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2006/12/07
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29893
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PokerPlayer ran an exclusive interview with Daniel Negreanu in our January edition that caused a bit of a stir, not least with Kid Poker himself. As a result the Canadian poker legend wanted the chance to clear up a few points. Over to you Mr Negreanu...
‘I read the cover story in last month's Poker Player magazine, and while the majority of the article clearly gets the gist of what I was trying to convey, there were a couple minor things I didn't say, and would like to clarify.
‘The cover states, “How I conquered Online Poker” and I've never said any such thing. Did I improve? Yes. Did I become competent? Yes. Did people start to view me as less of a mark in a short period of time? Yes, but conquer is a very strong word and I certainly don't feel like it accurately displays how I feel about my online skill set in comparison to the many great, young online players who have a lot more experience than I do. Had it read "How He conquered Online Poker" that would be an opinion, but when it's written as "I" it implies I said that obviously.
‘The headline of the article was “What is Wrong with You?” followed by, “Daniel Negreanu asks what the hell is wrong with players these days". I think both are misleading. It implies that I think there is something wrong with the young players of today, and that's not at all what I was saying. I have the utmost respect for the skill set of the younger generation, and have echoed those sentiments in various interviews over the past few years, giving credit to many young players who've helped improve some of the flaws in my game.
‘I was commenting more on the state of televised poker in the US, and there is currently a bit of a black hole in comparison to the days when you could find PokerStars-net The Big Game, Poker After Dark, High Stakes Poker, PokerStarts-net Million Dollar Challenge on your television nightly. With the lack of funding for these shows by the online sites, coupled with a rather limited group of younger players who combine both the skill set, and the personality to excite the mainstream, poker on TV in the U.S. is going to face a lull until things get sorted with legislation.
‘I don't think poker is in “big trouble” as was implied in the article, and I certainly don't think there is something inherently wrong with the younger generation of player. As I was correctly quoted in the article stating that players like DevilFish, Sammy Farha, Doyle Brunson, and Phil Ivey became fan favourites not only because of their skill set, but because of their interesting, and unique backgrounds and storyline. My fear is that the current story line for many of the younger generation lacks sexiness, “I built my bankroll in college 20 tabling micro stakes and have invested the money into mutual funds and have a rather extensive portfolio” is a bit boring. It certainly doesn't hold up to the old school tales of the likes of Doyle Brunson and DevilFish, or the incredible tale of Scotty Nguyen coming over on a boat and having a discussion with his family as to when they would eat their ailing brother while stranded at sea. I don't think the story of a majority of the young players today connects with the mainstream, nor will causal viewers find it all that interesting especially since they are so similar and repetitive.
‘There are a few bright spots, and some exceptions to the rule, but many of today's young players are having a more difficult time standing out from the crowd. There is nothing “wrong with them,” but with all due respect, the public is going to find the sexiness of a suit wearing, cigarette smoking, wise cracking, Sammy Farha, a lot more interesting than a young, intelligent, level headed, and well spoken kid like Mike “Timex” McDonald.’
‘I read the cover story in last month's Poker Player magazine, and while the majority of the article clearly gets the gist of what I was trying to convey, there were a couple minor things I didn't say, and would like to clarify.
‘The cover states, “How I conquered Online Poker” and I've never said any such thing. Did I improve? Yes. Did I become competent? Yes. Did people start to view me as less of a mark in a short period of time? Yes, but conquer is a very strong word and I certainly don't feel like it accurately displays how I feel about my online skill set in comparison to the many great, young online players who have a lot more experience than I do. Had it read "How He conquered Online Poker" that would be an opinion, but when it's written as "I" it implies I said that obviously.
‘The headline of the article was “What is Wrong with You?” followed by, “Daniel Negreanu asks what the hell is wrong with players these days". I think both are misleading. It implies that I think there is something wrong with the young players of today, and that's not at all what I was saying. I have the utmost respect for the skill set of the younger generation, and have echoed those sentiments in various interviews over the past few years, giving credit to many young players who've helped improve some of the flaws in my game.
‘I was commenting more on the state of televised poker in the US, and there is currently a bit of a black hole in comparison to the days when you could find PokerStars-net The Big Game, Poker After Dark, High Stakes Poker, PokerStarts-net Million Dollar Challenge on your television nightly. With the lack of funding for these shows by the online sites, coupled with a rather limited group of younger players who combine both the skill set, and the personality to excite the mainstream, poker on TV in the U.S. is going to face a lull until things get sorted with legislation.
‘I don't think poker is in “big trouble” as was implied in the article, and I certainly don't think there is something inherently wrong with the younger generation of player. As I was correctly quoted in the article stating that players like DevilFish, Sammy Farha, Doyle Brunson, and Phil Ivey became fan favourites not only because of their skill set, but because of their interesting, and unique backgrounds and storyline. My fear is that the current story line for many of the younger generation lacks sexiness, “I built my bankroll in college 20 tabling micro stakes and have invested the money into mutual funds and have a rather extensive portfolio” is a bit boring. It certainly doesn't hold up to the old school tales of the likes of Doyle Brunson and DevilFish, or the incredible tale of Scotty Nguyen coming over on a boat and having a discussion with his family as to when they would eat their ailing brother while stranded at sea. I don't think the story of a majority of the young players today connects with the mainstream, nor will causal viewers find it all that interesting especially since they are so similar and repetitive.
‘There are a few bright spots, and some exceptions to the rule, but many of today's young players are having a more difficult time standing out from the crowd. There is nothing “wrong with them,” but with all due respect, the public is going to find the sexiness of a suit wearing, cigarette smoking, wise cracking, Sammy Farha, a lot more interesting than a young, intelligent, level headed, and well spoken kid like Mike “Timex” McDonald.’
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
American online poker fanatics have received some welcome news within a month of the new year starting that is bound to make 2012 a year to remember – unlike last year, which witnessed the debacle that was Black Friday.
The good news arrived today, when Caesars Interactive Entertainment and 888.com released a joint statement that revealed the business partners have plans to extend their British software licensing agreement that will result in them providing “a real money offering” in the United States.
888 Holdings plc – which includes poker room 888 poker among their many high-profile gambling websites – has, of course, been managing Caesars’ online World Series of Poker (WSOP) site, via their business-to-business (B2😎 arm Dragonfish, in Britain since 2010.
Now, with the US preparing to allow poker rooms to once again operate within their borders following the disastrous events of Black Friday last April – which resulted in several poker rooms being closed, including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker, by the nation’s Department of Justice (DoJ) – 888 is pushing ahead with bold plans to enter the US market.
888 and Caesars to Promote WSOP Site in States
The statement revealed that the gambling firm plans to utilise “888’s state of the art poker platform”, while also launching “a real money offering” the very moment any “Federal or state-based regulation is finalised and upon licensing by gaming authorities”.
As the USA moves forward – if very slowly – with intra-state legislation that should see online poker operators issued with licences to operate within states, 888 is leading the charge to gain a foothold in Nevada’s soon-to-be-in-place market.
The state’s Gaming Control Board is already reviewing the paperwork required to gain a license, although nobody is completely sure when the first application will be submitted for approval to the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Meanwhile, Caesars Interactive Entertainment chief executive officer Mitch Garber reckons 888’s arrival on the US market can only be good news for online poker fans – mainly because of their experience in Britain with their promotion of the WSOP brand.
Caesars CEO Reckons Poker Room Will Succeed
He believes that 888 have “been successfully driving the World Series of Poker brand” in Britain for the last three years, so, “with the current momentum toward either a Federal or state-by-state regulatory environment”, the online gambling website is “uniquely positioned” to work within the boundaries of either conclusion “without delay”.
This is also great news for 888 Poker with the added boost of 888 Holdings’ recent success on the stock market since the start of the year. The company had seen an impressive rise of 11.7% on this news from 47.00 pence to 52.50 on the FTSE 100 – which is a share index of the 100 most highly capitalised UK companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Well, all in all, it finally looks like there are some serious developments occurring in the US online poker market, which can only be beneficial to the many millions of American players who were left without any virtual felt to play on last mid-April.
Exclusive 888 Poker Bonus Offer Available
Of course, non-US players can right now take advantage of 888 Poker’s brilliant first-deposit bonus that is set at an impressive $600, with an additional free $8 thrown in for good measure. All you need to do is get on over to 888 Poker and sign up and enjoy this exclusive Poker News Report bonus that is set at $400 for the majority of other sites.
Also, don’t forget to regularly check back here at Poker News Report for all updates on the US online poker market. Even better, bookmark us so you won’t ever miss out on the most recent information on all things poker, as well as exclusive bonuses at many of the world’s leading poker websites.
The good news arrived today, when Caesars Interactive Entertainment and 888.com released a joint statement that revealed the business partners have plans to extend their British software licensing agreement that will result in them providing “a real money offering” in the United States.
