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Hello ixgames do you have any new pokersites where I can play!!
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Katie Stone, better known as “katie75013,” relocated to Rosarito, Mexico to pursue her career as an online poker player. She is one of the Grindettes, a group of four women who have turned online poker playing into a career. She has been followed by Katie “hotjenny314” Dozier in this averse but popular decision to relocate to play. Katie Stone pretty much put the whole group together, including Jennifer Shahade, Jamie Kerstetter, and Dozier. The dynamic group of women, all of which are excellent poker players, not only support each other at the poker table, but also in every day life.
Dozier started playing way back in 2004, while she was still majoring in creative writing in the state of Florida. She relocated to Washington DC, where she attended a French culinary school, but at the same time, she upheld her taste for online poker. She played her way through the online poker ranks while acquiring quite a sizeable amount of loot, more than $110,000.
Maybe being married to Collin Moshman, a renowned poker pro and noted author, might have contributed to her decision. Moshman is the author of Sit ‘n Go Strategy, Heads-Up No Limit Hold’em, and The Math of Hold’em. Dozier edited all the books and even co-authored two of books alongside her husband. The Superuser and Pro Poker Strategy: The Top Skills.
Following a successful run in Las Vegas, as well as several World Series of Poker events, Dozier saw it fit to delve into the world of online poker, heading south of the border. Currently she lives in Rosarito, Mexico where she recounted how her childhood shaped her decision today. Jokingly, she recounts how her online screen name, “hotjenny314,” came about. After she noticed how guys went ga-ga over sexy-girl screen names, she decided to give it a try, and the name stuck. “Jenny,” as she recounts, is influenced by hot girls from her sorority while “314” speaks to math, important to the game.
Being a female player in a male dominated field, Dozier is pretty much unaffected. Online, she is pretty much genderless, so she says. She prefers tournaments to cash, which is a strong indicator of her competitive nature—online poker players be warned—where she plays mid-stakes MTTs and MTT SNGs and averages 15 tables at a time.
Her life in Rosarito is something to envy. She has a house near the ocean, a beautiful complex that she shares with her friends and family.
Poker Guru Katie Dozier Relocates to Mexico to Play Poker
Dozier started playing way back in 2004, while she was still majoring in creative writing in the state of Florida. She relocated to Washington DC, where she attended a French culinary school, but at the same time, she upheld her taste for online poker. She played her way through the online poker ranks while acquiring quite a sizeable amount of loot, more than $110,000.
Maybe being married to Collin Moshman, a renowned poker pro and noted author, might have contributed to her decision. Moshman is the author of Sit ‘n Go Strategy, Heads-Up No Limit Hold’em, and The Math of Hold’em. Dozier edited all the books and even co-authored two of books alongside her husband. The Superuser and Pro Poker Strategy: The Top Skills.
Following a successful run in Las Vegas, as well as several World Series of Poker events, Dozier saw it fit to delve into the world of online poker, heading south of the border. Currently she lives in Rosarito, Mexico where she recounted how her childhood shaped her decision today. Jokingly, she recounts how her online screen name, “hotjenny314,” came about. After she noticed how guys went ga-ga over sexy-girl screen names, she decided to give it a try, and the name stuck. “Jenny,” as she recounts, is influenced by hot girls from her sorority while “314” speaks to math, important to the game.
Being a female player in a male dominated field, Dozier is pretty much unaffected. Online, she is pretty much genderless, so she says. She prefers tournaments to cash, which is a strong indicator of her competitive nature—online poker players be warned—where she plays mid-stakes MTTs and MTT SNGs and averages 15 tables at a time.
Her life in Rosarito is something to envy. She has a house near the ocean, a beautiful complex that she shares with her friends and family.
Poker Guru Katie Dozier Relocates to Mexico to Play Poker
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2006/12/07
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US Senators Harry Reid and Jon Kyl are having their federal poker bill challenged by legal expert, Paul Clement, based on a recent memorandum written by the former solicitor general. According to a recent report by PokerNews, the drafted poker bill may be found unconstitutional if it moves though Congress, based on a few factors found in the memorandum.
Clement is the former United States solicitor general who served under President George W. Bush and he raised concerns about the online poker bill. The Poker Players Alliance asked Clement’s legal opinion and the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Clement found flaws in the bill. These flaws referred to the punishment of offshore sites that operated in the United States after the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement At in 2006.
The bill has a portion that states such sites will be prohibited from obtaining a license for the first five years after the poker bill is enacted. Clement states that this measure has ‘serious due process concerns.’
Just last month, Clement told Reid and Kyl of his findings and he stated, on paper, that the bill is more of a nonstarter than a similar bill that died in Congress two years ago. Both senators have tried to move the bill along and are now running out of time.
In a memo to Kyl, Clement stated: “In my view, the 2012 act suffers from the exact same problems as the 2010 act, and in some instances, the 2012 act’s constitutional infirmities are even more pronounced.” Kyl and Reid have yet to comment on the memo but Reid’s spokesperson stated that the bill is ‘still being written’.
Clement is a specialist in constitutional and has represented the government with over five dozen cases that went before the Supreme Court. Clement is now in a private practice and analyzed the draft bill after the PPA requested him to. The PPA supports online poker but has called for specific changes in the online poker bill draft.
Federal Poker Bill Challenged By Legal Expert
Clement is the former United States solicitor general who served under President George W. Bush and he raised concerns about the online poker bill. The Poker Players Alliance asked Clement’s legal opinion and the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Clement found flaws in the bill. These flaws referred to the punishment of offshore sites that operated in the United States after the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement At in 2006.
The bill has a portion that states such sites will be prohibited from obtaining a license for the first five years after the poker bill is enacted. Clement states that this measure has ‘serious due process concerns.’
Just last month, Clement told Reid and Kyl of his findings and he stated, on paper, that the bill is more of a nonstarter than a similar bill that died in Congress two years ago. Both senators have tried to move the bill along and are now running out of time.
In a memo to Kyl, Clement stated: “In my view, the 2012 act suffers from the exact same problems as the 2010 act, and in some instances, the 2012 act’s constitutional infirmities are even more pronounced.” Kyl and Reid have yet to comment on the memo but Reid’s spokesperson stated that the bill is ‘still being written’.
Clement is a specialist in constitutional and has represented the government with over five dozen cases that went before the Supreme Court. Clement is now in a private practice and analyzed the draft bill after the PPA requested him to. The PPA supports online poker but has called for specific changes in the online poker bill draft.
Federal Poker Bill Challenged By Legal Expert
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Full Tilt Poker reopened on November 6th and players celebrated. Most players outside the U.S. had access to their money after waiting nearly 1.5 years. The poker room immediately exploded to become the second largest online poker room overnight. PokerScout reports that Full Tilt Poker peaked at 15,326 cash game players on just its second day. The poker room has lost over 40% of its traffic in just over two weeks. The site is losing its cash game traffic at a rate of 20% per week. At this rate, Full Tilt will not be the #2 poker room within a month. While this decline may not continue, it is certainly a cause for concern for Full Tilt Poker management.
Why is Traffic Declining?
There are a variety of reasons that Full Tilt’s traffic cannot sustain itself. The brand name was tarnished after it was discovered that Full Tilt had a massive shortfall of cash and could not meet player balances after Black Friday. This is not the only reason the site is having issues with its traffic.
PokerStars allows players to transfer money between Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars. Many players played a few hands or played a week or two taking advantage of the freerolls. Some of these promotions are over now and some players have no motivation to continue playing at Full Tilt. Many players cleared the reload bonus offered at launch quickly and decided to move on to their VIP deals at other online poker rooms. Other players busted quickly and decided not to redeposit.
