded companies that pulled out of the U.S. market are looking into following PYGFM's lead. SportingBet and 888 Holdings are in discussions with the DoJ to pay cash for settlements giving them a clean bill of health and the right to start taking legal bets from Americans, as soon as the law is made clear.
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Freeroll For Two Grand Prix De Paris Packages For Just 200 PartyPoints!
Win Two Grand Prix De Paris Packages At PartyPoker.com
200 PartyPoints Equals Entry Into Online Freeroll For Aviation Club Spectacular
22nd April 2009 – http://www.partypoker.com is offering the chance to win two packages for the prestigious Grand Prix de Paris at the Aviation Club through a special online satellite freeroll.
The Grand Prix de Paris takes place at Paris’ legendary home of poker between the 14th – 17th May 2009 and PartyPoker.com is hosting a special online satellite for two packages on Thursday 30th April at 20.00 CEST (19.00 BST, 14.00 EST). All you have to do to qualify is collect 200 PartyPoints between the 22nd – 28th April to take your seat.
A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: “The Aviation Club is bang in the heart of Paris and has a rich history as one of Europe’s most famous poker venues. The Grand Prix de Paris has historically attracted a world class line-up and provides a unique poker experience. It is easy to have a shot at winning one of the two packages, all you have to do is earn 200 PartyPoints between 22nd – 28th April to earn entry into the online freeroll.”
Each of the two packages is worth $15,500 and covers the Main Event buy-in of €10,000, five nights’ accommodation at a luxury Paris hotel and $800 spending money. For more information see: http://www.partypoker.com/news/items/apc2009.html
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Win Two Grand Prix De Paris Packages At PartyPoker.com
200 PartyPoints Equals Entry Into Online Freeroll For Aviation Club Spectacular
22nd April 2009 – http://www.partypoker.com is offering the chance to win two packages for the prestigious Grand Prix de Paris at the Aviation Club through a special online satellite freeroll.
The Grand Prix de Paris takes place at Paris’ legendary home of poker between the 14th – 17th May 2009 and PartyPoker.com is hosting a special online satellite for two packages on Thursday 30th April at 20.00 CEST (19.00 BST, 14.00 EST). All you have to do to qualify is collect 200 PartyPoints between the 22nd – 28th April to take your seat.
A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: “The Aviation Club is bang in the heart of Paris and has a rich history as one of Europe’s most famous poker venues. The Grand Prix de Paris has historically attracted a world class line-up and provides a unique poker experience. It is easy to have a shot at winning one of the two packages, all you have to do is earn 200 PartyPoints between 22nd – 28th April to earn entry into the online freeroll.”
Each of the two packages is worth $15,500 and covers the Main Event buy-in of €10,000, five nights’ accommodation at a luxury Paris hotel and $800 spending money. For more information see: http://www.partypoker.com/news/items/apc2009.html
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Free Upper Class Vegas flight for every WSOP player
21st April 2009
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the oldest, largest, most prestigious, and most media-hyped gaming competition in the world and as such Virgin Poker is NOW running WSOP online satellites.
Now until 21st June 2009
Join one of these satellites and win either a €5,000 or €10,000 WSOP package, Virgin Poker will throw in 100,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles – that’s enough for the winners to get there for free, and in style!!!
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21st April 2009
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the oldest, largest, most prestigious, and most media-hyped gaming competition in the world and as such Virgin Poker is NOW running WSOP online satellites.
Now until 21st June 2009
Join one of these satellites and win either a €5,000 or €10,000 WSOP package, Virgin Poker will throw in 100,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles – that’s enough for the winners to get there for free, and in style!!!
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Poker Players Alliance to Spend $3 Million for Lobbying Efforts, by Tom Jenkins - Poker News Daily - 20th April 2009
In a recent article by the Associated Press, it was revealed that the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the major lobbying force for the poker industry, plans to spend $3 million for lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill during the current Congressional session.
The online poker industry is on the cusp of seeing new internet gambling legislation introduced by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA). It will need to sway a Congress that is engulfed with a struggling economy and ongoing war in Iraq to address the need for internet gambling or online poker legislation. The PPA’s method will be to lay out $3 million during the 111th Congress, which began in January and runs through the end of 2010. According to the Associated Press, The group gets its money from the “Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), a Vancouver, British Columbia-based trade association for online casinos, as well as from its poker player members.”
The PPA has over one million members worldwide, a number that it reached last year, and offers premium versions for a one-time fee of $20. Many of its constituents, however, are of the free variety. Benefits of upgrading to a premium membership include access to the PPA’s extensive Litigation Network, which puts poker players in need of legal counsel in touch with local pre-screened lawyers, as well as a discount program that touts potential savings of over $2,000 per year. Other benefits of the $20 membership include a PPA card protector and window decal, discounts on PPA merchandise, and the ability to donate to the organization’s Poker Political Action Committee (PAC).
The National Football League (NFL) has been among the advocates of continuing the enforcement of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which was passed into law during the final minutes of the 2006 Congressional session. Last month, it was revealed that the NFL had hired lobbyist Jeff Miller, who will serve as its first in-house counsel and keep the pulse of Capitol Hill. In an interview with the Associated Press, when asked whether he would continue to support upholding the UIGEA and Wire Act, Miller responded, "We want to maintain the integrity of the game, and gambling threatens that."
The UIGEA does not clarify what is legal and illegal under it. Instead, the doctrine defers to existing federal, state, and tribal laws and charges the financial services industry with its enforcement. The Associated Press article notes that half of the $16 billion internet gambling industry is “fueled by bettors in the United States.” The entire industry underwent a makeover as a result of the 2006 law, which sent the largest online poker site at the time, PartyPoker, packing from the market. In addition, payment processors such as Neteller and Citadel Commerce fled. A subsidiary of a publicly traded company, PartyPoker is now the fourth largest site or network worldwide according to PokerScout.com. It has also rebounded to become the second largest that does not accept players from the United States.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy told the Associated Press, “We understand that illegal gambling currently occurs, but there is little we can do about that. However, we can exercise our right to oppose Internet betting on our games. Gambling on our games – online or offline – threatens the integrity of our games and all the values they represent.” A recent study by U.S.-based PricewaterhouseCoopers noted that up to $52 billion could be raised by taxing and regulating the internet gambling industry over a ten year period. However, that figure relied heavily on professional sports leagues opening up betting on their games, a concept the NFL appears to be ardently opposed to.
Frank told the Associated Press in a previous interview that he plans to introduce internet gambling legislation before the end of April. Congress was on a recess for the Easter holiday last week. The Chairman of the powerful House Financial Services Committee had originally intended to submit a bill in March, but it was ultimately postponed due to the ongoing economic meltdown. What form the legislation will take is also not yet known.
Stay tuned to Poker News Daily for the latest from Capitol Hill. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
UIGEA
Poker News
In a recent article by the Associated Press, it was revealed that the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the major lobbying force for the poker industry, plans to spend $3 million for lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill during the current Congressional session.
The online poker industry is on the cusp of seeing new internet gambling legislation introduced by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA). It will need to sway a Congress that is engulfed with a struggling economy and ongoing war in Iraq to address the need for internet gambling or online poker legislation. The PPA’s method will be to lay out $3 million during the 111th Congress, which began in January and runs through the end of 2010. According to the Associated Press, The group gets its money from the “Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), a Vancouver, British Columbia-based trade association for online casinos, as well as from its poker player members.”
The PPA has over one million members worldwide, a number that it reached last year, and offers premium versions for a one-time fee of $20. Many of its constituents, however, are of the free variety. Benefits of upgrading to a premium membership include access to the PPA’s extensive Litigation Network, which puts poker players in need of legal counsel in touch with local pre-screened lawyers, as well as a discount program that touts potential savings of over $2,000 per year. Other benefits of the $20 membership include a PPA card protector and window decal, discounts on PPA merchandise, and the ability to donate to the organization’s Poker Political Action Committee (PAC).
The National Football League (NFL) has been among the advocates of continuing the enforcement of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which was passed into law during the final minutes of the 2006 Congressional session. Last month, it was revealed that the NFL had hired lobbyist Jeff Miller, who will serve as its first in-house counsel and keep the pulse of Capitol Hill. In an interview with the Associated Press, when asked whether he would continue to support upholding the UIGEA and Wire Act, Miller responded, "We want to maintain the integrity of the game, and gambling threatens that."
The UIGEA does not clarify what is legal and illegal under it. Instead, the doctrine defers to existing federal, state, and tribal laws and charges the financial services industry with its enforcement. The Associated Press article notes that half of the $16 billion internet gambling industry is “fueled by bettors in the United States.” The entire industry underwent a makeover as a result of the 2006 law, which sent the largest online poker site at the time, PartyPoker, packing from the market. In addition, payment processors such as Neteller and Citadel Commerce fled. A subsidiary of a publicly traded company, PartyPoker is now the fourth largest site or network worldwide according to PokerScout.com. It has also rebounded to become the second largest that does not accept players from the United States.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy told the Associated Press, “We understand that illegal gambling currently occurs, but there is little we can do about that. However, we can exercise our right to oppose Internet betting on our games. Gambling on our games – online or offline – threatens the integrity of our games and all the values they represent.” A recent study by U.S.-based PricewaterhouseCoopers noted that up to $52 billion could be raised by taxing and regulating the internet gambling industry over a ten year period. However, that figure relied heavily on professional sports leagues opening up betting on their games, a concept the NFL appears to be ardently opposed to.
Frank told the Associated Press in a previous interview that he plans to introduce internet gambling legislation before the end of April. Congress was on a recess for the Easter holiday last week. The Chairman of the powerful House Financial Services Committee had originally intended to submit a bill in March, but it was ultimately postponed due to the ongoing economic meltdown. What form the legislation will take is also not yet known.
Stay tuned to Poker News Daily for the latest from Capitol Hill. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Monday, April 20, 2009
WPT Championship Begins Saturday, by Dan Cypra - Poker News Daily - 16th April 2009
On Saturday, the World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship will kick off from the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The $25,000 buy-in tournament is the last stop of Season VII and will crown a champion seven days later.
Last year, David Chiu emerged victorious from a pack of 545 entrants en route to victory. He pocketed $3.4 million for his efforts, one of the largest paydays in WPT history. The finale featured Chiu take on Full Tilt Poker pro Gus Hansen, one of the world’s most feared players. Hansen landed a $1.7 million consolation prize. Also at the final table were John Roveto (third for $923,355), Cory “UGOTPZD” Carroll (fourth for $593,645), Tommy Le (fifth for $395,725), and Jeff King (sixth for $263,815). A total of 100 players finished in the money during the Season VI WPT Championship.
In a tournament series that has seen a bevy of events come and go, the WPT Championship has remained a staple. The annual end of year gala has seen some of the world’s top poker players dominate. During the Season V WPT Championship, “The Spaniard” Carlos Mortensen triumphed over a field of 639 players and cashed for $3.9 million. He defeated World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner Kirk Morrison heads-up; Morrison took home $2.0 million for his efforts. Others who claimed life-changing money were Paul Lee (third for $1.1 million), Guy Laliberte (fourth for $696,220), Tim Phan (fifth for $464,110), and Mike Wattel (sixth for $309,405).
The Season IV final table will go down as one of the most talented in the history of the WPT. In the end, Joe Bartholdi, a poker player in his 20s, bested Davidson Matthew heads-up and grabbed $3.8 million. Roland de Wolfe, James Van Alstyne, and Men “The Master” Nguyen also made the final table. During Season III, Tuan Le outlasted Paul Maxfield heads-up in a tournament that attracted 453 entrants. The duo were joined by Hasan Habib, John “The Razor” Phan, European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo Grand Final winner Rob Hollink, and Phil Ivey at the televised final table.
Season II saw Martin de Knijff battle Habib in the finale, with the former coming out on top and earning $2.7 million. Matt Matros and recent Bay 101 Shooting Star Champion Steve Brecher were also at the final table, taking third and sixth, respectively. The first ever WPT Championship was held in 2003, with Alan Goehring defeating Kirill Gerasimov. Goehring earned $1 million for the win over a final table that also featured Ivey, Doyle Brunson, and Ted Forrest. The $25,000 buy-in event is the richest of any WPT tournament. Each event’s winner during the regular season takes home an entry.
Here is the schedule for the seventh annual WPT Championship at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. All times are local:
Saturday, April 18th, 2009: Day 1A, 12:00pm
Sunday, April 19th, 2009: Day 1B, 12:00pm
Monday, April 20th, 2009: Day 2, 12:00pm
Tuesday, April 21st, 2009: Day 3, 12:00pm
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009: Day 4, 12:00pm
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009: Day 5, 12:00pm
Friday, April 24th, 2009: Day 6, 12:00pm
Saturday, April 25th, 2009: Final Table, TBA
In addition to the WPT Championship, a $540 buy-in ClubWPT side event will take place on April 23rd at 2:00pm. ClubWPT is the tournament series’ subscription-based online poker room that accepts customers from the United States. Super satellites to the Main Event are also taking place daily. The final opportunity for players to win their way into the WPT Championship occurs on Saturday at 10:00pm; super satellite tournaments boast a $1,590 price tag.
The Season VII WPT Championship will air on Fox Sports Net, which also holds the rights to broadcast Season VIII of the roving tournament series. New episodes air on Sunday nights. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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On Saturday, the World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship will kick off from the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The $25,000 buy-in tournament is the last stop of Season VII and will crown a champion seven days later.
