The savvy secretaries don't take any of this seriously. They know that eventually every secretary gets dealt a poker hand - and you never know when it'll come or what sort of cards it'll contain: the 1973 Middle East war (Henry Kissinger), the rise of Mikhail Gorbachev (George Shultz), the fall of the Berlin Wall (James Baker), Kosovo (Madeleine Albright), Iraq (Colin Powell). And this poker hand is seven-card stud, no-limit Texas Hold 'Em. How well you play this high-stakes hand usually determines your legacy as secretary of state.
Secretary Rice may get dealt other big hands, but there is one already waiting for her on the table. It is the four fragile democratizations unfolding in the Middle East: Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt and Palestine-Israel. Whether any of these come to fruition will certainly form a crucial part of the Rice legacy.
For the last month or so, the Bush team has been doing a victory lap, taking credit for the outbreak of democracy in the Arab world. While I disagree with many Bush policies, I think the president does deserve credit for unleashing something very important in the politically moribund Arab East. Many of the necessary elements for democratization are now in place in Iraq (free and fair elections), in Lebanon (a Syrian withdrawal from Beirut), in Egypt (President Mubarak's commitment to multicandidate presidential elections) and in Gaza (an Israeli commitment to withdraw and Palestinian elections).
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Thursday, March 31, 2005
Illegal Poker Operations
Under Virginia law, amateur poker games held in private homes — even when playing for money — are not illegal.
Hometown Poker Tourney
The legends of poker will return to Foxwoods later this year, but in the next few weeks the casino will cater to its regional poker audience. Foxwoods hosted a media charity tournament on Wednesday morning, donating $15,000 to the favorite charities of 10 newspaper, television and radio personalities from throughout New England. The real tournament players eked out hand after hand in the Sunset Ballroom.
The prize pool for the final game is expected to be between $2 million and $3 million. The price to play in the “big game,” the No Limit Texas Hold 'Em tournament, is $5,000, but players can compete in satellite games, called “acts,” and win a seat for as little as $60.
“We want it to be a friendly hometown tournament with a big prize pool,” said Raymond.
Foxwoods was running tournaments before they became all the rage, and some of the poker regulars have earned tidy profits. Neal Gersony of Rocky Hill said he has won $200,000 over the past eight years.
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Poker Run ACS
The purple ACS wristbands that had "Hope" imprinted on them sold out. Rider Paul Coe, who won the second best poker hand, gave all the money back to the ACS, grabbed three of the wristbands, and sold them to people in the crowd caught up in the moment for $100 each.
"We made $2,000 just on the wristbands alone," said Wallace. "The spirit of generosity was definitely in the air."
This was the ACS director's first ever experience with a poker run. She fell so much in love with the Harley she was riding, that after talking to her husband, she went back to the dealer and bought a custom Harley the very next day.
"This was one of the most exciting days of my life," she said.
Steve Reynolds from WVOI 1480AM was the auctioneer. He kept the live auction moving along with the help of Susan Healy and Paul Gruber.
"My mom and grandmother are smiling down from heaven today," Healy said. She and her friend, Lorrie, came up with the idea of the poker run fund-raiser and worked for several weeks organizing the event and finding donors.
The mini-chopper that was one of the big items auctioned went for $1,490. The man who bought the chopper was from Chicago. Another bidder bought a basket containing candy and other goodies for $500.
"He turned around and gave it to a cute little red head boy in the audience that he didn't even know," Wallace said. "They both started dancing around together enjoying the moment."
Owner of Stan's Idle Hour Stan Gober added his own generosity, collecting 164 "Yankee dollars" and gave them to the ACS. Gober is a champion of generosity for the many charity fund-raisers held at his restaurant in Goodland.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
launches Casino & Poker room for horseracing fans
A casino account gives members automatic access to the At The Races Poker Room, bringing the horseracing community to multiplayer poker tables. New poker players will get a £100 freeroll tournament token and have chances to enter daily Texas Hold’em tournaments and the Poker Points freeroll tournaments.