Rush Poker no Longer Unique
One of Full Tilt’s biggest features before it closed was its Rush Poker product. This product has been duplicated by PokerStars’ Zoom Poker and another version used by some Microgaming skins that is called Fast Poker. The added competition for this style of game has left Full Tilt without a monopoly.
Rakeback and Affiliates Dropped
PokerStars announced immediately before Full Tilt’s relaunch that they would not be honoring previously agreed to rakeback deals. This angered many players. Not only were players angered when the announcement was made, many players did not hear the news and assumed that they would still get rakeback on their play. These players were understandably upset when they went back to play at Full Tilt and did not get paid rakeback. Many of these players felt ripped off and cashed out or did not reload when they busted.
Rakeback was not the only thing that was canceled at the time of relaunch, affiliates were also excluded. Not only is there not an existing affiliate program for Full Tilt, they took all of the existing players in house and no longer pay affiliates for players that they referred under old management. This means that there is no internet advertising for the Full Tilt brand on online poker portals and some affiliate sites published negative reviews of Full Tilt in retaliation. This will make it very difficult for Full Tilt to bring in affiliates in the future should they decide to relaunch an affiliate program as many affiliates will not want to get burned again.
It is not time for Full Tilt Poker management to panic but if this downward spiral continues it will snowball. Once a poker room goes into a nosedive it is nearly impossible to reverse it. This may be a temporary correction where Full Tilt will find a bottom and stay at it or it could be a sign that players are unhappy and have left to play at other online poker rooms.
Full Tilt Poker Traffic Continues Decline
Why is Traffic Declining?
There are a variety of reasons that Full Tilt’s traffic cannot sustain itself. The brand name was tarnished after it was discovered that Full Tilt had a massive shortfall of cash and could not meet player balances after Black Friday. This is not the only reason the site is having issues with its traffic.
PokerStars allows players to transfer money between Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars. Many players played a few hands or played a week or two taking advantage of the freerolls. Some of these promotions are over now and some players have no motivation to continue playing at Full Tilt. Many players cleared the reload bonus offered at launch quickly and decided to move on to their VIP deals at other online poker rooms. Other players busted quickly and decided not to redeposit.
Rush Poker no Longer Unique
One of Full Tilt’s biggest features before it closed was its Rush Poker product. This product has been duplicated by PokerStars’ Zoom Poker and another version used by some Microgaming skins that is called Fast Poker. The added competition for this style of game has left Full Tilt without a monopoly.
Rakeback and Affiliates Dropped
PokerStars announced immediately before Full Tilt’s relaunch that they would not be honoring previously agreed to rakeback deals. This angered many players. Not only were players angered when the announcement was made, many players did not hear the news and assumed that they would still get rakeback on their play. These players were understandably upset when they went back to play at Full Tilt and did not get paid rakeback. Many of these players felt ripped off and cashed out or did not reload when they busted.
Rakeback was not the only thing that was canceled at the time of relaunch, affiliates were also excluded. Not only is there not an existing affiliate program for Full Tilt, they took all of the existing players in house and no longer pay affiliates for players that they referred under old management. This means that there is no internet advertising for the Full Tilt brand on online poker portals and some affiliate sites published negative reviews of Full Tilt in retaliation. This will make it very difficult for Full Tilt to bring in affiliates in the future should they decide to relaunch an affiliate program as many affiliates will not want to get burned again.
It is not time for Full Tilt Poker management to panic but if this downward spiral continues it will snowball. Once a poker room goes into a nosedive it is nearly impossible to reverse it. This may be a temporary correction where Full Tilt will find a bottom and stay at it or it could be a sign that players are unhappy and have left to play at other online poker rooms.
Full Tilt Poker Traffic Continues Decline
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2006/12/07
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In a story to gladden the hearts of all French poker players, the Daily Telegraph has reported that French Députés (members of parliament) including ministers have been caught on camera playing poker on their iPads and tablet computers during political debates.
The UK’s Daily Telegraph newspaper is not a hotbed of francophilia and delights in the fact that many of those caught were “taking online poker bets, reading adult cartoons, perusing online clothes catalogues or placing an order for fine wines from their favourite sites.”
The revelation comes after photographs of iPad screens were taken by journalists sitting in the balconies above the debating chamber.
The discovery has produced calls for the free wifi access to be switched off inside the Chamber of Deputies. The option to scramble signals inside the Chamber was installed by the previous centre right Speaker, Jean-Louis Debré. The new Socialist Speaker, Claude Bartolone, has adopted a more liberal approach.
The high rates of taxation threaten the existence of online poker in France and are negatively impacting the associated tax revenues.
Liberté, égalité, fraternité are famously the foundations of France’s social model. French poker players may not have the freedom to play on sites not regulated in France and may be taxed at a higher rate than any other players in Europe but at least they now know that they have the fraternité of their elected representatives.
French Politicians Caught Playing Online Poker During Debates | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
The UK’s Daily Telegraph newspaper is not a hotbed of francophilia and delights in the fact that many of those caught were “taking online poker bets, reading adult cartoons, perusing online clothes catalogues or placing an order for fine wines from their favourite sites.”
The revelation comes after photographs of iPad screens were taken by journalists sitting in the balconies above the debating chamber.
The discovery has produced calls for the free wifi access to be switched off inside the Chamber of Deputies. The option to scramble signals inside the Chamber was installed by the previous centre right Speaker, Jean-Louis Debré. The new Socialist Speaker, Claude Bartolone, has adopted a more liberal approach.
The high rates of taxation threaten the existence of online poker in France and are negatively impacting the associated tax revenues.
Liberté, égalité, fraternité are famously the foundations of France’s social model. French poker players may not have the freedom to play on sites not regulated in France and may be taxed at a higher rate than any other players in Europe but at least they now know that they have the fraternité of their elected representatives.
French Politicians Caught Playing Online Poker During Debates | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
Join:
2006/12/07
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29893
Online poker is still a worldwide phenomenon despite its recent problems in the USA. Online poker is still flourishing around the globe with players hailing from all over Europe, Russia, North America, South America and Australasia and more.
LONDON, ENGLAND, November 25, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Online poker is still a worldwide phenomenon despite its recent problems in the USA. Online poker is still flourishing around the globe with players hailing from all over Europe, Russia, North America, South America and Australasia and more.
Most countries in Europe are in the process sorting out some form of online poker legality whether it is a very protectionist closed offering such as France Salles de poker en francais, Italy Online poker per i giocatori Italiani and Belgium or a more liberal approach like the UK, UK Poker. Most countries have understood the earning potential of legalizing online poker and are working towards some form of licensing.
Even the USA is working towards full legalisation of online poker with some states, Nevada, already legalising online poker. However, the USA won't become the online poker supper power it once was with its vast revenues until it fully legalises inter-state online poker.
While the politicians argue about legislation online poker players just get on with playing. One way to witness this is to join a poker tournament on the largest online poker site PokerStars and see where the players are from.
In one test after joining a 180 player Sit & Go it can be seen that players are from at least 37 different countries:-
Russia, Canada, Brazil, Finland, Germany Online Poker auf Deutsch, UK, Austria, Netherlands Online Poker in het Nederlands, Argentina, Switzerland, Japan, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Nigeria, Bolivia, China, Taiwan, Denmark Spil Dansk Poker , Belgium, Sweden Pokerrum i Svenska, Lithuania, Romania, Portugal Poker Online em Portugues, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Vietnam, Finland, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Czech Republic, Belarus, Australia, Luxemburg and Croatia.