Last year, David Chiu emerged victorious from a pack of 545 entrants en route to victory. He pocketed $3.4 million for his efforts, one of the largest paydays in WPT history. The finale featured Chiu take on Full Tilt Poker pro Gus Hansen, one of the world’s most feared players. Hansen landed a $1.7 million consolation prize. Also at the final table were John Roveto (third for $923,355), Cory “UGOTPZD” Carroll (fourth for $593,645), Tommy Le (fifth for $395,725), and Jeff King (sixth for $263,815). A total of 100 players finished in the money during the Season VI WPT Championship.
In a tournament series that has seen a bevy of events come and go, the WPT Championship has remained a staple. The annual end of year gala has seen some of the world’s top poker players dominate. During the Season V WPT Championship, “The Spaniard” Carlos Mortensen triumphed over a field of 639 players and cashed for $3.9 million. He defeated World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner Kirk Morrison heads-up; Morrison took home $2.0 million for his efforts. Others who claimed life-changing money were Paul Lee (third for $1.1 million), Guy Laliberte (fourth for $696,220), Tim Phan (fifth for $464,110), and Mike Wattel (sixth for $309,405).
The Season IV final table will go down as one of the most talented in the history of the WPT. In the end, Joe Bartholdi, a poker player in his 20s, bested Davidson Matthew heads-up and grabbed $3.8 million. Roland de Wolfe, James Van Alstyne, and Men “The Master” Nguyen also made the final table. During Season III, Tuan Le outlasted Paul Maxfield heads-up in a tournament that attracted 453 entrants. The duo were joined by Hasan Habib, John “The Razor” Phan, European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo Grand Final winner Rob Hollink, and Phil Ivey at the televised final table.
Season II saw Martin de Knijff battle Habib in the finale, with the former coming out on top and earning $2.7 million. Matt Matros and recent Bay 101 Shooting Star Champion Steve Brecher were also at the final table, taking third and sixth, respectively. The first ever WPT Championship was held in 2003, with Alan Goehring defeating Kirill Gerasimov. Goehring earned $1 million for the win over a final table that also featured Ivey, Doyle Brunson, and Ted Forrest. The $25,000 buy-in event is the richest of any WPT tournament. Each event’s winner during the regular season takes home an entry.
Here is the schedule for the seventh annual WPT Championship at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. All times are local:
Saturday, April 18th, 2009: Day 1A, 12:00pm
Sunday, April 19th, 2009: Day 1B, 12:00pm
Monday, April 20th, 2009: Day 2, 12:00pm
Tuesday, April 21st, 2009: Day 3, 12:00pm
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009: Day 4, 12:00pm
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009: Day 5, 12:00pm
Friday, April 24th, 2009: Day 6, 12:00pm
Saturday, April 25th, 2009: Final Table, TBA
In addition to the WPT Championship, a $540 buy-in ClubWPT side event will take place on April 23rd at 2:00pm. ClubWPT is the tournament series’ subscription-based online poker room that accepts customers from the United States. Super satellites to the Main Event are also taking place daily. The final opportunity for players to win their way into the WPT Championship occurs on Saturday at 10:00pm; super satellite tournaments boast a $1,590 price tag.
The Season VII WPT Championship will air on Fox Sports Net, which also holds the rights to broadcast Season VIII of the roving tournament series. New episodes air on Sunday nights. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Congress Won't Legalize iGaming Soon, Vegas Analyst Predicts
Other matters occupying legislature's time, columnist claims
April 16, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- In his popular weekly Inside Gaming column, Las Vegas Review-Journal writer Howard Stutz predicts that, despite the much-publicized promises of Barney Frank and the presence of a new, more iGaming-friendly presidential administration, the U.S. Congress isn’t likely to act on reversing the UIGEA anytime soon.
“Congress is tied up with other pressing issues,” he writes.
The main reason cited by Stutz is that Macquarie Securities gaming analyst Joel Simkins has told investors he doesn’t think legalization will happen soon. Simkins came to this conclusion after “checking with Washington, D.C., lobbyist contacts and casino company operators dialed into Capitol Hill,” relates Stutz.
"We see little reason for investors to try to play this near-term," Simkins was quoted in the article.
Even despite the fact that an estimated $20 to $25 billion is spent annually on online gambling, lawmakers simply aren’t concerned about the issue at this point, given the severity of the U.S. recession (and the media's preoccupation with that issue).
"Given the more pressing economic concerns of industries that currently employ considerably more potential voters than online gaming ever will, we think the odds are very slim that online gaming will be supported on Capitol Hill," Simkins was quoted.
Simkins does, however, predict that online gaming will eventually be legalized, most likely by an "intranet" gambling system on a state-by-state level.
Click here to read Howard Stutz's column at the Las Vegas Review Journal.
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Other matters occupying legislature's time, columnist claims
April 16, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- In his popular weekly Inside Gaming column, Las Vegas Review-Journal writer Howard Stutz predicts that, despite the much-publicized promises of Barney Frank and the presence of a new, more iGaming-friendly presidential administration, the U.S. Congress isn’t likely to act on reversing the UIGEA anytime soon.
“Congress is tied up with other pressing issues,” he writes.
The main reason cited by Stutz is that Macquarie Securities gaming analyst Joel Simkins has told investors he doesn’t think legalization will happen soon. Simkins came to this conclusion after “checking with Washington, D.C., lobbyist contacts and casino company operators dialed into Capitol Hill,” relates Stutz.
"We see little reason for investors to try to play this near-term," Simkins was quoted in the article.
Even despite the fact that an estimated $20 to $25 billion is spent annually on online gambling, lawmakers simply aren’t concerned about the issue at this point, given the severity of the U.S. recession (and the media's preoccupation with that issue).
"Given the more pressing economic concerns of industries that currently employ considerably more potential voters than online gaming ever will, we think the odds are very slim that online gaming will be supported on Capitol Hill," Simkins was quoted.
Simkins does, however, predict that online gaming will eventually be legalized, most likely by an "intranet" gambling system on a state-by-state level.
Click here to read Howard Stutz's column at the Las Vegas Review Journal.
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Sunday, April 19, 2009
Big poker weekend on tap, by Andy Samuelson - Las Vegas Sun - 17th April 2009
It’s a big weekend for Las Vegas’ poker scene.
Tonight Jennifer Harman’s third-annual Charity Poker Tournament kicks off at 5 p.m. in the Venetian poker room.
The event, which benefits the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), includes past World Series of Poker main-event champions Doyle Brunson, Chris Ferguson, Phil Hellmuth, and Jerry Yang.
Other pros that plan on playing the $330 buy-in, $100 rebuys an add-ons tourney include Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Barry Greenstein, Eli Elezra, Andy Bloch, Maria Ho, and Tiffany Michelle.
The winner grabs a seat at the 2009 World Series of Poker main event and a Curtis and Co. watch. The top 10 finishers also win prizes.
On Saturday, the World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship kicks off at the Bellagio.
The $25,000 buy-in tournament is the last stop of Season VII and will air on Fox Sports Net.
David Chiu beat out 545 entrants last year, including Full Tilt Poker pro Gus Hansen, to claim the $3.4 million top prize. Hansen snagged $1.7 million for second as 100 players finished in the money.
The London Times reported Sunday that Harrah's Entertainment hired Mitch Garber, the former PartyGaming CEO.
While his role hasn’t been defined, speculators say Garber could head a new division of Internet gambling as well as the WSOP.
According to PokerListings, Harrah’s CEO Gary Loveman said at the 2007 Global Gaming Expo that the WSOP may branch into online formats in Europe.
Legalities in the United States prevent such a situation, but a U.S.-based company can offer online services in Europe.
"Although there's plenty of support brewing for legalization and regulation of online gambling in the United States, it's not a done deal yet," wrote Lou Krieger, the editor of Poker Player Newspaper, on a recent blog.
"Nevertheless, Garber's hiring puts Harrah's out in front of the curve should UIGEA be set aside, and Garber's presence would give Harrah's a hand up the ladder in the US online poker market." (Credit: Las Vegas Sun)
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It’s a big weekend for Las Vegas’ poker scene.
Tonight Jennifer Harman’s third-annual Charity Poker Tournament kicks off at 5 p.m. in the Venetian poker room.
The event, which benefits the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), includes past World Series of Poker main-event champions Doyle Brunson, Chris Ferguson, Phil Hellmuth, and Jerry Yang.
Other pros that plan on playing the $330 buy-in, $100 rebuys an add-ons tourney include Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Barry Greenstein, Eli Elezra, Andy Bloch, Maria Ho, and Tiffany Michelle.
The winner grabs a seat at the 2009 World Series of Poker main event and a Curtis and Co. watch. The top 10 finishers also win prizes.
On Saturday, the World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship kicks off at the Bellagio.
The $25,000 buy-in tournament is the last stop of Season VII and will air on Fox Sports Net.
David Chiu beat out 545 entrants last year, including Full Tilt Poker pro Gus Hansen, to claim the $3.4 million top prize. Hansen snagged $1.7 million for second as 100 players finished in the money.
The London Times reported Sunday that Harrah's Entertainment hired Mitch Garber, the former PartyGaming CEO.
While his role hasn’t been defined, speculators say Garber could head a new division of Internet gambling as well as the WSOP.
According to PokerListings, Harrah’s CEO Gary Loveman said at the 2007 Global Gaming Expo that the WSOP may branch into online formats in Europe.
Legalities in the United States prevent such a situation, but a U.S.-based company can offer online services in Europe.
"Although there's plenty of support brewing for legalization and regulation of online gambling in the United States, it's not a done deal yet," wrote Lou Krieger, the editor of Poker Player Newspaper, on a recent blog.
"Nevertheless, Garber's hiring puts Harrah's out in front of the curve should UIGEA be set aside, and Garber's presence would give Harrah's a hand up the ladder in the US online poker market." (Credit: Las Vegas Sun)
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Friday, April 17, 2009
PKR Announces Pro Team, by Brett Collson - Poker News Daily - 16th April 2009
Joining the likes of the other major online poker rooms, next generation poker site PKR.com today announced the roster of its new “Team PKR Pro.” The six new members will represent PKR.com and act as brand ambassadors for the website.
“Team PKR Pro” will be exclusively sponsored by PKR and act as brand representatives at live events, as well as offering a variety of content for the PKR.com website and PKR TV. They will also be available to play on the PKR.com site in both cash games and specially organized bounty tournaments.
The inaugural members of the team include TV celebrity Ashley Hames (ashleyhames1), GUKPT winner Andrew Teng (PKR username “golfpro699”) and 2008 Irish Open finalist Kai Danilo Paulsen (kingkai84), along with PKR community members Raymond O’Mahoney (callmebabe), James Sudworth (James666) and PKR Live runner-up Henrik Eklund (pokey85).
“We’ve been following our initial ‘Team PKR Pro’ members for some time and are convinced that they all have the game and personality required to be genuinely world class poker players”, said PKR Marketing Director Simon Prodger. “They are also among the most recognized and respected players within the PKR community so are guaranteed to have over two and a half million people cheering them on every time they play.”
Here’s a closer look at each of the new members of “Team PKR Pro”:
Henrik “Pokey85” Eklund (Stockholm, Sweden) -- Eklund, 24, has been playing poker for four years. The Swede has been a regular at PKR’s nosebleed cash game tables since April 2007 and began to make a name for himself on the live tournament scene by taking second place at the inaugural PKR Live in November 2008 followed by a victory in the APT Manila Headhunter side event. Henrik’s ambition for 2009 (beyond winning the WSOP) is to make a final table of a major event.
Ashley “ashleyhames1” Hames (London, UK) -- Ashley Hames is a popular TV presenter and writer who is known for his series Sin Cities -- still Bravo’s highest rating show ever in the UK. Hames is also the PKR TV commentator. He began playing poker in 2008 and rates his poker highs as playing in the WSOP main event, reaching the final of Celebrity Poker Club and playing on the TV table at this year’s Irish Open.
Raymond “callmebabe” O’Mahoney (Dublin, Republic of Ireland) -- Like Eklund, O’Mahoney has been cutting his teeth at the highest cash games and tournaments since April 2007. His first major live cash came courtesy of the inaugural PKR Live $500 Main Event, where he finished fourth for $6,500. Ray’s goal is to win his home major, the Irish Open.
Kai “KingKai” Paulsen (Trondheim, Norway) -- The 25-year-old Norwegian has the finest live tournament record of any PKR regular with more than $322,000 in earnings. This includes two cashes at the WSOP (including an 18th place finish in Event #49 in 2007) and a fifth place finish at the 2008 Irish Open, where he earned $229,358. Kai’s aspirations include winning one of poker’s majors -- and preferably bring home a bracelet.
James “James666” Sudworth (Kent, UK) -- This 22 year old has been a familiar face at the PKR tables since November of 2006, playing some of the biggest cash games the site has to offer. Sudworth’s top poker accomplishment was a runner-up finish at the GUKPT in January 2009 for more than £40,000.
Andrew “golfpro699” Teng (London, UK) -- Teng has been a high-stakes pro across many online sites for the past two years. He made an impact on the live scene in 2008, first making a deep run in the WSOP Main Event (126th place) and then winning the Thanet leg of the GUKPT in October 2008 for £70,000.
PRK, founded in 2005, is an innovative online poker site that features real-time video game-like 3D graphics that has changed the way online poker is played. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Joining the likes of the other major online poker rooms, next generation poker site PKR.com today announced the roster of its new “Team PKR Pro.” The six new members will represent PKR.com and act as brand ambassadors for the website.