888 Holdings plc – which includes poker room 888 poker among their many high-profile gambling websites – has, of course, been managing Caesars’ online World Series of Poker (WSOP) site, via their business-to-business (B2😎 arm Dragonfish, in Britain since 2010.
Now, with the US preparing to allow poker rooms to once again operate within their borders following the disastrous events of Black Friday last April – which resulted in several poker rooms being closed, including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker, by the nation’s Department of Justice (DoJ) – 888 is pushing ahead with bold plans to enter the US market.
888 and Caesars to Promote WSOP Site in States
The statement revealed that the gambling firm plans to utilise “888’s state of the art poker platform”, while also launching “a real money offering” the very moment any “Federal or state-based regulation is finalised and upon licensing by gaming authorities”.
As the USA moves forward – if very slowly – with intra-state legislation that should see online poker operators issued with licences to operate within states, 888 is leading the charge to gain a foothold in Nevada’s soon-to-be-in-place market.
The state’s Gaming Control Board is already reviewing the paperwork required to gain a license, although nobody is completely sure when the first application will be submitted for approval to the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Meanwhile, Caesars Interactive Entertainment chief executive officer Mitch Garber reckons 888’s arrival on the US market can only be good news for online poker fans – mainly because of their experience in Britain with their promotion of the WSOP brand.
Caesars CEO Reckons Poker Room Will Succeed
He believes that 888 have “been successfully driving the World Series of Poker brand” in Britain for the last three years, so, “with the current momentum toward either a Federal or state-by-state regulatory environment”, the online gambling website is “uniquely positioned” to work within the boundaries of either conclusion “without delay”.
This is also great news for 888 Poker with the added boost of 888 Holdings’ recent success on the stock market since the start of the year. The company had seen an impressive rise of 11.7% on this news from 47.00 pence to 52.50 on the FTSE 100 – which is a share index of the 100 most highly capitalised UK companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Well, all in all, it finally looks like there are some serious developments occurring in the US online poker market, which can only be beneficial to the many millions of American players who were left without any virtual felt to play on last mid-April.
Exclusive 888 Poker Bonus Offer Available
Of course, non-US players can right now take advantage of 888 Poker’s brilliant first-deposit bonus that is set at an impressive $600, with an additional free $8 thrown in for good measure. All you need to do is get on over to 888 Poker and sign up and enjoy this exclusive Poker News Report bonus that is set at $400 for the majority of other sites.
Also, don’t forget to regularly check back here at Poker News Report for all updates on the US online poker market. Even better, bookmark us so you won’t ever miss out on the most recent information on all things poker, as well as exclusive bonuses at many of the world’s leading poker websites.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Manne wrote:
PokerPlayer ran an exclusive interview with Daniel Negreanu in our January edition that caused a bit of a stir, not least with Kid Poker himself. As a result the Canadian poker legend wanted the chance to clear up a few points. Over to you Mr Negreanu...
‘I read the cover story in last month's Poker Player magazine, and while the majority of the article clearly gets the gist of what I was trying to convey, there were a couple minor things I didn't say, and would like to clarify.
‘The cover states, “How I conquered Online Poker” and I've never said any such thing. Did I improve? Yes. Did I become competent? Yes. Did people start to view me as less of a mark in a short period of time? Yes, but conquer is a very strong word and I certainly don't feel like it accurately displays how I feel about my online skill set in comparison to the many great, young online players who have a lot more experience than I do. Had it read "How He conquered Online Poker" that would be an opinion, but when it's written as "I" it implies I said that obviously.
‘The headline of the article was “What is Wrong with You?” followed by, “Daniel Negreanu asks what the hell is wrong with players these days". I think both are misleading. It implies that I think there is something wrong with the young players of today, and that's not at all what I was saying. I have the utmost respect for the skill set of the younger generation, and have echoed those sentiments in various interviews over the past few years, giving credit to many young players who've helped improve some of the flaws in my game.
‘I was commenting more on the state of televised poker in the US, and there is currently a bit of a black hole in comparison to the days when you could find PokerStars-net The Big Game, Poker After Dark, High Stakes Poker, PokerStarts-net Million Dollar Challenge on your television nightly. With the lack of funding for these shows by the online sites, coupled with a rather limited group of younger players who combine both the skill set, and the personality to excite the mainstream, poker on TV in the U.S. is going to face a lull until things get sorted with legislation.
‘I don't think poker is in “big trouble” as was implied in the article, and I certainly don't think there is something inherently wrong with the younger generation of player. As I was correctly quoted in the article stating that players like DevilFish, Sammy Farha, Doyle Brunson, and Phil Ivey became fan favourites not only because of their skill set, but because of their interesting, and unique backgrounds and storyline. My fear is that the current story line for many of the younger generation lacks sexiness, “I built my bankroll in college 20 tabling micro stakes and have invested the money into mutual funds and have a rather extensive portfolio” is a bit boring. It certainly doesn't hold up to the old school tales of the likes of Doyle Brunson and DevilFish, or the incredible tale of Scotty Nguyen coming over on a boat and having a discussion with his family as to when they would eat their ailing brother while stranded at sea. I don't think the story of a majority of the young players today connects with the mainstream, nor will causal viewers find it all that interesting especially since they are so similar and repetitive.
‘There are a few bright spots, and some exceptions to the rule, but many of today's young players are having a more difficult time standing out from the crowd. There is nothing “wrong with them,” but with all due respect, the public is going to find the sexiness of a suit wearing, cigarette smoking, wise cracking, Sammy Farha, a lot more interesting than a young, intelligent, level headed, and well spoken kid like Mike “Timex” McDonald.’
Hello Manne,
I am new here thanks for sharing the blogs
I am new here thanks for sharing the blogs
Join:
2012/02/03
Messages:
12
Card Player has obtained information that MGM Resorts and Boyd Gaming are a couple of the latest entities to apply for a license to participate in a Nevada intrastate online gaming industry that would begin with poker.
In October, MGM and Boyd announced a deal with bwin.party to run Internet poker sites. The U.K-based company that owns PartyPoker and the World Poker Tour brand has yet to apply.
MGM is a brick-and-mortar casino powerhouse in Las Vegas. Some of its properties include Bellagio, Aria, The Mirage, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Circus Circus and Excalibur.
Caesars Entertainment, owner of the World Series of Poker brand, also formally applied recently. Just a few days ago, 888 (also an applicant in Nevada) and Caesars announced they were extending their U.K. software licensing agreement to the U.S.
Like MGM, Caesars owns the brand names for a number of Nevada casinos. In addition to Caesars Palace, some of the company’s properties in the Silver State include Flamingo, Harveys Lake Tahoe, Imperial Palace, O’Sheas, Planet Hollywood and Rio.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Thursday that Fertitta Interactive is now formally seeking to participate in online poker. The online gaming entity is co-owned by Station Casinos’ founders.
Here’s a complete list of the 12 applicants:
Cantor G&W (Nevada) L.P. — Service Provider
South Point Poker (Gaughan Straight Holdings) — Operator
IGT — Manufacturer/Service Provider
888 Holdings plc/888 US Limited — Manufacturer/Distributor/Service Provider
Bally Technologies — Manufacturer/Service Provider
Shuffle Master — Service Provider
Aristocrat Technologies — Manufacturer/Distributor/Service Provider
Monarch Casino — Operator
Caesars Entertainment — Operator
Boyd Gaming — Operator
Fertitta Interactive, LLC; Fertitta Acquisitionsco, LLC — Operator/Service Provider
MGM Resorts Online, LLC — Operator
Nevada regulators are already reviewing some of the paperwork, but have not given any indication on when the first potential licensee could be brought to the Gaming Commission for approval.
In October, MGM and Boyd announced a deal with bwin.party to run Internet poker sites. The U.K-based company that owns PartyPoker and the World Poker Tour brand has yet to apply.
MGM is a brick-and-mortar casino powerhouse in Las Vegas. Some of its properties include Bellagio, Aria, The Mirage, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Circus Circus and Excalibur.
Caesars Entertainment, owner of the World Series of Poker brand, also formally applied recently. Just a few days ago, 888 (also an applicant in Nevada) and Caesars announced they were extending their U.K. software licensing agreement to the U.S.
Like MGM, Caesars owns the brand names for a number of Nevada casinos. In addition to Caesars Palace, some of the company’s properties in the Silver State include Flamingo, Harveys Lake Tahoe, Imperial Palace, O’Sheas, Planet Hollywood and Rio.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Thursday that Fertitta Interactive is now formally seeking to participate in online poker. The online gaming entity is co-owned by Station Casinos’ founders.