“Our aim is to operate a dedicated casino and poker room for true horseracing fans,” said Matthew Imi, Chief Executive of At The Races. “We’re offering thousands of pounds in cash prizes each month, loyalty points which convert to cash bonuses and special member offers which will be of real appeal to casino gamblers and, in particular, racing fans.”
“We value our customers highly and we want to make them feel special. Casino and poker players will all have the opportunity to earn or win days at the races as well as gain exclusive access to jockeys and presenters - all with VIP treatment.”
“The new casino will enjoy the benefits of powerful cross promotion from our At The Races television channel and from the attheraces.com website which is now the No.2 racing and betting site in the UK with 12m pages served in March and traffic doubling monthly. TV sponsorship credits launch today along with a banner advertising campaign online. Uniquely, we have integrated a horseracing look and feel within our advertising both on and off air.”
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“Our aim is to operate a dedicated casino and poker room for true horseracing fans,” said Matthew Imi, Chief Executive of At The Races. “We’re offering thousands of pounds in cash prizes each month, loyalty points which convert to cash bonuses and special member offers which will be of real appeal to casino gamblers and, in particular, racing fans.”
“We value our customers highly and we want to make them feel special. Casino and poker players will all have the opportunity to earn or win days at the races as well as gain exclusive access to jockeys and presenters - all with VIP treatment.”
“The new casino will enjoy the benefits of powerful cross promotion from our At The Races television channel and from the attheraces.com website which is now the No.2 racing and betting site in the UK with 12m pages served in March and traffic doubling monthly. TV sponsorship credits launch today along with a banner advertising campaign online. Uniquely, we have integrated a horseracing look and feel within our advertising both on and off air.”
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Poker To Asia
Claiming that Asia is fast reaching the critical mass and interest needed for online poker, CYOP hopes to become the early leader in the field. With its backend licensed CrediPlay financial systems already localized into Traditional and Simplified Chinese, CYOP has begun working on the front end game translations of its poker games.
According to a recent report from IDC Online, gaming revenues in the Asia-Pacific region will reach $1.84 billion by 2008. Overall, online gaming subscription revenues in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Japan) are projected to more than double by 2008 to $1.84 billion from $760 million in 2003.
‘Recent reports have Chinese Internet users spending an average of 12.3 hours per week online with gaming and entertainment being the second most popular online activity,’ said Mitch White, CEO of CYOP ‘Combined with reports that China expects it will have a total of 120 million Internet users by the end of 2005; a 28% increase from the 94 million users in 2004.’
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Small-Stakes Woes With Poker Ban
As existing tribal casinos flourish, tribes and non-Indians are looking at how to expand operations into the Portland metro area. Meanwhile, owners of delis and bars complain that gambling is such a fundamental part of their business that they can't survive on a mere 15 percent commission from electronic slot machines.
This scenario isn't what Oregonians had in mind when they approved the Lottery in the 1980s. Back then, the proceeds were designated for economic development. The lottery never was intended to prop up individual businesses or create mini-casinos.
That is why it's nonsense for retailers to complain about Lottery Director Dale Penn's initial proposal to cut commissions nearly in half for electronic slot machines. Every time retailers claim they would be shortchanged, they inadvertently endorse the argument that they have developed an unconstitutional reliance on the Lottery.
Against this backdrop, Salem's debate about poker card games in restaurants is refreshing.
On Monday, the Salem City Council let the matter drop, keeping the city ban in place -- at least for now.
We don't see the harm in casual games of poker among friends at an eatery. People already are allowed to play in their homes or at charitable, fraternal or religious organizations. The money bet on casual poker is pocket change compared with the $530 million that Oregon gamblers squandered in video-poker machines last year.
The danger in traditional card games, we suppose, arises when the games turn nonfriendly or run into high stakes; when security becomes an issue; or when the establishment illegally helps operate the game or gets a take of the money. Without betting limits and other controls, such games have the potential to escalate into problems, as Salem police told the city council.
Our law enforcement agencies have more important issues than policing poker games.
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This scenario isn't what Oregonians had in mind when they approved the Lottery in the 1980s. Back then, the proceeds were designated for economic development. The lottery never was intended to prop up individual businesses or create mini-casinos.