“Team PKR Pro” will be exclusively sponsored by PKR and act as brand representatives at live events, as well as offering a variety of content for the PKR.com website and PKR TV. They will also be available to play on the PKR.com site in both cash games and specially organized bounty tournaments.
The inaugural members of the team include TV celebrity Ashley Hames (ashleyhames1), GUKPT winner Andrew Teng (PKR username “golfpro699”) and 2008 Irish Open finalist Kai Danilo Paulsen (kingkai84), along with PKR community members Raymond O’Mahoney (callmebabe), James Sudworth (James666) and PKR Live runner-up Henrik Eklund (pokey85).
“We’ve been following our initial ‘Team PKR Pro’ members for some time and are convinced that they all have the game and personality required to be genuinely world class poker players”, said PKR Marketing Director Simon Prodger. “They are also among the most recognized and respected players within the PKR community so are guaranteed to have over two and a half million people cheering them on every time they play.”
Here’s a closer look at each of the new members of “Team PKR Pro”:
Henrik “Pokey85” Eklund (Stockholm, Sweden) -- Eklund, 24, has been playing poker for four years. The Swede has been a regular at PKR’s nosebleed cash game tables since April 2007 and began to make a name for himself on the live tournament scene by taking second place at the inaugural PKR Live in November 2008 followed by a victory in the APT Manila Headhunter side event. Henrik’s ambition for 2009 (beyond winning the WSOP) is to make a final table of a major event.
Ashley “ashleyhames1” Hames (London, UK) -- Ashley Hames is a popular TV presenter and writer who is known for his series Sin Cities -- still Bravo’s highest rating show ever in the UK. Hames is also the PKR TV commentator. He began playing poker in 2008 and rates his poker highs as playing in the WSOP main event, reaching the final of Celebrity Poker Club and playing on the TV table at this year’s Irish Open.
Raymond “callmebabe” O’Mahoney (Dublin, Republic of Ireland) -- Like Eklund, O’Mahoney has been cutting his teeth at the highest cash games and tournaments since April 2007. His first major live cash came courtesy of the inaugural PKR Live $500 Main Event, where he finished fourth for $6,500. Ray’s goal is to win his home major, the Irish Open.
Kai “KingKai” Paulsen (Trondheim, Norway) -- The 25-year-old Norwegian has the finest live tournament record of any PKR regular with more than $322,000 in earnings. This includes two cashes at the WSOP (including an 18th place finish in Event #49 in 2007) and a fifth place finish at the 2008 Irish Open, where he earned $229,358. Kai’s aspirations include winning one of poker’s majors -- and preferably bring home a bracelet.
James “James666” Sudworth (Kent, UK) -- This 22 year old has been a familiar face at the PKR tables since November of 2006, playing some of the biggest cash games the site has to offer. Sudworth’s top poker accomplishment was a runner-up finish at the GUKPT in January 2009 for more than £40,000.
Andrew “golfpro699” Teng (London, UK) -- Teng has been a high-stakes pro across many online sites for the past two years. He made an impact on the live scene in 2008, first making a deep run in the WSOP Main Event (126th place) and then winning the Thanet leg of the GUKPT in October 2008 for £70,000.
PRK, founded in 2005, is an innovative online poker site that features real-time video game-like 3D graphics that has changed the way online poker is played. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
Former PartyGaming CEO Hired By Harrah’s, by Earl Burton - Poker News Daily - 14th April 2009
On Sunday, the London Times sent shockwaves through the land based casino industry as well as the internet gaming world with a small article regarding the recent actions of one of the largest casino operations in the world and a former online gaming CEO.
It was announced in the Sunday Times Online that Harrah’s Entertainment – responsible for much of the casino action in not only Las Vegas but the United States as a whole and the owner of the World Series of Poker – and former PartyGaming PLC CEO Mitch Garber have entered into an agreement for Garber to join the organization. What isn’t known is what capacity Garber will have within Harrah’s or what effects it will have on the World Series itself.
Garber, who resigned as the CEO of PartyGaming in early 2008, is thought to be taking a leading role in a reorganization of Harrah’s online operations into a stand alone company that will also encompass the WSOP. After several recent developments in the online gaming world, it is believed that Harrah’s is envisioning that the legalization and regulation in the United States will happen soon and wants a qualified leader to be able to run the resulting operation. With Garber, Harrah’s has landed such a leader.
Garber led PartyGaming through much of its tumultuous last few years after the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and the resulting move of PartyGaming to pull out of the American market. While with PartyGaming he focused on international expansion through product diversification and a series of mergers and acquisitions. These efforts helped PartyGaming to absorb the losses of the American market with little effect on PartyGaming’s bottom line.
There are different theories as to if, and/or when the legislative mood regarding online gaming in the United States will be changing. In a recent interview with The Hill, Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank, the chairman of the powerful House Financial Services Committee, stated that he plans to introduce internet gambling legislation after the Easter recess. The Hill noted that the week of April 20th is a likely time frame for the bill’s introduction and that it would create a complete licensing and regulatory framework for the internet gambling industry.
This line of thought is tempered by the current economic and political climate in the United States, though. With the ongoing financial crisis affecting not only the U. S. economy but the situations of most nations worldwide, many believe that the legalization and regulation of online poker and gaming is far down the list of priorities of the U. S. Congress and the Obama Administration. Although the taxation dollars from the online gaming industry - which garners an estimated $12 billion yearly - would be helpful to the American government, other more lucrative financial moves are expected to be implemented first.
Gary Loveman, CEO of Harrah's Entertainment, has said online poker's legalization is a strong possibility in the United States and recent activities regarding online poker operators have demonstrated that the winds may be changing. In December, former PartyGaming founder Anurag Dikshit pled guilty to violations of the 1961 Wire Act and paid a $300 million fine. Just last week, Garber’s former company PartyGaming also settled their grievances with the U. S. Department of Justice, agreeing to a non-prosecution arrangement and payment of a $105 million fine over the next three years.
With the hiring of Garber to run the online operations of a newly created branch of Harrah’s and – if online poker is a part of that operation – the WSOP, it does appear that Harrah’s is preparing for the day when online poker and gaming will be legal in the United States. Whenever that day may be. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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On Sunday, the London Times sent shockwaves through the land based casino industry as well as the internet gaming world with a small article regarding the recent actions of one of the largest casino operations in the world and a former online gaming CEO.
It was announced in the Sunday Times Online that Harrah’s Entertainment – responsible for much of the casino action in not only Las Vegas but the United States as a whole and the owner of the World Series of Poker – and former PartyGaming PLC CEO Mitch Garber have entered into an agreement for Garber to join the organization. What isn’t known is what capacity Garber will have within Harrah’s or what effects it will have on the World Series itself.
Garber, who resigned as the CEO of PartyGaming in early 2008, is thought to be taking a leading role in a reorganization of Harrah’s online operations into a stand alone company that will also encompass the WSOP. After several recent developments in the online gaming world, it is believed that Harrah’s is envisioning that the legalization and regulation in the United States will happen soon and wants a qualified leader to be able to run the resulting operation. With Garber, Harrah’s has landed such a leader.
Garber led PartyGaming through much of its tumultuous last few years after the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and the resulting move of PartyGaming to pull out of the American market. While with PartyGaming he focused on international expansion through product diversification and a series of mergers and acquisitions. These efforts helped PartyGaming to absorb the losses of the American market with little effect on PartyGaming’s bottom line.
There are different theories as to if, and/or when the legislative mood regarding online gaming in the United States will be changing. In a recent interview with The Hill, Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank, the chairman of the powerful House Financial Services Committee, stated that he plans to introduce internet gambling legislation after the Easter recess. The Hill noted that the week of April 20th is a likely time frame for the bill’s introduction and that it would create a complete licensing and regulatory framework for the internet gambling industry.
This line of thought is tempered by the current economic and political climate in the United States, though. With the ongoing financial crisis affecting not only the U. S. economy but the situations of most nations worldwide, many believe that the legalization and regulation of online poker and gaming is far down the list of priorities of the U. S. Congress and the Obama Administration. Although the taxation dollars from the online gaming industry - which garners an estimated $12 billion yearly - would be helpful to the American government, other more lucrative financial moves are expected to be implemented first.
Gary Loveman, CEO of Harrah's Entertainment, has said online poker's legalization is a strong possibility in the United States and recent activities regarding online poker operators have demonstrated that the winds may be changing. In December, former PartyGaming founder Anurag Dikshit pled guilty to violations of the 1961 Wire Act and paid a $300 million fine. Just last week, Garber’s former company PartyGaming also settled their grievances with the U. S. Department of Justice, agreeing to a non-prosecution arrangement and payment of a $105 million fine over the next three years.
With the hiring of Garber to run the online operations of a newly created branch of Harrah’s and – if online poker is a part of that operation – the WSOP, it does appear that Harrah’s is preparing for the day when online poker and gaming will be legal in the United States. Whenever that day may be. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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PartyGaming.com
PartyPoker.com
Poker
World Series of Poker
Casino News
Poker News
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
World Series of Poker Europe Tournament Dates - 14th April 2009
Harrah’s Entertainment Inc, announced the schedule of its third annual World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) tournament yesterday.
Sponsored by Betfair, the WSOPE will take place between the 17th September and 1st October and will feature four bracelet events, including a new £2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em event.
David Yu, CEO of Betfair said, “We are delighted to be working alongside Harrah's again for a successful third year of our sponsorship of the World Series of Poker Europe. We will remain the only place to qualify online for the WSOPE tournament and we are also very excited about the new $1 million promotion which with free entry will give the WSOPE a wider appeal and add more value than ever before."
This year’s WSOPE will be held at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square, London. This has been the venue for the WSOPE before and has since become a poker ‘hotbed’, with several cash games and tournaments running around the clock.
Michael Silberling, chief operations officer at London Clubs International said, “The Casino at the Empire has quickly become the destination for poker in the UK. We look forward to hosting the best players in the game for the WSOPE this autumn and will continue to offer the finest poker action daily for those in Leicester Square.”
WSOPE Bracelet Tournaments:
Friday, Sept. 18 and 19, 2009
Event 1 – No-Limit Hold'em (3-day event/2 start days)
Monday, Sept. 21, 2009
Event 2 – Pot Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha (3-day event)
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009
Event 3 – Pot Limit Omaha (3-day event)
Saturday, Sept. 26 and 27, 2009
Event 4 – World Championship No-Limit Hold'em Day 1A (5-day event/2 start days) "Main Event"
Media Man Australia Profiles
World Series of Poker
European Gaming
Poker News
Harrah’s Entertainment Inc, announced the schedule of its third annual World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) tournament yesterday.
Sponsored by Betfair, the WSOPE will take place between the 17th September and 1st October and will feature four bracelet events, including a new £2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em event.
David Yu, CEO of Betfair said, “We are delighted to be working alongside Harrah's again for a successful third year of our sponsorship of the World Series of Poker Europe. We will remain the only place to qualify online for the WSOPE tournament and we are also very excited about the new $1 million promotion which with free entry will give the WSOPE a wider appeal and add more value than ever before."
This year’s WSOPE will be held at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square, London. This has been the venue for the WSOPE before and has since become a poker ‘hotbed’, with several cash games and tournaments running around the clock.
Michael Silberling, chief operations officer at London Clubs International said, “The Casino at the Empire has quickly become the destination for poker in the UK. We look forward to hosting the best players in the game for the WSOPE this autumn and will continue to offer the finest poker action daily for those in Leicester Square.”
WSOPE Bracelet Tournaments:
Friday, Sept. 18 and 19, 2009
Event 1 – No-Limit Hold'em (3-day event/2 start days)
Monday, Sept. 21, 2009
Event 2 – Pot Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha (3-day event)
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009
Event 3 – Pot Limit Omaha (3-day event)
Saturday, Sept. 26 and 27, 2009
Event 4 – World Championship No-Limit Hold'em Day 1A (5-day event/2 start days) "Main Event"
Media Man Australia Profiles
World Series of Poker
European Gaming
Poker News
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Poker in the Park Returns April 13th and 14th, by Dan Cypra - Poker News Daily - 11th April 2009
The third running of Poker in the Park will take place on April 13th and 14th in Leicester Square in London. Its organizers bill the event as “Europe’s largest free poker festival,” featuring live tournaments, educational lectures, and a bevy of brand name poker pros on hand celebrating the game.
In 2008, the second running of Poker in the Park featured over 10,000 people descending upon the historic square, whose Casino at the Empire plays host to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Europe festivities each year. This time around, the tournament series shifts from being held on a Friday and Saturday to taking place on a Thursday and Friday, although a reason for the change in schedule was not given.
A variety of European poker pros were on hand last year to share their insight into the game with the festival’s patrons. Speakers included Tony Holden (who read from his book “Bigger Deal”), Ian Frazier (who discussed playing in short-handed poker games), David “Devilfish” Ulliott (who appropriately lectured on table banter), Paul Jackson (who discussed identifying and exploiting live poker tells), and Liv Boeree (who described to newcomers how to play No Limit Texas Hold’em). Other special guests on hand in 2008 included Nik Persaud, Neil Channing, Marc Goodwin, and Tom Sambrook.
The 2008 running of Poker in the Park was sponsored by Bluff Europe, PKR, Aces Royal, Fox Poker Club, Poker Kings, Jackpot Joy, Ace Poker, and Cardoza Books. Patrons were able to partake in a variety of free poker tournaments held throughout the massive Leicester Square, which is located in the heart of the historic European city. Tournaments held last year were the Sky Poker Cup, Gambling.com Sit n Go, SubTV Student Poker League Cup, LondonPubPoker.co.uk Trophy, Royal Surrey Trophy, iGaming Business Open, Nuts Poker League Challenge, LondonPokerMeetup.co.uk Cup, England Poker League Cup, and the Bluff Europe Championship, which capped off the two-day event.
