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2006/12/07
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The sudden flare-up between Nevada's senators who are at loggerheads on Internet gaming intensified and grew more personal Wednesday, threatening chances to legalize online poker.
After they parted ways on strategy, Democratic Sen. Harry Reid in a strongly worded letter suggested Republican counterpart Dean Heller was failing to do his job on what "may be the most important issue facing Nevada since Yucca Mountain."
"As a result, we are at a standstill" on a matter crucial to the state's casino-based economy, Reid said.
Reid, the Senate majority leader, charged Heller has failed to produce Republican votes for a gaming bill he is trying to bring before the Senate.
Heller's spokesman said it was "complete fiction" to assert that Heller has not held up his end as the Nevadans scramble for some way to pass controversial legislation through Congress before the end of the year.
Read More: Reid dials up criticism of Heller on Internet poker - News - ReviewJournal-com
After they parted ways on strategy, Democratic Sen. Harry Reid in a strongly worded letter suggested Republican counterpart Dean Heller was failing to do his job on what "may be the most important issue facing Nevada since Yucca Mountain."
"As a result, we are at a standstill" on a matter crucial to the state's casino-based economy, Reid said.
Reid, the Senate majority leader, charged Heller has failed to produce Republican votes for a gaming bill he is trying to bring before the Senate.
Heller's spokesman said it was "complete fiction" to assert that Heller has not held up his end as the Nevadans scramble for some way to pass controversial legislation through Congress before the end of the year.
Read More: Reid dials up criticism of Heller on Internet poker - News - ReviewJournal-com
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2006/12/07
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Dealing the Cards:
Any number of players can play at any one time, but for a more manageable game there should be no more than ten players at one table. The cards are dealt to the left of the dealer, and each player receives two cards face down, with the dealer being dealt last. These two cards are known as your hole cards. A round of betting takes place followed by the dealer placing one card face down, known as a burn card, followed by three community cards played face up in the middle of the table. This is known as the flop. Another round of betting, another burn card, then one more community card face up, called the turn. A third round of betting takes place, a final burn card, and a final community card face up, the river. A final round of betting takes place after all five community cards are played, and the best hand wins. Cards are burned because the players near the dealer risk the chance of seeing the card when the hands are being dealt, giving them an advantage over the other players.
Betting:
There are many different opportunities to bet while playing Texas Hold ‘Em. The very first bets that are
played aren’t optional, they are more like antes than actual bets. These bets are placed by the two people just to the left of the dealer. The person sitting next to the dealer plays what is called the small blind, while the person to their left plays the big blind. The small blind is half of big blind and these raise in amount after a certain amount of time has elapsed.
During the first round of betting, after the hole cards have been dealt the betting level has already been set with the big blind being played. Players have three options at this point; they can call the amount of the big blind, raise the amount of the big blind, or fold. Folding is when you determine your hand isn’t strong enough to play and you pass you cards face down back to the dealer. The small blind person only has to call the highest bet being played at the time. If no one has bet higher than the big blind, they only have to play the difference in the amounts.
The person who is the big blind is the last person to bet this round. They can call if anyone has raised, raise the amount themselves, or check. Checking means they want to stay in the hand, but don’t want to put any more money into the pot. Remember, they have already placed their bet as the big blind.
After the flop is laid down the second round of betting commences. Unlike the first round, the first person to bet this round and every round following is the person to the immediate left of the dealer, who was the small blind. The play then continues around with the dealer being the last to bet. If any of the players folded during the previous round of betting, play skips over them and continues on to the next person, always in a clockwise direction. A player may elect not to bet anything, and may check instead. This can only happen until someone places a bet, in which case that amount must be called (or raised) in order to stay in the hand.
Betting continues in a similar fashion after the turn and the river are played. Once all bets have been made a winner for the hand can be determined. This is done either by the players who are still in the hand (those that have called all bets that were made) showing their hands, or everyone folds. In the first scenario, the person with the highest hand wins. If two or more players have the same hand, then the pot is split evenly between them. This usually occurs when the board (the community cards) has the best hand, or four of the cards are being used to create your hand. In the latter option, the last person to bet would win the pot. This may either be the person who placed a bet that nobody wants to call, or the person that is last in the betting.
There are few things more exciting in a game of poker than when a player announces that they are going ‘All-in’. This means that they are going to bet all of the chips that they are currently in possession of that they have the best hand. This may also occur when a player is sitting short-stacked, that is to say they have the least amount of chips in the game. It is a good way to double up your chips fast, and also a very fast and easy way to exit the game. All-in bets may be played during any betting round.
When a player goes all-in, everyone else still in the hand has the chance to call. If you wish to call but don’t have enough chips to cover the amount, a side pot may be created. This would put you all-in as well. The side pot would be all of the chips that have already been bet in previous rounds, the current amount you have left, and whoever wants to call this amount. This amount would be all that you would be able to win. The person that originally went all in would subtract the amount you were able to bet and put the surplus in a separate pile.
*Anyone who wants to call would have to match the original all-in amount, and would put the surplus in the separate pile. If nobody else called the original all-in amount that player would take back the difference, matching your amount only, and play would continue as normal. Players in the round that have more chips left after calling the all-in bets may continue to bet between themselves, creating yet another side pot. They may also agree to check the remaining betting rounds, eliminating the need for a side pot.
You can learn more about poker here Play Online Poker Games, Rules, winning Strategies | Best Poker Casinos by WorldCasinoYellowPages
thanks..............
Any number of players can play at any one time, but for a more manageable game there should be no more than ten players at one table. The cards are dealt to the left of the dealer, and each player receives two cards face down, with the dealer being dealt last. These two cards are known as your hole cards. A round of betting takes place followed by the dealer placing one card face down, known as a burn card, followed by three community cards played face up in the middle of the table. This is known as the flop. Another round of betting, another burn card, then one more community card face up, called the turn. A third round of betting takes place, a final burn card, and a final community card face up, the river. A final round of betting takes place after all five community cards are played, and the best hand wins. Cards are burned because the players near the dealer risk the chance of seeing the card when the hands are being dealt, giving them an advantage over the other players.
Betting:
There are many different opportunities to bet while playing Texas Hold ‘Em. The very first bets that are
played aren’t optional, they are more like antes than actual bets. These bets are placed by the two people just to the left of the dealer. The person sitting next to the dealer plays what is called the small blind, while the person to their left plays the big blind. The small blind is half of big blind and these raise in amount after a certain amount of time has elapsed.
During the first round of betting, after the hole cards have been dealt the betting level has already been set with the big blind being played. Players have three options at this point; they can call the amount of the big blind, raise the amount of the big blind, or fold. Folding is when you determine your hand isn’t strong enough to play and you pass you cards face down back to the dealer. The small blind person only has to call the highest bet being played at the time. If no one has bet higher than the big blind, they only have to play the difference in the amounts.
The person who is the big blind is the last person to bet this round. They can call if anyone has raised, raise the amount themselves, or check. Checking means they want to stay in the hand, but don’t want to put any more money into the pot. Remember, they have already placed their bet as the big blind.