Spain Salas de poquer del Espana, France and Italy are on their own internal loop so their players can only play players in the same country. So, Spanish can only play Spanish, French can only play French and Italians can only play Italians.
So get involved and talk the worldwide language of online poker.
world-einnews-com/247pr/316573
LONDON, ENGLAND, November 25, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Online poker is still a worldwide phenomenon despite its recent problems in the USA. Online poker is still flourishing around the globe with players hailing from all over Europe, Russia, North America, South America and Australasia and more.
Most countries in Europe are in the process sorting out some form of online poker legality whether it is a very protectionist closed offering such as France Salles de poker en francais, Italy Online poker per i giocatori Italiani and Belgium or a more liberal approach like the UK, UK Poker. Most countries have understood the earning potential of legalizing online poker and are working towards some form of licensing.
Even the USA is working towards full legalisation of online poker with some states, Nevada, already legalising online poker. However, the USA won't become the online poker supper power it once was with its vast revenues until it fully legalises inter-state online poker.
While the politicians argue about legislation online poker players just get on with playing. One way to witness this is to join a poker tournament on the largest online poker site PokerStars and see where the players are from.
In one test after joining a 180 player Sit & Go it can be seen that players are from at least 37 different countries:-
Russia, Canada, Brazil, Finland, Germany Online Poker auf Deutsch, UK, Austria, Netherlands Online Poker in het Nederlands, Argentina, Switzerland, Japan, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Nigeria, Bolivia, China, Taiwan, Denmark Spil Dansk Poker , Belgium, Sweden Pokerrum i Svenska, Lithuania, Romania, Portugal Poker Online em Portugues, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Vietnam, Finland, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Czech Republic, Belarus, Australia, Luxemburg and Croatia.
Spain Salas de poquer del Espana, France and Italy are on their own internal loop so their players can only play players in the same country. So, Spanish can only play Spanish, French can only play French and Italians can only play Italians.
So get involved and talk the worldwide language of online poker.
world-einnews-com/247pr/316573
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2006/12/07
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The season to be Winning…OVER $5,000 IN CASH PRIZES in Bodog’s new E-Games Casino where players play E-games and win cash prizes!
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Earning Points at Bodog88 E-Games is determined by the turnover or total bet of your E-Games account.
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2006/12/07
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29893
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) requested Senators Harry Reid and Jon Kyl to make a few changes to the online poker bill’s current draft in a letter dated November 2. Written by Alfonse D’Amato, PPA Chairman, the missive commended the senators for their efforts in trying to legalize and regulate online poker in the US.
D’Amato expressed the Alliance’s approval of the current draft, saying that the PPA is “pleased with many aspects of the draft.” The Reid-Kyl bill provides a stable platform for states to carry out their own regulations, addresses consumer protection, generates revenue, and serves as an economic stimulus through job creation.
D’Amato has, however, singled out six areas of improvement, chief among them being the requirement for individual state legislatures to opt-in to the federal scheme. The PPA is of the opinion that the state legislature does not have to bear the burden of approving states already providing not-tribal, live commercial poker.
The PPA is also against the proposed waiting period of 15 months before operators can start to deal cards online. Reid and Kyl put in that provision to prevent operators from getting a jump on their peers, but D’Amato stresses that that delay is too long for professional and recreation players to wait. He also explains that Internet poker has been regulated by other countries successfully for years in much less time than 15 months.
The proposal has no allowance for international play and restricts expansion of player pools beyond the US soil, making this perhaps its most short-sighted aspect. Forging external agreements consumes time, but the PPA asserts that the increased player liquidity and revenue from international competition is a must.
The PPA also wants the bill to have a provision that directs “the IRS to formulate guidelines for reporting income from online poker prior to commencement of play,” as D’Amato stated in the letter. In addition, he has suggested an amendment that ensures equal treatment of federal online poker, state lotteries, and Indian tribes. Finally, he has called the five-year ban on the licensing of online poker providers who were in operation in the US marketplace after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was enacted in 2006 unduly unfair, arbitrary, and possibly unconstitutional.
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) requested Senators Harry Reid and Jon Kyl to make a few changes to the online poker bill’s current draft in a letter dated November 2. Written by Alfonse D’Amato, PPA Chairman, the missive commended the senators for their efforts in trying to legalize and regulate online poker in the US.
D’Amato expressed the Alliance’s approval of the current draft, saying that the PPA is “pleased with many aspects of the draft.” The Reid-Kyl bill provides a stable platform for states to carry out their own regulations, addresses consumer protection, generates revenue, and serves as an economic stimulator through job creation.
D’Amato has, however, singled out six areas of improvement, chief among them being the requirement for individual state legislatures to opt-in to the federal scheme. The PPA is of the opinion that the state legislature does not have to bear the burden of approving states already providing not-tribal, live commercial poker.
The PPA is also against the proposed waiting period of 15 months before operators can start to deal cards online. Reid and Kyl put in that provision to prevent operators from getting a jump on their peers, but D’Amato stresses that that delay is too long for professional and recreation players to wait. He also explains that Internet poker has been regulated by other countries successfully for years in much less time than 15 months.
The proposal has no allowance for international play and restricts expansion of player pools beyond the US soil, making this perhaps its most short-sighted aspect. Forging external agreements consumes time, but the PPA asserts that the increased player liquidity and revenue from international competition is a must.
The PPA also wants the bill to have a provision that directs “the IRS to formulate guidelines for reporting income from online poker prior to commencement of play,” as D’Amato stated in the letter. In addition, he has suggested an amendment that ensures equal treatment of federal online poker, state lotteries, and Indian tribes. Finally, he has called the five-year ban on the licensing of online poker providers who were in operation in the US marketplace after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was enacted in 2006 unduly unfair, arbitrary, and possibly unconstitutional.
Reid-Kyle Online Poker Bill to be Modified
D’Amato expressed the Alliance’s approval of the current draft, saying that the PPA is “pleased with many aspects of the draft.” The Reid-Kyl bill provides a stable platform for states to carry out their own regulations, addresses consumer protection, generates revenue, and serves as an economic stimulus through job creation.
D’Amato has, however, singled out six areas of improvement, chief among them being the requirement for individual state legislatures to opt-in to the federal scheme. The PPA is of the opinion that the state legislature does not have to bear the burden of approving states already providing not-tribal, live commercial poker.
The PPA is also against the proposed waiting period of 15 months before operators can start to deal cards online. Reid and Kyl put in that provision to prevent operators from getting a jump on their peers, but D’Amato stresses that that delay is too long for professional and recreation players to wait. He also explains that Internet poker has been regulated by other countries successfully for years in much less time than 15 months.
The proposal has no allowance for international play and restricts expansion of player pools beyond the US soil, making this perhaps its most short-sighted aspect. Forging external agreements consumes time, but the PPA asserts that the increased player liquidity and revenue from international competition is a must.
The PPA also wants the bill to have a provision that directs “the IRS to formulate guidelines for reporting income from online poker prior to commencement of play,” as D’Amato stated in the letter. In addition, he has suggested an amendment that ensures equal treatment of federal online poker, state lotteries, and Indian tribes. Finally, he has called the five-year ban on the licensing of online poker providers who were in operation in the US marketplace after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was enacted in 2006 unduly unfair, arbitrary, and possibly unconstitutional.
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) requested Senators Harry Reid and Jon Kyl to make a few changes to the online poker bill’s current draft in a letter dated November 2. Written by Alfonse D’Amato, PPA Chairman, the missive commended the senators for their efforts in trying to legalize and regulate online poker in the US.