Bluff Europe’s Editor-in-Chief Michael Caselli commented in a press release distributed last week, “Poker in the Park is about bringing poker enthusiasts from all over the U.K. together to meet their poker heroes, improve their play, and play poker absolutely free with other lovers of the game from all around the nation.” Companies interested in sponsoring Poker in the Park III should contact Ed Whittington of Lyceum Publishing at +44 (0) 207 828 6988.
Last year’s WSOP Europe Main Event was won by Full Tilt Poker pro John Juanda, who took home £868,800 and his fourth bracelet. A pair of Russian poker players finished second and third, as Stanislav Alekhin cashed for £533,950 as the runner up and Ivan Demidov, the WSOP Main Event runner up, grabbed another £334,850 for third place. Team PokerStars Pro member Daniel Negreanu and Scott Fischman also reached the nine-handed final table that took place last September and October.
The WSOP Europe festivities also include three preliminary tournaments. Jesper Hougaard brought home the gold in a £1,575 buy-in No Limit Hold’em event for £144,218. He defeated Fuad Serhan heads-up with Yevgeniy “atimos” Timoshenko, Boyle Poker pro Neil Channing, and Adam “A_Junglen” Junglen also making the final table. The tournament was the first of WSOP Europe and attracted a healthy field of 410 entrants. Sherkhan Farnood, who bested a final table that also featured Howard Lederer and Phil Ivey, won a £2,650 buy-in HORSE event. Finally, Danish poker pro Theo Jorgensen defeated Team Betfair’s Sorel “Imper1um” Mizzi heads-up in a £5,250 buy-in Pot Limit Omaha event.
Poker in the Park is open to the public and is an 18 and up event. We’ll have more details as they are released right here on Poker News Daily. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Poker News
The third running of Poker in the Park will take place on April 13th and 14th in Leicester Square in London. Its organizers bill the event as “Europe’s largest free poker festival,” featuring live tournaments, educational lectures, and a bevy of brand name poker pros on hand celebrating the game.
In 2008, the second running of Poker in the Park featured over 10,000 people descending upon the historic square, whose Casino at the Empire plays host to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Europe festivities each year. This time around, the tournament series shifts from being held on a Friday and Saturday to taking place on a Thursday and Friday, although a reason for the change in schedule was not given.
A variety of European poker pros were on hand last year to share their insight into the game with the festival’s patrons. Speakers included Tony Holden (who read from his book “Bigger Deal”), Ian Frazier (who discussed playing in short-handed poker games), David “Devilfish” Ulliott (who appropriately lectured on table banter), Paul Jackson (who discussed identifying and exploiting live poker tells), and Liv Boeree (who described to newcomers how to play No Limit Texas Hold’em). Other special guests on hand in 2008 included Nik Persaud, Neil Channing, Marc Goodwin, and Tom Sambrook.
The 2008 running of Poker in the Park was sponsored by Bluff Europe, PKR, Aces Royal, Fox Poker Club, Poker Kings, Jackpot Joy, Ace Poker, and Cardoza Books. Patrons were able to partake in a variety of free poker tournaments held throughout the massive Leicester Square, which is located in the heart of the historic European city. Tournaments held last year were the Sky Poker Cup, Gambling.com Sit n Go, SubTV Student Poker League Cup, LondonPubPoker.co.uk Trophy, Royal Surrey Trophy, iGaming Business Open, Nuts Poker League Challenge, LondonPokerMeetup.co.uk Cup, England Poker League Cup, and the Bluff Europe Championship, which capped off the two-day event.
Bluff Europe’s Editor-in-Chief Michael Caselli commented in a press release distributed last week, “Poker in the Park is about bringing poker enthusiasts from all over the U.K. together to meet their poker heroes, improve their play, and play poker absolutely free with other lovers of the game from all around the nation.” Companies interested in sponsoring Poker in the Park III should contact Ed Whittington of Lyceum Publishing at +44 (0) 207 828 6988.
Last year’s WSOP Europe Main Event was won by Full Tilt Poker pro John Juanda, who took home £868,800 and his fourth bracelet. A pair of Russian poker players finished second and third, as Stanislav Alekhin cashed for £533,950 as the runner up and Ivan Demidov, the WSOP Main Event runner up, grabbed another £334,850 for third place. Team PokerStars Pro member Daniel Negreanu and Scott Fischman also reached the nine-handed final table that took place last September and October.
The WSOP Europe festivities also include three preliminary tournaments. Jesper Hougaard brought home the gold in a £1,575 buy-in No Limit Hold’em event for £144,218. He defeated Fuad Serhan heads-up with Yevgeniy “atimos” Timoshenko, Boyle Poker pro Neil Channing, and Adam “A_Junglen” Junglen also making the final table. The tournament was the first of WSOP Europe and attracted a healthy field of 410 entrants. Sherkhan Farnood, who bested a final table that also featured Howard Lederer and Phil Ivey, won a £2,650 buy-in HORSE event. Finally, Danish poker pro Theo Jorgensen defeated Team Betfair’s Sorel “Imper1um” Mizzi heads-up in a £5,250 buy-in Pot Limit Omaha event.
Poker in the Park is open to the public and is an 18 and up event. We’ll have more details as they are released right here on Poker News Daily. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Poker News
Daniel Negreanu Appears in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, by Tom Jenkins - Poker News Daily - 4th April 2009
In the upcoming release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, poker players may be able to catch a glimpse of one of the game's top stars. According to various sources that have viewed a pirated copy of the movie, there is a scene involving a game of Texas Hold'em featuring Wolverine, Gambit, and Daniel Negreanu.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine officially premieres on May 1st in the United States and Canada. In the meantime, editors in Hollywood will be busy paring down the film from its length of two and a half hours. The scene lasts for less than one minute and Negreanu is featured twice. While he offers no dialogue, the member of Team PokerStars Pro is seated a table playing a game of poker with the film's namesake and Gambit. The scene has been described to Poker News Daily as “nothing more than a quick cameo” and whether it will make the final cut upon its opening in the United States is unknown.
According to the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), X-Men Origins: Wolverine is described as follows: “Wolverine lives a mutant life, seeks revenge against Victor Creed (who will later become Sabertooth) for the death of his girlfriend, and ultimately ends up going through the mutant Weapon X program.” The film stars Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, and Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth. Negreanu appears uncredited.
This isn't Negreanu's first trip to the big screen. In 2007, he appeared in the movie Lucky You, which featured Eric Bana, Robert Duvall, and Drew Barrymore. The movie contained a wealth of poker players, although IMDB users graded it just 5.9 out of a possible score of 10. In addition to Negreanu, other members of the industry appearing in Lucky You included Sam Farha, Chau Giang, Barry Greenstein, Ted Forrest, Minh Ly, and Erick Lindgren. Poker icons Jack Binion, Doyle Brunson, and Johnny Chan also had cameos and are all officially credited in the movie.
Negreanu and the poker playing community also appeared in ESPN's short-lived series “Tilt,” which aired in 2005. ESPN World Series of Poker announcers Lon McEachern and Norman Chad were featured during the show, which starred Michael Madsen as Don “The Matador” Everest. Negreanu also took to the silver screen in the 2007 movie “The Grand,” which was released exactly two years ago on April 4th. The movie was described as an “improv comedy” and featured Woody Harrelson, Shannon Elizabeth, Mike Epps, Chris Parnell, and Ray Romano, among others. Three poker “Phils” – Laak, Gordon, and Hellmuth – also appeared in the movie.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is one of the most anticipated movies of the 2009 calendar year and the newest installment of the comic book franchise. The movie is directed by Gavin Hood, who was behind such films as Rendition and Tsotsi. It's written by the man who brought The Kite Runner, Troy, and 25th Hour to life. An article released by Reuters on Thursday noted that the pirated copy had been released online one month prior to its official release. However, “it included temporary sound and music and was missing effects and some scenes, with other scenes unedited.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) are seeking to uncover the source of the unauthorized copy.
TorrentFreak noted that X-Men Origins: Wolverine had been downloaded 75,000 times on BitTorrent, which the website equated to the release of The Dark Knight, which won an Academy Award for the late Heath Ledger as The Joker. The pirated version references Rising Sun Pictures, an Australian company. TorrentFreak speculated that the reason for the high number of downloads may be because “X-Men’s target audience are tech-savvy people who are likely to have heard about BitTorrent.” (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Marvel Entertainment
Poker News
In the upcoming release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, poker players may be able to catch a glimpse of one of the game's top stars. According to various sources that have viewed a pirated copy of the movie, there is a scene involving a game of Texas Hold'em featuring Wolverine, Gambit, and Daniel Negreanu.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine officially premieres on May 1st in the United States and Canada. In the meantime, editors in Hollywood will be busy paring down the film from its length of two and a half hours. The scene lasts for less than one minute and Negreanu is featured twice. While he offers no dialogue, the member of Team PokerStars Pro is seated a table playing a game of poker with the film's namesake and Gambit. The scene has been described to Poker News Daily as “nothing more than a quick cameo” and whether it will make the final cut upon its opening in the United States is unknown.
According to the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), X-Men Origins: Wolverine is described as follows: “Wolverine lives a mutant life, seeks revenge against Victor Creed (who will later become Sabertooth) for the death of his girlfriend, and ultimately ends up going through the mutant Weapon X program.” The film stars Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, and Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth. Negreanu appears uncredited.
This isn't Negreanu's first trip to the big screen. In 2007, he appeared in the movie Lucky You, which featured Eric Bana, Robert Duvall, and Drew Barrymore. The movie contained a wealth of poker players, although IMDB users graded it just 5.9 out of a possible score of 10. In addition to Negreanu, other members of the industry appearing in Lucky You included Sam Farha, Chau Giang, Barry Greenstein, Ted Forrest, Minh Ly, and Erick Lindgren. Poker icons Jack Binion, Doyle Brunson, and Johnny Chan also had cameos and are all officially credited in the movie.
Negreanu and the poker playing community also appeared in ESPN's short-lived series “Tilt,” which aired in 2005. ESPN World Series of Poker announcers Lon McEachern and Norman Chad were featured during the show, which starred Michael Madsen as Don “The Matador” Everest. Negreanu also took to the silver screen in the 2007 movie “The Grand,” which was released exactly two years ago on April 4th. The movie was described as an “improv comedy” and featured Woody Harrelson, Shannon Elizabeth, Mike Epps, Chris Parnell, and Ray Romano, among others. Three poker “Phils” – Laak, Gordon, and Hellmuth – also appeared in the movie.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is one of the most anticipated movies of the 2009 calendar year and the newest installment of the comic book franchise. The movie is directed by Gavin Hood, who was behind such films as Rendition and Tsotsi. It's written by the man who brought The Kite Runner, Troy, and 25th Hour to life. An article released by Reuters on Thursday noted that the pirated copy had been released online one month prior to its official release. However, “it included temporary sound and music and was missing effects and some scenes, with other scenes unedited.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) are seeking to uncover the source of the unauthorized copy.
TorrentFreak noted that X-Men Origins: Wolverine had been downloaded 75,000 times on BitTorrent, which the website equated to the release of The Dark Knight, which won an Academy Award for the late Heath Ledger as The Joker. The pirated version references Rising Sun Pictures, an Australian company. TorrentFreak speculated that the reason for the high number of downloads may be because “X-Men’s target audience are tech-savvy people who are likely to have heard about BitTorrent.” (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Marvel Entertainment
Poker News
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Washington Post Responds To PartyGaming Settlement, by Earl Burton - Poker News Daily - 9th April 2009
After the announcement Tuesday of the settlement between PartyGaming PLC and the United States Attorneys Office, the Washington Post followed up on its 2008 two day investigation into online poker with a response.
Headed by Gilbert M. Gaul - who investigated the scandals of Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet in cooperation with the CBS newsmagazine “60 Minutes” in late 2008 - the Washington Post article delved into some of the ramifications that the settlement could have for the online poker world. Gaul’s article states that the settlement is “…a development that could signal a shift in the murky and unregulated world of online gambling.”
The settlement between PartyGaming and the U. S. attorneys in New York calls for a fine of $105 million to be paid by the company over the next 3 ½ years. Along with the payment of the fine, PartyGaming also admits to violating what the Post article calls “a disconnect between 21st century technology and the 20th century laws used to protect Americans from gambling” through violations of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which was enacted in late 2006. Under the terms of the “Statement of Facts” agreement with U. S. representatives, PartyGaming officials said the government would not prosecute the parent firm or any of its subsidiaries for offering Internet gambling services to U.S. customers between 1997 and October 2006, when it voluntarily withdrew from the market after the UIGEA enactment.
In the Post article, Gaul states that “The (Department of) Justice’s position is considered controversial with some members of Congress and gaming analysts, arguing it has steered U. S. players to unregulated offshore sites.” Along with this statement, Gaul includes a quotation from Joseph M. Kelley, a professor of business law at the State College at Buffalo. “The U. S. government has now succeeded in driving out the reputable, publicly-traded Internet gaming operators,” he proposed. Kelley, who has also served as an expert witness for gaming and government interests, added: “It has not decreased online gambling, but has reduced the ability to monitor suspicious transactions.”