After the flop is laid down the second round of betting commences. Unlike the first round, the first person to bet this round and every round following is the person to the immediate left of the dealer, who was the small blind. The play then continues around with the dealer being the last to bet. If any of the players folded during the previous round of betting, play skips over them and continues on to the next person, always in a clockwise direction. A player may elect not to bet anything, and may check instead. This can only happen until someone places a bet, in which case that amount must be called (or raised) in order to stay in the hand.
Betting continues in a similar fashion after the turn and the river are played. Once all bets have been made a winner for the hand can be determined. This is done either by the players who are still in the hand (those that have called all bets that were made) showing their hands, or everyone folds. In the first scenario, the person with the highest hand wins. If two or more players have the same hand, then the pot is split evenly between them. This usually occurs when the board (the community cards) has the best hand, or four of the cards are being used to create your hand. In the latter option, the last person to bet would win the pot. This may either be the person who placed a bet that nobody wants to call, or the person that is last in the betting.
There are few things more exciting in a game of poker than when a player announces that they are going ‘All-in’. This means that they are going to bet all of the chips that they are currently in possession of that they have the best hand. This may also occur when a player is sitting short-stacked, that is to say they have the least amount of chips in the game. It is a good way to double up your chips fast, and also a very fast and easy way to exit the game. All-in bets may be played during any betting round.
When a player goes all-in, everyone else still in the hand has the chance to call. If you wish to call but don’t have enough chips to cover the amount, a side pot may be created. This would put you all-in as well. The side pot would be all of the chips that have already been bet in previous rounds, the current amount you have left, and whoever wants to call this amount. This amount would be all that you would be able to win. The person that originally went all in would subtract the amount you were able to bet and put the surplus in a separate pile.
*Anyone who wants to call would have to match the original all-in amount, and would put the surplus in the separate pile. If nobody else called the original all-in amount that player would take back the difference, matching your amount only, and play would continue as normal. Players in the round that have more chips left after calling the all-in bets may continue to bet between themselves, creating yet another side pot. They may also agree to check the remaining betting rounds, eliminating the need for a side pot.
You can learn more about poker here Play Online Poker Games, Rules, winning Strategies | Best Poker Casinos by WorldCasinoYellowPages
thanks..............
Join:
2012/08/27
Messages:
5
Skeptics are plenty and the concept of Full Tilt Poker coming back from its recent demolition that left many players frustrated and cheated is somehow understandable. How will the return be regarded by the majority of online poker players is anyone’s guess. Many it is a sured have vowed to never even think about the Full Tilt fiasco again, let alone trust the brand with their money.
Full Tilt has indeed been reregistered in the Isle of Man by the regulator there, leaving behind the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. The launch date that’s been announced by Full Tilt Poker is November 6th 2012 and it will be a momentous day for some poker fans and maybe not so much for others who are still left with a bitter taste in their mouths.
A popular poker forum site TwoPlusTwo participant revealed that he as well as other participants have received an e mail from Full Tilt asking for identification documents. The e mail was posted as saying, As you are aware, Full Tilt Poker is preparing to re-launch by November 6th, 2012. Action Required: You will need to verify your identity to access your account.* In the interest of account security and in accordance with the anticipated Isle of Man regulatory requirements, you are required to verify your identity. Providing valid documentation now will ensure that your account is fully verified and active upon re-launch. Once re-launch and system testing has completed, you will have unrestricted access to your Full Tilt Poker account, including all cashier functionality and poker games.
This sounds good, sort of too good, for those who may have the slightest hope that her money will still be sitting in their accounts after all the dust has settled. There are inconsistencies in the distribution of the emails. This looks like a fishing expedition from some aspects, and players are eagerly waiting the big November 6th re-launch.
Online Poker World Ready for Full Tilt Return
Full Tilt has indeed been reregistered in the Isle of Man by the regulator there, leaving behind the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. The launch date that’s been announced by Full Tilt Poker is November 6th 2012 and it will be a momentous day for some poker fans and maybe not so much for others who are still left with a bitter taste in their mouths.
A popular poker forum site TwoPlusTwo participant revealed that he as well as other participants have received an e mail from Full Tilt asking for identification documents. The e mail was posted as saying, As you are aware, Full Tilt Poker is preparing to re-launch by November 6th, 2012. Action Required: You will need to verify your identity to access your account.* In the interest of account security and in accordance with the anticipated Isle of Man regulatory requirements, you are required to verify your identity. Providing valid documentation now will ensure that your account is fully verified and active upon re-launch. Once re-launch and system testing has completed, you will have unrestricted access to your Full Tilt Poker account, including all cashier functionality and poker games.
This sounds good, sort of too good, for those who may have the slightest hope that her money will still be sitting in their accounts after all the dust has settled. There are inconsistencies in the distribution of the emails. This looks like a fishing expedition from some aspects, and players are eagerly waiting the big November 6th re-launch.
Online Poker World Ready for Full Tilt Return
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2006/12/07
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29893
Members of Congress continue to recognize the value of federal licensing and regulation of online poker, according to a ratings guide released by the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than 1.2 million members nationwide.
The PPA’s Congressional Ratings Guide rates each member of Congress on his or her support for the game of poker, based on votes and co-sponsorship of legislation, outreach to colleagues, letters to constituents, public statements, feedback from PPA's advocacy team and feedback from meetings with PPA members. Serving as a valuable resource for poker advocates, the Ratings Guide provides players a simple way to determine which members of Congress support online poker rights. The guide is available at Members of Congress | Poker Players Alliance.
“In the past four years, the PPA has more than doubled the number of members of Congress who have a rating, even with a turnover of almost 100 Freshman Senators and Representatives at the start of the 112th Congress,” said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA. “The education and advocacy efforts of the PPA are clearly having an impact. Just six years ago, two-thirds of the U.S. House publicly and proudly voted to prohibit online poker. Today, the vocal opponents of online poker in the Congress are approaching extinction. In fact, even some who voted in favor of the 2006 prohibition are the most ardent supporters of a regulated marketplace that gives adult Americans the freedom to play poker online. But the fight is not over. We must continue to advocate for Congress to pass commonsense federal legislation to protect the freedoms of millions of Americans who enjoy this great American game.”
While researching their elected officials on the PPA Ratings Guide, members can send an e-mail to their members of Congress directly from the Guide to voice their support for poker. PPA members can also view correspondence sent by their member of Congress on poker in response to letters, e-mails, calls and Tweets received by constituents.
The PPA Congressional Ratings Guide is searchable by state and ZIP code, and will be updated periodically.
The Ratings Guide release coincided with the unveiling of the results of the 2012 U.S. Online Poker Survey. The survey of PPA members nationwide, conducted by U.S. Gaming Survey and commissioned by the PPA, found that in every swing state and “election fringe state,” respondents overwhelmingly stated they would be willing to vote against their registered party if the other candidate supported online poker and their party's candidate did not.
