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According to a recent report by online news source, CardPlayer, Ben Sulsky was the big online cash game winner for 2012 as he earned almost $4 million. Sulsky hit the high stakes tables in 2012 and was able to retain the title of the top earner for last year. On the other end of the spectrum, it was Gus Hansen who earned the title of the most losses with over $3.1 million gone.
Sulsky is from New Hampshire and is only twenty five years old and managed to do quite well on both PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker. At PokerStars, the pro was able to win just over $3.5 million and at Full Tilt he earned just over $367,000 after the site was relaunched last November.
Sulsky performed amazingly and his largest pot took place at PokerStars in November. The pro was playing the $200 to $400 pot limit Omaha tables when he earned close to $265,000. Sulsky was able to be the most profitable player of 2012 and as we mentioned earlier, it was Gus Hansen who had a downslide.
According to information released by High Stakes DB, the pro lost over $3.1 million after he was given his money back in his Full Tilt Poker account. Possibly, Hansen was overzealous due to the fact that he had his money back, or just a string of bad game play. Either way, the pro was the biggest loser for 2012.
Other players had a great year as well, falling just short of Sulsky’s performance. Jens Kyllonen earned $2.4 million in 2012 while Ben Tollerene earned $1.9 million. Sebastian Sabic was in the million dollar club as well, earning $1.7 million while Sven Heinecker also had a big year, earning $1.6 million.
Now with the New Year upon us, we can sit back and watch our favorite poker pros excel and fail during the 2013 online poker season. It will be interesting to see if any new names make the top earnings list or if the same top pros will have success.
Sulsky is from New Hampshire and is only twenty five years old and managed to do quite well on both PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker. At PokerStars, the pro was able to win just over $3.5 million and at Full Tilt he earned just over $367,000 after the site was relaunched last November.
Sulsky performed amazingly and his largest pot took place at PokerStars in November. The pro was playing the $200 to $400 pot limit Omaha tables when he earned close to $265,000. Sulsky was able to be the most profitable player of 2012 and as we mentioned earlier, it was Gus Hansen who had a downslide.
According to information released by High Stakes DB, the pro lost over $3.1 million after he was given his money back in his Full Tilt Poker account. Possibly, Hansen was overzealous due to the fact that he had his money back, or just a string of bad game play. Either way, the pro was the biggest loser for 2012.
Other players had a great year as well, falling just short of Sulsky’s performance. Jens Kyllonen earned $2.4 million in 2012 while Ben Tollerene earned $1.9 million. Sebastian Sabic was in the million dollar club as well, earning $1.7 million while Sven Heinecker also had a big year, earning $1.6 million.
Now with the New Year upon us, we can sit back and watch our favorite poker pros excel and fail during the 2013 online poker season. It will be interesting to see if any new names make the top earnings list or if the same top pros will have success.
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As soon as it seems that online poker has a chance in the United States, gamblers get blindsided. Both Nevada and Delaware have passed legislation for online gambling options and other states are trying to follow suit, including the state of New Jersey, so online gambling was looking optimistic. That is, until Texas stepped into the picture. A new poker bill was submitted in the state of Texas titled the Texas Poker Gaming Act of 2013, which was created to regulate brick and mortar poker games but ban other forms of the game including online poker options.
The new bill was created by State Senator Eddie Rodriguez and would see regulation for poker games in land casinos but ban other forms of poker including electronic poker games and online poker. The measure includes the formation of a new poker division of the Lottery Commission in the state, which doesn’t really make sense because the bill defines the game of poker as a skill game and not a lottery style game.
Rodriguez’ bill would allow licenses for poker to be applied for by existing bingo halls, tribal and pari-mutuel options. poker would be available 24/7 at the tribal facilities and pari-mutuels and bingo halls would only be able to provide the gaming options during normal business hours. Cash-games would be favored with no limits on the number of buy-ins and a 10% rake would be capped at $4. The bill states that tournaments can take place but $100 would be the maximum buy-in. Bad Beats and promotional jackpot options will also be permitted.
The poker bill will be reviewed by legislature during the January 2013 meeting but the prospect of the bill moving forward is uncertain. The state remains a conservative stance when it comes to gambling so even though online options are omitted, legislatures may still be uninterested.
Texas Senator Introduces New Poker Bill
The new bill was created by State Senator Eddie Rodriguez and would see regulation for poker games in land casinos but ban other forms of poker including electronic poker games and online poker. The measure includes the formation of a new poker division of the Lottery Commission in the state, which doesn’t really make sense because the bill defines the game of poker as a skill game and not a lottery style game.
Rodriguez’ bill would allow licenses for poker to be applied for by existing bingo halls, tribal and pari-mutuel options. poker would be available 24/7 at the tribal facilities and pari-mutuels and bingo halls would only be able to provide the gaming options during normal business hours. Cash-games would be favored with no limits on the number of buy-ins and a 10% rake would be capped at $4. The bill states that tournaments can take place but $100 would be the maximum buy-in. Bad Beats and promotional jackpot options will also be permitted.
The poker bill will be reviewed by legislature during the January 2013 meeting but the prospect of the bill moving forward is uncertain. The state remains a conservative stance when it comes to gambling so even though online options are omitted, legislatures may still be uninterested.
Texas Senator Introduces New Poker Bill
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In Europe, the legalization of online poker is gradually following its merry way. Italy and France led the way followed by other EU countries. Now it is the turn of Germany to follow this path through the Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein. This latter has effectively issued its first online gambling license. And this is PokerStars that is the poker room licensed to operate legally in the leading economic power of the Old Continent. Suddenly, the world's leading online poker room is the first legal operator in the country of Goethe. According to Guy Templar, Development Manager of PokerStars, local law that is to say that applicable in Schleswig-Holstein is consistent with their desire and politics. The law ‘GlüG S-H’ protects players but it also generates employment.
Passed in September 2011, the Act paves the way for online poker sites to operate safely in Germany. Prior to this grant, the state also gave in the month of May 2012 sports betting licenses to Bet365, bwin.party, bet-at-home, Tipico. Moreover, major operators that are already in place are optimistic as the German market has a huge potential. Purchasing power is among the highest in Europe, the fervor of poker enthusiasts is a reality. The CEO of bwin.party, Norbert Teufelberger agrees in the same opinion of his counterpart PokerStars. Law in Germany is in line with the European directive which is very strict on this aspect.
Poker News - Online poker: Germany grants its first license
Passed in September 2011, the Act paves the way for online poker sites to operate safely in Germany. Prior to this grant, the state also gave in the month of May 2012 sports betting licenses to Bet365, bwin.party, bet-at-home, Tipico. Moreover, major operators that are already in place are optimistic as the German market has a huge potential. Purchasing power is among the highest in Europe, the fervor of poker enthusiasts is a reality. The CEO of bwin.party, Norbert Teufelberger agrees in the same opinion of his counterpart PokerStars. Law in Germany is in line with the European directive which is very strict on this aspect.
Poker News - Online poker: Germany grants its first license
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Swedish poker pro Viktor “Isildur1” Blom has started off 2013 on a huge heater, winning about $1 million in just a handful of days since the New Year, according to data from HighstakesDB.
He is also the biggest winner since Full Tilt Poker came back in early November.
Most of Blom’s success has been at limit deuce-to-seven triple draw and limit Omaha eight-or-better. One of his most successful sessions over the past few days was at deuce-to-seven against Scott “mastrblastr” Seiver. When the two quit yesterday, Blom was in the black big.
While Blom is on the upswing, his Full Tilt Poker co-worker Gus Hansen continues to plummet. He has lost another six figures since Jan. 1, 2013 and currently sits with more than $3.3 million in losses since regaining access to his Full Tilt account in early November. Hansen has had a hard time finding traction in the game of Omaha.