The stock of many of the publicly traded online gaming companies on the London Stock Market rose after the settlement announcement. Gaul believes it is because “some financial analysts see the settlement as possibly leading to others, thus reducing uncertainty in the industry and opening the door to industry consolidation and expansion outside the U.S. Some analysts said PartyGaming also had now increased its chances of gaining a license from any future regulated U.S online gaming market.”
While the dust hasn’t settled regarding the agreement of PartyGaming and the U. S. government, Gaul’s Washington Post article does point out many of the advantages of such settlements for the online gaming world. For a full look at Mr. Gaul’s outlook on the settlement, view his article at the Washington Post. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino.com
Poker News
After the announcement Tuesday of the settlement between PartyGaming PLC and the United States Attorneys Office, the Washington Post followed up on its 2008 two day investigation into online poker with a response.
Headed by Gilbert M. Gaul - who investigated the scandals of Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet in cooperation with the CBS newsmagazine “60 Minutes” in late 2008 - the Washington Post article delved into some of the ramifications that the settlement could have for the online poker world. Gaul’s article states that the settlement is “…a development that could signal a shift in the murky and unregulated world of online gambling.”
The settlement between PartyGaming and the U. S. attorneys in New York calls for a fine of $105 million to be paid by the company over the next 3 ½ years. Along with the payment of the fine, PartyGaming also admits to violating what the Post article calls “a disconnect between 21st century technology and the 20th century laws used to protect Americans from gambling” through violations of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which was enacted in late 2006. Under the terms of the “Statement of Facts” agreement with U. S. representatives, PartyGaming officials said the government would not prosecute the parent firm or any of its subsidiaries for offering Internet gambling services to U.S. customers between 1997 and October 2006, when it voluntarily withdrew from the market after the UIGEA enactment.
In the Post article, Gaul states that “The (Department of) Justice’s position is considered controversial with some members of Congress and gaming analysts, arguing it has steered U. S. players to unregulated offshore sites.” Along with this statement, Gaul includes a quotation from Joseph M. Kelley, a professor of business law at the State College at Buffalo. “The U. S. government has now succeeded in driving out the reputable, publicly-traded Internet gaming operators,” he proposed. Kelley, who has also served as an expert witness for gaming and government interests, added: “It has not decreased online gambling, but has reduced the ability to monitor suspicious transactions.”
The stock of many of the publicly traded online gaming companies on the London Stock Market rose after the settlement announcement. Gaul believes it is because “some financial analysts see the settlement as possibly leading to others, thus reducing uncertainty in the industry and opening the door to industry consolidation and expansion outside the U.S. Some analysts said PartyGaming also had now increased its chances of gaining a license from any future regulated U.S online gaming market.”
While the dust hasn’t settled regarding the agreement of PartyGaming and the U. S. government, Gaul’s Washington Post article does point out many of the advantages of such settlements for the online gaming world. For a full look at Mr. Gaul’s outlook on the settlement, view his article at the Washington Post. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino.com
Poker News
Friday, April 10, 2009
PKR Launches New Software Upgrade, by Brett Collson - Poker News Daily - 9th April 2009
Imaginative poker site PKR has launched an array of new features and games to its award-winning software.
The online poker room, which features real-time 3D graphics and a videogame experience, added Omaha Hi/Lo to its most recent upgrade, as well as several other features and items in the PKR Shop. The popular Omaha Hi/Lo Pot Limit and Limit options will now be available across cash games, Sit & Gos and Multi-table Tournaments.
PKR has also added Mini Roulette to its online casino, joining Blackjack and Casino Hold’em on the site’s table game roster. Mini Roulette is just like American or European Roulette only with fewer numbers. PKR also offers Craps, Sic Bo and Wild Viking among its wide variety of casino games.
A new “time bank” feature has been added to the poker software to give players additional time if needed to make a critical decision. In cash games, the more hands you are dealt means more time added to your bank -- up to the table maximum -- while in tournament play the additional time allotted to each player is fixed. In addition, PKR has added a “Break Skip” option so that players can opt out of regular breaks at the final table of a Multi-table Tournament. If all players decide to skip their break then the action will continue right away.
PKR’s Shop has also taken a step up. Players will be able to spend their PKR points on a wide range of high-end electronics as well as new poker books, accessories and subscriptions to PKR.com’s partner training site Bluefire Poker, hosted by high-stakes legend and World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Galfond. In tournaments, players receive 100 PKR points for every $1 spent in entry fees. At cash tables, points are awarded based on raked hands and calculated against the amount that a player has put into the pot divided between the other players at the table.
“Our community is highly valued and as we grow we like to make sure we provide our players with exactly what they need”, said PKR Marketing Director Simon Prodger. “Many of the features in our updates are in response to popular demand and we are constantly working on improvements for the future.” (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
PKR
PKR Casino
PKR Poker
PKR Casino News
Poker News
Imaginative poker site PKR has launched an array of new features and games to its award-winning software.
The online poker room, which features real-time 3D graphics and a videogame experience, added Omaha Hi/Lo to its most recent upgrade, as well as several other features and items in the PKR Shop. The popular Omaha Hi/Lo Pot Limit and Limit options will now be available across cash games, Sit & Gos and Multi-table Tournaments.
PKR has also added Mini Roulette to its online casino, joining Blackjack and Casino Hold’em on the site’s table game roster. Mini Roulette is just like American or European Roulette only with fewer numbers. PKR also offers Craps, Sic Bo and Wild Viking among its wide variety of casino games.
A new “time bank” feature has been added to the poker software to give players additional time if needed to make a critical decision. In cash games, the more hands you are dealt means more time added to your bank -- up to the table maximum -- while in tournament play the additional time allotted to each player is fixed. In addition, PKR has added a “Break Skip” option so that players can opt out of regular breaks at the final table of a Multi-table Tournament. If all players decide to skip their break then the action will continue right away.
PKR’s Shop has also taken a step up. Players will be able to spend their PKR points on a wide range of high-end electronics as well as new poker books, accessories and subscriptions to PKR.com’s partner training site Bluefire Poker, hosted by high-stakes legend and World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Galfond. In tournaments, players receive 100 PKR points for every $1 spent in entry fees. At cash tables, points are awarded based on raked hands and calculated against the amount that a player has put into the pot divided between the other players at the table.
“Our community is highly valued and as we grow we like to make sure we provide our players with exactly what they need”, said PKR Marketing Director Simon Prodger. “Many of the features in our updates are in response to popular demand and we are constantly working on improvements for the future.” (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Media Man Australia Profiles
PKR
PKR Casino
PKR Poker
PKR Casino News
Poker News
London Lad Strikes It Lucky!
London, 6th April, 2009 – Following the success of last year’s poker festival in the city, Virgin Poker held its second Newcastle poker event at Aspers Casino over the weekend. Over 200 poker enthusiasts took part in the exciting two-day live tournament setting sights on the impressive prize pot of over £30,000.
Having won a place at the tournament via a €150 buy-in at Virgin Poker, players at the main event took part in a Texas Hold’em No Limit Freezeout extravaganza to compete for their share of the prize pot. Ross Javis, London based journalist who writes for Poker Player magazine was the chip leader as he entered the final table and maintained his lead throughout the final leg securing him the Virgin Poker festival title and the impressive top prize of £7,000. Kris McLackland from Newcastle put up a good fight and walked away with second place prize money of £5,500.
To add a Virgin twist to the tournament, players in the main event were given the chance to knock-out professional poker opponents whose heads carried bounties of fantastic Virgin giveaways. Prizes included Virgin Rally Driving Days & Virgin Hot Air Ballooning.
For those not lucky enough to win a seat in the main tournament, there were a variety of side events on offer to give everyone the opportunity to get involved - regardless of their poker playing abilities. Practice tables offered ‘live play classes’ for less experienced players, whilst a Wii bowling battle for those who still wanted to prove their competitive streak.
Joe Legge, Poker Manager for Virgin Games Poker, said: “It was great to return to Aspers Casino for a second time and bring the fun of the Virgin Games experience to the people of Newcastle. Local residents, poker professionals and the Virgin Games staff entered into the spirit of the weekend and dressed to impress – outfits included, Newcastle football strip, a Las Vegas show girl and another wore a horse’s head to celebrate the Grand National. It’s all slightly crazy but all part of the fun and what makes the festivals such a great experience!’
For further images and information on the Virgin Poker Festivals visit http://www.virgingames.com/poker/festival.aspx
- Ends -
Main Event – Winners
Place Prize Winner
1st £7,000 Ross Jarvis
2nd £5,500 Kris McLackland
3rd £4,000 Andy Edgington
4th £3,000 Brian Clarke
5th £2,500 Richard Potts
6th £2,000 John Crawford
7th £1,500 Krzysztof Zawierucha
8th £1,000 Dave O’Connor
9th £750 Glenn Hopley
10th £400 Simon Kinnaird
Player Bounties - Winners
Player Bounty Winner
Maria Demetriou Guaranteed Entry to a £100K Tourney on Kris MaLackland
Virgingames.com/poker
Shelley Rubenstein Guaranteed Entry to a £100K Tourney on Anthony Cross
Virgingames.com/poker
Kara Scott £150 Virgin Voucher The Mole Nick Kris MaLackland
Wealthall £150 Virgin Voucher
About Virgin Games
Virgin Games, a subsidiary of Virgin.com Ltd, launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct entertainment offerings, giving consumers the chance to play their favourite online games the Virgin way:
• Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, provides a taste of Vegas online, with classic casino offerings like blackjack and roulette, as well as popular feature slots like Elvis, Cleopatra and Vegas, Baby!
• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry. The successful Virgin Poker Festivals, which take place in casinos around the UK throughout the year, now allow gamers to experience the fun of Virgin Poker offline too
• Virgin Bingo, part of the St Minver network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as regular promotions and an unrivalled loyalty scheme
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London, 6th April, 2009 – Following the success of last year’s poker festival in the city, Virgin Poker held its second Newcastle poker event at Aspers Casino over the weekend. Over 200 poker enthusiasts took part in the exciting two-day live tournament setting sights on the impressive prize pot of over £30,000.
Having won a place at the tournament via a €150 buy-in at Virgin Poker, players at the main event took part in a Texas Hold’em No Limit Freezeout extravaganza to compete for their share of the prize pot. Ross Javis, London based journalist who writes for Poker Player magazine was the chip leader as he entered the final table and maintained his lead throughout the final leg securing him the Virgin Poker festival title and the impressive top prize of £7,000. Kris McLackland from Newcastle put up a good fight and walked away with second place prize money of £5,500.
To add a Virgin twist to the tournament, players in the main event were given the chance to knock-out professional poker opponents whose heads carried bounties of fantastic Virgin giveaways. Prizes included Virgin Rally Driving Days & Virgin Hot Air Ballooning.
For those not lucky enough to win a seat in the main tournament, there were a variety of side events on offer to give everyone the opportunity to get involved - regardless of their poker playing abilities. Practice tables offered ‘live play classes’ for less experienced players, whilst a Wii bowling battle for those who still wanted to prove their competitive streak.
Joe Legge, Poker Manager for Virgin Games Poker, said: “It was great to return to Aspers Casino for a second time and bring the fun of the Virgin Games experience to the people of Newcastle. Local residents, poker professionals and the Virgin Games staff entered into the spirit of the weekend and dressed to impress – outfits included, Newcastle football strip, a Las Vegas show girl and another wore a horse’s head to celebrate the Grand National. It’s all slightly crazy but all part of the fun and what makes the festivals such a great experience!’
For further images and information on the Virgin Poker Festivals visit http://www.virgingames.com/poker/festival.aspx
- Ends -
Main Event – Winners
Place Prize Winner
1st £7,000 Ross Jarvis
2nd £5,500 Kris McLackland
3rd £4,000 Andy Edgington
4th £3,000 Brian Clarke
5th £2,500 Richard Potts
6th £2,000 John Crawford
7th £1,500 Krzysztof Zawierucha
8th £1,000 Dave O’Connor
9th £750 Glenn Hopley
10th £400 Simon Kinnaird
Player Bounties - Winners
Player Bounty Winner
Maria Demetriou Guaranteed Entry to a £100K Tourney on Kris MaLackland
Virgingames.com/poker
Shelley Rubenstein Guaranteed Entry to a £100K Tourney on Anthony Cross
Virgingames.com/poker
Kara Scott £150 Virgin Voucher The Mole Nick Kris MaLackland
Wealthall £150 Virgin Voucher
About Virgin Games
Virgin Games, a subsidiary of Virgin.com Ltd, launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct entertainment offerings, giving consumers the chance to play their favourite online games the Virgin way:
• Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, provides a taste of Vegas online, with classic casino offerings like blackjack and roulette, as well as popular feature slots like Elvis, Cleopatra and Vegas, Baby!
• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry. The successful Virgin Poker Festivals, which take place in casinos around the UK throughout the year, now allow gamers to experience the fun of Virgin Poker offline too
• Virgin Bingo, part of the St Minver network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as regular promotions and an unrivalled loyalty scheme
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Virgin Poker Festival
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Thursday, April 09, 2009
Joint venture with Intralot announced
April 8, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- Apparently unrelated to yesterday’s story that PartyGaming has agreed to settle with the U.S. Department of Justice comes the news that the company also has plans to expand into the currently red-hot Italian market in the very near future.
The expansion will be in partnership with Intralot, a Greek lottery systems provider. The two companies are hinting that, if the Italian venture proves successful, they will attempt to enter into more overseas deals in the coming months, as well.
“Intralot is the first member of PartyGaming's poker network in Italy and will promote the new service through its retail network, which includes 600 betting outlets,” reported Reuters news service this week.