That is why it's nonsense for retailers to complain about Lottery Director Dale Penn's initial proposal to cut commissions nearly in half for electronic slot machines. Every time retailers claim they would be shortchanged, they inadvertently endorse the argument that they have developed an unconstitutional reliance on the Lottery.
Against this backdrop, Salem's debate about poker card games in restaurants is refreshing.
On Monday, the Salem City Council let the matter drop, keeping the city ban in place -- at least for now.
We don't see the harm in casual games of poker among friends at an eatery. People already are allowed to play in their homes or at charitable, fraternal or religious organizations. The money bet on casual poker is pocket change compared with the $530 million that Oregon gamblers squandered in video-poker machines last year.
The danger in traditional card games, we suppose, arises when the games turn nonfriendly or run into high stakes; when security becomes an issue; or when the establishment illegally helps operate the game or gets a take of the money. Without betting limits and other controls, such games have the potential to escalate into problems, as Salem police told the city council.
Our law enforcement agencies have more important issues than policing poker games.
read full article
Poker is a $1.4 billion Industry
Online poker is a $1.4 bln industry by ZDNet's IT Facts -- Online poker sites raked in $1.4 bln in 2004, according to MarketWatch. There are roughly 1.8 mln online poker enthusiasts. Dennis Boyko from PokerPulse forecasts the revenues to double to $2.8 bln in 2005. 75% of the revenues come from the 3-5% that online players usually leave to the house when playing the game, where the winner takes the entire pot.
New Poker Product EnglishHarbourPoker.com
About English Harbour New Ventures Group
English Harbour New Ventures Group (EHNV) is a dynamic international online gaming organization that has served more than 3.5 million customers worldwide. Founded in 1997, the company is an industry leader with a reputation for exciting game play, rewarding promotions, fast payouts and superior customer service. Regulated and licensed by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, EHNV supplies comprehensive gaming solutions including hosting, e-commerce and support services to companies in the online casino market. The company provides a secure environment for casino gaming and multi-player poker through an alliance with PokerIncorporated.com to some of the gaming industry’s most respected sites, including: English Harbour Casino, Silver Dollar Casino, Caribbean Gold Casino, Super Slots Casino, All Poker Casino, and Millionaire Casino. A founding member of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), EHNV is fully committed to the IGC code of conduct that dictates responsible gaming and ethical business practices within the online gaming industry. For more information, please visit www.ehnv.com.
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English Harbour New Ventures Group (EHNV) is a dynamic international online gaming organization that has served more than 3.5 million customers worldwide. Founded in 1997, the company is an industry leader with a reputation for exciting game play, rewarding promotions, fast payouts and superior customer service. Regulated and licensed by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, EHNV supplies comprehensive gaming solutions including hosting, e-commerce and support services to companies in the online casino market. The company provides a secure environment for casino gaming and multi-player poker through an alliance with PokerIncorporated.com to some of the gaming industry’s most respected sites, including: English Harbour Casino, Silver Dollar Casino, Caribbean Gold Casino, Super Slots Casino, All Poker Casino, and Millionaire Casino. A founding member of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), EHNV is fully committed to the IGC code of conduct that dictates responsible gaming and ethical business practices within the online gaming industry. For more information, please visit www.ehnv.com.
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Illegal Poker Games
A state legislator has proposed a bill that would allow restaurants and bars to host poker games in which winning players would receive prizes instead of money. However, a spokesman for the Mohegan Sun casino told the Mirror that if the Legislature passes the bill, the casino would view that as a violation of the state's agreement with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes and would withhold Connecticut's $400 million share of its slot machine revenues.
Locally, Milford police spokesman Vaughan Dumas said this week, "We sent a warning letter to every establishment in Milford that delivers liquor, including restaurants and bars, as well as private clubs, such as the Elks and American Legion," warning that poker games at such establishments are illegal.
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Locally, Milford police spokesman Vaughan Dumas said this week, "We sent a warning letter to every establishment in Milford that delivers liquor, including restaurants and bars, as well as private clubs, such as the Elks and American Legion," warning that poker games at such establishments are illegal.