Ben “Sauce123” Sulsky, last year’s most profitable player across all sites, has started 2013 with some small wins. He’s up about $50,000 so far in less than 10 sessions.
Sulsky is a 25-year-old New Hampshire native.
Along with Blom and Sulsky, Ben “Bttech86” Tollerene has a small upswing going in the early stages of 2013. Tollerene was another big winner from last year.
Viktor Blom Starts 2013 On Big Online Poker Upswing
He is also the biggest winner since Full Tilt Poker came back in early November.
Most of Blom’s success has been at limit deuce-to-seven triple draw and limit Omaha eight-or-better. One of his most successful sessions over the past few days was at deuce-to-seven against Scott “mastrblastr” Seiver. When the two quit yesterday, Blom was in the black big.
While Blom is on the upswing, his Full Tilt Poker co-worker Gus Hansen continues to plummet. He has lost another six figures since Jan. 1, 2013 and currently sits with more than $3.3 million in losses since regaining access to his Full Tilt account in early November. Hansen has had a hard time finding traction in the game of Omaha.
Ben “Sauce123” Sulsky, last year’s most profitable player across all sites, has started 2013 with some small wins. He’s up about $50,000 so far in less than 10 sessions.
Sulsky is a 25-year-old New Hampshire native.
Along with Blom and Sulsky, Ben “Bttech86” Tollerene has a small upswing going in the early stages of 2013. Tollerene was another big winner from last year.
Viktor Blom Starts 2013 On Big Online Poker Upswing
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The year 2012 was a redoubtable year for French actors and online poker players. The closure of many rooms that was not able to take a share of the market like 200% Poker Poker83, LuckyJeux, Titan or Chilipoker was the most remarkable. Besides this, there was also the controversy over the Partouche Poker Tour and the online poker room of the same group was forced to disappear in the sector because of financial difficulties faced by the Group Partouche. And of course, it's the same issue that is none other than the tax imposed on legal gambling sites, a little above the capacity of operators which is the origin. Indeed, this tax is calculated on the turnover of operators and not on profits. Taxes that no longer allow operators to launch more attractive tournaments and that bring players to go to illegal sites.
As good news, the year 2012 was marked by the comeback of Full Tilt Poker, but also by the exploits of some French players on the international level like Gaëlle Baumann, Ludovic Lacay, Aubin Cazals, ElkY or Davidi Kitai. And actually, all operators hope to live a better year 2013. By hoping for relief or revisions on the taxation proposed by the ARJEL, operators hope that the authority will do its best to allow many French players to play on legal sites. And always about taxation, players fear the reappearance of Aurélie Flilippetti bill which, despite the fact that it was rejected in 2012, imposed a tax on large poker players who earn more than € 5,000 per year.
Poker News - French online poker market: Waiting for tax relief for 2013
As good news, the year 2012 was marked by the comeback of Full Tilt Poker, but also by the exploits of some French players on the international level like Gaëlle Baumann, Ludovic Lacay, Aubin Cazals, ElkY or Davidi Kitai. And actually, all operators hope to live a better year 2013. By hoping for relief or revisions on the taxation proposed by the ARJEL, operators hope that the authority will do its best to allow many French players to play on legal sites. And always about taxation, players fear the reappearance of Aurélie Flilippetti bill which, despite the fact that it was rejected in 2012, imposed a tax on large poker players who earn more than € 5,000 per year.
Poker News - French online poker market: Waiting for tax relief for 2013
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Eighty-one poker players at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee are celebrating their good fortune after sharing in the casino’s Bad Beat Jackpot worth $164,545.
The casino’s inaugural jackpot had been building since since October and was finally released on December 14th at a 10 player Texas Holdem table. The lucky loser of the hand was Frank W. of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, who was awarded $49,363 after his quad sixes were cracked by quad aces. Following his remarkable win, Frank W commented:
“I’ve been coming to the Poker Room at Potawatomi Bingo Casino more often since the Bad Beat Jackpot promotion started and can’t believe I ended up as the big winner. Texas Holdem is my game and it’s great that the opportunity to win extra money through the Bad Beat Jackpot is now available at the casino.”
In addition, the winner of the hand, Kathy K. of Park Ridge, Illinois, then collected $32,909 for her part in the hand, while the remaining eight players won $6,170 a piece for simply being at the same table. Furthermore, 71 other poker players collected $463 each after the jackpot was struck.
The Bad Beat Jackpot has since been reset with $1 from each subsequent poker pot worth $15 or more going towards the jackpot total. The Potawatomi Bingo Casino has 20 poker tables and commenting on the attraction of the casino’s jackpot, Poker Room Manager Jeff Gemini said:
“Our Poker guests have been asking for a Bad Beat Jackpot promotion for awhile, so it’s generated a lot of excitement and interest from players. We’re always looking for new ways to keep our players happy and it will definitely be interesting to see how large the next jackpot gets in the coming weeks. You just never know when it will hit again.”
Casino Bad Beat Poker Jackpot Hit For $164,545
The casino’s inaugural jackpot had been building since since October and was finally released on December 14th at a 10 player Texas Holdem table. The lucky loser of the hand was Frank W. of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, who was awarded $49,363 after his quad sixes were cracked by quad aces. Following his remarkable win, Frank W commented:
“I’ve been coming to the Poker Room at Potawatomi Bingo Casino more often since the Bad Beat Jackpot promotion started and can’t believe I ended up as the big winner. Texas Holdem is my game and it’s great that the opportunity to win extra money through the Bad Beat Jackpot is now available at the casino.”
In addition, the winner of the hand, Kathy K. of Park Ridge, Illinois, then collected $32,909 for her part in the hand, while the remaining eight players won $6,170 a piece for simply being at the same table. Furthermore, 71 other poker players collected $463 each after the jackpot was struck.
The Bad Beat Jackpot has since been reset with $1 from each subsequent poker pot worth $15 or more going towards the jackpot total. The Potawatomi Bingo Casino has 20 poker tables and commenting on the attraction of the casino’s jackpot, Poker Room Manager Jeff Gemini said:
“Our Poker guests have been asking for a Bad Beat Jackpot promotion for awhile, so it’s generated a lot of excitement and interest from players. We’re always looking for new ways to keep our players happy and it will definitely be interesting to see how large the next jackpot gets in the coming weeks. You just never know when it will hit again.”
Casino Bad Beat Poker Jackpot Hit For $164,545
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The Bodog Poker Network, operating under the skin Bovada for US residents, is currently neck and neck with Revolution Poker to become the largest network accepting players in the US.
According to the latest from PokerScout, both Revolution and Bodog have approximately 1100 active cash game players, based on a 7-day rolling average.
However, given the momentum of Bodog—showing steady gains over the last six months—it can be expected to take the #1 spot soon unless Revolution can kickstart growth.
Merge Gaming, previously the largest US-facing network, has now slipped to a clear third. The traffic drop began with the departure of Lock Poker in June 2012, which purchased the Cake Network, and traffic has declined steadily since.
Cake, rebranded to Revolution, immediately took the number 1 spot following the transition. It succeeded in retaining its traffic, but has not seen the traffic growth enjoyed by Bodog.
Meanwhile, Bodog chose to differentiate itself from the market with a business model that targets recreational players and offers very few attractions for high volume grinders. It has also almost entirely abandoned the highly regulated European markets and shifted the main focus of its business to Asia, where it operates the Bodog88 skin.
Merge has experienced the closure of various rooms over the months following the departure of its former CEO Anthony Taylor and the elimination of player-to-player transfers. A troubled software upgrade and new cashier system added to its problems as it struggles to define itself in the rapidly changing market environment.