Read More: PPA
The PPA’s Congressional Ratings Guide rates each member of Congress on his or her support for the game of poker, based on votes and co-sponsorship of legislation, outreach to colleagues, letters to constituents, public statements, feedback from PPA's advocacy team and feedback from meetings with PPA members. Serving as a valuable resource for poker advocates, the Ratings Guide provides players a simple way to determine which members of Congress support online poker rights. The guide is available at Members of Congress | Poker Players Alliance.
“In the past four years, the PPA has more than doubled the number of members of Congress who have a rating, even with a turnover of almost 100 Freshman Senators and Representatives at the start of the 112th Congress,” said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA. “The education and advocacy efforts of the PPA are clearly having an impact. Just six years ago, two-thirds of the U.S. House publicly and proudly voted to prohibit online poker. Today, the vocal opponents of online poker in the Congress are approaching extinction. In fact, even some who voted in favor of the 2006 prohibition are the most ardent supporters of a regulated marketplace that gives adult Americans the freedom to play poker online. But the fight is not over. We must continue to advocate for Congress to pass commonsense federal legislation to protect the freedoms of millions of Americans who enjoy this great American game.”
While researching their elected officials on the PPA Ratings Guide, members can send an e-mail to their members of Congress directly from the Guide to voice their support for poker. PPA members can also view correspondence sent by their member of Congress on poker in response to letters, e-mails, calls and Tweets received by constituents.
The PPA Congressional Ratings Guide is searchable by state and ZIP code, and will be updated periodically.
The Ratings Guide release coincided with the unveiling of the results of the 2012 U.S. Online Poker Survey. The survey of PPA members nationwide, conducted by U.S. Gaming Survey and commissioned by the PPA, found that in every swing state and “election fringe state,” respondents overwhelmingly stated they would be willing to vote against their registered party if the other candidate supported online poker and their party's candidate did not.
Read More: PPA
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2006/12/07
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Since 2011 Sam Trickett has won almost $16,000,000 from live poker tournaments around the world and uncounted millions from playing in the biggest cash games in Macau. From time to time Trickett swaps the live arena for the virtual felt and usually terrorises his opponents there too.
Earlier today Trickett was crushing all that dare to stand before him in the high stakes Pot Limit Omaha games on PokerStars. Play a mixture of $50/$100, $100/$200 and $200/$400 Trickett, under the alias “tr1cky7” logged a session that spanned 2,171 hands, which when it was completed Trickett said of it:
That best ever day online turns out to be “just” $265,315! Must be nice huh? Over a quarter of a million dollars in 2,171 hands. For those of you who are reaching for the calculator, don't bother as we have worked it out for you. During Trickett's golden session he won $122.21 for each hand he played! Pretty ridiculous really, is he even real?
Read more: Sam Trickett Has The Best Online Poker Session Of His Career! | PokerNews
Earlier today Trickett was crushing all that dare to stand before him in the high stakes Pot Limit Omaha games on PokerStars. Play a mixture of $50/$100, $100/$200 and $200/$400 Trickett, under the alias “tr1cky7” logged a session that spanned 2,171 hands, which when it was completed Trickett said of it:
That best ever day online turns out to be “just” $265,315! Must be nice huh? Over a quarter of a million dollars in 2,171 hands. For those of you who are reaching for the calculator, don't bother as we have worked it out for you. During Trickett's golden session he won $122.21 for each hand he played! Pretty ridiculous really, is he even real?
Read more: Sam Trickett Has The Best Online Poker Session Of His Career! | PokerNews
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2006/12/07
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The International Stadiums Poker Tour is not even close to happening, but creators of the event are very busy getting the word out about the tour. The ISPT has already signed several poker pros as ambassadors for the tour and they have now added yet another name to the growing list.
David Benyamine is the latest poker pro to be named as an ambassador for the International Stadiums Poker Tour. The Europe based tour is not scheduled to begin until May of 2013 but players are already getting excited about the upcoming tour and events.
The ISPT first signed Sam Tricket, then Michael Mizrachi, who was then followed by Liz Lieu and Patrik Antonius. Benyamine’s name has now been added to the list and it will be interesting to see which other pros are asked to be ambassadors for the tour.
Benyamine has earned a name for himself in the game of poker for being a cash game specialist. But he is not limited to just cash games and has seen success in tournaments as well. The poker pro has earned over $6.3 million and shows no signs of slowing down. The pro holds titles from the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour.
Benyamine as well as fellow ambassadors, Antonius and Lieu, wore International Poker Tour patches while they competed in the Partouche Poker Tour just last week, to show their support and play up their roles as ambassadors. The team was also working together to shoot a promotion spot for the new tour.
David Benyamine Joins ISPT Bandwagon
David Benyamine is the latest poker pro to be named as an ambassador for the International Stadiums Poker Tour. The Europe based tour is not scheduled to begin until May of 2013 but players are already getting excited about the upcoming tour and events.
The ISPT first signed Sam Tricket, then Michael Mizrachi, who was then followed by Liz Lieu and Patrik Antonius. Benyamine’s name has now been added to the list and it will be interesting to see which other pros are asked to be ambassadors for the tour.
Benyamine has earned a name for himself in the game of poker for being a cash game specialist. But he is not limited to just cash games and has seen success in tournaments as well. The poker pro has earned over $6.3 million and shows no signs of slowing down. The pro holds titles from the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour.
Benyamine as well as fellow ambassadors, Antonius and Lieu, wore International Poker Tour patches while they competed in the Partouche Poker Tour just last week, to show their support and play up their roles as ambassadors. The team was also working together to shoot a promotion spot for the new tour.
David Benyamine Joins ISPT Bandwagon
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
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Are former Full Tilt Poker shareholders beginning to reveal information about the company's collapse? We'll get into that story, plus the latest in the Jonathan Duhamel burglary case, in this edition of the Nightly Turbo.
In Case You Missed It
How was the high-stakes action at the PokerStars tables this week? Read the Online Railbird Report to find out the week's biggest winners and losers.
Andrew Seidman made his third appearance on the Strategy with Kristy podcast this week. This time, Seidman discussed a hand he played against poker pro Dan O'Brien.
The Poker Player's Alliance recently released Congressional Ratings Guide for the 2012 U.S. elections. Matthew Kredell takes a look at what the scores mean for the poker industry.
What did we learn from Week 1 of the NFL season? Rich Ryan gives his take, and previews the Week 2 slate of games for the Pigskin Diaries.
Andy Bloch on FTP
On Friday, DiamondFlushPoker-com published an interview with former Full Tilt Poker shareholder Andy Bloch, discussing the company's downfall before and after Black Friday.
Read more: The Nightly Turbo: Andy Bloch Talks FTP, Trial Delayed for Jonathan Duhamel's Ex, & More | PokerNews
In Case You Missed It
How was the high-stakes action at the PokerStars tables this week? Read the Online Railbird Report to find out the week's biggest winners and losers.