Here’s a complete list of the 12 applicants:
Cantor G&W (Nevada) L.P. — Service Provider
South Point Poker (Gaughan Straight Holdings) — Operator
IGT — Manufacturer/Service Provider
888 Holdings plc/888 US Limited — Manufacturer/Distributor/Service Provider
Bally Technologies — Manufacturer/Service Provider
Shuffle Master — Service Provider
Aristocrat Technologies — Manufacturer/Distributor/Service Provider
Monarch Casino — Operator
Caesars Entertainment — Operator
Boyd Gaming — Operator
Fertitta Interactive, LLC; Fertitta Acquisitionsco, LLC — Operator/Service Provider
MGM Resorts Online, LLC — Operator
Nevada regulators are already reviewing some of the paperwork, but have not given any indication on when the first potential licensee could be brought to the Gaming Commission for approval.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
FairPlayUSA has been quiet in its first six months of operation, though that doesn't mean the organization funded by Las Vegas casinos to make the case for federal legislation to regulate online poker based on the need for child safety and consumer protection has been ineffective.
Nothing yet has come of the petition to Congress that is the centerpiece of FairPlayUSA's grassroots campaign. The organization is still accepting signatures to the petition but has not made a decision about when it will be submitted to Congress.
Executive director Marisa McNee wouldn't say how many signatures FairPlayUSA has collected because she wants to keep the number under wraps to make it a better news story when it is eventually released.
"If there is a running total in public, when we deliver it to the Hill there's not really going to be any news there," McNee said. "It's important for that to have the biggest impact possible."
FairPlayUSA has about 5,600 likes on Facebook, if that is any indication as to how many people have signed the petition. That's a modest total, smaller than the number who signed the Poker Players Alliance petition asking for the Obama Administration to address online poker last year, though it is unclear if the Facebook total would be similar to the petition numbers.
The biggest contributions by FairPlayUSA thus far were having advisory board member Parry Aftab testify in front of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade in October and commissioning a study released in December that concluded that regulation of Internet poker would not negatively impact state lotteries.
The subtle strength of FairPlayUSA is the impressive board of advisors it has built. Aftab, an advocate for family cybersafety issues, is joined by former FBI Director Louis Freeh, former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, former FBI undercover agent Jack Garcia, 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event champion Greg Raymer, and poker player and announcer Mike Sexton.
Having those six names available for media interviews and promoting the need for federal online poker legislation is the organization's largest impact. The diverse makeup means FairPlayUSA will have a good candidate to testify at all poker-related Congressional hearings going forward no matter the angle of discussion.
FairPlayUSA doesn't have any specific plans for 2012 other than to push forward on educating the public and members of Congress on the need for regulation.
"We will continue to reach out to people to sign the petition and to highlight public support for federal regulation," McNee said. "The opinion from the Justice Department [on the scope of the Wire Act being limited to sports betting] left some ambiguity about the legality of online poker. It needs to be cleared up with federal regulation."
Nothing yet has come of the petition to Congress that is the centerpiece of FairPlayUSA's grassroots campaign. The organization is still accepting signatures to the petition but has not made a decision about when it will be submitted to Congress.
Executive director Marisa McNee wouldn't say how many signatures FairPlayUSA has collected because she wants to keep the number under wraps to make it a better news story when it is eventually released.
"If there is a running total in public, when we deliver it to the Hill there's not really going to be any news there," McNee said. "It's important for that to have the biggest impact possible."
FairPlayUSA has about 5,600 likes on Facebook, if that is any indication as to how many people have signed the petition. That's a modest total, smaller than the number who signed the Poker Players Alliance petition asking for the Obama Administration to address online poker last year, though it is unclear if the Facebook total would be similar to the petition numbers.
The biggest contributions by FairPlayUSA thus far were having advisory board member Parry Aftab testify in front of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade in October and commissioning a study released in December that concluded that regulation of Internet poker would not negatively impact state lotteries.
The subtle strength of FairPlayUSA is the impressive board of advisors it has built. Aftab, an advocate for family cybersafety issues, is joined by former FBI Director Louis Freeh, former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, former FBI undercover agent Jack Garcia, 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event champion Greg Raymer, and poker player and announcer Mike Sexton.
Having those six names available for media interviews and promoting the need for federal online poker legislation is the organization's largest impact. The diverse makeup means FairPlayUSA will have a good candidate to testify at all poker-related Congressional hearings going forward no matter the angle of discussion.
FairPlayUSA doesn't have any specific plans for 2012 other than to push forward on educating the public and members of Congress on the need for regulation.
"We will continue to reach out to people to sign the petition and to highlight public support for federal regulation," McNee said. "The opinion from the Justice Department [on the scope of the Wire Act being limited to sports betting] left some ambiguity about the legality of online poker. It needs to be cleared up with federal regulation."
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The 2012 World Series of Poker schedule was released this week, and Card Player TV caught up with WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel to learn more about some of the major changes for this year, including the move of the Main Event final table to October, and the addition of the first ever million dollar buy-in event.
Download this video
Download this video
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Holdem Indicator, the fully featured, real-time online poker odds calculator that assists players with making more intelligent and profitable decisions, has released a patch for the Bovada and Bodog Software. With the release, Holdem Indicator becomes the very first piece of software to support the anonymous tables on Bovada and Bodog, which have been a hot topic among online poker players worldwide.
The Bovada and Bodog anonymous tables have drawn wide criticism from online poker players who believe that virtual tables should be able to be datamined at all times in order to analyze information that could lead to irregularities. With the online poker scandals revolving around Absolute Poker and UB, support has grown for programs such as Holdem Indicator, which can identify instances in which a player or players may be compromising the online poker site's security measures and gaining an unfair advantage.
Regardless of your individual thoughts related to online poker security, having a program that can access real-time statistics while playing on Bovada and Bodog can result in a significant jump in your overall bottom line and profit. The Heads-Up Display (HUD) is crisp, easy to understand, and, most importantly, accurate.
According to PokerScout Bodog is the 16th largest online poker site in the world and had nearly 1,000 cash game players participating in action at the time this article was written.
Many players feel that the concept of "protecting" players for their own good should only be used in cases of bona fide cheating and not when a player simply has superior skills or superior analysis of publicly available information.
Programs such as Holdem Indicator do not reveal the hole cards of any player until the hand has already concluded, and the information available is based on hands the player has already seen. The service is also explicitly permitted, or white-listed, by PokerStars.
Because of Holdem Indicator's sole entrance into statistical tracking of Bodog's anonymous tables, players who wish to have this valuable information at their fingertips will need to make use of the Holdem Indicator service.
Although the service is the first to grant access to the Bovada and Bodog anonymous tables, historical stats and player notes are currently unavailable when playing on Bodog. However, Holdem Indicator will continue to store your own stats as well as the session stats of your opponents.
For online poker players who haven't checked into the capabilities of Holdem Indicator yet, the program attaches itself automatically to your game table and requires zero input, allowing you to concentrate fully on the action at the table. The program calculates pot odds, outs, table position, and EV and has a very easy to read HUD.
Once Bodog and Bovada support is available on other programs, a larger percentage of the competition will naturally be making use of the stats in order to improve their own results. In other words, the more quickly a player begins making use of Holdem Indicator, the more he or she could potentially profit at the anonymous tables.
For more information, or to begin receiving real-time information while playing at the Bovada and Bodog anonymous tables, head over to HoldemIndicator-com and discover the benefits of having real time information at your fingertips while playing on Bodog and other sites.
The Bovada and Bodog anonymous tables have drawn wide criticism from online poker players who believe that virtual tables should be able to be datamined at all times in order to analyze information that could lead to irregularities. With the online poker scandals revolving around Absolute Poker and UB, support has grown for programs such as Holdem Indicator, which can identify instances in which a player or players may be compromising the online poker site's security measures and gaining an unfair advantage.
Regardless of your individual thoughts related to online poker security, having a program that can access real-time statistics while playing on Bovada and Bodog can result in a significant jump in your overall bottom line and profit. The Heads-Up Display (HUD) is crisp, easy to understand, and, most importantly, accurate.
According to PokerScout Bodog is the 16th largest online poker site in the world and had nearly 1,000 cash game players participating in action at the time this article was written.
Many players feel that the concept of "protecting" players for their own good should only be used in cases of bona fide cheating and not when a player simply has superior skills or superior analysis of publicly available information.
Programs such as Holdem Indicator do not reveal the hole cards of any player until the hand has already concluded, and the information available is based on hands the player has already seen. The service is also explicitly permitted, or white-listed, by PokerStars.
Because of Holdem Indicator's sole entrance into statistical tracking of Bodog's anonymous tables, players who wish to have this valuable information at their fingertips will need to make use of the Holdem Indicator service.
Although the service is the first to grant access to the Bovada and Bodog anonymous tables, historical stats and player notes are currently unavailable when playing on Bodog. However, Holdem Indicator will continue to store your own stats as well as the session stats of your opponents.
For online poker players who haven't checked into the capabilities of Holdem Indicator yet, the program attaches itself automatically to your game table and requires zero input, allowing you to concentrate fully on the action at the table. The program calculates pot odds, outs, table position, and EV and has a very easy to read HUD.