Bodog Set to Overtake Revolution as US Market Leader | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
According to the latest from PokerScout, both Revolution and Bodog have approximately 1100 active cash game players, based on a 7-day rolling average.
However, given the momentum of Bodog—showing steady gains over the last six months—it can be expected to take the #1 spot soon unless Revolution can kickstart growth.
Merge Gaming, previously the largest US-facing network, has now slipped to a clear third. The traffic drop began with the departure of Lock Poker in June 2012, which purchased the Cake Network, and traffic has declined steadily since.
Cake, rebranded to Revolution, immediately took the number 1 spot following the transition. It succeeded in retaining its traffic, but has not seen the traffic growth enjoyed by Bodog.
Meanwhile, Bodog chose to differentiate itself from the market with a business model that targets recreational players and offers very few attractions for high volume grinders. It has also almost entirely abandoned the highly regulated European markets and shifted the main focus of its business to Asia, where it operates the Bodog88 skin.
Merge has experienced the closure of various rooms over the months following the departure of its former CEO Anthony Taylor and the elimination of player-to-player transfers. A troubled software upgrade and new cashier system added to its problems as it struggles to define itself in the rapidly changing market environment.
Bodog Set to Overtake Revolution as US Market Leader | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
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Poker pro Daniel Negreanu is no stranger when it comes to television appearances and in his latest venture the 38 year old will be starring in an episode of the American reality series Millionaire Matchmaker.
The show cater to millionaires looking for potential spouses and in a teaser from the show the outgoing Canadian is seen consulting with an astrologer who then prophecies that Negreanu will have to wait until he’s at least 40 before getting married again.
Daniel Negreanu was previously married back in August 2005, but split just two years later from his then wife Lori Lin Weber. Since then Negreanu has been involved with a number of women, including Hungarian beauty queen Krisztina Polgár. At the time of his dating, Negreanu posted the following:
“I met my new girlfriend at the World Series. She plays poker too. She just came up, she was just saying hi, ’cause she knew some friends and stuff. So, we just started, you know, hitting it off, and she’s super cool. She lives in Budapest, Hungary. She was Miss Earth Hungary in 2008.”
However, following the passionate but brief relationship Daniel will now be hoping to find true romance after being introduced to a number of compatible partners on the Millionaire Matchmaker. Whatever happens, its sure to prove entertaining television watching the ladies try and convince the poker pro that they are the one for him and only after his love and not his money.
Meanwhile, Negreanu starring in the show is just one of countless appearances by the poker pro on television shows over the years, including Late Night Poker, Poker After Dark, High Stakes Poker and Ultimate Poker Challenge. In addition, Negreanu has made cameo appearances in several films, including X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Grand, and as himself in Lucky You.
Daniel Negreanu Appears On Dating Show
The show cater to millionaires looking for potential spouses and in a teaser from the show the outgoing Canadian is seen consulting with an astrologer who then prophecies that Negreanu will have to wait until he’s at least 40 before getting married again.
Daniel Negreanu was previously married back in August 2005, but split just two years later from his then wife Lori Lin Weber. Since then Negreanu has been involved with a number of women, including Hungarian beauty queen Krisztina Polgár. At the time of his dating, Negreanu posted the following:
“I met my new girlfriend at the World Series. She plays poker too. She just came up, she was just saying hi, ’cause she knew some friends and stuff. So, we just started, you know, hitting it off, and she’s super cool. She lives in Budapest, Hungary. She was Miss Earth Hungary in 2008.”
However, following the passionate but brief relationship Daniel will now be hoping to find true romance after being introduced to a number of compatible partners on the Millionaire Matchmaker. Whatever happens, its sure to prove entertaining television watching the ladies try and convince the poker pro that they are the one for him and only after his love and not his money.
Meanwhile, Negreanu starring in the show is just one of countless appearances by the poker pro on television shows over the years, including Late Night Poker, Poker After Dark, High Stakes Poker and Ultimate Poker Challenge. In addition, Negreanu has made cameo appearances in several films, including X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Grand, and as himself in Lucky You.
Daniel Negreanu Appears On Dating Show
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Given that Bitcoin isn’t a legal currency, and given that it doesn’t use the banking system in any manner, is the use of Bitcoin the way to be able to play online poker in the US? That seems to be what several poker sites are thinking and while they might even be right in a strict legal sense I don’t think they will be for long.
Hajduk, though, was barely fazed. Calgary-based Infiniti Poker, like several other new online gambling sites, plans to accept Bitcoin when it launches later this month. The online currency may allow American gamblers to avoid running afoul of complex U.S. laws that prevent businesses from knowingly accepting money transfers for Internet gambling purposes. “Because we’re using Bitcoin, we’re not using U.S. banks—it’s all peer-to-peer,” Hajduk says. “I don’t believe we’ll be doing anything wrong.”
I’m entirely willing to believe that this is entirely true in a strict legal sense. However, I’m a great deal less convinced that it’s going to work in any long term manner. For I don’t see the great campaign against online poker as actually being based on any real logic in the first place. And as such, I don’t see the authorities reacting kindly to such a flouting of their expressed wishes. I’ve never actually understood why adult Americans aren’t allowed to gamble their money online. It’s not as if gambling itself, or poker, or even losing money, is illegal across the US. There are plenty of places where you are allowed, nay encouraged, to do this. But given that laws have been passed to make it illegal I don’t think that those tasked with closing it down are going ignore those who think they have found a loophole. As an analogy, just look at the Federal reactions to medical marijuana, however legal that might be under local of State law.
It’s a depressing though but one I do hold. That even if using Bitcoin to play online poker is entirely legal the authorities are likely to strain and strive to find some reason why they can still disrupt it. And given the number of laws at their disposal, I’m sure they’ll be able to find something.
Is Using Bitcoin The Way To Play Online Poker In The US? - Forbes
Hajduk, though, was barely fazed. Calgary-based Infiniti Poker, like several other new online gambling sites, plans to accept Bitcoin when it launches later this month. The online currency may allow American gamblers to avoid running afoul of complex U.S. laws that prevent businesses from knowingly accepting money transfers for Internet gambling purposes. “Because we’re using Bitcoin, we’re not using U.S. banks—it’s all peer-to-peer,” Hajduk says. “I don’t believe we’ll be doing anything wrong.”
I’m entirely willing to believe that this is entirely true in a strict legal sense. However, I’m a great deal less convinced that it’s going to work in any long term manner. For I don’t see the great campaign against online poker as actually being based on any real logic in the first place. And as such, I don’t see the authorities reacting kindly to such a flouting of their expressed wishes. I’ve never actually understood why adult Americans aren’t allowed to gamble their money online. It’s not as if gambling itself, or poker, or even losing money, is illegal across the US. There are plenty of places where you are allowed, nay encouraged, to do this. But given that laws have been passed to make it illegal I don’t think that those tasked with closing it down are going ignore those who think they have found a loophole. As an analogy, just look at the Federal reactions to medical marijuana, however legal that might be under local of State law.
It’s a depressing though but one I do hold. That even if using Bitcoin to play online poker is entirely legal the authorities are likely to strain and strive to find some reason why they can still disrupt it. And given the number of laws at their disposal, I’m sure they’ll be able to find something.
Is Using Bitcoin The Way To Play Online Poker In The US? - Forbes
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Nevada lawmakers are considering an amendment that would legalize interstate online poker.
The current law authorizes online poker within the state, but requires a federal law or the permission of the Federal Government to partner with other states in offering a shared player pool.
Last year Nevada Sen. Harry Reid failed to squeeze internet poker into federal law. The proposal in Nevada wipes out wording in the current state law that prohibits a licensee to operate interstate gaming unless federal legislation authorizes it.