Andrew Seidman made his third appearance on the Strategy with Kristy podcast this week. This time, Seidman discussed a hand he played against poker pro Dan O'Brien.
The Poker Player's Alliance recently released Congressional Ratings Guide for the 2012 U.S. elections. Matthew Kredell takes a look at what the scores mean for the poker industry.
What did we learn from Week 1 of the NFL season? Rich Ryan gives his take, and previews the Week 2 slate of games for the Pigskin Diaries.
Andy Bloch on FTP
On Friday, DiamondFlushPoker-com published an interview with former Full Tilt Poker shareholder Andy Bloch, discussing the company's downfall before and after Black Friday.
Read more: The Nightly Turbo: Andy Bloch Talks FTP, Trial Delayed for Jonathan Duhamel's Ex, & More | PokerNews
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2006/12/07
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29893
You may not notice any of the celebrities who have been making Rosarito Beach their new home, mostly during this last year. Rough estimates suggest they are pumping in a minimum of $75,000 each month to the economy. This is from their monthly rent, groceries, gas, utilities, and so forth. Since online poker was banned in the United States on April 15, 2011, a number of these professional players, who play online as their full-time employment, needed to find a location to move to that they could call their “new home.”They had several choices where they could locate. Some went to Canada, while others moved to Thailand.
Rosarito Beach has become the home of the largest group of poker playing ex-pats, according to professional online poker player Joshua “Jdawg91” Hoesel. He says, “I found out about Rosarito through a couple of friends of mine, and I decided I’d come down and see if I liked it, and I fell in love with the area immediately.” Most of the players agree this is due to its proximity to the border, the beautiful weather, and the savings in living expenses. Presently, there are more than 100 professional, online poker players living here. Within a year, it is predicted that there will be more than 200 players. Joshua says, “It seems like there are more players rolling into town all the time; it’s good to see!”
Online poker has been around for a few years. In 2001, it is estimated it had revenues of $82 million. By the year 2005, this amount grew to an estimated $2.4 billion. In 2010, the total gross for all online betting hit a staggering $29.95 billion. Last year, there was a 10 percent drop in revenue due to the ban in the U.S. This year, it looks like the gross revenue will greatly surpass the 2010 gross, since the professionals are settling in new locations around the world.
Read More: Baja Times - SINCE 1978 - English Language Newspaper of Baja California
Rosarito Beach has become the home of the largest group of poker playing ex-pats, according to professional online poker player Joshua “Jdawg91” Hoesel. He says, “I found out about Rosarito through a couple of friends of mine, and I decided I’d come down and see if I liked it, and I fell in love with the area immediately.” Most of the players agree this is due to its proximity to the border, the beautiful weather, and the savings in living expenses. Presently, there are more than 100 professional, online poker players living here. Within a year, it is predicted that there will be more than 200 players. Joshua says, “It seems like there are more players rolling into town all the time; it’s good to see!”
Online poker has been around for a few years. In 2001, it is estimated it had revenues of $82 million. By the year 2005, this amount grew to an estimated $2.4 billion. In 2010, the total gross for all online betting hit a staggering $29.95 billion. Last year, there was a 10 percent drop in revenue due to the ban in the U.S. This year, it looks like the gross revenue will greatly surpass the 2010 gross, since the professionals are settling in new locations around the world.
Read More: Baja Times - SINCE 1978 - English Language Newspaper of Baja California
Join:
2006/12/07
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29893
Sam Trickett has continued to make the news every week as he continues to build up his poker game. The pro was recently signed as an International Stadiums Poker Tour ambassador and now the pro has earned his largest ever online cash to date!
Trickett is a great cash game player and has won millions over the past few years. The pro recently tweeted on Twitter about his best ever day online at the poker tables by stating: “Best ever day online today! #keepthatfireburning #peakingyo”
The pro won $265,315 while playing at the $50/$100, $100/$200 and $200/$400 Pot Limit Omaha tables. Despite this being a relatively low amount compared to the amount of cash he has won during live game play, the amount is still a great accomplishment for just one day’s work. The effort put forth by Trickett shows that the player is continuing to grow in the game and that he can adapt to his surroundings no matter if he is playing online or out in the field.
During the best ever day for Trickett, he was facing Patpatman at PokerStars. Trickett won a large portion of the cash from Patpatman with a 2,171 hand session. Trickett was able to get away with just over $100,000 from Patpatman.
In other Trickett news, it appears as the pro and Matchbook has parted ways. Trickett was hired by Matchbook-com as part of a sponsorship deal and now the two are apparently breaking up. A spokesman for Matchbook commented on the breakup between the pro and Matchbook by stating:
“We have long believed that Sam is one of the best poker players in the world, and his success over the last two years is well deserved. We have been honored to have Sam as the face of the Matchbook Poker team in which his results were nothing short of phenomenal. Sam is a huge asset for any brand, and we fully expect him to secure a sponsorship deal with one of the biggest dedicated poker sites around.”
Trickett also commented on the decision by stating: “I’m extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to compete in the biggest tournament in this history of poker and it was an experience that will live for me forever.”
Sam Trickett Earns Largest Online Pay Day
Trickett is a great cash game player and has won millions over the past few years. The pro recently tweeted on Twitter about his best ever day online at the poker tables by stating: “Best ever day online today! #keepthatfireburning #peakingyo”
The pro won $265,315 while playing at the $50/$100, $100/$200 and $200/$400 Pot Limit Omaha tables. Despite this being a relatively low amount compared to the amount of cash he has won during live game play, the amount is still a great accomplishment for just one day’s work. The effort put forth by Trickett shows that the player is continuing to grow in the game and that he can adapt to his surroundings no matter if he is playing online or out in the field.
During the best ever day for Trickett, he was facing Patpatman at PokerStars. Trickett won a large portion of the cash from Patpatman with a 2,171 hand session. Trickett was able to get away with just over $100,000 from Patpatman.
In other Trickett news, it appears as the pro and Matchbook has parted ways. Trickett was hired by Matchbook-com as part of a sponsorship deal and now the two are apparently breaking up. A spokesman for Matchbook commented on the breakup between the pro and Matchbook by stating:
“We have long believed that Sam is one of the best poker players in the world, and his success over the last two years is well deserved. We have been honored to have Sam as the face of the Matchbook Poker team in which his results were nothing short of phenomenal. Sam is a huge asset for any brand, and we fully expect him to secure a sponsorship deal with one of the biggest dedicated poker sites around.”
Trickett also commented on the decision by stating: “I’m extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to compete in the biggest tournament in this history of poker and it was an experience that will live for me forever.”
Sam Trickett Earns Largest Online Pay Day
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2006/12/07
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29893
Tennis Star Rafael Nadal has joined team PokerStars for promoting new mobile app., as economically challenged Spain takes the first steps to license online poker sites.
A Spanish superstar Nadal will bring the game to a whole new spectators and he has been given the explicit responsibility of promoting PokerStars new mobile app. He may be rightly positioned to help newest sponsor Poker Stars as efficiently. In addition to the government loosening of some gaming laws, the Las Vegas Sands group is hopefully to remake some of the gaming achievement it brought to Singapore in recent years by planning a multi-billion dollar “Euro-Vegas” resort in the capital of Madrid.