Once Bodog and Bovada support is available on other programs, a larger percentage of the competition will naturally be making use of the stats in order to improve their own results. In other words, the more quickly a player begins making use of Holdem Indicator, the more he or she could potentially profit at the anonymous tables.
For more information, or to begin receiving real-time information while playing at the Bovada and Bodog anonymous tables, head over to HoldemIndicator-com and discover the benefits of having real time information at your fingertips while playing on Bodog and other sites.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Full Tilt Poker, which was almost destroyed following the incidents of April 15, 2011, a day commonly referred to as Black Friday in the online poker gaming world, is on the verge of being resurrected. On Black Friday, the US federal government cracked down on big online poker rooms such as Absolute Poker, UB Poker, Full Tilt Poker, and PokerStars, but Full Tilt Poker suffered the most. PokerStars, which now enjoys the status of largest online poker room in the world, has a .co.uk domain and is hardly affected by the crackdown. Ultimate Bet, which was also driven out of the US poker market, is now functioning as UB.Net; but Absolute Poker, another poker room on the Cereus Network, remains closed since its attempts to move to a .eu domain have failed. The online poker rooms that actually benefited by the federal crackdown on the above-mentioned online poker rooms were Ladbrokes and William Hill, among others, particularly because they do not accept US players. A number of UK players who had accounts at the above-mentioned sites migrated to Ladbrokes and William Hill, increasing their player traffic.
According to the latest news, Groupe Bernard Tapie (GBT), the French investment company, will purchase Full Tilt Poker assets for $80 million from the US Department of Justice (DoJ). If the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) issues a gaming license to the new brand, Full Tilt Poker will become functional on March 1, 2012.
Meanwhile, Party Poker is hosting innumerable qualifier satellites, most of them freerolls, to the World Poker Tour (WPT). Every month, Party Poker offers more than $100,000 as freeroll prizes alone, which makes Party Poker a great online poker room for beginners. Besides, Party Poker also offers a bonus of $500 to new players.
PokerStars, which has recently modified its VIP Club, is now a paradise of lucrative offers. The online poker room rewards players with Frequent Player Points (FPP) whenever they play cash poker games or poker tournaments. Players who collect 900 FPPs stand the chance of winning a T-shirt, and players who can play as many as five tables at a time will win generous bonuses.
Players also stand the chance of grabbing some great prizes at Rake the Rake, one of the largest rakeback sites in the world. Players who sign up at PokerStars and Party Poker through Rake the Rake can grab attractive rakebacks along with entries to special tournaments and rake races.
According to the latest news, Groupe Bernard Tapie (GBT), the French investment company, will purchase Full Tilt Poker assets for $80 million from the US Department of Justice (DoJ). If the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) issues a gaming license to the new brand, Full Tilt Poker will become functional on March 1, 2012.
Meanwhile, Party Poker is hosting innumerable qualifier satellites, most of them freerolls, to the World Poker Tour (WPT). Every month, Party Poker offers more than $100,000 as freeroll prizes alone, which makes Party Poker a great online poker room for beginners. Besides, Party Poker also offers a bonus of $500 to new players.
PokerStars, which has recently modified its VIP Club, is now a paradise of lucrative offers. The online poker room rewards players with Frequent Player Points (FPP) whenever they play cash poker games or poker tournaments. Players who collect 900 FPPs stand the chance of winning a T-shirt, and players who can play as many as five tables at a time will win generous bonuses.
Players also stand the chance of grabbing some great prizes at Rake the Rake, one of the largest rakeback sites in the world. Players who sign up at PokerStars and Party Poker through Rake the Rake can grab attractive rakebacks along with entries to special tournaments and rake races.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Starting February 6th and running through April 1st, Bovada's Black Diamond Poker Open tournament series is giving online players their shot at guaranteed prize pools totaling $750,000 and offering them the chance to compete in them for as little as $1! Sounds pretty good, right? Read on to find out how the Black Diamond Poker Open works...
Don't have a Bovada account? Join now... it's free!
The Kickoff event is Bovada’s way of starting the first ever Black Diamond Poker Open tournament series off with a bang. A $20,000 Guaranteed prize pool on March 4 will give all players a taste of the big money available throughout the BDPO and lead right into the start of the Contender Series.
The Black Diamond Poker Open features two levels of play -- the Contender Series and the Championship Series. The Contender Series features over $100,000 in guaranteed online poker tournaments that have low to middle-range buy-ins, culminating in a $25,000 Guaranteed Main Event on Sunday, March 18. Launching right after the Contender series wraps up, the Championship Series is aimed at players with a bit more in their bankroll with mid to high-stakes online poker tournaments starting on Monday, March 19. Like the Contender series, the Championship Series is all leading up to a main event, but this one is jaw-dropping: it's a $250,000 Guaranteed Tournament on Sunday, April 1st where the winner gets at least $50,000 and a Championship Watch worth $5,000.
Satellite tournaments for the Contender Series and the Championship Series kick off on February 6th. Satellites start from $1 and players have over 2000 chances to qualify for the array of Contender and Championship Series events on the schedule. If you don't qualify for these events using the normal schedule, Bovada's also going to be holding Super Saturday Satellite Days the day before each Main Event. On Saturday, March 17th you can qualify for the Contender Main Event and on Saturday, March 31st, players can win their way into the Championship Main Event.
get star
Want to get started?
Visit Bovada's Black Diamond Poker Open page and get more details! In addition to the Black Diamond Poker Open, players can also get a bonus of up to $1,000 with their first deposit while enjoying the best player support in the business!
Don't have a Bovada account? Join now... it's free!
The Kickoff event is Bovada’s way of starting the first ever Black Diamond Poker Open tournament series off with a bang. A $20,000 Guaranteed prize pool on March 4 will give all players a taste of the big money available throughout the BDPO and lead right into the start of the Contender Series.
The Black Diamond Poker Open features two levels of play -- the Contender Series and the Championship Series. The Contender Series features over $100,000 in guaranteed online poker tournaments that have low to middle-range buy-ins, culminating in a $25,000 Guaranteed Main Event on Sunday, March 18. Launching right after the Contender series wraps up, the Championship Series is aimed at players with a bit more in their bankroll with mid to high-stakes online poker tournaments starting on Monday, March 19. Like the Contender series, the Championship Series is all leading up to a main event, but this one is jaw-dropping: it's a $250,000 Guaranteed Tournament on Sunday, April 1st where the winner gets at least $50,000 and a Championship Watch worth $5,000.
Satellite tournaments for the Contender Series and the Championship Series kick off on February 6th. Satellites start from $1 and players have over 2000 chances to qualify for the array of Contender and Championship Series events on the schedule. If you don't qualify for these events using the normal schedule, Bovada's also going to be holding Super Saturday Satellite Days the day before each Main Event. On Saturday, March 17th you can qualify for the Contender Main Event and on Saturday, March 31st, players can win their way into the Championship Main Event.
get star
Want to get started?
Visit Bovada's Black Diamond Poker Open page and get more details! In addition to the Black Diamond Poker Open, players can also get a bonus of up to $1,000 with their first deposit while enjoying the best player support in the business!
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Connecticut has its two casinos and is not looking to increase gambling, but online gaming makes that impossible.
Just take a listen to how the man who helps run Mohegan Sun described online gambling.
"What some in the industry have called the wild west of gaming," said Chuck Bunnell of Mohegan Tribe.
That Wild West in as close as your computer. Gambling sites abound on the internet and a recent Department of Justice opinion makes it clear it will expand, soon.
Nevada has already written laws that would make it the online gambling capital.
Connecticut has a deal with the two Indian tribes that gives them exclusive rights to slot machines in exchange for 25 percent of the slot revenue.
Mohegan Sun has paid the state two-and-a-half-billion dollars over 15 years, and lawmakers want to protect that so they will likely turn control of online gaming over to the tribes in some form. Once casinos open in neighboring Massachusetts, Mohegan Sun expects to lose customers and see its payout to the state drop by as much as 140 million dollars a year.
So this is certainly about money and, in Connecticut, protecting what's already here.
Consider this: the state is surrounded. In Rhode Island, they're already talking about expanding their gambling there to include table games. Massachusetts is poised to put shovels in the ground and start building four casinos. And in New York? Well, let's just say the governor there wants to go really big.
"Governor Cuomo in his state of the state address said that he wants to bring a four-billion-dollar casino and convention center to Aqueduct in Queens creating the largest casino in the United States," said Bunnell.
That makes new revenue from online gaming all the more important. People concerned about problem gambling accept it’s already happening and want to make sure safeguards are put in place.
"Middle school students, high school students and we all now college students carry, if not a laptop, an iPad,” said Carlos Reinoso Jr. of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, “so the access is what we're concerned about."
Just take a listen to how the man who helps run Mohegan Sun described online gambling.
"What some in the industry have called the wild west of gaming," said Chuck Bunnell of Mohegan Tribe.
That Wild West in as close as your computer. Gambling sites abound on the internet and a recent Department of Justice opinion makes it clear it will expand, soon.