D’Amato expressed the Alliance’s approval of the current draft, saying that the PPA is “pleased with many aspects of the draft.” The Reid-Kyl bill provides a stable platform for states to carry out their own regulations, addresses consumer protection, generates revenue, and serves as an economic stimulator through job creation.
D’Amato has, however, singled out six areas of improvement, chief among them being the requirement for individual state legislatures to opt-in to the federal scheme. The PPA is of the opinion that the state legislature does not have to bear the burden of approving states already providing not-tribal, live commercial poker.
The PPA is also against the proposed waiting period of 15 months before operators can start to deal cards online. Reid and Kyl put in that provision to prevent operators from getting a jump on their peers, but D’Amato stresses that that delay is too long for professional and recreation players to wait. He also explains that Internet poker has been regulated by other countries successfully for years in much less time than 15 months.
The proposal has no allowance for international play and restricts expansion of player pools beyond the US soil, making this perhaps its most short-sighted aspect. Forging external agreements consumes time, but the PPA asserts that the increased player liquidity and revenue from international competition is a must.
The PPA also wants the bill to have a provision that directs “the IRS to formulate guidelines for reporting income from online poker prior to commencement of play,” as D’Amato stated in the letter. In addition, he has suggested an amendment that ensures equal treatment of federal online poker, state lotteries, and Indian tribes. Finally, he has called the five-year ban on the licensing of online poker providers who were in operation in the US marketplace after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was enacted in 2006 unduly unfair, arbitrary, and possibly unconstitutional.
Reid-Kyle Online Poker Bill to be Modified
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Online poker in Nevada may soon rival live poker in prevalence if the licensing application process is anything to go by. Several Las Vegas casinos have already applied for and obtained the licenses to run online games, and now there an additional two casinos that have submitted their applications.
Treasure Island and Hard Rock Hotel are the most recent to show their interest in the much awaited online poker industry of the Silver State. They have joined a rapidly growing list of applicants, which currently has 12 approved operators.
The parent company of Hard Rock is Brookfield Real Estate Financial, but BREF Interactive Gaming, LLC, one of its subsidiaries, actually submitted the license application for the hotel. Brookfield Real Estate Financial has already been reported to be in the process of securing online poker software, as it currently negotiates with software providers.
Twelve companies have already confirmed that they have been approved for a Nevada online poker operator licenses. The most recently approved operator is MGM Resorts International. In the past month, Fertitta Interactive, Golden Nugget, and Boyd Gaming have all also received their approvals for the operator licenses. Other companies already holding their licenses include: American Casino & Entertainment Properties, Bally Technologies, Shuffle Master, WMS Gaming Inc, South Point Poker, International Game Technology, Global Cash Access, and Monarch Interactive.
Switch Communications Group made an application for a license to operate a hosting center, which is basically a location that houses computer networks and is separate from casinos. If Treasure Island and Hard Rock are granted approval, the number of licensed operators will rise to 14. However, there is yet to be an indication of the first money site launching. South Point’s initial expectations were squashed with the postponement of the company’s debut, citing delays and negotiations in testing.
More Nevada Operator Apply for Online Poker License
Treasure Island and Hard Rock Hotel are the most recent to show their interest in the much awaited online poker industry of the Silver State. They have joined a rapidly growing list of applicants, which currently has 12 approved operators.
The parent company of Hard Rock is Brookfield Real Estate Financial, but BREF Interactive Gaming, LLC, one of its subsidiaries, actually submitted the license application for the hotel. Brookfield Real Estate Financial has already been reported to be in the process of securing online poker software, as it currently negotiates with software providers.
Twelve companies have already confirmed that they have been approved for a Nevada online poker operator licenses. The most recently approved operator is MGM Resorts International. In the past month, Fertitta Interactive, Golden Nugget, and Boyd Gaming have all also received their approvals for the operator licenses. Other companies already holding their licenses include: American Casino & Entertainment Properties, Bally Technologies, Shuffle Master, WMS Gaming Inc, South Point Poker, International Game Technology, Global Cash Access, and Monarch Interactive.
Switch Communications Group made an application for a license to operate a hosting center, which is basically a location that houses computer networks and is separate from casinos. If Treasure Island and Hard Rock are granted approval, the number of licensed operators will rise to 14. However, there is yet to be an indication of the first money site launching. South Point’s initial expectations were squashed with the postponement of the company’s debut, citing delays and negotiations in testing.
More Nevada Operator Apply for Online Poker License
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It’s sad times for online poker in the Senate.
A few months ago, Nevada Sens. Harry Reid and Dean Heller were talking big about the Internet poker bill they would be sure to pass before the year was out.
Now they are hinting, in noticeably deflated tones, that a big poker bill may once again be a political impossibility.
Heller and Reid blamed different political forces of nature Tuesday for stymieing their best efforts to get a bill legalizing online poker onto the Senate’s agenda.
Poker “is an issue that’s on the front burner for me, for Sen. Reid and Sen. Kyl,” Heller said Tuesday. “The front burner for everybody else is this rules package and the fiscal cliff ... it’s just hard getting it to the forefront so that we can make it an issue and get it moving.”
“I said on a number of occasions that to bring an Internet poker bill to come to the floor you need 15, 17 Republican votes,” Reid said Tuesday. “At this stage, we’ve gotten none.”
Reid and Heller promised to bury the hatchet after the elections and work together to get a bill that would roll back the Department of Justice’s reading of the 1961 Wire Act to render all forms of interstate gambling online illegal, save for poker, and regulate the internet poker market. The legislation, which exists presently in draft form, is seen as hugely beneficial to the Nevada gaming industry.
Two years ago, Reid tried unsuccessfully to work legislation mainstreaming online poker into a tax compromise bill.
Now once again, a bill to regulate taxes and spending — the much-anticipated but ever-elusive legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff — likely provides the best potential vehicle to get poker language going through the Senate.
But doing so requires the support of at least 60 members of the Senate, so that members can be sure they could avoid a filibuster.
Prior to the election, Reid and his staffers stated that he expected Heller to corral 15 Republicans and bring the poker bill over the finish line.
That number appeared to inch up slightly on Tuesday, as Reid hearkened back to the deal as requiring Republicans to pony up “15, 17” votes.
Reid’s staffers have estimated they have approximately 45 votes for an online poker bill on the Democrats’ side of the aisle.
Hopes dim for online poker legislation - Las Vegas Sun News
A few months ago, Nevada Sens. Harry Reid and Dean Heller were talking big about the Internet poker bill they would be sure to pass before the year was out.
Now they are hinting, in noticeably deflated tones, that a big poker bill may once again be a political impossibility.
Heller and Reid blamed different political forces of nature Tuesday for stymieing their best efforts to get a bill legalizing online poker onto the Senate’s agenda.
Poker “is an issue that’s on the front burner for me, for Sen. Reid and Sen. Kyl,” Heller said Tuesday. “The front burner for everybody else is this rules package and the fiscal cliff ... it’s just hard getting it to the forefront so that we can make it an issue and get it moving.”
“I said on a number of occasions that to bring an Internet poker bill to come to the floor you need 15, 17 Republican votes,” Reid said Tuesday. “At this stage, we’ve gotten none.”
Reid and Heller promised to bury the hatchet after the elections and work together to get a bill that would roll back the Department of Justice’s reading of the 1961 Wire Act to render all forms of interstate gambling online illegal, save for poker, and regulate the internet poker market. The legislation, which exists presently in draft form, is seen as hugely beneficial to the Nevada gaming industry.