The proposal also gives the state’s governor power to make agreements with other states where online poker is legal.
One such potential partner is Delaware, which legalized online poker last year. A New Jersey bill to legalize online poker has passed through state legislature and currently awaits Governor Christie’s signature.
Meanwhile, a California state senator is redoubling efforts to bring online poker to his state, and there have even been recent rumblings about regulating online poker in Iowa.
Last month, the Nevada Gaming Commission officially granted Caesars Interactive a license to operate in the Silver State, bringing the number of licensed operators to 13.
“Any one state going on its own presents an economic challenge, particularly in a small state like Nevada,” MGM CEO Jim Murren said.
Nevada Proposal Grants Governor Authority to Approve Interstate Online Poker Compacts | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
The current law authorizes online poker within the state, but requires a federal law or the permission of the Federal Government to partner with other states in offering a shared player pool.
Last year Nevada Sen. Harry Reid failed to squeeze internet poker into federal law. The proposal in Nevada wipes out wording in the current state law that prohibits a licensee to operate interstate gaming unless federal legislation authorizes it.
The proposal also gives the state’s governor power to make agreements with other states where online poker is legal.
One such potential partner is Delaware, which legalized online poker last year. A New Jersey bill to legalize online poker has passed through state legislature and currently awaits Governor Christie’s signature.
Meanwhile, a California state senator is redoubling efforts to bring online poker to his state, and there have even been recent rumblings about regulating online poker in Iowa.
Last month, the Nevada Gaming Commission officially granted Caesars Interactive a license to operate in the Silver State, bringing the number of licensed operators to 13.
“Any one state going on its own presents an economic challenge, particularly in a small state like Nevada,” MGM CEO Jim Murren said.
Nevada Proposal Grants Governor Authority to Approve Interstate Online Poker Compacts | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
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Last year, we wrote about Satoshi Dice, a Bitcoin-based online "slot machine." This month, at least one company hopes to introduce Bitcoin-based poker. The move could help to re-open online poker to American gamblers in the face of vigorous efforts by the US government to shut down online poker sites that serve Americans.
Online gambling has been illegal since 2006. But of course that hasn't stopped American Internet users from looking for ways to play on overseas websites. In recent years, the government has used a variety of tactics to crack down on overseas sites that cater to American customers.
A key vulnerability of offshore gambling sites is the need to get cash to and from American gamers. Until recently, the only practical way to do this was via traditional financial networks that are subject to regulation by the US government. Indeed, a ban on the use of credit cards for betting was a key provision of the 2006 online gambling ban.
But Bitcoin's peer-to-peer design and global reach effectively puts it beyond the reach of the feds. And its pseudonymous design gives online gambling sites plausible deniability: they might suspect that some of their users are based in the United States, but there's no practical way to verify the nationality of any specific Bitcoin depositor.
Businessweek reports that a Calgary company called Infiniti Poker is planning to accept Bitcoins for deposit when it opens for business later this month. Founder Michael Hajduk says his primary motivation is to speed up the payment process—Bitcoin payments can clear in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks—but he acknowledges another consequence is that it will also make it easier for American gamblers to play on his site.
“Because we’re using Bitcoin, we’re not using US banks—it’s all peer-to-peer,” Hajduk told Businessweek. “I don’t believe we’ll be doing anything wrong.”
If Bitcoin-based poker catches on, it could further increase demand for the cryptocurrency. During 2012, the market price of a Bitcoin rose from $4.75 to $13.50.
Bitcoin-based gambling to expand in 2013 | Ars Technica
Online gambling has been illegal since 2006. But of course that hasn't stopped American Internet users from looking for ways to play on overseas websites. In recent years, the government has used a variety of tactics to crack down on overseas sites that cater to American customers.
A key vulnerability of offshore gambling sites is the need to get cash to and from American gamers. Until recently, the only practical way to do this was via traditional financial networks that are subject to regulation by the US government. Indeed, a ban on the use of credit cards for betting was a key provision of the 2006 online gambling ban.
But Bitcoin's peer-to-peer design and global reach effectively puts it beyond the reach of the feds. And its pseudonymous design gives online gambling sites plausible deniability: they might suspect that some of their users are based in the United States, but there's no practical way to verify the nationality of any specific Bitcoin depositor.
Businessweek reports that a Calgary company called Infiniti Poker is planning to accept Bitcoins for deposit when it opens for business later this month. Founder Michael Hajduk says his primary motivation is to speed up the payment process—Bitcoin payments can clear in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks—but he acknowledges another consequence is that it will also make it easier for American gamblers to play on his site.
“Because we’re using Bitcoin, we’re not using US banks—it’s all peer-to-peer,” Hajduk told Businessweek. “I don’t believe we’ll be doing anything wrong.”
If Bitcoin-based poker catches on, it could further increase demand for the cryptocurrency. During 2012, the market price of a Bitcoin rose from $4.75 to $13.50.
Bitcoin-based gambling to expand in 2013 | Ars Technica
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Six days into 2013 so far and so far, so good! I’ve got the best tasting Sumatra Mandheling coffee and I’m rearing to go…I did cheat a bit this morning with a cookie from my ultimate chocolate chunk recipe, but I just couldn’t resist!
So it has been a bit quiet around the desktops here at CS Report but, I have a feeling come Monday morning it will be a different story. The holidays were a welcome change to the fast pace we keep around here and as we slowly get back into the swing of things we’ll start off with this weeks CS Reports Weekly Recap of Online Gambling News, Reviews and Previews, to be specific with the U.S. in particular New Jersey!
Online Gambling & The Law
New Jersey or as our friends on the east coast say, “New Jurzee “ has been up, down, sideways and all over the place with online gambling as once again the powers that be, have passed S1565 intrastate online gambling legislation.
Constituents of Christie urged the Governor to sign legislation that would legalize online gambling, a bill Christie vetoed in late 2011. Sweeney (D., Gloucester) and Sens. Raymond J. Lesniak (D., Union), Jim Whelan (D., Atlantic), and Jeff Van Drew (D., Cape May) wrote to Christie on Thursday, urging action.
“Given the fiscal conditions facing our casinos, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and the recent movement toward Internet gaming in states across the country, we cannot afford to wait any longer for implementation,” they wrote.
“The fact is, Atlantic City has the potential to become a hub of Internet gaming, which will create more jobs, more revenue for casinos, and generate more funding for critical programs for senior citizens and residents with disabilities.
“Over the long term, Internet gaming could change the landscape of the gaming industry in New Jersey.”
Big Shot Shout Outs
This week many players continued to receive holiday wishes long after Santa came and went as we take a look at this weeks Big Shot Shout Outs! First up is Phil B., Phil won a nice stack of chips, $32,247 to be exact, as the video poker player cashed out of Royal Vegas after winning on their featured Aces and Faces Poker!
This week’s top progressive winners also joined Phil with respectable wins by Betty H on a Progressive CashSplash of $34,563 at Vegas Palms and once again Royal Vegas makes another winner as Marina B won playing Mega Moolah Isis a cool $32,757.
Bonuses and Promotions
Many of our bonuses and promotions we are featuring are the same great ongoing bonuses from over the Christmas Holidays so we wanted to recap them for you just in case you missed any!
For instance, Fortune Lounge Online Casino’s Island Spin to Win Promotion, which includes 6 cruise packages and/or •10,000 casino credits! Read more details below or read the entire post here!
January 8 to 13 - Play your favorite games on three different days this week Tuesday, spin the Island reel on 15 January to win 1 of 2 cruise packages and a share of 3,000 casino credits.