Nevada has already written laws that would make it the online gambling capital.
Connecticut has a deal with the two Indian tribes that gives them exclusive rights to slot machines in exchange for 25 percent of the slot revenue.
Mohegan Sun has paid the state two-and-a-half-billion dollars over 15 years, and lawmakers want to protect that so they will likely turn control of online gaming over to the tribes in some form. Once casinos open in neighboring Massachusetts, Mohegan Sun expects to lose customers and see its payout to the state drop by as much as 140 million dollars a year.
So this is certainly about money and, in Connecticut, protecting what's already here.
Consider this: the state is surrounded. In Rhode Island, they're already talking about expanding their gambling there to include table games. Massachusetts is poised to put shovels in the ground and start building four casinos. And in New York? Well, let's just say the governor there wants to go really big.
"Governor Cuomo in his state of the state address said that he wants to bring a four-billion-dollar casino and convention center to Aqueduct in Queens creating the largest casino in the United States," said Bunnell.
That makes new revenue from online gaming all the more important. People concerned about problem gambling accept it’s already happening and want to make sure safeguards are put in place.
"Middle school students, high school students and we all now college students carry, if not a laptop, an iPad,” said Carlos Reinoso Jr. of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, “so the access is what we're concerned about."
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
After several months of analysis and debate, a bill that would legalize and regulate online poker in the state of Iowa could come to the General Assembly as soon as this month, but the battle may just be starting in the Hawkeye State.
An article on IowaPolitics.com written by Lynn Campbell points out the two sides of the argument between members of the General Assembly, which could be just the first salvos in the battle. State senator Jeff Danielson (D-Cedar Falls) says to IowaPolitics.com that he will be introducing a bill later this month that would legalize online poker inside the state. This move comes after the December 23 statement from the U. S. Department of Justice that the Wire Act of 1961, which previously had been used to prevent states from operating online gaming sites, was deemed as only applicable to sports betting.
When the Department of Justice changed its stance, “that took a significant hurdle away from the ability to play poker online,” Danielson stated to IowaPolitics.com. “We believe by the end of this year you will see a handful of states continue to authorize it. Because of the DoJ’s opinion, we believe you’ll see very quickly multi-state compacts.”
Currently, the state of Nevada and the District of Columbia are the only two locations that have passed legislation regarding online poker, but the District of Columbia proposition is coming under fire from the City Council. Other states, such as California, Florida, Connecticut and New Jersey, have or are considering moving on the online poker question.
Although Danielson sees the need for the state of Iowa to step into the online poker arena, other state politicians are not quite as eager. State representative Jeff Kaufmann (R-Wilton) said to IowaPolitics.com that he is ready to fight against the proposal, remarking, “I have a problem any time we’re talking about an expansion of gambling.”
Kaufmann’s opposition, despite evidence that says Iowans are already gambling online, is that it would bring gambling into homes and increase the numbers of people who are gambling. “I see so many people spend so much money they don’t have,” Kaufmann states to Campbell. “I see so many families that are affected negatively by gambling.”
The two politicians also differ on the reasons for opening up online poker inside the borders of Iowa. While a study by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission estimated that an online poker operation could make between $13 and $60 million in a year – and the state would take down $3 to $13 million in taxation revenues – Danielson says that the money isn’t the reason for looking at passing legislation for online poker.
“I don’t give two hoots about the revenue for the state,” Danielson is quoted by Campbell as saying. “We’re in the black (the state budget). We have a surplus…I don’t think that’s the reason to do this.”
Kaufmann, meanwhile, believes that is the exact reason for the drive to regulate online poker in Iowa. “I think it’s about dollars coming into the state coffers,” he said. “I think it’s about dollars going into the pockets of people that own these casinos. A lot of those owners are in Nevada, on the West Coast, and they’re not here in this state.”
The debate over the plan in Iowa to legalize and regulate online poker certainly will continue to be active, especially if and/or when a bill is put in front of the General Assembly for consideration. Poker News Daily will continue to monitor the situation regarding online poker’s potential for regulation – not only on a state by state basis but also on the national level – and provide information when it is available.
An article on IowaPolitics.com written by Lynn Campbell points out the two sides of the argument between members of the General Assembly, which could be just the first salvos in the battle. State senator Jeff Danielson (D-Cedar Falls) says to IowaPolitics.com that he will be introducing a bill later this month that would legalize online poker inside the state. This move comes after the December 23 statement from the U. S. Department of Justice that the Wire Act of 1961, which previously had been used to prevent states from operating online gaming sites, was deemed as only applicable to sports betting.
When the Department of Justice changed its stance, “that took a significant hurdle away from the ability to play poker online,” Danielson stated to IowaPolitics.com. “We believe by the end of this year you will see a handful of states continue to authorize it. Because of the DoJ’s opinion, we believe you’ll see very quickly multi-state compacts.”
Currently, the state of Nevada and the District of Columbia are the only two locations that have passed legislation regarding online poker, but the District of Columbia proposition is coming under fire from the City Council. Other states, such as California, Florida, Connecticut and New Jersey, have or are considering moving on the online poker question.
Although Danielson sees the need for the state of Iowa to step into the online poker arena, other state politicians are not quite as eager. State representative Jeff Kaufmann (R-Wilton) said to IowaPolitics.com that he is ready to fight against the proposal, remarking, “I have a problem any time we’re talking about an expansion of gambling.”
Kaufmann’s opposition, despite evidence that says Iowans are already gambling online, is that it would bring gambling into homes and increase the numbers of people who are gambling. “I see so many people spend so much money they don’t have,” Kaufmann states to Campbell. “I see so many families that are affected negatively by gambling.”
The two politicians also differ on the reasons for opening up online poker inside the borders of Iowa. While a study by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission estimated that an online poker operation could make between $13 and $60 million in a year – and the state would take down $3 to $13 million in taxation revenues – Danielson says that the money isn’t the reason for looking at passing legislation for online poker.
“I don’t give two hoots about the revenue for the state,” Danielson is quoted by Campbell as saying. “We’re in the black (the state budget). We have a surplus…I don’t think that’s the reason to do this.”
Kaufmann, meanwhile, believes that is the exact reason for the drive to regulate online poker in Iowa. “I think it’s about dollars coming into the state coffers,” he said. “I think it’s about dollars going into the pockets of people that own these casinos. A lot of those owners are in Nevada, on the West Coast, and they’re not here in this state.”
The debate over the plan in Iowa to legalize and regulate online poker certainly will continue to be active, especially if and/or when a bill is put in front of the General Assembly for consideration. Poker News Daily will continue to monitor the situation regarding online poker’s potential for regulation – not only on a state by state basis but also on the national level – and provide information when it is available.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The European Masters of Poker Prague has its final table. From 231 players 27 got paid at the Card Casino in the Czech capital in the €1,000 + €100 buy in main event. Nine players remain in the hunt for the €58,900 top prize.
The final table chip counts are:
1: Martin Dragún (Czech Republic) — 244,000
2: Pim van Wieringen (Austria) — 264,000
3: Kevin Spillane (Ireland) — 809,000
4: Roman Ondrusek (Czech Republic) — 628,000
5: Martin Safarik (Czech Republic) — 339,000
6: Sven Bahnsen (Germany) — 500,000
7: Connie O’Sullivan (Ireland) — 341,000
8: Pavel Býma (Czech Republic) — 304,000
9: Nils Jarefjäll (Sweden) – 1195,000
Twenty seven players got paid and the payout structure for the final table is:
1: €58,900
2: €35,340
3: €23,560
4; €14,320
5: €11,080
6: €9,000
7: €7,850
8: €6,690
9: €5,540
The final table chip counts are:
1: Martin Dragún (Czech Republic) — 244,000
2: Pim van Wieringen (Austria) — 264,000
3: Kevin Spillane (Ireland) — 809,000
4: Roman Ondrusek (Czech Republic) — 628,000
5: Martin Safarik (Czech Republic) — 339,000
6: Sven Bahnsen (Germany) — 500,000
7: Connie O’Sullivan (Ireland) — 341,000
8: Pavel Býma (Czech Republic) — 304,000
9: Nils Jarefjäll (Sweden) – 1195,000
Twenty seven players got paid and the payout structure for the final table is:
1: €58,900
2: €35,340
3: €23,560
4; €14,320
5: €11,080
6: €9,000
7: €7,850
8: €6,690
9: €5,540
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Now that the football season in America has ended in spectacular fashion, we turn our sights and head directly into the heart of the next league of fantasy statistics, bone-crushing hits, and end-zone celebrations. That’s right, state legislatures are now in session in 50 capitols across the country.
This is the time of year when political intensity reaches its peak. Budgets are proposed, criticized and ultimately passed. Programs are slashed and new ideas are born. In 2012, perhaps more than any other year, the stakes are at an all-time high. According to the Brookings Institute, states face a projected nationwide deficit of over $400 billion, which means more cutting, tax hikes and searchlights for revenue. The U.S. Department of Justice recently reinterpreted the Wire Act, essentially declaring that online gambling could be legalized — if states adopted the appropriate measures. Said differently, it’s now “game time.”