Two years ago, Reid tried unsuccessfully to work legislation mainstreaming online poker into a tax compromise bill.
Now once again, a bill to regulate taxes and spending — the much-anticipated but ever-elusive legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff — likely provides the best potential vehicle to get poker language going through the Senate.
But doing so requires the support of at least 60 members of the Senate, so that members can be sure they could avoid a filibuster.
Prior to the election, Reid and his staffers stated that he expected Heller to corral 15 Republicans and bring the poker bill over the finish line.
That number appeared to inch up slightly on Tuesday, as Reid hearkened back to the deal as requiring Republicans to pony up “15, 17” votes.
Reid’s staffers have estimated they have approximately 45 votes for an online poker bill on the Democrats’ side of the aisle.
Hopes dim for online poker legislation - Las Vegas Sun News
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2006/12/07
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The Daily Telegraph reported this week that French members of parliament have been photographed doing a lot of everything – except listening to their peers debating. Among the forms of amusement during long parliamentary sessions, MPs were found using their iPads and mobile devices to play online poker. Members were also found shopping online for clothing and wine, or reading adult-style cartoons. The ‘discovery’ was made by journalists sitting on the balconies above the debating chamber, who were probably bored by the sessions themselves and decided to photograph MP’s amusing themselves in other ways.
The discovery has led to calls for the French parliament to use technology that would scramble mobile phones in the debating chamber until the session is over, much like a parent/child app. While there is a scrambling device in place to keep members of parliament from using their mobile devices, the new Socialist speaker of the Assembly is loath to using it, thus allowing free online poker gambling during sessions.
“One doesn’t elect representatives of the people for them to turn up and play cards”, said Jean-Louis Debre, president of the constitutional council of France who introduced the unused scramble technology when he served as speaker. “In that case, I’d frankly rather they didn’t show up at all. It’s execrable for democracy. When debating a bill, an MP must be alone with his conscience and his ideas.”
Debre called on the French parliament to at least introduce legislation similar to their English counterparts who, last year, decided that hand held mobile devices are allowed to be used as long as they don’t impair decorum and they are kept on silent.
Ooh la la! French MPs Play Online Poker During Debates
The discovery has led to calls for the French parliament to use technology that would scramble mobile phones in the debating chamber until the session is over, much like a parent/child app. While there is a scrambling device in place to keep members of parliament from using their mobile devices, the new Socialist speaker of the Assembly is loath to using it, thus allowing free online poker gambling during sessions.
“One doesn’t elect representatives of the people for them to turn up and play cards”, said Jean-Louis Debre, president of the constitutional council of France who introduced the unused scramble technology when he served as speaker. “In that case, I’d frankly rather they didn’t show up at all. It’s execrable for democracy. When debating a bill, an MP must be alone with his conscience and his ideas.”
Debre called on the French parliament to at least introduce legislation similar to their English counterparts who, last year, decided that hand held mobile devices are allowed to be used as long as they don’t impair decorum and they are kept on silent.
Ooh la la! French MPs Play Online Poker During Debates
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2006/12/07
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Kerry Katona, one-time girl band star, has told the Daily Star she was a regular online poker player and considered herself quite good before losing £6,000 in a session and quitting.
The former bankrutee and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here winner told the Star’s gossip column, “I used to gamble. I was really good at poker.
“I used to do it on the internet, in my bedroom, most of the time off my head on coke. I’d be sitting there in bed with a laptop on my lap playing online poker going: ‘Get in. This is dead good this.’
“I’d have a little line of coke and go back online and bet some more.
“I was always really good at it but then one day I lost six grand and I thought: ‘Shit.’ I was like: ‘************************ that, I’m not playing no more and I never played it again.”
Katona, who has had very public problems with drugs in the past, recently announced she had rejoined Atomic Kitten, the band that shot her to stardom in the late nineties and early noughties.
Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona Admits Poker Losses - European Poker News
The former bankrutee and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here winner told the Star’s gossip column, “I used to gamble. I was really good at poker.
“I used to do it on the internet, in my bedroom, most of the time off my head on coke. I’d be sitting there in bed with a laptop on my lap playing online poker going: ‘Get in. This is dead good this.’
“I’d have a little line of coke and go back online and bet some more.
“I was always really good at it but then one day I lost six grand and I thought: ‘Shit.’ I was like: ‘************************ that, I’m not playing no more and I never played it again.”
Katona, who has had very public problems with drugs in the past, recently announced she had rejoined Atomic Kitten, the band that shot her to stardom in the late nineties and early noughties.
Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona Admits Poker Losses - European Poker News
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As you listen day after day about the pending fiscal cliff, consider that there's one easy revenue source that the federal government could add to any bill. Republicans don't want to raise taxes, but right now online gaming isn't taxed because it's only sort of legal, so a revenue opportunity is slipping away from the government. This would be an easy revenue addition for the government and clarify a confusing issue for poker operators, players, and states.
Where we are
As it stands, the White House and Department of Justice's stance on online poker is that it's legal if the state allows it. But few states are really clarifying whether online poker is legal or what they're going to do about it. Nevada has begun licensing gaming companies, and other states have made some inroads, but it's a free-for-all right now.
Almost across the board, gaming companies want federal regulation. MGM Resorts (NYSE: MGM ) , Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR ) , and Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN ) have all backed some sort of federal ruling. The only holdout is Sheldon Adelson of Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS ) who has vehemently opposed online gaming. Those in favor are already moving forward.
Online gaming is here Nev…
Could Online Poker Help Avert the Fiscal Cliff?
Where we are
As it stands, the White House and Department of Justice's stance on online poker is that it's legal if the state allows it. But few states are really clarifying whether online poker is legal or what they're going to do about it. Nevada has begun licensing gaming companies, and other states have made some inroads, but it's a free-for-all right now.
Almost across the board, gaming companies want federal regulation. MGM Resorts (NYSE: MGM ) , Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR ) , and Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN ) have all backed some sort of federal ruling. The only holdout is Sheldon Adelson of Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS ) who has vehemently opposed online gaming. Those in favor are already moving forward.
Online gaming is here Nev…
Could Online Poker Help Avert the Fiscal Cliff?
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29893
It was recently announced that the Mohegan Sun and the Ongame Poker Network have partnered in an online gambling deal. Amaya, a gambling group based in Canada, recently purchased the Ongame Poker Network and decided to partner with the Mohegan Sun to power the group’s online poker site.
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, the owner of the Mohegan Sun, announced they are now providing an online gambling option with the launch of www-mohegansun-com. The site is currently play-for-money and players can sign up and enjoy poker for fun on their computers, Macs, Smartphone’s and tablets.
Mitchell Etess, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, stated that the group had been trying to find the best network to work with as a poker partner and after six months, they made the decision to go with the Ongame Poker Network. Etess stated:
“Mohegan Sun needs a provider who has outstanding regulatory experience and flexibility to offer intra-state play-for-free poker at first, and the technology to enable real money online poker when it is legalized. We are proud to announce that this partner is Ongame.”
The new Mohegan Sun marks the first time the group has offered an online gambling option. Ongame was the perfect choice for the gambling group as they have the ability to provide a strong platform for Mohegan to use to break into the industry. Peter Bertilsson, the Managing Director of Ongame, stated that it was exciting to be a part of the online move of the Mohegan Sun, one of the most dynamic and expansive casino operators in the US.