January 15 to 20 – Make a deposit of at least £/€/$50 Tuesday, spin the island reel on 22 January and win 1 of 2 cruise packages and a share of 4,000 casino credits.
January 22 to 27 – Earn as many Rewards points as possible. The 40 players who earn the most Rewards points get a chance to spin the Island Reel for their prize Tuesday, 29 January 1 of 2 cruise packages and a share of 3,000 casino credits
Best of 2012
We also released our list of top online operators for 2012, readers please take a look a here for more details.
Online Poker
Peter also brought you guys some of the latest with this week’s The Dirty Stack with Peter Mac, 2012 Online Poker Stars in Review, where he reported on Calvin Ayre’s predictions for online poker and gambling in 2013.
Well Guys and Dolls thanks for the attention and remember to “Play Smart from the Start” and read the terms and conditions as they DO apply!
Online Gambling Recap, NJ Gambling Bill and Online Poker Review | CS Report
So it has been a bit quiet around the desktops here at CS Report but, I have a feeling come Monday morning it will be a different story. The holidays were a welcome change to the fast pace we keep around here and as we slowly get back into the swing of things we’ll start off with this weeks CS Reports Weekly Recap of Online Gambling News, Reviews and Previews, to be specific with the U.S. in particular New Jersey!
Online Gambling & The Law
New Jersey or as our friends on the east coast say, “New Jurzee “ has been up, down, sideways and all over the place with online gambling as once again the powers that be, have passed S1565 intrastate online gambling legislation.
Constituents of Christie urged the Governor to sign legislation that would legalize online gambling, a bill Christie vetoed in late 2011. Sweeney (D., Gloucester) and Sens. Raymond J. Lesniak (D., Union), Jim Whelan (D., Atlantic), and Jeff Van Drew (D., Cape May) wrote to Christie on Thursday, urging action.
“Given the fiscal conditions facing our casinos, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and the recent movement toward Internet gaming in states across the country, we cannot afford to wait any longer for implementation,” they wrote.
“The fact is, Atlantic City has the potential to become a hub of Internet gaming, which will create more jobs, more revenue for casinos, and generate more funding for critical programs for senior citizens and residents with disabilities.
“Over the long term, Internet gaming could change the landscape of the gaming industry in New Jersey.”
Big Shot Shout Outs
This week many players continued to receive holiday wishes long after Santa came and went as we take a look at this weeks Big Shot Shout Outs! First up is Phil B., Phil won a nice stack of chips, $32,247 to be exact, as the video poker player cashed out of Royal Vegas after winning on their featured Aces and Faces Poker!
This week’s top progressive winners also joined Phil with respectable wins by Betty H on a Progressive CashSplash of $34,563 at Vegas Palms and once again Royal Vegas makes another winner as Marina B won playing Mega Moolah Isis a cool $32,757.
Bonuses and Promotions
Many of our bonuses and promotions we are featuring are the same great ongoing bonuses from over the Christmas Holidays so we wanted to recap them for you just in case you missed any!
For instance, Fortune Lounge Online Casino’s Island Spin to Win Promotion, which includes 6 cruise packages and/or •10,000 casino credits! Read more details below or read the entire post here!
January 8 to 13 - Play your favorite games on three different days this week Tuesday, spin the Island reel on 15 January to win 1 of 2 cruise packages and a share of 3,000 casino credits.
January 15 to 20 – Make a deposit of at least £/€/$50 Tuesday, spin the island reel on 22 January and win 1 of 2 cruise packages and a share of 4,000 casino credits.
January 22 to 27 – Earn as many Rewards points as possible. The 40 players who earn the most Rewards points get a chance to spin the Island Reel for their prize Tuesday, 29 January 1 of 2 cruise packages and a share of 3,000 casino credits
Best of 2012
We also released our list of top online operators for 2012, readers please take a look a here for more details.
Online Poker
Peter also brought you guys some of the latest with this week’s The Dirty Stack with Peter Mac, 2012 Online Poker Stars in Review, where he reported on Calvin Ayre’s predictions for online poker and gambling in 2013.
Well Guys and Dolls thanks for the attention and remember to “Play Smart from the Start” and read the terms and conditions as they DO apply!
Online Gambling Recap, NJ Gambling Bill and Online Poker Review | CS Report
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Nevada's budding Internet poker market could eventually accept wagers from players located in other states under a proposed legislative change in the Silver State's interactive gambling regulations.
In a bill draft submitted to the Legislature, the Gaming Control Board wants to amend current interactive gaming regulatory language that would allow Nevada's governor to enter into agreements with other states that legalize Internet poker.
Conceivably, the interstate gaming compacts would allow Nevada-based Internet poker websites to accept bets from gamblers from states with similar interactive gaming laws, considerably growing the size of the potential player pool.
Under Nevada's current interactive gaming regulations, websites located in the state can only accept wagers from players gambling on computers or mobile devices physically situated within the state's borders.
The suggested changes, currently proposed in Assembly Bill 5, were drafted by the control board in consultation with the governor's office.
Control Board Chairman A.G. Burnett said Monday the language is beneficial to Nevada because Congress has not enacted federal legislation to legalize Internet poker. Meanwhile, several individual states, including New Jersey and California, are in the process of enacting online gaming laws.
"The need to make clear the governor's ability, should he choose, to negotiate such agreements, was paramount," Burnett said. "I don't know if there are specific negotiations right now."
Nevada gaming regulators have licensed 17 casino operators and technology providers under the state's interactive gaming regulations that were approved last year. Three more companies are seeking interactive license approvals this month.
Interactive poker websites could launch in Nevada by the spring once the technology is approved by testing laboratories and gaming regulators.
Internet poker experts have questioned the potential success of Nevada-based Internet poker websites because of the relatively small size of the potential player pool.
In December, Sen. Harry Reid ended an effort in Congress to legalize Internet poker during the lame-duck session. Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, and Arizona Republican Sen. John Kyl had authored Internet poker legislation.
Kyl has since retired from Congress but Reid and Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., vowed to bring the bill back before the new Congress this year.
Observers said the casino industry, which wanted federal Internet poker legalization, is now focused on state-by-state legislation.
New Jersey lawmakers approved similar legislation to Nevada's interactive gaming regulations in December, although the bill is awaiting Gov. Chris Christie's signature. Atlantic City casinos would be allowed to operate online gaming websites catering to state residents.
Also in December, a California lawmaker resurrected a long-stalled proposal to legalize Internet poker and other online gambling. The bill would have the state issue five-year licenses to operate Internet gambling websites, with eligible bidders including Indian tribes, card clubs, horse racing associations and online advanced deposit wagering sites.
In a December research report to investors, Macquarie Securities gaming analyst Chad Beynon said as more states adopt online gaming regulations, it will become less likely that federal online poker bill will make it through Congress.
Burnett said the proposed minor changes in the state interactive gaming regulations would keep Nevada at the forefront as the online poker potential expands in the U.S.
"We wanted to make sure the authority was there, however, to add more options in order to help the state," Burnett said.
Proposed gaming bill would allow interstate agreements for online poker - Business - ReviewJournal-com
In a bill draft submitted to the Legislature, the Gaming Control Board wants to amend current interactive gaming regulatory language that would allow Nevada's governor to enter into agreements with other states that legalize Internet poker.
Conceivably, the interstate gaming compacts would allow Nevada-based Internet poker websites to accept bets from gamblers from states with similar interactive gaming laws, considerably growing the size of the potential player pool.
Under Nevada's current interactive gaming regulations, websites located in the state can only accept wagers from players gambling on computers or mobile devices physically situated within the state's borders.
The suggested changes, currently proposed in Assembly Bill 5, were drafted by the control board in consultation with the governor's office.