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EXHIBITOR SHOW Charity Poker
“Everybody there saw this as the start of something big,” says Lee Knight, founder of EXHIBITOR magazine Group and EXHIBITOR SHOW. “A supplier has already contributed space for next year’s championship, and people are already calling to participate.”
“Giving to the EDPAF is one way Exhibitor Magazine Group can support industry associations that ultimately give back to the trade show community,” says John Pavek, vice president of publishing for Exhibitor Magazine Group.
Pete Dicks, EDPA executive director and EDPAF vice president was a participant in this inaugural event. “On behalf of the Foundation, we’re really thrilled that Lee was willing to organize such an exciting new fundraiser,” he says. “The participants all had a good time and we’re looking forward to it in the future.”
“I thought it was fabulous,” says Bendickson, this year’s tournament winner. “It was a really fun way to raise money for a good cause.”
Video highlights from the First Annual EXHIBITOR SHOW Charity Poker Championship, captured by Goodwyn Production Group, will be shown at the EDPA Annual Conference.
The Charity Poker Championship is just one of several charitable activities Exhibitor Magazine Group has held in conjunction with EXHIBITOR SHOW. Past events include funding and building a Habitat for Humanity house in Las Vegas, volunteering at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, pairing professionals with Baltimore high school students, and matching funds for local projects.
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“Giving to the EDPAF is one way Exhibitor Magazine Group can support industry associations that ultimately give back to the trade show community,” says John Pavek, vice president of publishing for Exhibitor Magazine Group.
Pete Dicks, EDPA executive director and EDPAF vice president was a participant in this inaugural event. “On behalf of the Foundation, we’re really thrilled that Lee was willing to organize such an exciting new fundraiser,” he says. “The participants all had a good time and we’re looking forward to it in the future.”
“I thought it was fabulous,” says Bendickson, this year’s tournament winner. “It was a really fun way to raise money for a good cause.”
Video highlights from the First Annual EXHIBITOR SHOW Charity Poker Championship, captured by Goodwyn Production Group, will be shown at the EDPA Annual Conference.
The Charity Poker Championship is just one of several charitable activities Exhibitor Magazine Group has held in conjunction with EXHIBITOR SHOW. Past events include funding and building a Habitat for Humanity house in Las Vegas, volunteering at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, pairing professionals with Baltimore high school students, and matching funds for local projects.
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Poker Run Ride
Riders with Heart will hold a "motorcycle benefit ride" rather than conducting a "poker run."
Plans for the poker run, announced Monday in the Journal Star, prompted a call from the Illinois Liquor Commission, which told organizers poker runs are illegal where alcohol is sold.
In a poker run, participants - usually motorcyclists - meet at a location to pay an entry fee and receive information about five other spots where they must pick up a playing card. Those five cards become a poker hand used to determine a winner. Because the run is considered a game of chance, it cannot be played at a bar.
The benefit ride will begin between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Shakers, 105 Sanford St., East Peoria. Riders still will be sent to five locations, but instead of cards will get stamped to prove they visited all locations.
Plans for the poker run, announced Monday in the Journal Star, prompted a call from the Illinois Liquor Commission, which told organizers poker runs are illegal where alcohol is sold.
In a poker run, participants - usually motorcyclists - meet at a location to pay an entry fee and receive information about five other spots where they must pick up a playing card. Those five cards become a poker hand used to determine a winner. Because the run is considered a game of chance, it cannot be played at a bar.
The benefit ride will begin between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Shakers, 105 Sanford St., East Peoria. Riders still will be sent to five locations, but instead of cards will get stamped to prove they visited all locations.
Winner of charity poker goes to Vegas
The winner of the tournament will have the choice between a $10,000 cash prize or a trip to play at the 2005 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
Local sponsors include Blue Lake Casino, Six Rivers Brewery and Jay Sooter's Spas and Saunas.
For more information, contact Blue Lake Casino at (707) 668-9770 x. 1149 or online at www.humboldtpoker.com
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Local sponsors include Blue Lake Casino, Six Rivers Brewery and Jay Sooter's Spas and Saunas.