Bertilsson went on to state that the Mohegan Sun is the second largest US casino site and they will be very excited to partner in their online gaming operations as the partnership becomes an important part of their business strategy of the future.
www-4flush-com/online-poker-news/mohegan-sun-and-ongame-network-partner-in-online-poker-deal/10904
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, the owner of the Mohegan Sun, announced they are now providing an online gambling option with the launch of www-mohegansun-com. The site is currently play-for-money and players can sign up and enjoy poker for fun on their computers, Macs, Smartphone’s and tablets.
Mitchell Etess, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, stated that the group had been trying to find the best network to work with as a poker partner and after six months, they made the decision to go with the Ongame Poker Network. Etess stated:
“Mohegan Sun needs a provider who has outstanding regulatory experience and flexibility to offer intra-state play-for-free poker at first, and the technology to enable real money online poker when it is legalized. We are proud to announce that this partner is Ongame.”
The new Mohegan Sun marks the first time the group has offered an online gambling option. Ongame was the perfect choice for the gambling group as they have the ability to provide a strong platform for Mohegan to use to break into the industry. Peter Bertilsson, the Managing Director of Ongame, stated that it was exciting to be a part of the online move of the Mohegan Sun, one of the most dynamic and expansive casino operators in the US.
Bertilsson went on to state that the Mohegan Sun is the second largest US casino site and they will be very excited to partner in their online gaming operations as the partnership becomes an important part of their business strategy of the future.
www-4flush-com/online-poker-news/mohegan-sun-and-ongame-network-partner-in-online-poker-deal/10904
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2006/12/07
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Ongame poker network is the chosen network for the online version of the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.
Many of the old offline brick and mortar casinos are moving very quickly to fill the void from the banning of online gambling in the USA through the Ill conceived ports act in 2006.
Online casinos such as Partygaming and 888 lost the majority of their players when the USA forced payment processors out of business and as the brick and mortar casinos use their branding and stature to enter online poker through websites it is clear the online company without a presence in USA will never recover.
Early 2013 is the hopeful date for the launch of mohegansuncasino-com and it is expected that they will be a dominant player in the online space quite quickly due to not having to worry about legalities like non USA casinos.
This move to use Ongame for the Mohegan Sun Online Poker site is a first by an East Coast operation and it seems to some like a core part of the strategy of the casino moving forward.
The Tribal Gaming Authority of Mohegan own and operate the Mohegan Sun casino and since it opened in 1996 the casino has become the second biggest casino in the USA, employing 10`000 local people mainly tribal to create a 2007 declared revenue of $1.62 Billion.
Mohegan Sun Chooses Ongame For Their Online Poker Site || Roulette News – Online Roulette and Online Gambling News
Many of the old offline brick and mortar casinos are moving very quickly to fill the void from the banning of online gambling in the USA through the Ill conceived ports act in 2006.
Online casinos such as Partygaming and 888 lost the majority of their players when the USA forced payment processors out of business and as the brick and mortar casinos use their branding and stature to enter online poker through websites it is clear the online company without a presence in USA will never recover.
Early 2013 is the hopeful date for the launch of mohegansuncasino-com and it is expected that they will be a dominant player in the online space quite quickly due to not having to worry about legalities like non USA casinos.
This move to use Ongame for the Mohegan Sun Online Poker site is a first by an East Coast operation and it seems to some like a core part of the strategy of the casino moving forward.
The Tribal Gaming Authority of Mohegan own and operate the Mohegan Sun casino and since it opened in 1996 the casino has become the second biggest casino in the USA, employing 10`000 local people mainly tribal to create a 2007 declared revenue of $1.62 Billion.
Mohegan Sun Chooses Ongame For Their Online Poker Site || Roulette News – Online Roulette and Online Gambling News
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2006/12/07
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Poker enthusiasts up and down the country are signing up to PKR's exclusive benefits package and enjoying the rewards for life.
PKR is perhaps the biggest advocate in the world for bringing players as close to the live play experience as is digitally possible; Club PKR is a 'particularly strong arm' for the online poker room in fulfilling that mission.
Members are invited to participate in online satellite tournaments, with the winners often gaining entry into live events. Online avatars are given 'birthday gifts' and account holders are also entered into regular prize draws. Beyond that, Club PKR is known to provide its members with 'tangible rewards' such as books on the game, through its online store.
So, PKR is keeping its members educated with the most up to date knowledge on the circuit, giving them the chance to reach huge live tournaments and on top of that, the world's biggest 3D poker site is attaching these benefits to members for life - no matter how often they play after reaching the top Club PKR 'level'.
As soon as a player deposits real money with the site, they are automatically considered a member of Club PKR. From there, nothing else needs to be signed in order to activate eligibility for bonuses - this is determined purely by the amount of PKR Points a player earns throughout their career on the site. Points are awarded every time a game is played and the more a member racks up, the more benefits they will be exposed to.
The ultimate accrual of points to aim for is 2.5million - entitling members to the best benefits PKR has to offer under its 'Diamond' ranking.
A spokesperson for PKR commented:
'Club PKR is something we really enjoy improving every year and is a particularly strong arm for us in our goal to shorten the gulf between online and live play. The benefits speak for themselves but it's the challenge of ranking up which can add even more flavour to the online tables - not too dissimilar from the incentivised perks you see in video games these days.
'Receiving a tangible reward for your loyalty online is something we really want to hammer home because we know our members are not just avatars onscreen - they are real poker players with a real passion for both sides of the game.'
To find out more about Club PKR and the various bonuses available, visit pkr poker today.
Club PKR Opens up World of Benefits to the Online Poker Player - MarketWatch
PKR is perhaps the biggest advocate in the world for bringing players as close to the live play experience as is digitally possible; Club PKR is a 'particularly strong arm' for the online poker room in fulfilling that mission.
Members are invited to participate in online satellite tournaments, with the winners often gaining entry into live events. Online avatars are given 'birthday gifts' and account holders are also entered into regular prize draws. Beyond that, Club PKR is known to provide its members with 'tangible rewards' such as books on the game, through its online store.
So, PKR is keeping its members educated with the most up to date knowledge on the circuit, giving them the chance to reach huge live tournaments and on top of that, the world's biggest 3D poker site is attaching these benefits to members for life - no matter how often they play after reaching the top Club PKR 'level'.
As soon as a player deposits real money with the site, they are automatically considered a member of Club PKR. From there, nothing else needs to be signed in order to activate eligibility for bonuses - this is determined purely by the amount of PKR Points a player earns throughout their career on the site. Points are awarded every time a game is played and the more a member racks up, the more benefits they will be exposed to.
The ultimate accrual of points to aim for is 2.5million - entitling members to the best benefits PKR has to offer under its 'Diamond' ranking.
A spokesperson for PKR commented:
'Club PKR is something we really enjoy improving every year and is a particularly strong arm for us in our goal to shorten the gulf between online and live play. The benefits speak for themselves but it's the challenge of ranking up which can add even more flavour to the online tables - not too dissimilar from the incentivised perks you see in video games these days.
'Receiving a tangible reward for your loyalty online is something we really want to hammer home because we know our members are not just avatars onscreen - they are real poker players with a real passion for both sides of the game.'
To find out more about Club PKR and the various bonuses available, visit pkr poker today.
Club PKR Opens up World of Benefits to the Online Poker Player - MarketWatch
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Each year, American citizens dread seeing April 15th on their calendar. This day is typically the deadline to send in our tax returns to Uncle Sam, and as it approaches there is a lot of last minute scrambling to get our forms in order, and start trying to figure out how we are going to pay the looming tax bill that we put off saving for all year long.