Control Board Chairman A.G. Burnett said Monday the language is beneficial to Nevada because Congress has not enacted federal legislation to legalize Internet poker. Meanwhile, several individual states, including New Jersey and California, are in the process of enacting online gaming laws.
"The need to make clear the governor's ability, should he choose, to negotiate such agreements, was paramount," Burnett said. "I don't know if there are specific negotiations right now."
Nevada gaming regulators have licensed 17 casino operators and technology providers under the state's interactive gaming regulations that were approved last year. Three more companies are seeking interactive license approvals this month.
Interactive poker websites could launch in Nevada by the spring once the technology is approved by testing laboratories and gaming regulators.
Internet poker experts have questioned the potential success of Nevada-based Internet poker websites because of the relatively small size of the potential player pool.
In December, Sen. Harry Reid ended an effort in Congress to legalize Internet poker during the lame-duck session. Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, and Arizona Republican Sen. John Kyl had authored Internet poker legislation.
Kyl has since retired from Congress but Reid and Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., vowed to bring the bill back before the new Congress this year.
Observers said the casino industry, which wanted federal Internet poker legalization, is now focused on state-by-state legislation.
New Jersey lawmakers approved similar legislation to Nevada's interactive gaming regulations in December, although the bill is awaiting Gov. Chris Christie's signature. Atlantic City casinos would be allowed to operate online gaming websites catering to state residents.
Also in December, a California lawmaker resurrected a long-stalled proposal to legalize Internet poker and other online gambling. The bill would have the state issue five-year licenses to operate Internet gambling websites, with eligible bidders including Indian tribes, card clubs, horse racing associations and online advanced deposit wagering sites.
In a December research report to investors, Macquarie Securities gaming analyst Chad Beynon said as more states adopt online gaming regulations, it will become less likely that federal online poker bill will make it through Congress.
Burnett said the proposed minor changes in the state interactive gaming regulations would keep Nevada at the forefront as the online poker potential expands in the U.S.
"We wanted to make sure the authority was there, however, to add more options in order to help the state," Burnett said.
Proposed gaming bill would allow interstate agreements for online poker - Business - ReviewJournal-com
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Frank Fahrenkopf, long-term president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, has announced his upcoming retirement at the end of June 2013 in an announcement released today by the AGA.
Fahrenkopf will have lead the AGA for nearly 18 years, the AGA’s entire history, when his retirement occurs. Fahrenkopf first achieved widespread fame for his stint for six years as chairman of the Republican National Committee throughout much of the Reagan administration.
Fahrenkopf’s reign as AGA head has seen the organization oversee the diverging interests of its casino-industry members while remaining a potent lobbying force on both the federal and individual-state scenes.
As Bally Technologies head and AGA chairman Richard Haddrill noted, “[Fahrenkopf] has been a steady, thoughtful leader through a period of great change for our industry and has steered us through some of its most difficult challenges. The fact that today our industry is recognized as a vital part of the global economy is in no small part due to his tireless efforts and leadership.”
One typical issue illustrating the challenges faced by the AGA has been its slowly evolving stance regarding online gambling. With AGA members both adamantly for and against development into the online space, the AGA opted for a reserved, wait-and-see approach.
The AGA has announced that an executive-search group has been retained to identify Fahrenkopf’s successor. Fahrenkopf has also agreed to remain in an advisory role through the end of 2013.
Fahrenkopf to Step Down from American Gaming Association Post | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
Fahrenkopf will have lead the AGA for nearly 18 years, the AGA’s entire history, when his retirement occurs. Fahrenkopf first achieved widespread fame for his stint for six years as chairman of the Republican National Committee throughout much of the Reagan administration.
Fahrenkopf’s reign as AGA head has seen the organization oversee the diverging interests of its casino-industry members while remaining a potent lobbying force on both the federal and individual-state scenes.
As Bally Technologies head and AGA chairman Richard Haddrill noted, “[Fahrenkopf] has been a steady, thoughtful leader through a period of great change for our industry and has steered us through some of its most difficult challenges. The fact that today our industry is recognized as a vital part of the global economy is in no small part due to his tireless efforts and leadership.”
One typical issue illustrating the challenges faced by the AGA has been its slowly evolving stance regarding online gambling. With AGA members both adamantly for and against development into the online space, the AGA opted for a reserved, wait-and-see approach.
The AGA has announced that an executive-search group has been retained to identify Fahrenkopf’s successor. Fahrenkopf has also agreed to remain in an advisory role through the end of 2013.
Fahrenkopf to Step Down from American Gaming Association Post | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
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Simon Deadman has won the World Poker Tour National Series Dublin, after defeating a fied of 238 players over three days to lift the title, and collect the €67,500 ($88,998) first place prize.
Back in November, the UK pro took down the £1k Grosvenor UK Poker Tour Blackpool for £49,290 ($78,970) and now with his latest victory in Ireland has further boosted his live career winnings to $451.728. Commenting after his remarkable win the 24 year old said: “It’s always fun playing in Dublin. If you go bust, you go on the beer.”
By the time the €1,320 event reached its final table of eight at the Citywest Hotel, Deadman was fourth in chips. Also making it through was such notables as Ben Carpenter and Jack Salter, as well as Dublin’s Sean Prendiville, Limerick’s Tommy O’Rourke and Galway’s Fintan Gavin.
However, Fintan Gavin was the first player to be eliminated in 8th (€8,900), and after Tommy O Rourke fell in 6th (€13,750), all hope rested upon Sean Prendiville to keep the title on Irish soil. Nevertheless, a commendable 3rd place finish (€30,250) was as far as he would progress, after which it was left to Simon Deadman and Norway’s Joachim Haraldstad to decide the tournament.
As the heads-up phase of the competition got underway, both the players were fairly even in chips. However, a huge all-in pot was played with Deadman holding Kc-Qd on a Kh-8c-5h flop and up against the 7h-3h of his opponent. Unfortunately for Haraldstad his cards failed to improve and after being reduced to a 300k to 5.5 million chip deficit, the defining hand was played with the Norwegian all-in holding K-10 to Deadman’s 10c-9c.
The board then rolled out 9h-Ac-Jd-Ah-4d to relegate Joachim Haraldstad to a runner-up finish worth €47,100, while Deadman was crowned the WPT National Dublin champion.
The final table payouts were as follows:
1: Simon Deadman — €67,500
2: Joachim Haraldstad — €47,100
3: Sean Prendiville — €30,250
4: Jack Salter — €22,350
5: Ben Carpenter — €16,750
6: Tommy O Rourke — €13,750
7: Daniel Laming — €11,250
8: Fintan Gavin — €8,900
Simon Deadman Wins 2013 WPT National Dublin
Back in November, the UK pro took down the £1k Grosvenor UK Poker Tour Blackpool for £49,290 ($78,970) and now with his latest victory in Ireland has further boosted his live career winnings to $451.728. Commenting after his remarkable win the 24 year old said: “It’s always fun playing in Dublin. If you go bust, you go on the beer.”
By the time the €1,320 event reached its final table of eight at the Citywest Hotel, Deadman was fourth in chips. Also making it through was such notables as Ben Carpenter and Jack Salter, as well as Dublin’s Sean Prendiville, Limerick’s Tommy O’Rourke and Galway’s Fintan Gavin.
However, Fintan Gavin was the first player to be eliminated in 8th (€8,900), and after Tommy O Rourke fell in 6th (€13,750), all hope rested upon Sean Prendiville to keep the title on Irish soil. Nevertheless, a commendable 3rd place finish (€30,250) was as far as he would progress, after which it was left to Simon Deadman and Norway’s Joachim Haraldstad to decide the tournament.