Those developments leave world No. 4 Nadal and his supporter in pole spot to profit from a change in attitude in the Mediterranean nation. While, he rests a knee injury, Nadal has been busy off court, shooting a television advert extolling the virtues of online poker.
The ad appearances of the 26-year-old gaming on the company website on a mobile phone while fans watch anxiously as he plays the game and you never know he may even make a guest appearance in a WCOOP event or two. Poker Stars signed Nadal last June soon before he had to suspend ATP tournament play due to a knee injury.
Nadal has also done ad work for the client in both Spanish and English and lately posted a link to a behind the scenes appear at the making of the commercial.
Rafael Nadal Joins Poker Stars Team – Promotes New Mobile App.! | Tennis News, Live Tennis Scores, Predictions and Updates
A Spanish superstar Nadal will bring the game to a whole new spectators and he has been given the explicit responsibility of promoting PokerStars new mobile app. He may be rightly positioned to help newest sponsor Poker Stars as efficiently. In addition to the government loosening of some gaming laws, the Las Vegas Sands group is hopefully to remake some of the gaming achievement it brought to Singapore in recent years by planning a multi-billion dollar “Euro-Vegas” resort in the capital of Madrid.
Those developments leave world No. 4 Nadal and his supporter in pole spot to profit from a change in attitude in the Mediterranean nation. While, he rests a knee injury, Nadal has been busy off court, shooting a television advert extolling the virtues of online poker.
The ad appearances of the 26-year-old gaming on the company website on a mobile phone while fans watch anxiously as he plays the game and you never know he may even make a guest appearance in a WCOOP event or two. Poker Stars signed Nadal last June soon before he had to suspend ATP tournament play due to a knee injury.
Nadal has also done ad work for the client in both Spanish and English and lately posted a link to a behind the scenes appear at the making of the commercial.
Rafael Nadal Joins Poker Stars Team – Promotes New Mobile App.! | Tennis News, Live Tennis Scores, Predictions and Updates
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2006/12/07
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29893
The Internet Gambling Prohibition, Poker Consumer Protection, and Strengthening UIGEA Act of 2012 hit a procedural snag as Congress has tried to pass the bill before they adjourn for the fall campaign. The Senate has been working hard on the bill for months. Negotiations in the upper chamber were being handled by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and Republican Assistant Leader John Kyl (Arizona).
Kyl was the impetus for passing a bill in 2006 which barred banks from processing on-line gambling payments. Kyl is an opponent to on-line gambling of any kind. However, he has been working on this bill after the Justice Department recently issued a new interpretation of the 1961 Wire Act which says it applies only to sports betting and no other on-line gambling. The pending bill would loosen restrictions for on-line poker and tighten restrictions for other on-line gambling. Poker is often treated differently since there is an aggressive lobbying group for on-line poker led by the Poker Players Alliance. The poker lobby argues that poker is a game of skill and of chance. A federal court in New York state ruled last month that poker is a game of chance and the Illegal Gambling Businesses Act does not apply to poker.
Kyl and Reid apparently have reached an agreement on the language of the bill. What exactly is in the Reid-Kyl bill is uncertain. However, they are uncertain on how to advance the bill. Another key player in the negotiations on the bill is Nevada Republican Senator Dean Heller. Harry Reid is working hard to defeat Heller as he is up for re-election. Reid is criticizing Heller for being unable to round up 15 Republican senators to support the bill and make sure that the bill has 60 votes overall in the Senate to survive a filibuster attempt. Heller thinks the bill should work its way through the House first before Senate Republicans come out publicly to support the bill. Kyl and Heller also think it would be better to start the bill in the House now since the House may not trust a bill that starts in the Senate.
Read More: On-Line Gambling and Poker Bill Hits Gridlock in Congress
Kyl was the impetus for passing a bill in 2006 which barred banks from processing on-line gambling payments. Kyl is an opponent to on-line gambling of any kind. However, he has been working on this bill after the Justice Department recently issued a new interpretation of the 1961 Wire Act which says it applies only to sports betting and no other on-line gambling. The pending bill would loosen restrictions for on-line poker and tighten restrictions for other on-line gambling. Poker is often treated differently since there is an aggressive lobbying group for on-line poker led by the Poker Players Alliance. The poker lobby argues that poker is a game of skill and of chance. A federal court in New York state ruled last month that poker is a game of chance and the Illegal Gambling Businesses Act does not apply to poker.
Kyl and Reid apparently have reached an agreement on the language of the bill. What exactly is in the Reid-Kyl bill is uncertain. However, they are uncertain on how to advance the bill. Another key player in the negotiations on the bill is Nevada Republican Senator Dean Heller. Harry Reid is working hard to defeat Heller as he is up for re-election. Reid is criticizing Heller for being unable to round up 15 Republican senators to support the bill and make sure that the bill has 60 votes overall in the Senate to survive a filibuster attempt. Heller thinks the bill should work its way through the House first before Senate Republicans come out publicly to support the bill. Kyl and Heller also think it would be better to start the bill in the House now since the House may not trust a bill that starts in the Senate.
Read More: On-Line Gambling and Poker Bill Hits Gridlock in Congress
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2006/12/07
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29893
With the USA election campaigns strongly underway gamblers are keen to hear the different parties’ stances on online gambling. The Republican Party’s manifesto is clearly against online gambling and internet poker, but this is hardly surprising as it was the Republicans which introduced the online gambling prohibition.
However, in contrast to this the Democratic manifesto does not mention online betting in anyway.
All the manifesto says is that “The Obama administration has led the world to recognize and defend Internet freedom – the freedom of expression, assembly, and association online for people everywhere”
This has provoked a number of views on the Democrats’ stance.
Some believe that given the financial problems faced by the US, the president should be focusing on things of greater importance than the right to play poker.
The Poker Players Alliance is of the opinion that the absence of the online gambling issue from the Party’s manifesto is a good sign. The Executive director of the PPA, John Pappas, said that it is a sign that the Party agrees with the legislation of online poker.
On the other hand, some people are arguing that the Democrats failed to mention the issue in order to avoid stirring up controversy amongst voters who are undecided about the issue.
Democrats Silent on Online Poker - Online Casino Archives
However, in contrast to this the Democratic manifesto does not mention online betting in anyway.
All the manifesto says is that “The Obama administration has led the world to recognize and defend Internet freedom – the freedom of expression, assembly, and association online for people everywhere”
This has provoked a number of views on the Democrats’ stance.
Some believe that given the financial problems faced by the US, the president should be focusing on things of greater importance than the right to play poker.
The Poker Players Alliance is of the opinion that the absence of the online gambling issue from the Party’s manifesto is a good sign. The Executive director of the PPA, John Pappas, said that it is a sign that the Party agrees with the legislation of online poker.