In 2011, however, April 15th wasn't tax day due to a holiday in D.C., but April 15, 2011 is a day that a small group of Americans will never forget… it was the day that online poker was finally shut in the U.S.A. Millions of people woke up to realize that they could no longer access their online poker sites. The day became known as poker’s Black Friday, and to this day, online poker is not legally available to U.S. citizens.
The three biggest sites, Full Tilt Poker, Pokerstars, and Absolute Poker were all shut down. Not only were players instantly shut out from games, but they were left scrambling for answers on whether or not they would ever be able to get their hands on the funds that the federal government had frozen.
Over the next few months, PokerStars got back online and started offering online poker in Europe and other parts of the world. Full Tilt Poker got back online last month for most of the world… but in the U.S.A., poker players are still out of luck.
The frustration among U.S. poker players over the last year and a half is easy to understand. The U.S. is the "land of the free," or at least it is supposed to be, and yet this is one of the very few developed countries in the world where the federal government has decided people shouldn't be allowed to play a game of skill such as poker.
I must admit one of the main reasons I believe poker should be legal and regulated on a federal level is that I love the game. But personal motives aside, there are other strong reasons why all Americans, whether they play poker or not, should be in favor of seeing it legalized and regulated.
The biggest advantage is the tax revenue that the U.S. government would be able to generate from online poker. It is impossible to put a value on how much revenue the country would make from online poker, but Gary Loveman, the CEO of Caesars Entertainment, believes that regulated online poker could rake in between $6 billion and $8 billion a year.
With Loveman being the man in charge of Caesars Entertainment, you would think that he would be against the legalization of online poker since it could cannibalize the poker business at his casinos, but he argues against that idea. Loveman believes a fully regulated industry would lead to a windfall of tax revenues at a time where the nation’s finances could really use a quick and easy boost. As investors, we have additional reasons to want online poker to return. If and when it does come back to the U.S., it will be regulated in a way that would allow domestic companies to get into the game, leading to big profits for shareholders.
One company that is nearing the point of going all in on online poker is Zynga (ZNGA). The company was once riding high on its Facebook (F😎 relationship, but the last year has not been favorable for the company, which is now facing a stock price of about $2.45. It has struggled to bring new and exciting games to market, and its stock performance is reflective of that fact. One thing the company does have going for it is the huge amount of people that log on each day to its poker application, which uses play money.
The company recently announced that it had restructured its agreement with Facebook, which could lead to real-money poker becoming available on Facebook. Zynga and Facebook are starting to distance themselves from each other, giving both companies more independence. Zynga is working to build its own gaming network, and Facebook wants to build its own games. This is being viewed as a negative for Zynga by most investors, but there was one clause in the agreement that I believe is a big positive for Zynga, and here it is:
"If Facebook allows real-money gambling games on the Facebook web site in countries where Zynga has real-money gambling games, Zynga will subsequently launch such games on the Facebook web site, if certain conditions are met by Facebook."
Based on that clause, it seems pretty obvious that both companies are planning to move into real money gaming as soon as possible. Both companies need to bolster revenues, and real-money gaming would be the perfect way to do so.
Is poker a good thing? Everyone will have their own opinion on that. Some believe it is a merely a game a chance, no different from rolling the dice at a craps table, others argue that it is a game of skill which involves some luck (a view I tend to agree with). It is up to you to decide whether poker is good or not… but that is not really the question here, now is it?
The two big questions are whether or not the government should be allowed to tell us which games we can and can not play, and the second being whether or not the government is making a big mistake by leaving all those potential tax revenues on the table.
I realize this is a hot topic, and one that has valid arguments on both side, so let us hear what you think, and whether or not you would like to see online poker come back to the states.
Can online Poker cut the deficit and save Zynga?
In 2011, however, April 15th wasn't tax day due to a holiday in D.C., but April 15, 2011 is a day that a small group of Americans will never forget… it was the day that online poker was finally shut in the U.S.A. Millions of people woke up to realize that they could no longer access their online poker sites. The day became known as poker’s Black Friday, and to this day, online poker is not legally available to U.S. citizens.
The three biggest sites, Full Tilt Poker, Pokerstars, and Absolute Poker were all shut down. Not only were players instantly shut out from games, but they were left scrambling for answers on whether or not they would ever be able to get their hands on the funds that the federal government had frozen.
Over the next few months, PokerStars got back online and started offering online poker in Europe and other parts of the world. Full Tilt Poker got back online last month for most of the world… but in the U.S.A., poker players are still out of luck.
The frustration among U.S. poker players over the last year and a half is easy to understand. The U.S. is the "land of the free," or at least it is supposed to be, and yet this is one of the very few developed countries in the world where the federal government has decided people shouldn't be allowed to play a game of skill such as poker.
I must admit one of the main reasons I believe poker should be legal and regulated on a federal level is that I love the game. But personal motives aside, there are other strong reasons why all Americans, whether they play poker or not, should be in favor of seeing it legalized and regulated.
The biggest advantage is the tax revenue that the U.S. government would be able to generate from online poker. It is impossible to put a value on how much revenue the country would make from online poker, but Gary Loveman, the CEO of Caesars Entertainment, believes that regulated online poker could rake in between $6 billion and $8 billion a year.
With Loveman being the man in charge of Caesars Entertainment, you would think that he would be against the legalization of online poker since it could cannibalize the poker business at his casinos, but he argues against that idea. Loveman believes a fully regulated industry would lead to a windfall of tax revenues at a time where the nation’s finances could really use a quick and easy boost. As investors, we have additional reasons to want online poker to return. If and when it does come back to the U.S., it will be regulated in a way that would allow domestic companies to get into the game, leading to big profits for shareholders.
One company that is nearing the point of going all in on online poker is Zynga (ZNGA). The company was once riding high on its Facebook (F😎 relationship, but the last year has not been favorable for the company, which is now facing a stock price of about $2.45. It has struggled to bring new and exciting games to market, and its stock performance is reflective of that fact. One thing the company does have going for it is the huge amount of people that log on each day to its poker application, which uses play money.
The company recently announced that it had restructured its agreement with Facebook, which could lead to real-money poker becoming available on Facebook. Zynga and Facebook are starting to distance themselves from each other, giving both companies more independence. Zynga is working to build its own gaming network, and Facebook wants to build its own games. This is being viewed as a negative for Zynga by most investors, but there was one clause in the agreement that I believe is a big positive for Zynga, and here it is:
"If Facebook allows real-money gambling games on the Facebook web site in countries where Zynga has real-money gambling games, Zynga will subsequently launch such games on the Facebook web site, if certain conditions are met by Facebook."
Based on that clause, it seems pretty obvious that both companies are planning to move into real money gaming as soon as possible. Both companies need to bolster revenues, and real-money gaming would be the perfect way to do so.
Is poker a good thing? Everyone will have their own opinion on that. Some believe it is a merely a game a chance, no different from rolling the dice at a craps table, others argue that it is a game of skill which involves some luck (a view I tend to agree with). It is up to you to decide whether poker is good or not… but that is not really the question here, now is it?
The two big questions are whether or not the government should be allowed to tell us which games we can and can not play, and the second being whether or not the government is making a big mistake by leaving all those potential tax revenues on the table.
I realize this is a hot topic, and one that has valid arguments on both side, so let us hear what you think, and whether or not you would like to see online poker come back to the states.
Can online Poker cut the deficit and save Zynga?
Join:
2006/12/07
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29893
The Mohegan Sun, which is based in Connecticut, recently announced that it has gotten into an agreement with Ongame Poker Network, according to the terms of which Ongame will power its new online poker product. The Mohegan Sun got into this deal as part of its plans to expand into the online gaming sector through its new free money online gaming site www-mohegansun-com, which is expected to be launched early in 2013.