"This is our third business-to-business deal in 2009 and we are confident of continuing to build our portfolio over the coming months," PartyGaming Chief Executive Jim Ryan commented in the Reuters article.
Click here to read the coverage on Reuters.
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April 8, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- Apparently unrelated to yesterday’s story that PartyGaming has agreed to settle with the U.S. Department of Justice comes the news that the company also has plans to expand into the currently red-hot Italian market in the very near future.
The expansion will be in partnership with Intralot, a Greek lottery systems provider. The two companies are hinting that, if the Italian venture proves successful, they will attempt to enter into more overseas deals in the coming months, as well.
“Intralot is the first member of PartyGaming's poker network in Italy and will promote the new service through its retail network, which includes 600 betting outlets,” reported Reuters news service this week.
"This is our third business-to-business deal in 2009 and we are confident of continuing to build our portfolio over the coming months," PartyGaming Chief Executive Jim Ryan commented in the Reuters article.
Click here to read the coverage on Reuters.
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Debate Over Impact of PartyGaming Settlement
Whether ultimately good or bad for the industry and for PartyGaming, yesterday's settlement is bringing a great deal of attention to the legal status of online gaming in the United States
April 8, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- Yesterday’s announcement that PartyGaming has settled with U.S. prosecutors over its online gaming activities in the United States has been greeted with a flurry of coverage in some high-profile media outlets.
Even though some in the iGaming industry are apparently unhappy that PartyGaming is relenting under what seems to be biased and unfair persecution by the U.S., the general consensus has been markedly positive.
As reported yesterday, the immediate point of interest was a sharp rise in shares for the U.K.-based gaming company, as well as for other gaming companies. PartyGaming’s shares “soared more than 15 percent,” according to the Associated Press. There's also a great deal of speculation that a wave of mergers and consolidation will be forthcoming, finally allowed by the resolution of this long-standing thorn in the industry’s side.
“That's because some financial analysts see the settlement as possibly leading to others,” writes Gilbert Gaul in the Washington Post, “thus reducing uncertainty in the industry and opening the door to industry consolidation and expansion outside the U.S.”
“[The settlement] does remove a big uncertainty,” agrees Jeremy Warner in the U.K.’s Independent magazine, “which ought in time to allow renewed access to equity and debt markets so the company can begin the process of consolidating this still-fragmented industry.”
The settlement is also being greeted as good news by many analysts because it allows PartyGaming to escape criminal prosecution, and because the sum that was negotiated is lower than many analysts had predicted. (The fee is $105 million, to be paid out in installments through September 2012.)
“The settlement covers the period from 1997 to October 2006, when PartyGaming offered internet gaming to US players, including real-money poker and casino gaming,” writes Chris Tryhorn and Julia Kollewe in today’s online edition of the U.K.’s Guardian newspaper. “The company admitted that even before the 2006 crackdown -- which forced it to abandon the US market -- some of its activities had broken US law.”
"Prior to 13 October 2006, certain of the US customer transactions intended for PartyGaming that were processed by third parties, and other gaming and payment-related activity, were contrary to certain US laws," PartyGaming representatives said in a statement published at the Guardian.
In his Independent column, Jeremy Warner goes on to conclude that the settlement can also benefit PartyGaming by creating a positive relationship with the U.S. in case online gambling is ever legalized there. “This is not altogether impossible at some stage in the next few years,” he writes. “In the search for new sources of income, some of the big physical gaming groups in the US are dropping their objections to the genre. Some privately owned poker sites, such as Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars, still operate illegally in the US, and as a result have cleaned up in the online poker market.”
The U.S. market, though off-limits at the moment, still represents the world’s largest and most enthusiastic group of poker players. According to the AP, the U.S. accounted for 80 percent of PartyGaming’s revenue before it was forced to leave the market.
Finally, amid the wave of positive reactions, there is some frustration about an industry leader of PartyGaming’s stature admitting to breaking laws that are vague, confusing, and seemingly haphazardly applied. After all, the settlement essentially amounts to admission that the company committed bank fraud, writes Roger Blitz at the Financial Times, who also hints that the financial results may not be as positive as initial reports indicate.
The Washington Post’s Gilbert Gaul also takes a more skeptical view: “Prior to the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in October 2006, PartyGaming operated one of the largest and most active Internet poker sites in the U.S. The company immediately withdrew from the U.S. market and stopped accepting U.S. players, which caused a dive in its earnings and stock price. Nevertheless Justice Department prosecutors continued to consider charges against the company for targeting U.S. players before 2006, contending that previous laws also outlawed Internet gambling.”
The Washington Post article also features some helpful analysis on the state of the anti-UIGEA movement in the U.S.; click here to read it. The Financial Times article can be found here, and the Guardian article can be found here. Click here to read Jeremy Warner’s article in the Independent, and, last but not least, the Associated Press coverage can be viewed via the Forbes website, here
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Whether ultimately good or bad for the industry and for PartyGaming, yesterday's settlement is bringing a great deal of attention to the legal status of online gaming in the United States
April 8, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- Yesterday’s announcement that PartyGaming has settled with U.S. prosecutors over its online gaming activities in the United States has been greeted with a flurry of coverage in some high-profile media outlets.
Even though some in the iGaming industry are apparently unhappy that PartyGaming is relenting under what seems to be biased and unfair persecution by the U.S., the general consensus has been markedly positive.
As reported yesterday, the immediate point of interest was a sharp rise in shares for the U.K.-based gaming company, as well as for other gaming companies. PartyGaming’s shares “soared more than 15 percent,” according to the Associated Press. There's also a great deal of speculation that a wave of mergers and consolidation will be forthcoming, finally allowed by the resolution of this long-standing thorn in the industry’s side.
“That's because some financial analysts see the settlement as possibly leading to others,” writes Gilbert Gaul in the Washington Post, “thus reducing uncertainty in the industry and opening the door to industry consolidation and expansion outside the U.S.”
“[The settlement] does remove a big uncertainty,” agrees Jeremy Warner in the U.K.’s Independent magazine, “which ought in time to allow renewed access to equity and debt markets so the company can begin the process of consolidating this still-fragmented industry.”
The settlement is also being greeted as good news by many analysts because it allows PartyGaming to escape criminal prosecution, and because the sum that was negotiated is lower than many analysts had predicted. (The fee is $105 million, to be paid out in installments through September 2012.)
“The settlement covers the period from 1997 to October 2006, when PartyGaming offered internet gaming to US players, including real-money poker and casino gaming,” writes Chris Tryhorn and Julia Kollewe in today’s online edition of the U.K.’s Guardian newspaper. “The company admitted that even before the 2006 crackdown -- which forced it to abandon the US market -- some of its activities had broken US law.”
"Prior to 13 October 2006, certain of the US customer transactions intended for PartyGaming that were processed by third parties, and other gaming and payment-related activity, were contrary to certain US laws," PartyGaming representatives said in a statement published at the Guardian.
In his Independent column, Jeremy Warner goes on to conclude that the settlement can also benefit PartyGaming by creating a positive relationship with the U.S. in case online gambling is ever legalized there. “This is not altogether impossible at some stage in the next few years,” he writes. “In the search for new sources of income, some of the big physical gaming groups in the US are dropping their objections to the genre. Some privately owned poker sites, such as Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars, still operate illegally in the US, and as a result have cleaned up in the online poker market.”
The U.S. market, though off-limits at the moment, still represents the world’s largest and most enthusiastic group of poker players. According to the AP, the U.S. accounted for 80 percent of PartyGaming’s revenue before it was forced to leave the market.
Finally, amid the wave of positive reactions, there is some frustration about an industry leader of PartyGaming’s stature admitting to breaking laws that are vague, confusing, and seemingly haphazardly applied. After all, the settlement essentially amounts to admission that the company committed bank fraud, writes Roger Blitz at the Financial Times, who also hints that the financial results may not be as positive as initial reports indicate.
The Washington Post’s Gilbert Gaul also takes a more skeptical view: “Prior to the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in October 2006, PartyGaming operated one of the largest and most active Internet poker sites in the U.S. The company immediately withdrew from the U.S. market and stopped accepting U.S. players, which caused a dive in its earnings and stock price. Nevertheless Justice Department prosecutors continued to consider charges against the company for targeting U.S. players before 2006, contending that previous laws also outlawed Internet gambling.”
The Washington Post article also features some helpful analysis on the state of the anti-UIGEA movement in the U.S.; click here to read it. The Financial Times article can be found here, and the Guardian article can be found here. Click here to read Jeremy Warner’s article in the Independent, and, last but not least, the Associated Press coverage can be viewed via the Forbes website, here
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Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Party Gaming Settles Dispute With U. S. Attorneys, by Earl Burton - Poker News Daily - 7th April 2009
In a case that has been years in the making, it was announced this morning that Party Gaming PLC, the company that has been at the forefront of providing poker and casino services to Internet players, has entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Southern District of New York.
The agreement comes after months of discussions between the two parties about Party Gaming’s operations in the United States prior to the enactment of the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). As part of the agreement, Party Gaming has accepted from the USAO an irrefutable “Statement of Facts” regarding its business activities prior to when the UIGEA was entered into law. Party Gaming, per the settlement, has agreed to pay $105 million over a three and a half year period that ends on September 30th, 2012. These payments will be due semi-annually and will come from the company’s existing financial resources.
As a part of the non-prosecution agreement, Party Gaming has admitted to offering online poker and casino games for real money to players in the United States from 1997 until October 13th, 2006, which was the day that the UIGEA was signed into law. The company also is conceding that transactions from customers in the U.S. intended for Party Gaming were processed by third parties and other gaming and payment-related companies, which is contrary to current U. S. laws.
According to the website Gaming Intelligence Group, this marks a new dawn for Party Gaming in the eyes of its CEO, Jim Ryan. Ryan states, “The resolution of our position with the U. S. authorities marks an important day for Party Gaming. It has been a long and complex process, but we have reached an amicable solution with the USAO that makes commercial sense for our business and is in the best interests of shareholders. We are now well-placed to seize organic as well as strategic opportunities that previously were beyond our reach.” The shareholders of Party Gaming stock on the London Stock Exchange appear to approve of the agreement, as its stock price as of press time has climbed 33 pence, or slightly over 13%, to 252 pence. The company is traded under the symbol "PRTY" in London.
This marks the close of Party Gaming’s disputes with the U. S. Government regarding its operations in the United States. Back in mid-December, Party Gaming co-founder Anurag Dikshit admitted to violating the Wire Act of 1961 in the Southern District Court of New York. The judge in that case, Jed Rakoff, did not immediately sentence Dikshit to jail time, which could have put the founder of PartyGaming away for up to two years. Instead, Rakoff scheduled sentencing for December 16th, 2010 with the posting of a $50 million bond. Dikshit has continued to cooperate in any online gaming investigations by the U.S. Government. It was also agreed that Dikshit would pay off a $300 fine million in three installments within months of the plea deal. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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In a case that has been years in the making, it was announced this morning that Party Gaming PLC, the company that has been at the forefront of providing poker and casino services to Internet players, has entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Southern District of New York.
The agreement comes after months of discussions between the two parties about Party Gaming’s operations in the United States prior to the enactment of the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). As part of the agreement, Party Gaming has accepted from the USAO an irrefutable “Statement of Facts” regarding its business activities prior to when the UIGEA was entered into law. Party Gaming, per the settlement, has agreed to pay $105 million over a three and a half year period that ends on September 30th, 2012. These payments will be due semi-annually and will come from the company’s existing financial resources.
As a part of the non-prosecution agreement, Party Gaming has admitted to offering online poker and casino games for real money to players in the United States from 1997 until October 13th, 2006, which was the day that the UIGEA was signed into law. The company also is conceding that transactions from customers in the U.S. intended for Party Gaming were processed by third parties and other gaming and payment-related companies, which is contrary to current U. S. laws.
According to the website Gaming Intelligence Group, this marks a new dawn for Party Gaming in the eyes of its CEO, Jim Ryan. Ryan states, “The resolution of our position with the U. S. authorities marks an important day for Party Gaming. It has been a long and complex process, but we have reached an amicable solution with the USAO that makes commercial sense for our business and is in the best interests of shareholders. We are now well-placed to seize organic as well as strategic opportunities that previously were beyond our reach.” The shareholders of Party Gaming stock on the London Stock Exchange appear to approve of the agreement, as its stock price as of press time has climbed 33 pence, or slightly over 13%, to 252 pence. The company is traded under the symbol "PRTY" in London.
This marks the close of Party Gaming’s disputes with the U. S. Government regarding its operations in the United States. Back in mid-December, Party Gaming co-founder Anurag Dikshit admitted to violating the Wire Act of 1961 in the Southern District Court of New York. The judge in that case, Jed Rakoff, did not immediately sentence Dikshit to jail time, which could have put the founder of PartyGaming away for up to two years. Instead, Rakoff scheduled sentencing for December 16th, 2010 with the posting of a $50 million bond. Dikshit has continued to cooperate in any online gaming investigations by the U.S. Government. It was also agreed that Dikshit would pay off a $300 fine million in three installments within months of the plea deal. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Sunday, April 05, 2009
Online punters rushing to play, by Nick Galvin - The Age - 4th April 2009
In 2000 the Federal Government was interested in attitudes to the embryonic online gambling industry. Would Australians cop a ban on all local gambling sites - and if a ban was enforced would punters simply go offshore for their gambling fix?