On the other hand, some people are arguing that the Democrats failed to mention the issue in order to avoid stirring up controversy amongst voters who are undecided about the issue.
Democrats Silent on Online Poker - Online Casino Archives
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2006/12/07
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29893
The draft of the bill supporting legalization of online gambling, including online poker, proposed by Jon Kyl of Arizona and Harry Reid of Nevada is now being circulated under the title “Representative Joe Barton’s Bill in the House (Gambling Prohibition, Poker Consumer Protection and Strengthening UIGEA Act of 2012).” Besides suggesting the legalization and regulation of the online poker industry, the bill also proposes to strengthen certain existing poker laws.
The bill will cancel the recent DoJ announcement that the Wire Act of 1961 does not apply to betting on online casino and online poker games. Besides, it also suggests amendments to the Wire Act of 1961, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, and the Illegal Gambling Business Act (IGBA) of 1970.
If the bill is accepted, the department of commerce will have to frame a new government body called the Office of Online Poker Oversight (OOPO).
Read More: Draft of Online Poker Bill Now in Circulation
The bill will cancel the recent DoJ announcement that the Wire Act of 1961 does not apply to betting on online casino and online poker games. Besides, it also suggests amendments to the Wire Act of 1961, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, and the Illegal Gambling Business Act (IGBA) of 1970.
If the bill is accepted, the department of commerce will have to frame a new government body called the Office of Online Poker Oversight (OOPO).
Read More: Draft of Online Poker Bill Now in Circulation
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2006/12/07
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The Entraction Poker Network is scheduled to be shut down, according to the owner of the Network, International Game Technology. IGT purchased the network last year for around $115 million and the company has seen the liquidity of Entraction decrease significantly so they made the decision to shut the network down.
The shutdown is expected to take place in December, but a definite date has yet to be announced. A spokesperson for IGT commented on the decision by stating:
“As part of our regular business process, we have been evaluating our resources, products and markets from a commercial and compliance perspective. As a result, we are consolidating our product development, allowing us to combine a number of locations and focus on the most attractive opportunities.
“We remain focused on our interactive casino/slot offering, which has experienced steady growth; as well as our successful social gaming offering with DoubleDown Casino and look to integrate the Entraction products into our overall set of platform offerings.
“Change and uncertainty in European market conditions have diminished the expected returns in certain real money wagering products. As a result, we are consolidating our product development. We are maintaining our options for future changes in market opportunities – This decision is purely focused on our European dotcom business and does not impact future decisions regarding entry into new markets as regulation, taxation and commercial opportunities arise.”
Skins that are currently on the Entraction Network are already trying to figure out which network they will move to now. According to a report on the subject at Poker News Report, iGame Malta, the owner of 24hPoker, Pokerihuone and iGame, are considering joining the Microgaming Network. However, Sami Kurvinen, the iGame Affiliate Manager was reluctant to say whether or not the company will be moving to the Microgaming network in a recent interview but he did state that the company is looking for a new poker network due to low liquidity. Other poker rooms on the network have emailed their customers to let them know they will move to a new network after the closing of the Entraction Network.
Entraction Poker Network To Be Shut Down
The shutdown is expected to take place in December, but a definite date has yet to be announced. A spokesperson for IGT commented on the decision by stating:
“As part of our regular business process, we have been evaluating our resources, products and markets from a commercial and compliance perspective. As a result, we are consolidating our product development, allowing us to combine a number of locations and focus on the most attractive opportunities.
“We remain focused on our interactive casino/slot offering, which has experienced steady growth; as well as our successful social gaming offering with DoubleDown Casino and look to integrate the Entraction products into our overall set of platform offerings.
“Change and uncertainty in European market conditions have diminished the expected returns in certain real money wagering products. As a result, we are consolidating our product development. We are maintaining our options for future changes in market opportunities – This decision is purely focused on our European dotcom business and does not impact future decisions regarding entry into new markets as regulation, taxation and commercial opportunities arise.”
Skins that are currently on the Entraction Network are already trying to figure out which network they will move to now. According to a report on the subject at Poker News Report, iGame Malta, the owner of 24hPoker, Pokerihuone and iGame, are considering joining the Microgaming Network. However, Sami Kurvinen, the iGame Affiliate Manager was reluctant to say whether or not the company will be moving to the Microgaming network in a recent interview but he did state that the company is looking for a new poker network due to low liquidity. Other poker rooms on the network have emailed their customers to let them know they will move to a new network after the closing of the Entraction Network.
Entraction Poker Network To Be Shut Down
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2006/12/07
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Jack Weinstein, a federal judge, has declared that poker should not be illegal. Judge Weinstein wrote a 120 page report wherin he said that poker is not a game of chance like most gambling games. Instead the Judge said, the outcome of the game depends on the players’ skills. One reason for this is that players with a poor hand, can win the hand, using skill, good players can also lose the winning hand, by playing badly.
He believes that good professional poker players can earn as much as professional athletes. He believes that poker can be compared to chess. It all comes down to skill and experience. It also takes a certain expertise to win the game.
Judge Weinstein’s report is expected to be used at both the federal and state levels, in cases where gambling online is considered a crime.
Some have already drawn the conclusion that Internet gambling sites are not as legal as the Government want people to believe.
The report was written as a result of an arrest made on Lawrence DiCristina of Staten Island in New York DiCristina rented a space for regular poker games. He was arrested for operating a gambling house illegally because he took five percent of the earnings to help pay for rent and other expenses. In most many states it’s perfectly legal to operate a poker room, as long as the owner does not profit at all from the game. In fact, the owner can’t even recoup their investments (tables, cards, timers, etc.) by taking a fee from the game.
Read More: Federal Judge Jack Weinstein declared that Online Poker is not gambling
He believes that good professional poker players can earn as much as professional athletes. He believes that poker can be compared to chess. It all comes down to skill and experience. It also takes a certain expertise to win the game.
Judge Weinstein’s report is expected to be used at both the federal and state levels, in cases where gambling online is considered a crime.
Some have already drawn the conclusion that Internet gambling sites are not as legal as the Government want people to believe.
The report was written as a result of an arrest made on Lawrence DiCristina of Staten Island in New York DiCristina rented a space for regular poker games. He was arrested for operating a gambling house illegally because he took five percent of the earnings to help pay for rent and other expenses. In most many states it’s perfectly legal to operate a poker room, as long as the owner does not profit at all from the game. In fact, the owner can’t even recoup their investments (tables, cards, timers, etc.) by taking a fee from the game.
Read More: Federal Judge Jack Weinstein declared that Online Poker is not gambling
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2006/12/07
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29893
Poker can be intimidating when you are starting out as a new player. The dozens of game variations combined with an assortment of betting structures would seem like they require a university course to learn. Don't worry! The basics of poker are easy to explain, and all games come from these basic ideas. For example, with the exception of Badugi, all poker games focus on the best five-card combination when all betting is completed. After reading this poker primer, you will be ready to hit the tables with confidence. So let's get started!