This explains why 2012 will be known as the year that at least one state — probably two or three — launches the first instance of legalized online gambling in the United States. In 2011, the District of Columbia approved it but had implementation issues. Nevada has also legalized and is taking applications from operators. New Jersey and Iowa were close to passing it. Now, at least ten states are actively considering it. States are looking for the types of revenue that online gaming can bring — immediate, significant and well-regulated.
Reports by Morgan Stanley suggest that 15 million, or more, Americans today will log onto their computers and illegally play poker online. This seems innocent enough until you realize that it is unregulated, untaxed and completely unlawful. With smart technologies and the leveraging of existing state regulatory and law-enforcement organizations, online gambling could be taxed and generating revenues in any number of states quickly and safely.
Technology can monitor financial transactions, verify ages and locations, track play patterns and, ultimately, prevent play from compulsive gamblers before they become problematic. Online, gaming is safer than [Giants head coach] Tom Coughlin’s job security and safer, too, than any other form of wagering, from casinos to horse racing, Keno to lottery.
And why wouldn’t a state and its legislators approve a new source of revenue that is voluntary to its participants and critical to preserving programs or jobs? Consider the revenue impact to California. We project that over five years, the potential tax revenue to the Golden State from online gaming could be $1.5 billion. That could fund a year’s worth of the state’s total highway repairs or the entire backlog of deferred maintenance at state parks. The needs in each state are different, as are the potential revenues. But every state certainly has a program in funding crisis, from law enforcement to healthcare or education.
The argument that this is an expansion of gaming and somehow corrupting the moral fiber of the nation is as old as the Wishbone Offense. It is no longer relevant, with 48 of 50 states having some sort of gaming and, 43 states having more than three types of legalized gambling. With millions playing online in their living rooms or offices without any controls, wouldn’t it be in the best interest of law enforcement and financial regulations to manage this subculture of illegal activity?
The states are crafting a smart and strategic game plan for initiating online gaming. They are evaluating the revenue projections and looking at how best to initiate the right regulatory framework to manage this. I applaud the review and analysis. The best route to success in launching a new industry like this is transparency, compliance and full buy-in from the private and public sector alike.
We’re still in the first quarter of the state legislative cycle, but you can get a sense of the game and how it will be played. My prediction: the legalization of online gaming is imminent, probably a late-game play with a few ticks left on the 2012 clock. This critical outcome will create a highly regulated industry that will operate in the open and, generate critical tax revenues at a time when they are needed most.
That’s a winning score by any count.
This is the time of year when political intensity reaches its peak. Budgets are proposed, criticized and ultimately passed. Programs are slashed and new ideas are born. In 2012, perhaps more than any other year, the stakes are at an all-time high. According to the Brookings Institute, states face a projected nationwide deficit of over $400 billion, which means more cutting, tax hikes and searchlights for revenue. The U.S. Department of Justice recently reinterpreted the Wire Act, essentially declaring that online gambling could be legalized — if states adopted the appropriate measures. Said differently, it’s now “game time.”
This explains why 2012 will be known as the year that at least one state — probably two or three — launches the first instance of legalized online gambling in the United States. In 2011, the District of Columbia approved it but had implementation issues. Nevada has also legalized and is taking applications from operators. New Jersey and Iowa were close to passing it. Now, at least ten states are actively considering it. States are looking for the types of revenue that online gaming can bring — immediate, significant and well-regulated.
Reports by Morgan Stanley suggest that 15 million, or more, Americans today will log onto their computers and illegally play poker online. This seems innocent enough until you realize that it is unregulated, untaxed and completely unlawful. With smart technologies and the leveraging of existing state regulatory and law-enforcement organizations, online gambling could be taxed and generating revenues in any number of states quickly and safely.
Technology can monitor financial transactions, verify ages and locations, track play patterns and, ultimately, prevent play from compulsive gamblers before they become problematic. Online, gaming is safer than [Giants head coach] Tom Coughlin’s job security and safer, too, than any other form of wagering, from casinos to horse racing, Keno to lottery.
And why wouldn’t a state and its legislators approve a new source of revenue that is voluntary to its participants and critical to preserving programs or jobs? Consider the revenue impact to California. We project that over five years, the potential tax revenue to the Golden State from online gaming could be $1.5 billion. That could fund a year’s worth of the state’s total highway repairs or the entire backlog of deferred maintenance at state parks. The needs in each state are different, as are the potential revenues. But every state certainly has a program in funding crisis, from law enforcement to healthcare or education.
The argument that this is an expansion of gaming and somehow corrupting the moral fiber of the nation is as old as the Wishbone Offense. It is no longer relevant, with 48 of 50 states having some sort of gaming and, 43 states having more than three types of legalized gambling. With millions playing online in their living rooms or offices without any controls, wouldn’t it be in the best interest of law enforcement and financial regulations to manage this subculture of illegal activity?
The states are crafting a smart and strategic game plan for initiating online gaming. They are evaluating the revenue projections and looking at how best to initiate the right regulatory framework to manage this. I applaud the review and analysis. The best route to success in launching a new industry like this is transparency, compliance and full buy-in from the private and public sector alike.
We’re still in the first quarter of the state legislative cycle, but you can get a sense of the game and how it will be played. My prediction: the legalization of online gaming is imminent, probably a late-game play with a few ticks left on the 2012 clock. This critical outcome will create a highly regulated industry that will operate in the open and, generate critical tax revenues at a time when they are needed most.
That’s a winning score by any count.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
As the Full Tilt Poker buyout by Groupe Bernard Tapie (GBT) gets closer and closer to being finalized, more little details keep popping up that may or may not be affecting the deal. Some believe that Chris “Jesus” Ferguson may be standing in the way of the Full Tilt restoration. According to reports, after Black Friday went down last April, Ferguson pumped $14.3 million into the company in hopes to help prevent the company from going under. He also had an ulterior motive, though. He thought that by “investing” in Full Tilt Poker, he would have some stake in the company once it got back on its feet.
Ferguson, who has received about $60 million from the company since 2007 as co-owner, viewed his $14.3 million investment in the company post-Black Friday as a “good will” gesture, hoping to secure his place in the company once it became stable again. However, the problem lies within the negotiations made with the US Department of Justice that state no former Full Tilt board members can return to the company as part owner once the GBT takeover is successful.
While there is no solid proof that this hiccup is holding up the takeover, many in the online poker community are speaking out against Ferguson, calling him selfish and hypocritical. They believe he’s part responsible for the situation Full Tilt is in and now wants to impede former Full Tilt Poker players from getting their account refunds and Full Tilt Poker from going online again.
On the other hand, Benham Dayanim, GBT attorney, claims that the debts of some very high-profile high-stakes poker players are what’s really holding things up. According to Dayanim, players including Phil Ivey, Barry Greenstein, David Benyamine, Mike Matusow, and Erick Lindgren owe somewhere between $10 and $20 million to the company. These debts were recently discovered when GBT conducted a full investigation of the financial status of Full Tilt.
Dayanim said to Gaming Intelligence, “The diligence has revealed that the financial position is worse than we had anticipated. We do not want to litigate a whole bunch of individual cases against professionals post-acquisition so we are trying to negotiate but we have not been making a lot of progress.
“This is not the only issue that is holding up the sale but it is a significant one. The company has greater liabilities — excluding player liabilities — than we had hoped. The forfeiture would extinguish any U.S. claims to the assets but they do not necessarily extinguish creditor claims in other countries.”
In spite of these concerns and other liabilities, they still seem confident that the deal between Full Tilt Poker and the DOJ will be resolved by the end of February.
Ferguson, who has received about $60 million from the company since 2007 as co-owner, viewed his $14.3 million investment in the company post-Black Friday as a “good will” gesture, hoping to secure his place in the company once it became stable again. However, the problem lies within the negotiations made with the US Department of Justice that state no former Full Tilt board members can return to the company as part owner once the GBT takeover is successful.
While there is no solid proof that this hiccup is holding up the takeover, many in the online poker community are speaking out against Ferguson, calling him selfish and hypocritical. They believe he’s part responsible for the situation Full Tilt is in and now wants to impede former Full Tilt Poker players from getting their account refunds and Full Tilt Poker from going online again.
On the other hand, Benham Dayanim, GBT attorney, claims that the debts of some very high-profile high-stakes poker players are what’s really holding things up. According to Dayanim, players including Phil Ivey, Barry Greenstein, David Benyamine, Mike Matusow, and Erick Lindgren owe somewhere between $10 and $20 million to the company. These debts were recently discovered when GBT conducted a full investigation of the financial status of Full Tilt.
Dayanim said to Gaming Intelligence, “The diligence has revealed that the financial position is worse than we had anticipated. We do not want to litigate a whole bunch of individual cases against professionals post-acquisition so we are trying to negotiate but we have not been making a lot of progress.