Results of the consequent survey seem almost quaint. Ninety-six per cent of people said they had no interest in online gambling, and 1 per cent said they would consider playing on an overseas site if they "stumbled upon it".
"These points suggest that currently involvement in internet gambling is only minimal and not likely to increase rapidly in the near feature," the government report concluded. The next year the Interactive Gambling Act made it an offence to provide online gambling services in Australia; as late as 2004 a review boasted about the ban's effectiveness.
Fast forward to 2009. Exact figures are impossible to obtain, but industry sources agree that hundreds of thousands of Australians regularly play poker on overseas servers.
Causes of this growth are complex. Television exposure played a part; so too did the number of Australians with home internet connections - up from a third of households in 2001 to two-thirds by 2006. And there is no shortage, it seems, of Australians willing to trust the internet with their credit card details. (Credit: The Age)
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In 2000 the Federal Government was interested in attitudes to the embryonic online gambling industry. Would Australians cop a ban on all local gambling sites - and if a ban was enforced would punters simply go offshore for their gambling fix?
Results of the consequent survey seem almost quaint. Ninety-six per cent of people said they had no interest in online gambling, and 1 per cent said they would consider playing on an overseas site if they "stumbled upon it".
"These points suggest that currently involvement in internet gambling is only minimal and not likely to increase rapidly in the near feature," the government report concluded. The next year the Interactive Gambling Act made it an offence to provide online gambling services in Australia; as late as 2004 a review boasted about the ban's effectiveness.
Fast forward to 2009. Exact figures are impossible to obtain, but industry sources agree that hundreds of thousands of Australians regularly play poker on overseas servers.
Causes of this growth are complex. Television exposure played a part; so too did the number of Australians with home internet connections - up from a third of households in 2001 to two-thirds by 2006. And there is no shortage, it seems, of Australians willing to trust the internet with their credit card details. (Credit: The Age)
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Saturday, April 04, 2009
Aussie Gambling Reforms Close to Collapse - Gambling911 - 3rd April 2009
The revolutionary reform of Victoria's $5-billion-a-year gambling industry, which would end Tatts and Tabcorp's duopoly control of pokies by handing ownership to venues, is on the brink of collapse.
That's the news courtesy of The Australian:
"Gaming Minister Tony Robinson warned that the Government would have no choice but to walk away from its reforms if Opposition parties continued to block them in the upper house.
"The Coalition and the Greens, whose support Mr Robinson needs, hit back, accusing the Government of trying to ram through a flawed bill by scaremongering.
"The minister said his plan to auction pokies to individual venues and slash TAB's turnover tax on racing would collapse, leaving the industry and its 100,000 employees in chaos, unless the bill to achieve it passed in the next session of parliament in early May. He threatened to renew the duopoly deal if the "Opposition and the Greens would not support the bill. A nasty political brawl looms over the deadlock. The Government is expected to portray the Opposition and the Greens as lackeys of the two gambling giants."
Gambling911.com spoke with Australian Media Man, Greg Tingle regarding the gambling reforms issue:
"Things are still heating up in Australia on the gaming front. Australian's are amongst the world's biggest gamblers be it in clubs, hotels, casinos or online casinos. You can imagine the competition for the entertainment dollar, and of course the Australian government wants their cut also. The knives are out. Australian professional sports codes are upping the ante with magazine front cover promotions, in house sports betting like Betezy's BunnyBet, and so it goes on. In the meantime the world goes through a recession but the Australian gambling market looks pretty healthy."
Tingle deals with the online gambling community himself out of Australia and he claims times have never been better.
"Our numbers here at Media Man Australia are still holding up. We (Media Man Australia) had our recession a couple of years back but the last few years have been full steam ahead. That's an indication that the gambling sector, online gaming, igaming and the brave new world of internet portals are here to stay. Overseas operators still want in to Australia and for many like PokerStars, PartyGaming and The Bingo Affiliates, the internet is the way to go, backed up by "free to play" .net websites, complimented by live shows and offline promotions at the likes of Crown, Star City and Burswood Casino. Indications show that the industry is going to be further regulated, however as the ACMA blacklist policy shows there's going to be a few challenges and teething problems as the Australian government tries to regulate an industry that can be traced back to the underworld, 'Underbelly' days and the mob in Vegas and Chicago. If there ever was a "casino economy" the time is now."
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The revolutionary reform of Victoria's $5-billion-a-year gambling industry, which would end Tatts and Tabcorp's duopoly control of pokies by handing ownership to venues, is on the brink of collapse.
That's the news courtesy of The Australian:
"Gaming Minister Tony Robinson warned that the Government would have no choice but to walk away from its reforms if Opposition parties continued to block them in the upper house.
"The Coalition and the Greens, whose support Mr Robinson needs, hit back, accusing the Government of trying to ram through a flawed bill by scaremongering.
"The minister said his plan to auction pokies to individual venues and slash TAB's turnover tax on racing would collapse, leaving the industry and its 100,000 employees in chaos, unless the bill to achieve it passed in the next session of parliament in early May. He threatened to renew the duopoly deal if the "Opposition and the Greens would not support the bill. A nasty political brawl looms over the deadlock. The Government is expected to portray the Opposition and the Greens as lackeys of the two gambling giants."
Gambling911.com spoke with Australian Media Man, Greg Tingle regarding the gambling reforms issue:
"Things are still heating up in Australia on the gaming front. Australian's are amongst the world's biggest gamblers be it in clubs, hotels, casinos or online casinos. You can imagine the competition for the entertainment dollar, and of course the Australian government wants their cut also. The knives are out. Australian professional sports codes are upping the ante with magazine front cover promotions, in house sports betting like Betezy's BunnyBet, and so it goes on. In the meantime the world goes through a recession but the Australian gambling market looks pretty healthy."
Tingle deals with the online gambling community himself out of Australia and he claims times have never been better.
"Our numbers here at Media Man Australia are still holding up. We (Media Man Australia) had our recession a couple of years back but the last few years have been full steam ahead. That's an indication that the gambling sector, online gaming, igaming and the brave new world of internet portals are here to stay. Overseas operators still want in to Australia and for many like PokerStars, PartyGaming and The Bingo Affiliates, the internet is the way to go, backed up by "free to play" .net websites, complimented by live shows and offline promotions at the likes of Crown, Star City and Burswood Casino. Indications show that the industry is going to be further regulated, however as the ACMA blacklist policy shows there's going to be a few challenges and teething problems as the Australian government tries to regulate an industry that can be traced back to the underworld, 'Underbelly' days and the mob in Vegas and Chicago. If there ever was a "casino economy" the time is now."
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PKR Add Omaha - Bluff Europe - 4th April 2009
PKR.com revolutionised online poker with customisable and controllable avatars, merging our favourite game with The Sims in a way that worked amazingly. Now the site has announced updates to their software including the addition of PLO.
Pot-Limit Omaha and its split-pot variant, Omaha 8, are two games steadily growing in popularity online. Many claim that PKR’s PLO games are the softest on the web, so you have no excuse not to check them out.
Marketing Director Simon Prodger said, “Our community is highly valued and as we grow we like to make sure we provide our players with exactly what they need. Many of the features in our updates are in response to popular demand and we are constantly working on improvements for the future.”
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PKR.com revolutionised online poker with customisable and controllable avatars, merging our favourite game with The Sims in a way that worked amazingly. Now the site has announced updates to their software including the addition of PLO.
Pot-Limit Omaha and its split-pot variant, Omaha 8, are two games steadily growing in popularity online. Many claim that PKR’s PLO games are the softest on the web, so you have no excuse not to check them out.
Marketing Director Simon Prodger said, “Our community is highly valued and as we grow we like to make sure we provide our players with exactly what they need. Many of the features in our updates are in response to popular demand and we are constantly working on improvements for the future.”
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Friday, April 03, 2009
Aussie Senator Admits Error in Internet Censorship Policy, by Brett Collson - Poker News Daily - 2nd April 2009
A blacklist authored by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) aiming to censor various “indecent” websites, including online poker sites, leaked last month with the help of anonymous sources. Now, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy is beginning to own up to errors within his controversial internet censorship policy following an uproar from the Australian community.
Among the more than 2,000 blacklisted sites were numerous online poker sites, including PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, as well as sites with hyperlinks to such banned sites. These websites were scheduled to be secretly blocked by Australia’s Internet service providers (ISPs). The list was leaked by wikileaks.com, a leading online antagonist of government censorship and a supporter of freedom of information made up of anonymous submissions.
ABC TV’s “Q&A” program that aired on March 26 was Senator Conroy’s first major media appearance to discuss the government's internet censorship plans. The response from viewers was substantial as more than 2,000 people sent in web and video questions regarding the government’s censorship proposals.
“We’ve never seen anything like the avalanche Stephen Conroy has generated,” said the show’s host, Tony Jones, when introducing Conroy.
Conroy’s admissions during the broadcast created even more of a stir and left considerable doubt regarding the government’s ability to filter the internet without unintentionally blocking legitimate websites. He acknowledged that images taken by artist/photographer Bill Henson were added to the prohibited websites list in error, and cast blame on the “Russian Mob” for the addition of a dentist’s site to the list, saying that the Mob hacked into the dentist’s site. Several other sites were on the blacklist even though they changed hosting providers and cleaned up their sites several years ago.
“The classification board looked at (Bill Henson’s) website and actually said it’s PG,” Conroy said. “A technical error inside ACMA I’m advised included it, but it was actually cleared by the Classification Board, so it shouldn’t be on the list.”
“I’ve asked ACMA in the last few hours to go through their entire list again to see if there are any other examples of this.”
Conroy’s comments raised concerns from Australians about freedom of speech issues. Because the community doesn’t have access to the blacklist they’re unaware of the criteria used in the banning process.
Such a ban on poker websites would have a huge effect in Australia, where the industry has been thriving even despite recent restrictions enforced by ACMA. The Internet Gambling Act 2001, which has been around for years, makes it unlawful to provide an interactive gambling service to a customer physically present in Australia. Only recently has ACMA become more determined in restricting such illegal material.
Some of the biggest poker tournaments in the world take place in Australia, including the multi-million dollar Aussie Millions as well as the Asia Pacific Poker Tour, Asian Poker Tour, and Australia-New Zealand Poker Tour. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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A blacklist authored by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) aiming to censor various “indecent” websites, including online poker sites, leaked last month with the help of anonymous sources. Now, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy is beginning to own up to errors within his controversial internet censorship policy following an uproar from the Australian community.
Among the more than 2,000 blacklisted sites were numerous online poker sites, including PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, as well as sites with hyperlinks to such banned sites. These websites were scheduled to be secretly blocked by Australia’s Internet service providers (ISPs). The list was leaked by wikileaks.com, a leading online antagonist of government censorship and a supporter of freedom of information made up of anonymous submissions.
ABC TV’s “Q&A” program that aired on March 26 was Senator Conroy’s first major media appearance to discuss the government's internet censorship plans. The response from viewers was substantial as more than 2,000 people sent in web and video questions regarding the government’s censorship proposals.
“We’ve never seen anything like the avalanche Stephen Conroy has generated,” said the show’s host, Tony Jones, when introducing Conroy.
Conroy’s admissions during the broadcast created even more of a stir and left considerable doubt regarding the government’s ability to filter the internet without unintentionally blocking legitimate websites. He acknowledged that images taken by artist/photographer Bill Henson were added to the prohibited websites list in error, and cast blame on the “Russian Mob” for the addition of a dentist’s site to the list, saying that the Mob hacked into the dentist’s site. Several other sites were on the blacklist even though they changed hosting providers and cleaned up their sites several years ago.
“The classification board looked at (Bill Henson’s) website and actually said it’s PG,” Conroy said. “A technical error inside ACMA I’m advised included it, but it was actually cleared by the Classification Board, so it shouldn’t be on the list.”
“I’ve asked ACMA in the last few hours to go through their entire list again to see if there are any other examples of this.”
Conroy’s comments raised concerns from Australians about freedom of speech issues. Because the community doesn’t have access to the blacklist they’re unaware of the criteria used in the banning process.
Such a ban on poker websites would have a huge effect in Australia, where the industry has been thriving even despite recent restrictions enforced by ACMA. The Internet Gambling Act 2001, which has been around for years, makes it unlawful to provide an interactive gambling service to a customer physically present in Australia. Only recently has ACMA become more determined in restricting such illegal material.
Some of the biggest poker tournaments in the world take place in Australia, including the multi-million dollar Aussie Millions as well as the Asia Pacific Poker Tour, Asian Poker Tour, and Australia-New Zealand Poker Tour. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Thursday, April 02, 2009
PKR Ups The Ante
1st April 2009
LONDON, England - (PRESS RELEASE)- Next-generation poker room PKR.com has released a new upgrade to its award-winning software that adds a range of new games and features to its already market leading offering.
New games:
• Omaha Hi/Lo – Pot Limit and Limit variants of the popular split-pot game are now available across cash games, Sit & Go's and MTTs.
• Mini roulette – The world's favourite casino table game follows Blackjack and Casino Hold'em onto PKR.com's embedded game roster.
New features
• Timebank – Players facing difficult decisions can now take more time to make the right move. In cash games, the more hands you are dealt means more time added to your bank – up to the table maximum – while in tournament play the additional time allotted to each player is fixed.
• Break skips – Available at the final tables of all tournaments, players can now opt to skip the break. If all remaining players choose this option, the action continues.
PKR Shop items
• A raft of cool new items has arrived in the PKR Shop. PKR.com players will be able get their hands on a wide range of high-end electronics as well as fantastic new poker books, accessories and subscriptions to PKR.com's partner training site Bluefire Poker, hosted by high stakes poker prodigy Phil Galfond.