Hand Rankings
These are your fundamental hand rankings for most games that are based on a five-card high hand. Starting with the highest ranked hand.
Royal Flush
A Straight flush with the high card Ace.
Straight Flush
5 cards in sequence all of the same suit.
Four of a kind
This is quad Aces.
Note the 5th card is not relevant to this hand.
Full House
3 of a kind, plus a pair. This is Aces full of 5's.
Flush
5 cards of the same suit.
They are not in sequence.
Straight
5 cards in sequence.
Three of a Kind
3 cards of the same rank.
Two Pair
This is two pair - Ace high.
One Pair
A pair of kings.
High Card
Where no other hand exists the player with the highest card wins.
Betting Structures
There are three main betting structures in poker: Limit, No Limit and Pot Limit.
Limit
Limit games have set amounts that you can bet during each round. For example, a $2/$4 Limit Hold 'em game would allow you to bet in $2 increments pre-flop and on the flop, and in $4 increments on the turn and river. Sometimes you will encounter spread limit games (common in Stud) that allow you to bet in a certain range. For example, you may get involved in a $1-$5 Stud game. On any street, you can bet $1 to $5. If you choose to raise you may raise up to $5, as long as you raise at least the amount that was previously bet. There is usually no cap on the amount of money a player can buy in for, and the minimum buy-in is normally ten times the small blind ($20 in a $2/4 game).
No Limit
No Limit games have a fixed blind amount, but the players are able to bet any amount from the minimum bet (typically the size of the big blind) up to their entire stack at any time. Most no limit games have a minimum and a maximum buy-in, the minimum typically being 20 big blinds and the maximum usually being 100 big blinds. For example, in a game with $1/$2 blinds, the buy-in range would be from $20 to $100. If a player drops below the maximum buy-in, they may add on to their stack to bring it back up to the max buy-in. Raises must be equal to or greater than the previous raise, unless a player is raising all-in.
Pot Limit
Pot Limit is very similar to No Limit, in that there is typically a minimum and maximum buy in, and players betting is not limited to a specific structure. Bets can range from the minimum bet (the size of the big blind) up to the size of the pot. Pot size is equal to the amount of the bets in the middle, all bets out on the table, plus the amount a player must call before raising. For example: if the pot in the middle of the table is $20 the first player acting the round bets $10, the next player to act is able to bet a maximum of $40 - $10 for his portion of the call and raise by $30.
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Hand Rankings
These are your fundamental hand rankings for most games that are based on a five-card high hand. Starting with the highest ranked hand.
Royal Flush
A Straight flush with the high card Ace.
Straight Flush
5 cards in sequence all of the same suit.
Four of a kind
This is quad Aces.
Note the 5th card is not relevant to this hand.
Full House
3 of a kind, plus a pair. This is Aces full of 5's.
Flush
5 cards of the same suit.
They are not in sequence.
Straight
5 cards in sequence.
Three of a Kind
3 cards of the same rank.
Two Pair
This is two pair - Ace high.
One Pair
A pair of kings.
High Card
Where no other hand exists the player with the highest card wins.
Betting Structures
There are three main betting structures in poker: Limit, No Limit and Pot Limit.
Limit
Limit games have set amounts that you can bet during each round. For example, a $2/$4 Limit Hold 'em game would allow you to bet in $2 increments pre-flop and on the flop, and in $4 increments on the turn and river. Sometimes you will encounter spread limit games (common in Stud) that allow you to bet in a certain range. For example, you may get involved in a $1-$5 Stud game. On any street, you can bet $1 to $5. If you choose to raise you may raise up to $5, as long as you raise at least the amount that was previously bet. There is usually no cap on the amount of money a player can buy in for, and the minimum buy-in is normally ten times the small blind ($20 in a $2/4 game).
No Limit
No Limit games have a fixed blind amount, but the players are able to bet any amount from the minimum bet (typically the size of the big blind) up to their entire stack at any time. Most no limit games have a minimum and a maximum buy-in, the minimum typically being 20 big blinds and the maximum usually being 100 big blinds. For example, in a game with $1/$2 blinds, the buy-in range would be from $20 to $100. If a player drops below the maximum buy-in, they may add on to their stack to bring it back up to the max buy-in. Raises must be equal to or greater than the previous raise, unless a player is raising all-in.
Pot Limit
Pot Limit is very similar to No Limit, in that there is typically a minimum and maximum buy in, and players betting is not limited to a specific structure. Bets can range from the minimum bet (the size of the big blind) up to the size of the pot. Pot size is equal to the amount of the bets in the middle, all bets out on the table, plus the amount a player must call before raising. For example: if the pot in the middle of the table is $20 the first player acting the round bets $10, the next player to act is able to bet a maximum of $40 - $10 for his portion of the call and raise by $30.
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2012/08/27
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Several aspects of the proposed online poker bill of Senators Reid and Kyl has many observers questioning some of the bill’s provisions.
Although only a summary of the proposal is now available to the poker community, many players have questioned several provisions within the document and are left wondering whether or not the proposal has any chance of becoming law in its current form. The first order of business under scrutiny is the blackout period that forbids licensees to have online poker sites up and running “until at least 15 months until the date of the bill’s enactment.” Intended to keep any one online poker site from getting a jump on any other, this provision means that legalization would not take hold until sometime in 2014. Obviously, this is not a beneficial time frame as far as players are concerned and may seem like an eternity for those who have been shut out from playing since Black Friday.
The deal in which PokerStars purchased the assets of Full Tilt through the U.S. Department of Justice specifically allows both sites re-entry into the U.S. marketplace, but the Reid/Kyl proposal aims to punish sites that “were involved in offering Internet gambling to United States residents after 2006 (following enactment of UIGEA)” by prohibiting them from offering services to the American market for five years. Whether or not this “bad actor” provision is good for online poker is sure to be heavily debated. However, PokerStars was able to become the top online site the world over due to flagrantly ignoring the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and some sort of punishment does seem justifiable to many.
Another controversial aspect of the proposal is the exclusion of players from countries outside of the U.S. This will severely cripple player liquidity and is one element to the proposal that really should be reconsidered. The reason behind such a scheme is to keep control and regulations within U.S. jurisdictional borders and is intended to safeguard players from ever going through a Full Tilt fiasco with unregulated poker sites again. Wanting to protect U.S. players and their funds is obviously beneficial to all. But doing so by restricting participation to allow only U.S. players to compete against one another and forbidding international involvement is not the answer.
Read More: Leaked Federal Online Poker Bill Prompts More Questions Than Answers
Although only a summary of the proposal is now available to the poker community, many players have questioned several provisions within the document and are left wondering whether or not the proposal has any chance of becoming law in its current form. The first order of business under scrutiny is the blackout period that forbids licensees to have online poker sites up and running “until at least 15 months until the date of the bill’s enactment.” Intended to keep any one online poker site from getting a jump on any other, this provision means that legalization would not take hold until sometime in 2014. Obviously, this is not a beneficial time frame as far as players are concerned and may seem like an eternity for those who have been shut out from playing since Black Friday.