“This is not the only issue that is holding up the sale but it is a significant one. The company has greater liabilities — excluding player liabilities — than we had hoped. The forfeiture would extinguish any U.S. claims to the assets but they do not necessarily extinguish creditor claims in other countries.”
In spite of these concerns and other liabilities, they still seem confident that the deal between Full Tilt Poker and the DOJ will be resolved by the end of February.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
After several months of analysis and debate, a bill that would legalize and regulate online poker in the state of Iowa could come to the General Assembly as soon as this month, but the battle may just be starting in the Hawkeye State.
An article on IowaPolitics.com written by Lynn Campbell points out the two sides of the argument between members of the General Assembly, which could be just the first salvos in the battle. State senator Jeff Danielson (D-Cedar Falls) says to IowaPolitics.com that he will be introducing a bill later this month that would legalize online poker inside the state. This move comes after the December 23 statement from the U. S. Department of Justice that the Wire Act of 1961, which previously had been used to prevent states from operating online gaming sites, was deemed as only applicable to sports betting.
When the Department of Justice changed its stance, “that took a significant hurdle away from the ability to play poker online,” Danielson stated to IowaPolitics.com. “We believe by the end of this year you will see a handful of states continue to authorize it. Because of the DoJ’s opinion, we believe you’ll see very quickly multi-state compacts.”
Currently, the state of Nevada and the District of Columbia are the only two locations that have passed legislation regarding online poker, but the District of Columbia proposition is coming under fire from the City Council. Other states, such as California, Florida, Connecticut and New Jersey, have or are considering moving on the online poker question.
Although Danielson sees the need for the state of Iowa to step into the online poker arena, other state politicians are not quite as eager. State representative Jeff Kaufmann (R-Wilton) said to IowaPolitics.com that he is ready to fight against the proposal, remarking, “I have a problem any time we’re talking about an expansion of gambling.”
Kaufmann’s opposition, despite evidence that says Iowans are already gambling online, is that it would bring gambling into homes and increase the numbers of people who are gambling. “I see so many people spend so much money they don’t have,” Kaufmann states to Campbell. “I see so many families that are affected negatively by gambling.”
The two politicians also differ on the reasons for opening up online poker inside the borders of Iowa. While a study by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission estimated that an online poker operation could make between $13 and $60 million in a year – and the state would take down $3 to $13 million in taxation revenues – Danielson says that the money isn’t the reason for looking at passing legislation for online poker.
“I don’t give two hoots about the revenue for the state,” Danielson is quoted by Campbell as saying. “We’re in the black (the state budget). We have a surplus…I don’t think that’s the reason to do this.”
Kaufmann, meanwhile, believes that is the exact reason for the drive to regulate online poker in Iowa. “I think it’s about dollars coming into the state coffers,” he said. “I think it’s about dollars going into the pockets of people that own these casinos. A lot of those owners are in Nevada, on the West Coast, and they’re not here in this state.”
The debate over the plan in Iowa to legalize and regulate online poker certainly will continue to be active, especially if and/or when a bill is put in front of the General Assembly for consideration. Poker News Daily will continue to monitor the situation regarding online poker’s potential for regulation – not only on a state by state basis but also on the national level – and provide information when it is available.
An article on IowaPolitics.com written by Lynn Campbell points out the two sides of the argument between members of the General Assembly, which could be just the first salvos in the battle. State senator Jeff Danielson (D-Cedar Falls) says to IowaPolitics.com that he will be introducing a bill later this month that would legalize online poker inside the state. This move comes after the December 23 statement from the U. S. Department of Justice that the Wire Act of 1961, which previously had been used to prevent states from operating online gaming sites, was deemed as only applicable to sports betting.
When the Department of Justice changed its stance, “that took a significant hurdle away from the ability to play poker online,” Danielson stated to IowaPolitics.com. “We believe by the end of this year you will see a handful of states continue to authorize it. Because of the DoJ’s opinion, we believe you’ll see very quickly multi-state compacts.”
Currently, the state of Nevada and the District of Columbia are the only two locations that have passed legislation regarding online poker, but the District of Columbia proposition is coming under fire from the City Council. Other states, such as California, Florida, Connecticut and New Jersey, have or are considering moving on the online poker question.
Although Danielson sees the need for the state of Iowa to step into the online poker arena, other state politicians are not quite as eager. State representative Jeff Kaufmann (R-Wilton) said to IowaPolitics.com that he is ready to fight against the proposal, remarking, “I have a problem any time we’re talking about an expansion of gambling.”
Kaufmann’s opposition, despite evidence that says Iowans are already gambling online, is that it would bring gambling into homes and increase the numbers of people who are gambling. “I see so many people spend so much money they don’t have,” Kaufmann states to Campbell. “I see so many families that are affected negatively by gambling.”
The two politicians also differ on the reasons for opening up online poker inside the borders of Iowa. While a study by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission estimated that an online poker operation could make between $13 and $60 million in a year – and the state would take down $3 to $13 million in taxation revenues – Danielson says that the money isn’t the reason for looking at passing legislation for online poker.
“I don’t give two hoots about the revenue for the state,” Danielson is quoted by Campbell as saying. “We’re in the black (the state budget). We have a surplus…I don’t think that’s the reason to do this.”
Kaufmann, meanwhile, believes that is the exact reason for the drive to regulate online poker in Iowa. “I think it’s about dollars coming into the state coffers,” he said. “I think it’s about dollars going into the pockets of people that own these casinos. A lot of those owners are in Nevada, on the West Coast, and they’re not here in this state.”
The debate over the plan in Iowa to legalize and regulate online poker certainly will continue to be active, especially if and/or when a bill is put in front of the General Assembly for consideration. Poker News Daily will continue to monitor the situation regarding online poker’s potential for regulation – not only on a state by state basis but also on the national level – and provide information when it is available.
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2006/12/07
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Now that Super Bowl Sunday is behind us and Phil Hellmuth's bookie is swimming in a pool of money, it's time to get back to business. In this edition of the Nightly Turbo, we bring you a seven-figure pot involving Gus Hansen in Macau, Laurent Tapie confirming reports about poker pros owing money to Full Tilt Poker, and more.
In Case You Missed It
Several U.S. states are considering legalizing intrastate online poker. U.S. Digital Gaming's Richard Bronson explains why at least one will have an operation up and running before the end of 2012.
How did the Sunday Majors play out on PokerStars? Who took home the biggest win? Find out in the Sunday Briefing.
The PokerStars European Poker Tour Deauville Main Event played down to a final table on Sunday. Find out who was still in contention for the €875,000 top prize in our Day 5 recap.
Why has poker exploded in Macau recently? Team PokerStars Asia Pro Celina Lin gives her take in the latest edition of Open Seat.
Gus Hansen Building Massive Pots in Macau
Gus Hansen made a triumphant return to poker earlier this year by winning millions in a series of marathon cash-game sessions in Macau. That rush has apparently hit a blip, however, as the Great Dane wrote in his blog Monday that he lost a pot worth HKD$14.7 million ($1.89 million) during a no-limit hold'em game over the weekend.
In Case You Missed It
Several U.S. states are considering legalizing intrastate online poker. U.S. Digital Gaming's Richard Bronson explains why at least one will have an operation up and running before the end of 2012.
How did the Sunday Majors play out on PokerStars? Who took home the biggest win? Find out in the Sunday Briefing.
The PokerStars European Poker Tour Deauville Main Event played down to a final table on Sunday. Find out who was still in contention for the €875,000 top prize in our Day 5 recap.
Why has poker exploded in Macau recently? Team PokerStars Asia Pro Celina Lin gives her take in the latest edition of Open Seat.
Gus Hansen Building Massive Pots in Macau
Gus Hansen made a triumphant return to poker earlier this year by winning millions in a series of marathon cash-game sessions in Macau. That rush has apparently hit a blip, however, as the Great Dane wrote in his blog Monday that he lost a pot worth HKD$14.7 million ($1.89 million) during a no-limit hold'em game over the weekend.
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2006/12/07
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The Latin American Poker Tour has some competition on its hands. Today the newly formed Latin Series of Poker (LSOP) revealed it will kick off a slate of 2012 events in June with a tournament at the Atlantic City Casino in Lima, Peru.
The event, which is set to run from June 5th-10th will have a $500,000 guarantee. The $1,500 + $150 buy-in tournament will be a re-entry event. Online poker site Americas CardRoom is already running satellites for the event. The site will be giving away a guaranteed 13 packages to the event that includes buy-in, round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and transportation. Each package is valued at $3,500. Players can satellite their way into the inaugural LSOP event for as little as $7.70.
The LSOP is also affiliated with the Punta Cana Poker Classic Event in the Dominican Republic. The 2011 Punta Cana event drew 415 players and paid a first place prize of more than $136,000. In past years,independent stops like the Aruba Poker Classic managed to draw big numbers thanks to online qualifiers, which is something LSOP aims to replicate with its 2012 live events.