Speaking about the deal, Mitchell Etess, CEO for Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, said, “Mohegan Sun needs a provider who has outstanding regulatory experience and flexibility to offer intra-state play-for-free poker at first, and the technology to enable real money online poker when it is legalized. We are proud to announce that this partner is Ongame.”
The agreement signed between The Mohegan Sun and Ongame Poker Network is the first move of its kind by a casino operator in the East Coast, who has plans to expand into the online gaming sector. Industry experts view it as part of a business strategy devised by The Mohegan Sun. The deal aims to providing better gaming services for the large number of US as well as international casino players who arrive on the casino premises year after year. Speaking about the deal, CEO Mitchell Etess said, “Our goal is always to provide our guests with the best gaming and entertainment offerings and we believe iGaming is the next step in fulfilling the demand for regulated online play when customers aren’t able to be on property.”
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which owns The Mohegan Sun, launched its first brand in Oct 1996. Today, The Mohegan Sun is the second biggest land casino in the US, sprawling over 364,000sq.ft. and offering 377 table games and 6,500 slot machine games. The Mohegan Sun has over 10,000 local employees and generated $1.62 billion in revenue during the 2007 fiscal.
This is the first time The Mohegan Sun is offering an online gaming product, which includes online poker. Industry analysts feel that Ongame is the best choice for The Mohegan Sun because it has the expertise, experience, and ability to provide a powerful online poker gaming platform, enabling The Mohegan Sun to make its mark in the online gaming industry.
Ongame MD Peter Bertilsson says that Ongame is excited to be with The Mohegan Sun, which is among the most expansive and dynamic US operators of land casinos.
Mohegan Sun Signs Deal with Ongame Poker Network
Speaking about the deal, Mitchell Etess, CEO for Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, said, “Mohegan Sun needs a provider who has outstanding regulatory experience and flexibility to offer intra-state play-for-free poker at first, and the technology to enable real money online poker when it is legalized. We are proud to announce that this partner is Ongame.”
The agreement signed between The Mohegan Sun and Ongame Poker Network is the first move of its kind by a casino operator in the East Coast, who has plans to expand into the online gaming sector. Industry experts view it as part of a business strategy devised by The Mohegan Sun. The deal aims to providing better gaming services for the large number of US as well as international casino players who arrive on the casino premises year after year. Speaking about the deal, CEO Mitchell Etess said, “Our goal is always to provide our guests with the best gaming and entertainment offerings and we believe iGaming is the next step in fulfilling the demand for regulated online play when customers aren’t able to be on property.”
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which owns The Mohegan Sun, launched its first brand in Oct 1996. Today, The Mohegan Sun is the second biggest land casino in the US, sprawling over 364,000sq.ft. and offering 377 table games and 6,500 slot machine games. The Mohegan Sun has over 10,000 local employees and generated $1.62 billion in revenue during the 2007 fiscal.
This is the first time The Mohegan Sun is offering an online gaming product, which includes online poker. Industry analysts feel that Ongame is the best choice for The Mohegan Sun because it has the expertise, experience, and ability to provide a powerful online poker gaming platform, enabling The Mohegan Sun to make its mark in the online gaming industry.
Ongame MD Peter Bertilsson says that Ongame is excited to be with The Mohegan Sun, which is among the most expansive and dynamic US operators of land casinos.
Mohegan Sun Signs Deal with Ongame Poker Network
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According to a recent press release, actor James Woods was among a number of notable celebrities who took part in the first Hollywood Poker Facebook tournament, and online poker event which was played to the benefit of charities. Woods reportedly won thousands for his charity, The Michael J. Woods Foundation.
Among the other sixty plus celebrities who took part in the online poker game, sponsored by Hollywood Poker ( Hollywood Poker is the ONLY game that let's you play your hand of poker with your favorite celebrities! Get an early look at our game now.[/url]), were Kellan Lutz (Twilight Series), Billy Burke (Revolution), Kevin Pollak (The Usual Suspects), and Michael Vartan (Hawthorne). Many of the celebrities were able to secure winnings for their charities. The tournament, which was held on November 17th, was an opportunity for online players for face off against some of their favorite celebrities in multi-table games of Texas Hold Em’. The celebrities were allowed to play representing a charity organization of their choice.
“I always enjoy a good game of poker – but this tournament took it to a whole different level,” said Woods. “Competing with so many celebrity friends, connecting with fans worldwide and raising funds for a worthwhile charity was nothing short of amazing. I’m proud to be the winner of this first online celebrity tournament from PLĀOR, which has officially carved a revolutionary new niche in the way Hollywood does charity.” The event was the first of its kind creating a charity poker event which allowed fans connect online, live, with their favorite stars by interacting in real-time playing online poker. One lucky fan, of the thousands who opted in online to play, Dirk Vanry, was able to win out and gain a grand prize of an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood to party with the stars on Oscar night.
Actor James Woods and other Celebrities Play in Online Poker Tournament for Charity
Among the other sixty plus celebrities who took part in the online poker game, sponsored by Hollywood Poker ( Hollywood Poker is the ONLY game that let's you play your hand of poker with your favorite celebrities! Get an early look at our game now.[/url]), were Kellan Lutz (Twilight Series), Billy Burke (Revolution), Kevin Pollak (The Usual Suspects), and Michael Vartan (Hawthorne). Many of the celebrities were able to secure winnings for their charities. The tournament, which was held on November 17th, was an opportunity for online players for face off against some of their favorite celebrities in multi-table games of Texas Hold Em’. The celebrities were allowed to play representing a charity organization of their choice.
“I always enjoy a good game of poker – but this tournament took it to a whole different level,” said Woods. “Competing with so many celebrity friends, connecting with fans worldwide and raising funds for a worthwhile charity was nothing short of amazing. I’m proud to be the winner of this first online celebrity tournament from PLĀOR, which has officially carved a revolutionary new niche in the way Hollywood does charity.” The event was the first of its kind creating a charity poker event which allowed fans connect online, live, with their favorite stars by interacting in real-time playing online poker. One lucky fan, of the thousands who opted in online to play, Dirk Vanry, was able to win out and gain a grand prize of an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood to party with the stars on Oscar night.
Actor James Woods and other Celebrities Play in Online Poker Tournament for Charity
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2006/12/07
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Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Treasure Island are the most recent to have joined the growing list of applicants.
The Hard Rock application was submitted under BREF Interactive Gaming, LLC, a subsidiary of parent company Brookfield Real Estate Financial. The company is reportedly in negotiations with software providers to secure online poker software.
Switch Communications Group applied for a “hosting center” license, which is essentially a location separate from casinos that house computer networks.
Already 12 companies have been approved for online poker operator licenses in Nevada, with MGM Resorts International getting the nod as recently as last week.
While a handful of other companies have applied for licenses to do business in the online gaming industry, the operator license is a distinction in Nevada granted solely to brick and mortar companies. Last month, Boyd Gaming, Golden Nugget and Fertitta Interactive also were approved for operator licenses. Other companies already licensed are: WMS Gaming Inc., American Casino & Entertainment Properties, Shuffle Master, International Game Technology, South Point Poker, Monarch Interactive, Bally Technologies, Global Cash Access.
Should Hard Rock and Treasure Island be granted approval, that would bring the number of operator licenses to 14.
Still, there’s been no indication when the first real money site will launch. Initial expectations from South Point were squashed when the company postponed its debut, citing negotiations and delays in testing.
Hard Rock, Treasure Island Apply for Online Licenses in Nevada | Pokerfuse Online Poker News