The deal in which PokerStars purchased the assets of Full Tilt through the U.S. Department of Justice specifically allows both sites re-entry into the U.S. marketplace, but the Reid/Kyl proposal aims to punish sites that “were involved in offering Internet gambling to United States residents after 2006 (following enactment of UIGEA)” by prohibiting them from offering services to the American market for five years. Whether or not this “bad actor” provision is good for online poker is sure to be heavily debated. However, PokerStars was able to become the top online site the world over due to flagrantly ignoring the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and some sort of punishment does seem justifiable to many.
Another controversial aspect of the proposal is the exclusion of players from countries outside of the U.S. This will severely cripple player liquidity and is one element to the proposal that really should be reconsidered. The reason behind such a scheme is to keep control and regulations within U.S. jurisdictional borders and is intended to safeguard players from ever going through a Full Tilt fiasco with unregulated poker sites again. Wanting to protect U.S. players and their funds is obviously beneficial to all. But doing so by restricting participation to allow only U.S. players to compete against one another and forbidding international involvement is not the answer.
Read More: Leaked Federal Online Poker Bill Prompts More Questions Than Answers
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2006/12/07
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29893
International Game Technology has quietly pulled the plug on its online poker operations in Europe, saying the business model had suffered due to regulatory changes.
The slot machine manufacturing giant spent $115 million last year to acquire Entraction, a Swedish-based online poker operator with more than 4 million players.
In June, IGT was licensed by Nevada gaming regulators to provide interactive gaming systems under the state newly created online gaming regulations. IGT officials said they planned to use the Entraction technology platform with its Nevada online poker systems.
A gaming source said the European shutdown would not affect IGT's ability to offer its online poker systems to Nevada casinos.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg News, IGT Chief Executive Officer Patti Hart said several European countries changed regulations and prohibited residents from gambling with players in other nations.
"There is less profitability and the product becomes less interesting," Hart said.
Read More: IGT bails on European online poker operations - Business - ReviewJournal-com
The slot machine manufacturing giant spent $115 million last year to acquire Entraction, a Swedish-based online poker operator with more than 4 million players.
In June, IGT was licensed by Nevada gaming regulators to provide interactive gaming systems under the state newly created online gaming regulations. IGT officials said they planned to use the Entraction technology platform with its Nevada online poker systems.
A gaming source said the European shutdown would not affect IGT's ability to offer its online poker systems to Nevada casinos.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg News, IGT Chief Executive Officer Patti Hart said several European countries changed regulations and prohibited residents from gambling with players in other nations.
"There is less profitability and the product becomes less interesting," Hart said.
Read More: IGT bails on European online poker operations - Business - ReviewJournal-com
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2006/12/07
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29893
International Game Technology (IGT) is shutting down its online poker operation in Europe after regulatory changes killed the business model. IGT, the world’s largest slot-machine maker, is halting online poker overseas after some countries barred residents from playing with customers in other nations, Chief Executive Officer Patti Hart said today in a telephone interview.
The business “shifted from dot-com to dot-country,” Hart said. “There’s less profitability and the product becomes less interesting.”
IGT, based in Reno, Nevada, paid $115 million last year for Entraction Holding AB, a Swedish company that provided poker online in Europe. IGT still plans to offer online bingo, slot machines and sports betting in Europe, and is evaluating its staffing in the region, Hart said.
IGT fell 1.2 percent to $12.86 at the close in New York. The stock has declined (IGT) 25 percent this year.
Europe provides a lesson for the U.S., where the legalization of online poker is proceeding on a state-by-state basis rather than at the federal level, Hart said.
Companies planning to offer online poker in the U.S. will “have to look at their own economics,” she said. “It’s much more challenged when it’s a single state.”
Nevada last year became the first state to authorize Internet gambling. Two dozen companies have sought licenses for online poker there, including Caesars Entertainment Corp. (CZR) and MGM Resorts International (MGM), the largest operators of U.S. casinos.
Online gambling generated 24.6 billion euros ($32.1 billion) in revenue worldwide last year, with Japan, the U.K. and Germany the largest contributors, according to researcher H2 Gambling Capital.
IGT Folding Online Poker in Europe Spells Trouble for U.S - Businessweek
The business “shifted from dot-com to dot-country,” Hart said. “There’s less profitability and the product becomes less interesting.”
IGT, based in Reno, Nevada, paid $115 million last year for Entraction Holding AB, a Swedish company that provided poker online in Europe. IGT still plans to offer online bingo, slot machines and sports betting in Europe, and is evaluating its staffing in the region, Hart said.
IGT fell 1.2 percent to $12.86 at the close in New York. The stock has declined (IGT) 25 percent this year.
Europe provides a lesson for the U.S., where the legalization of online poker is proceeding on a state-by-state basis rather than at the federal level, Hart said.
Companies planning to offer online poker in the U.S. will “have to look at their own economics,” she said. “It’s much more challenged when it’s a single state.”
Nevada last year became the first state to authorize Internet gambling. Two dozen companies have sought licenses for online poker there, including Caesars Entertainment Corp. (CZR) and MGM Resorts International (MGM), the largest operators of U.S. casinos.
Online gambling generated 24.6 billion euros ($32.1 billion) in revenue worldwide last year, with Japan, the U.K. and Germany the largest contributors, according to researcher H2 Gambling Capital.
IGT Folding Online Poker in Europe Spells Trouble for U.S - Businessweek
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2006/12/07
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Earlier this year IGT, announced it would rename the Swedish branded poker network to the IGT Poker Network. The company at the time released the following statement: “This is the first show where we will be able to demonstrate the full range of products and services which our recent acquisition of Entraction has enabled us to do,” reads the official press release. “All Entraction products will be shown under the IGT brand … conference attendees will see how IGT’s poker network is a serious and competitive alternative for existing poker operators.”
This week the Entraction Poker Network announced that it would no longer offer online poker to citizens of Canada, Russia, Norway, Israel and Turkey, in an effort to comply with each country’s various gaming laws.
With recent developments the news is now surfacing that the global gaming content supplier IGT is to pull back from its continued investment in its 16-month old, £70m Entraction poker network.
A spokesperson for IGT stated, “change and uncertainty in the European market conditions had diminished the expected returns in certain real money wagering products” and that, as a result, the company has been forced to “consolidate its product development.”
He added that the company was “maintaining its options for future changes in market opportunities” and that the decision, despite not clarifying what it meant, is “purely focused” on its European dotcom business and that it does “not impact future decisions regarding entry into new markets as regulation, taxation and commercial opportunities arise”.
The statement continued: “As part of our regular business process, we have been evaluating our resources, products and markets from a commercial and compliance perspective. As a result, we are consolidating our product development, allowing us to combine a number of locations and focus on the most attractive opportunities.
“We remain focused on our interactive casino/slot offering, which has experienced steady growth, and look to integrate the Entraction products into our overall set of platform offerings.”
IGT Online Poker Network May Not Have Great Outlook Afterall | Casino Scam Report