As the heads-up phase of the competition got underway, both the players were fairly even in chips. However, a huge all-in pot was played with Deadman holding Kc-Qd on a Kh-8c-5h flop and up against the 7h-3h of his opponent. Unfortunately for Haraldstad his cards failed to improve and after being reduced to a 300k to 5.5 million chip deficit, the defining hand was played with the Norwegian all-in holding K-10 to Deadman’s 10c-9c.
The board then rolled out 9h-Ac-Jd-Ah-4d to relegate Joachim Haraldstad to a runner-up finish worth €47,100, while Deadman was crowned the WPT National Dublin champion.
The final table payouts were as follows:
1: Simon Deadman — €67,500
2: Joachim Haraldstad — €47,100
3: Sean Prendiville — €30,250
4: Jack Salter — €22,350
5: Ben Carpenter — €16,750
6: Tommy O Rourke — €13,750
7: Daniel Laming — €11,250
8: Fintan Gavin — €8,900
Simon Deadman Wins 2013 WPT National Dublin
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To close out the year that was in the online poker playing community a race to see who would be the biggest winner in 2012 between Ben “Ben86” Tollerene and Ben “Sauce123” Sulsky was taking place. Heading into the stretch run Sulsky held a slight $173,135 lead over Tollerene. Well, the race to the finish line wasn’t as exciting or close as many imagined or hoped for, as Sulsky was able to build upon his lead to earn the honor of 2012 biggest online poker winner.
Sulsky went from having won $2.74 million in October to finishing the year with a total of $3.59 million in winnings, which led to a runaway victory for Sulsky. Tollerene didn’t even finish in second place and wound up in fourth, having won $2.13 million in 2012.
Finishing second and third in 2012 online poker winnings were “EireAbu” and Jens “Jeans89” Kyllönen, respectively. “EireAbu” ended 2012 having won 2.17 million and “Jeans89” Kyllönen was able to haul in $2.49 million.
Here’s how the top ten online poker winners list for 2012 looks like:
1. Ben “Sauce123” Sulsky – winnings: $3,595,666
2. Jens “Jeans89” Kyllönen – winnings: $2,492,278
3. “EireAbu” – winnings: $2,176,527
4. Ben “Ben86” Tollerene – winnings: $2,136,109
5. Alex “Kanu7” Millar – winnings: $1,643,747
6. Niklas “ragen70” Heinecker – winnings: $1,640,967
7. “Bernard-bb” – winnings: $1,488,484
8. Phil “MrSweets28” Galfond – winnings: $1,417,998
9. “longerpig” – winnings: $1,403,455
10. “Chung ho” – winnings: $1,229,812
One interesting thing to takeaway from that list is that each of the players listed above played on PokerStars. When comparing how long it took both Sulsky and Kyllönen to earn their money Sulsky was able to do it 2,133 sessions of play for a total of 194,473 hands while it took Kyllönen 5,749 sessions and 362,686 hands, making Sulsky’s feat even more impressive. On the flip side, the biggest loser of 2012 in the world of online poker was a player who goes by the name of “Zypherin,” who lost a total of $3,552,742.
2012
Sulsky went from having won $2.74 million in October to finishing the year with a total of $3.59 million in winnings, which led to a runaway victory for Sulsky. Tollerene didn’t even finish in second place and wound up in fourth, having won $2.13 million in 2012.
Finishing second and third in 2012 online poker winnings were “EireAbu” and Jens “Jeans89” Kyllönen, respectively. “EireAbu” ended 2012 having won 2.17 million and “Jeans89” Kyllönen was able to haul in $2.49 million.
Here’s how the top ten online poker winners list for 2012 looks like:
1. Ben “Sauce123” Sulsky – winnings: $3,595,666
2. Jens “Jeans89” Kyllönen – winnings: $2,492,278
3. “EireAbu” – winnings: $2,176,527
4. Ben “Ben86” Tollerene – winnings: $2,136,109
5. Alex “Kanu7” Millar – winnings: $1,643,747
6. Niklas “ragen70” Heinecker – winnings: $1,640,967
7. “Bernard-bb” – winnings: $1,488,484
8. Phil “MrSweets28” Galfond – winnings: $1,417,998
9. “longerpig” – winnings: $1,403,455
10. “Chung ho” – winnings: $1,229,812
One interesting thing to takeaway from that list is that each of the players listed above played on PokerStars. When comparing how long it took both Sulsky and Kyllönen to earn their money Sulsky was able to do it 2,133 sessions of play for a total of 194,473 hands while it took Kyllönen 5,749 sessions and 362,686 hands, making Sulsky’s feat even more impressive. On the flip side, the biggest loser of 2012 in the world of online poker was a player who goes by the name of “Zypherin,” who lost a total of $3,552,742.
2012
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According to a press release submitted by a law news web site the Nevada General Assembly, has introduced a bill on behalf of the state’s State Gaming Control Board that would allow for the state governor to enter into interstate gaming compacts with other states.
Assembly Bill 5, would remove language in the previously enacted online gaming bill that stated that an online gaming license does not become effective until a federal law was passed authorizing online gaming or the U.S. Department of Justice provided notice that interactive gaming activities are permissible under federal law. The bill would add language that allows for the governor, on behalf of the state, to enter into agreements with other states. This is a new twist that has online gambling operators ready to rumble. The opinion of the Department of Justice on the Wire Act of 1961 confirming that it applied only to sports betting has opened the door to such legislation.
The only issue that the prospect of interstate gaming compacts creates is the potential for a lot of different laws and regulations for players and operators. Nevada is the only state to implement regulations for online poker and only Delaware and possibly New Jersey have online gambling regulations passed or pending. Less experienced states may call on these jurisdictions to create their own set of rules. Liquidity is an issue for poker rooms that operate in only one state, something that a compact could resolve by sharing player activity. Depending on constitutional and legal arrangements in different states of the union a state may be able to participate in gaming compacts without any legislative action.
Recommendation of this sort of legislation giving one state huge control over online gambling will require a leap in faith for law makers who know full well how complicated a proposal such as this can become. It may take a long time before all the details are ironed out.
Nevada Proposes Bill For Online Gambling Compacts
Assembly Bill 5, would remove language in the previously enacted online gaming bill that stated that an online gaming license does not become effective until a federal law was passed authorizing online gaming or the U.S. Department of Justice provided notice that interactive gaming activities are permissible under federal law. The bill would add language that allows for the governor, on behalf of the state, to enter into agreements with other states. This is a new twist that has online gambling operators ready to rumble. The opinion of the Department of Justice on the Wire Act of 1961 confirming that it applied only to sports betting has opened the door to such legislation.
The only issue that the prospect of interstate gaming compacts creates is the potential for a lot of different laws and regulations for players and operators. Nevada is the only state to implement regulations for online poker and only Delaware and possibly New Jersey have online gambling regulations passed or pending. Less experienced states may call on these jurisdictions to create their own set of rules. Liquidity is an issue for poker rooms that operate in only one state, something that a compact could resolve by sharing player activity. Depending on constitutional and legal arrangements in different states of the union a state may be able to participate in gaming compacts without any legislative action.
Recommendation of this sort of legislation giving one state huge control over online gambling will require a leap in faith for law makers who know full well how complicated a proposal such as this can become. It may take a long time before all the details are ironed out.
Nevada Proposes Bill For Online Gambling Compacts
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Betfair Poker will shortly join the iPoker network, the company announced on its blog on Monday.
According to the post, “New Betfair Poker” will run alongside its existing offering on Ongame, now dubbed “Classic Betfair.”
However, according to a press release from iPoker operator Playtech yesterday, the dual offering is only an interim step. After six months, Betfair customers will be transitioned to iPoker only, and the Ongame room will close.