Marketing Director Simon Prodger said. "Our community is highly valued and as we grow we like to make sure we provide our players with exactly what they need. Many of the features in our updates are in response to popular demand and we are constantly working on improvements for the future.
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1st April 2009
LONDON, England - (PRESS RELEASE)- Next-generation poker room PKR.com has released a new upgrade to its award-winning software that adds a range of new games and features to its already market leading offering.
New games:
• Omaha Hi/Lo – Pot Limit and Limit variants of the popular split-pot game are now available across cash games, Sit & Go's and MTTs.
• Mini roulette – The world's favourite casino table game follows Blackjack and Casino Hold'em onto PKR.com's embedded game roster.
New features
• Timebank – Players facing difficult decisions can now take more time to make the right move. In cash games, the more hands you are dealt means more time added to your bank – up to the table maximum – while in tournament play the additional time allotted to each player is fixed.
• Break skips – Available at the final tables of all tournaments, players can now opt to skip the break. If all remaining players choose this option, the action continues.
PKR Shop items
• A raft of cool new items has arrived in the PKR Shop. PKR.com players will be able get their hands on a wide range of high-end electronics as well as fantastic new poker books, accessories and subscriptions to PKR.com's partner training site Bluefire Poker, hosted by high stakes poker prodigy Phil Galfond.
Marketing Director Simon Prodger said. "Our community is highly valued and as we grow we like to make sure we provide our players with exactly what they need. Many of the features in our updates are in response to popular demand and we are constantly working on improvements for the future.
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Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Online Poker site offer Champions League Prizes - 30th March 2009
The Champions League final takes place in Rome on the 27th May and could well be another all English affair. With Arsenal, Chelsea, United and Liverpool all into the quarter finals, this years competition has again been dominated by Premiership teams.
PKR.com offer players 3D virtual online poker allowing users to change appearance, dress code as well as emotional behavior. The site will be giving away several VIP packages to players each worth $3,500.
The prizes can only be won by Gold, Platinum and Diamond club members who finish top of the PKR points earners table in April. The packages include, flight's, two nights accommodation in a luxury hotel and excellent seats in the ground.
Marketing Director Simon Prodger said, "The Champions League Final is the most celebrated event on the European football calendar. We are extremely happy to offer this fantastic incentive to our players, many of whom have as much of a penchant for the green turf of the football pitch as they do for the poker baizes."
PKR are famous for being the first internet site to offer 3D games and have now acquired millions of players from around the globe.
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The Champions League final takes place in Rome on the 27th May and could well be another all English affair. With Arsenal, Chelsea, United and Liverpool all into the quarter finals, this years competition has again been dominated by Premiership teams.
PKR.com offer players 3D virtual online poker allowing users to change appearance, dress code as well as emotional behavior. The site will be giving away several VIP packages to players each worth $3,500.
The prizes can only be won by Gold, Platinum and Diamond club members who finish top of the PKR points earners table in April. The packages include, flight's, two nights accommodation in a luxury hotel and excellent seats in the ground.
Marketing Director Simon Prodger said, "The Champions League Final is the most celebrated event on the European football calendar. We are extremely happy to offer this fantastic incentive to our players, many of whom have as much of a penchant for the green turf of the football pitch as they do for the poker baizes."
PKR are famous for being the first internet site to offer 3D games and have now acquired millions of players from around the globe.
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Internet Filtering Continues to be Hot Topic in Australia - Gambling911 - 31st March 2009
The coverage related to Internet filtering in Australia continues to be a hot topic. A report aired just the other night with some 377 plus people commenting on what was transpiring. As Gambling911.com has been reporting, the Australian government, led by Communications Director Stephen Conroy, has been working to filter some 2000 plus websites they claim were "indecent" but as it turns out, a number of those sites were related to online poker, religion and politics.
One individual wrote:
"The fact that the black list already contains politically controversial sites -of religions with which the government does not agree- should be taken as a sign of things to come. That information on euthanasia has been blocked is fairly hypocritical. It was legal in the Northern Territory under 15 years ago. The filter only covers http traffic - not peer to peer traffic. Anyone hosting illegal content over http is advertising their location. Surely distributors of illegal content would use P2P."
Another had this to say:
"Both during his appearance on Insight and Q&A last week, Conroy described it as a "Genuine conundrum" that blacklists have to be secret in order to work - therefore disenabling legitimate sites from knowing and protesting their blacklisting. I don't really see how it is a "Conundrum". If the sites are blocked, then supposedly people won't be able to access them ANYWAY. So what's wrong with transparency? And those who really want to view illegal sites will already know of them and can bypass."
Our man on the street, Greg Tingle, had this to say:
"I'm an adult and if I wish to watch adult porno that should be my business only. If I want to visit a poker or online casino website to place a bet, so be it. If I want to link to Betfair, I should have every right to. Here's a movie to watch, John Carpenter's 'They Live'. Part science fiction thriller and part black comedy, the film echoed contemporary fears of a declining economy, within a culture of greed and conspicuous consumption common among Americans in the 1980s. In They Live, the ruling class within the monied elite are in fact aliens managing human social affairs through the use of subliminal media advertising and the control of economic opportunity. Rudd, any bells ringing here. Liberal, you have found your next election winner I believe. The way this is going Australia is heading for a riot which will make Cronulla, Maroubra, Thailand, China and France look like child's play. Rudd and Conroy, it's happening on your watch. Is the Australian government happy with themselves now. I would suggest that some Australian politicians are going to do well to get bodyguards, if they don't have them already, such is the dislike of some of their jackass policy, and some of them are the clowns that signed off some of this garbage."
This is a hot topic that won't be going away any time soon. (Credit: Gambling911)
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The coverage related to Internet filtering in Australia continues to be a hot topic. A report aired just the other night with some 377 plus people commenting on what was transpiring. As Gambling911.com has been reporting, the Australian government, led by Communications Director Stephen Conroy, has been working to filter some 2000 plus websites they claim were "indecent" but as it turns out, a number of those sites were related to online poker, religion and politics.
One individual wrote:
"The fact that the black list already contains politically controversial sites -of religions with which the government does not agree- should be taken as a sign of things to come. That information on euthanasia has been blocked is fairly hypocritical. It was legal in the Northern Territory under 15 years ago. The filter only covers http traffic - not peer to peer traffic. Anyone hosting illegal content over http is advertising their location. Surely distributors of illegal content would use P2P."
Another had this to say:
"Both during his appearance on Insight and Q&A last week, Conroy described it as a "Genuine conundrum" that blacklists have to be secret in order to work - therefore disenabling legitimate sites from knowing and protesting their blacklisting. I don't really see how it is a "Conundrum". If the sites are blocked, then supposedly people won't be able to access them ANYWAY. So what's wrong with transparency? And those who really want to view illegal sites will already know of them and can bypass."
Our man on the street, Greg Tingle, had this to say:
"I'm an adult and if I wish to watch adult porno that should be my business only. If I want to visit a poker or online casino website to place a bet, so be it. If I want to link to Betfair, I should have every right to. Here's a movie to watch, John Carpenter's 'They Live'. Part science fiction thriller and part black comedy, the film echoed contemporary fears of a declining economy, within a culture of greed and conspicuous consumption common among Americans in the 1980s. In They Live, the ruling class within the monied elite are in fact aliens managing human social affairs through the use of subliminal media advertising and the control of economic opportunity. Rudd, any bells ringing here. Liberal, you have found your next election winner I believe. The way this is going Australia is heading for a riot which will make Cronulla, Maroubra, Thailand, China and France look like child's play. Rudd and Conroy, it's happening on your watch. Is the Australian government happy with themselves now. I would suggest that some Australian politicians are going to do well to get bodyguards, if they don't have them already, such is the dislike of some of their jackass policy, and some of them are the clowns that signed off some of this garbage."
This is a hot topic that won't be going away any time soon. (Credit: Gambling911)
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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Sunday, March 29, 2009
Mickey Rourke Headlines Celebrity Bounty Tournament at DoylesRoom - Gambling911 - 28th March 2009
Mickey Rourke Headlines Celebrity Bounty Tournament at DoylesRoom
From 9 ½ Weeks to The Wrestler, no actor has lived the Hollywood dream like Mickey Rourke. Giving his all on the movie set, boxing ring and wrestling mat, Mickey’s true grit and talent are undeniable. Mickey will now take on challengers of another kind, DoylesRoom.com poker players.
DoylesRoom.com today announced the guest list for the DoylesRoom Celebrity Bounty Tournament. Mickey Rourke teams up with returning bounty celebs; billionaire heiress Nicky Hilton and Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler. New to the celebrity cast is the multi-talented singer and actress, Eve. With over 7 million albums sold, numerous movie roles and a BET, MTV and a Grammy award under her belt, this self-made queen of hip hop is up to any challenge. These 4 celebrity guests join 10-time WSOP winner Doyle Brunson, and poker’s famed educator and statistician, Mike Caro, for a blockbuster evening of poker.
It all kicks off on Thursday, April 2nd at 9:30 pm ET as the star-studded cast takes to the tables and the Celebrity Bounty Tournament begins. For a $27.50 buy-in, players compete in this fast action multi-table Texas Hold’em tournament. One lucky online poker player can win a $25,000 cash prize by knocking out all three key bounties. A handsome $5,000 consolation prize will be awarded if a single player knocks out two key bounties and $500 will be awarded to the player who knocks out any single bounty. First-time players have nothing to lose and everything to gain, as DoylesRoom.com will generously issue a full-refund of their buy-in and fees.
Since 2005, the weekly Doyle’s Bounty is the online poker world’s benchmark for guest bounty style tournaments. Its success has directly contributed to the crossover between mainstream entertainment and the excitement of online poker. (Credit: Gambling911)
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Mickey Rourke Headlines Celebrity Bounty Tournament at DoylesRoom
From 9 ½ Weeks to The Wrestler, no actor has lived the Hollywood dream like Mickey Rourke. Giving his all on the movie set, boxing ring and wrestling mat, Mickey’s true grit and talent are undeniable. Mickey will now take on challengers of another kind, DoylesRoom.com poker players.
DoylesRoom.com today announced the guest list for the DoylesRoom Celebrity Bounty Tournament. Mickey Rourke teams up with returning bounty celebs; billionaire heiress Nicky Hilton and Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler. New to the celebrity cast is the multi-talented singer and actress, Eve. With over 7 million albums sold, numerous movie roles and a BET, MTV and a Grammy award under her belt, this self-made queen of hip hop is up to any challenge. These 4 celebrity guests join 10-time WSOP winner Doyle Brunson, and poker’s famed educator and statistician, Mike Caro, for a blockbuster evening of poker.
It all kicks off on Thursday, April 2nd at 9:30 pm ET as the star-studded cast takes to the tables and the Celebrity Bounty Tournament begins. For a $27.50 buy-in, players compete in this fast action multi-table Texas Hold’em tournament. One lucky online poker player can win a $25,000 cash prize by knocking out all three key bounties. A handsome $5,000 consolation prize will be awarded if a single player knocks out two key bounties and $500 will be awarded to the player who knocks out any single bounty. First-time players have nothing to lose and everything to gain, as DoylesRoom.com will generously issue a full-refund of their buy-in and fees.
Since 2005, the weekly Doyle’s Bounty is the online poker world’s benchmark for guest bounty style tournaments. Its success has directly contributed to the crossover between mainstream entertainment and the excitement of online poker. (Credit: Gambling911)
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Poker Mag Launches new Poker Academy - 24th March 2009
With Poker being one of the most favoured of all gambling games, it was only a matter of time before professional tutorials were in demand.
One of the first to do so has been the well known poker magazine Bluff Europe, as it announced the launch of its new poker academy. The academy will be a series of tours, where the public are given lectures and advice from professional poker players.
The tour starts on the 4th April and will take place at The Casino of the Empire in London. The lectures are open to all and will cover various concepts in professional poker, including luck and variance, dealing with defeat and bankroll management.
After the lectures there will also be tournaments scheduled for attendees where they will be given direct supervision from some of the best players in the world.
The Editor and Chief at Bluff Europe, Michael Caselli said, “I’m really excited about the pros we have involved, we’ll be announcing who they are shortly, but let’s just say they are huge.”
Bluff also revealed that each series of the tours would be presided over by online poker professionals along with Bluff columnist Alex Rousso.
Alex Rousso went on to say, “This is a great opportunity for poker enthusiasts to learn to improve their games with the help of some of the best players around.”
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With Poker being one of the most favoured of all gambling games, it was only a matter of time before professional tutorials were in demand.
One of the first to do so has been the well known poker magazine Bluff Europe, as it announced the launch of its new poker academy. The academy will be a series of tours, where the public are given lectures and advice from professional poker players.
The tour starts on the 4th April and will take place at The Casino of the Empire in London. The lectures are open to all and will cover various concepts in professional poker, including luck and variance, dealing with defeat and bankroll management.
After the lectures there will also be tournaments scheduled for attendees where they will be given direct supervision from some of the best players in the world.
The Editor and Chief at Bluff Europe, Michael Caselli said, “I’m really excited about the pros we have involved, we’ll be announcing who they are shortly, but let’s just say they are huge.”
Bluff also revealed that each series of the tours would be presided over by online poker professionals along with Bluff columnist Alex Rousso.
Alex Rousso went on to say, “This is a great opportunity for poker enthusiasts to learn to improve their games with the help of some of the best players around.”
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