The event, which is set to run from June 5th-10th will have a $500,000 guarantee. The $1,500 + $150 buy-in tournament will be a re-entry event. Online poker site Americas CardRoom is already running satellites for the event. The site will be giving away a guaranteed 13 packages to the event that includes buy-in, round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and transportation. Each package is valued at $3,500. Players can satellite their way into the inaugural LSOP event for as little as $7.70.
The LSOP is also affiliated with the Punta Cana Poker Classic Event in the Dominican Republic. The 2011 Punta Cana event drew 415 players and paid a first place prize of more than $136,000. In past years,independent stops like the Aruba Poker Classic managed to draw big numbers thanks to online qualifiers, which is something LSOP aims to replicate with its 2012 live events.
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2006/12/07
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A Texas man who was laid off from his job has earned back his former salary five times over by placing first in a World Series of Poker tournament, earning him a prize of $270,380, according to a press release from The World Series of Poker. Abraham Araya, 44, defeated a field of 978 poker players -- some of whom were world champions with millions of dollars in earnings -- to win first place in the 2012 World Series of Poker Circuit Choctaw Main Event, a three-day tournament held on Jan. 21, 22 and 23 at Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant, Okla.
The win couldn't have come at a better time for Araya, who had been struggling to support his wife and three children since being laid off as a flight mechanic working on private jets for NBA teams, according to WSOP.com.
"Right now I can't believe it. It didn't sink in yet," Araya told The World Series of Poker moments after he was announced winner. "I can't tell you how amazing this feeling is."
Araya told reporters he plans to use the earning to take his children to visit their grandparents in East Africa, where he grew up.
At age 23, Araya moved to the United States to pursue the American Dream and settled in Carrollton, Texas, where he and his wife raised their three children Sabrina, Nathan and Thomas.
Araya said he also plans to take his wife to Hawaii for a second honeymoon. Araya's victory at this year's Main Event is especially impressive considering how many players participated in the tournament. Since the federal government began cracking down on online poker operations last year, tournaments have seen increased player turnouts, according to the Oklahoman.
The World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event drew 21 percent more players than last year's tournament, which was also held at Choctow, and generated a $1.4 prize pool from the total 978 players who each posted $1,600 buy-ins, according to Card Player.
As winner of the Main Event, Araya received an automatic bid into the National Championship, which takes place July in Las Vegas and offers a grand prize of $1,000,000.
The win couldn't have come at a better time for Araya, who had been struggling to support his wife and three children since being laid off as a flight mechanic working on private jets for NBA teams, according to WSOP.com.
"Right now I can't believe it. It didn't sink in yet," Araya told The World Series of Poker moments after he was announced winner. "I can't tell you how amazing this feeling is."
Araya told reporters he plans to use the earning to take his children to visit their grandparents in East Africa, where he grew up.
At age 23, Araya moved to the United States to pursue the American Dream and settled in Carrollton, Texas, where he and his wife raised their three children Sabrina, Nathan and Thomas.
Araya said he also plans to take his wife to Hawaii for a second honeymoon. Araya's victory at this year's Main Event is especially impressive considering how many players participated in the tournament. Since the federal government began cracking down on online poker operations last year, tournaments have seen increased player turnouts, according to the Oklahoman.
The World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event drew 21 percent more players than last year's tournament, which was also held at Choctow, and generated a $1.4 prize pool from the total 978 players who each posted $1,600 buy-ins, according to Card Player.
As winner of the Main Event, Araya received an automatic bid into the National Championship, which takes place July in Las Vegas and offers a grand prize of $1,000,000.
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2006/12/07
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It's the second week of Bovada's Cash PerSuit promo and that means you can get even more bang for your poker buck when you hit a Club flush during the week of February 6-12. On top of offering their players entry into an exclusive $5,000 freeroll tournament for the flush (which they don't even have to win with!), Bovada's giving players bonus cash and are awarding a trip to fabulous Las Vegas to one lucky weekly winner.
Here's how the bonus cash works: you're in one of two player levels. Level 1 players earn 10 Bovada Poker Points on four out of seven days and receive a $15 bonus or earn 10 Bovada Poker Points on seven out of seven days to receive $20 extra. More serious players may find themselves hitting Level 2: earn 25 Bovada Poker Points on four out of seven days and you’ll receive a $25 bonus and earning 25 Bovada Poker Points on seven out of seven days can get you $30 in extra cash for your bankroll.
To make it even sweeter, once you've made it to the first prize level, you're automatically entered into the weekly Cash PerSuit draw where you can win a $3,000 trip to Las Vegas.
So, to review: $5,000 freeroll entry just for making a flush with this week's suit; extra money for your bankroll just for playing like you normally would and the possibility of winning a trip for Vegas? All in the same promotion? Of course you want more details, so visit the Bovada Cash PerSuit poker promo page and get started today.
Here's how the bonus cash works: you're in one of two player levels. Level 1 players earn 10 Bovada Poker Points on four out of seven days and receive a $15 bonus or earn 10 Bovada Poker Points on seven out of seven days to receive $20 extra. More serious players may find themselves hitting Level 2: earn 25 Bovada Poker Points on four out of seven days and you’ll receive a $25 bonus and earning 25 Bovada Poker Points on seven out of seven days can get you $30 in extra cash for your bankroll.
To make it even sweeter, once you've made it to the first prize level, you're automatically entered into the weekly Cash PerSuit draw where you can win a $3,000 trip to Las Vegas.
So, to review: $5,000 freeroll entry just for making a flush with this week's suit; extra money for your bankroll just for playing like you normally would and the possibility of winning a trip for Vegas? All in the same promotion? Of course you want more details, so visit the Bovada Cash PerSuit poker promo page and get started today.
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2006/12/07
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In fact, during an interview with online gaming journal iGaming France, GBT managing director Laurent Tapie – who is the son of company founder Bernard Tapie – stated that they “hope to do the deal by the end of February”.
Full Tilt was caught up in the troubles that hit online poker in the USA back on April 15, Black Friday, when the poker room was shut down – along with the likes of PokerStars and Absolute Poker – by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) due to charges relating to illegal gambling, money laundering and bank fraud.
However, 36-year-old Laurent revealed that, with “the due diligence process nearly complete,” the deal to buy Full Tilt should be completed by the end of next month, “unless there are last-minute surprises.”
He also added that “the agreement has been validated” that will see GBT reactivate Full Tilt’s operating licence with the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) after they acquire Full Tilt’s assets from the DoJ for an estimated $80 million.
US Judge Dismisses Class Action Against FTP
Meanwhile, after what has been a fairly quiet few weeks in relation to the beleaguered poker room, US Federal Judge Leonard B Sand has dismissed the class action complaint registered by four poker pros against Full Tilt.
The suit – filed last June by Todd Terry, Robin Hougdahl, Nick Hammer and Steve Segal – demanded that players’ funds be returned and that Full Tilt also pay damages.
The complaint – which alleged that the plaintiffs had been denied access to funds – also listed numerous defendants, including Full Tilt Poker, Pocket Kings Ltd, Filco, Vantage Ltd, Tiltware, Ray Bitar and Nelson Burtnick, as well as Team Full Tilt Pros Patrik Antonius, Allen Cunningham, Gus Hansen, Mike Matusow, Andy Bloch, Erik Seidel, Erick Lindgren, Phil Gordon, Jennifer Harman-Traniello, John Juanda, Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer and, of course, Phil Ivey.
The four plaintiffs had accused those defendants of bank and wire fraud, and racketeering that should warrant them to triple the damages.
Evidence Unclear Over Who is Responsible
But Judge Sand dismissed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) claim in the New York court, pointing out that it was unclear whether the players’ failure to receive funds was due to the DoJ’s actions, the firms listed above or the individual defendants named.
He said: “The mere fact that Full Tilt Poker customers maintained player accounts on the website that they subsequently could not access is therefore insufficient to establish a conversion claim against these defendants.
“Nor have plaintiffs alleged any additional facts, demonstrating that either company exercised control over the player accounts, or played any role in the decision to prevent Full Tilt Poker customers from withdrawing the money in their accounts.”
Claim Against Individuals Can’t Proceed
Sand’s summation also pointed out that, although the claim can still continue against Filco, Pocket Kings and Vantage Ltd, it can’t proceed against the original complaint’s individuals.
Sand added: “Plaintiffs have pled sufficient facts to establish a plausible inference that defendants Pocket Kings, Vantage and Filco ‘played some role’ in the conversion.
“The fact that the three defendants worked together to maintain the Full Tilt website makes it plausible to infer that they also worked together to block plaintiffs’ access to the money in their accounts.
“We therefore deny defendants’ motion to dismiss the conversion claims against defendants Pocket Kings, Vantage and Filco, but grant it with respect to Tiltware and Pocket Kings Consulting.”
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