Betfair will launch in the “top” tier of the iPoker network, sources have indicated to pokerfuse. The network separated in two in September 2012, with a small handful of the larger skins segregating much of their cash-game players onto separate tables.
Betfair will join Bet365, Paddy Power, Poker770, Titan, William Hill, Winner Poker, and late addition Everest Poker, on this top tier.
The announcement yesterday was expected. Betfair announced back in September that it planned to launch Spanish and Italian products on the iPoker network, and it was hinted then that a larger poker partership was on the cards.
Publicly listed Betfair, primarily an online betting exchange, previously operated an independent poker room using proprietary software before moving to Ongame in July 2010.
Betfair to join Top Tier of iPoker Network | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
According to the post, “New Betfair Poker” will run alongside its existing offering on Ongame, now dubbed “Classic Betfair.”
However, according to a press release from iPoker operator Playtech yesterday, the dual offering is only an interim step. After six months, Betfair customers will be transitioned to iPoker only, and the Ongame room will close.
Betfair will launch in the “top” tier of the iPoker network, sources have indicated to pokerfuse. The network separated in two in September 2012, with a small handful of the larger skins segregating much of their cash-game players onto separate tables.
Betfair will join Bet365, Paddy Power, Poker770, Titan, William Hill, Winner Poker, and late addition Everest Poker, on this top tier.
The announcement yesterday was expected. Betfair announced back in September that it planned to launch Spanish and Italian products on the iPoker network, and it was hinted then that a larger poker partership was on the cards.
Publicly listed Betfair, primarily an online betting exchange, previously operated an independent poker room using proprietary software before moving to Ongame in July 2010.
Betfair to join Top Tier of iPoker Network | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
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Bodog’s Recreational Poker Model was introduced with some critics out to scuttle the anonymous tables idea. Now after a year of success the model is being introduced by 188BET with its recently launched Microgaming poker software. Bodog had the aim of creating a more level field to play on, one that was free of tracking tools and data miners that preyed on the casual player armed with the statistics and profiles. Established players on the internet poker circuit voiced their disdain for the new anonymous concept saying they had lost an advantage that the tracking sites offered.
By their own admission these sharks put players at risk of losing because of accessible and available knowledge on the internet data mining sites. Microgaming was already using a version of anonymous tables before Bodog introducsed their recreational model to the world of poker. Vice president Jonas Odman of the Bodog Network clarified things by stating back in 2011 that their interpretation and implementation of the software differed from Bodog’s version. “At those sites, [anonymous tables] are an alternative to normal tables,”
Odman also pointed out that it is up to the player to chose an anonymous table to sit down at. Learning more about how some players feed off of others is part of knowing the options available to the poker fan. Knowing that you’re not just being played as bait for those looking at your track record or those watching how you much you deposit or how many games you have won recently is an advantage for a fairer game based on real skill. 188BET is owned by Cube Limited, which is licensed and regulated by the Isle of Man. Primarily a sports book the poker room at 188BET is teaming with players who now have the choice of Microgaming software anonymous tables to enjoy.
Anonymous Online Poker to Be Offered By 188BET
By their own admission these sharks put players at risk of losing because of accessible and available knowledge on the internet data mining sites. Microgaming was already using a version of anonymous tables before Bodog introducsed their recreational model to the world of poker. Vice president Jonas Odman of the Bodog Network clarified things by stating back in 2011 that their interpretation and implementation of the software differed from Bodog’s version. “At those sites, [anonymous tables] are an alternative to normal tables,”
Odman also pointed out that it is up to the player to chose an anonymous table to sit down at. Learning more about how some players feed off of others is part of knowing the options available to the poker fan. Knowing that you’re not just being played as bait for those looking at your track record or those watching how you much you deposit or how many games you have won recently is an advantage for a fairer game based on real skill. 188BET is owned by Cube Limited, which is licensed and regulated by the Isle of Man. Primarily a sports book the poker room at 188BET is teaming with players who now have the choice of Microgaming software anonymous tables to enjoy.
Anonymous Online Poker to Be Offered By 188BET
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Former Full Tilt Poker president and board member Howard Lederer reached a financial settlement with Department of Justice attorneys. The civil money-laundering complaint against Lederer was part of the widereaching “Black Friday” crackdown against several US-facing online poker sites. Lederer admitted no wrongdoing in the settlement while agreeing to the forfeiture of various assets worth at least $2.5 million, and possibly hundreds of thousands or millions more, with an undetermined amount in a primary Isle of Man “retirement” account among the forfeited assets. The settlement still represented far less than the $42.5 million originally sought from Lederer by the DOJ.
REID-KYL BILL DROPPED FROM LAME DUCK CONSIDERATION
The proposed Reid-Kyl federal online poker legislation was dropped in early December by its primary supporter, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), after fierce budgetary splits on larger political matters made the attachment of Reid-Kyl to another bill impossible. Both sides treated online poker as something of a hot potato, with each party blaming the other for failing to secure proper backing for the bill, which was supported by the American Gaming Association, and the Poker Players Alliance. While co-author Sen. Jon Kyl is retiring, Reid has promised to pursue the concept in a future Congress, perhaps in early 2013.
NEW JERSEY ONLINE GAMBLING BILL PASSES STATE LEGISLATURE, REACHES CHRISTIE’S DESK
A modified version of a New Jersey online gambling measure, including poker, sailed through votes in both of the state’s legislative bodies, after being re-introduced in early December. The bill now moves on to the desk of Governor Chris Christie to await a signing or veto. Christie used a technical veto on a 2011 version of the same bill, citing constitutionality concerns. However, minor changes to the bill, the late-2011 Justice Department reinterpretation of the 1961 Wire Act, and the continuing economic malaise of the state’s gambling industry, have all strengthened the bill’s chances of being signed. Even if vetoed, the legislative forces led by State Sen. Ray Lesniak may have enough votes to override and make New Jersey the third state to formally authorize online poker.
CAESARS GETS ONLINE GO-AHEAD FROM NEVADA GAMING COMMISSION
As expected, Caesars Entertainment’s Caesars Interactive division received formal approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission to offer intrastate online poker. Caesars got the thumbs-up on December 20th after breezing through a suitability hearing two weeks earlier. Caesars operates several important casino brands in addition to the World Series of Poker, with a WSOP-branded site among the likeliest new offerings from the firm. Caesars sites are expected to debut in 2013.
SHFL, AMAYA INK ONGAME DEAL
Canada’s Amaya Gaming and Las Vegas-based SHFL, parent company of Shuffle Master, have announced a distribution deal allowing SHFL to represent Amaya’s Ongame online poker network to other clients. SJFL had previously agreed to purchase Ongame itself, backing out of a deal with earlier owner bwin.party before Ongame was sold early in 2012 to Amaya. The agreement calls for as much $10 million in licensing payments from SHFL to Amaya, depending on which US state (or federal) markets become open to online poker. SHFL is already a licensed service provider in Nevada.
CALIFORNIA ONLINE POKER BILL REINTRODUCED
A bill seeking to authorize intrastate online poker sites for California residents has been reintroduced by one of its primary supporters, State Sen. Roderick Wright. Wright’s SB 51, the Internet Gambling Consumer Protection and Public-Private Partnership Act of 2013, is the same as last year’s hotly debated SB 1463, which collapsed due to in-fighting between various pro-poker factions. One of those groups, the California Online Poker Association (COPA), which represented many California tribal interests, collapsed following the 2012 measure’s demise.
Veteran poker-industry writer/editor Haley Hintze is the author of an upcoming book on the Absolute Poker and UltimateBet online cheating scandals, to be released later this year.
www-pokerplayernewspaper-com/content/poker-news-lederer-reaches-civil-settlement-doj-and-more-12509