For more information, contact Blue Lake Casino at (707) 668-9770 x. 1149 or online at www.humboldtpoker.com
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Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Rebates Take Online Poker
The site setting the industry standard in rake rebates is www.rakerecycler.com. As more and more rake rebate programs pop up on the net, Rake Recycler is still one of the oldest and most trustworthy sites on the internet, offering rake rebate deals at the biggest and most reputable online poker rooms.
Why should I care about getting back a measly 20% of my rake back? Online poker rooms usually take about $3 per hand played. Considering about 80 hands are played per hour that means that poker sites make $240 per hour from just one table. Check out this chart at www.rakerecycler.com/Rake_Chart.htm to see a detailed chart of just how much you pay a poker site every month. The numbers are staggering. If you are playing online poker without a rake rebate deal, you are literally giving your money away to poker rooms.
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Why should I care about getting back a measly 20% of my rake back? Online poker rooms usually take about $3 per hand played. Considering about 80 hands are played per hour that means that poker sites make $240 per hour from just one table. Check out this chart at www.rakerecycler.com/Rake_Chart.htm to see a detailed chart of just how much you pay a poker site every month. The numbers are staggering. If you are playing online poker without a rake rebate deal, you are literally giving your money away to poker rooms.
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Poker 2004 Fiscal Year
Mobile Multiplayer Games: In May 2004, Summus launched the industry's first true multiplayer mobile phone game, Texas Hold'em by Phil Hellmuth, which has become the Company's most successful property and one of the top recurring revenue contributors. Today, the game is currently available on over 19 carriers supporting over 45 handsets across multiple operating environments. The game not only continues to see more carrier distribution, but its user community is expected to surpass the 100,000 user mark by early Q2-2005. And if current user and carrier adoption trends continue, Summus expects to enjoy well over 200,000 users by year-end. Additionally, in order to further grow the game's popularity, Summus will be releasing a "tournament-style" version which will match the user experience of widely popular online poker sites such as ultimatebet.com and PartyPoker.com.
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Poker eBook
The book starts with a brief history of poker, a summary of online poker and fundamental poker concepts. It also details how to start your online poker bankroll with no investment, then provides step by step instructions on which poker sites to play and in what order to maximize your poker profits. This book is simply one of the best resources you’ll find on the internet.” Braun stated.
“We’ve developed a proven system that everyone from novice to professional poker players can follow, (www.legendsofamerica.com/poker). If you want to play online poker successfully, you must understand the online gaming world. “Build An Online Poker Bankroll For Free” provides all of this information in one place.
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“We’ve developed a proven system that everyone from novice to professional poker players can follow, (www.legendsofamerica.com/poker). If you want to play online poker successfully, you must understand the online gaming world. “Build An Online Poker Bankroll For Free” provides all of this information in one place.
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Monday, March 28, 2005
Cell Phone Poker
``With availability on cell phones, the game is available anywhere, anytime,'' said PokerRoom.com CEO Patrik Selin. ``The advance of cell phone graphics makes the experience almost identical to that of playing online and I think people will enjoy taking the game on the road.''
Users create an account at www.pokerroom.com from a computer and pick one of many options to deposit real money. From a link on the Web site, users then send a mobile version of the service to their phone and then activate it from the phone.
While the game may have made a leap into the mobile world, players should keep in mind that Internet gambling remains in a legal gray area in the United States.
PokerRoom.com's cell phone game works the same way as the online game: Play against real people for real money or play money. The cell phone game also works offline so users can practice their skills even when the cell phone's Internet connection is not available.
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Users create an account at www.pokerroom.com from a computer and pick one of many options to deposit real money. From a link on the Web site, users then send a mobile version of the service to their phone and then activate it from the phone.
While the game may have made a leap into the mobile world, players should keep in mind that Internet gambling remains in a legal gray area in the United States.
PokerRoom.com's cell phone game works the same way as the online game: Play against real people for real money or play money. The cell phone game also works offline so users can practice their skills even when the cell phone's Internet connection is not available.
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Absolut Vodka / Absolut Poker
Once you clear the age verification system you are on your way to playing some pretty decent quality online casino style poker games at the Absolut Vodka website. The Absolut Vodka site features real time flash gaming and you can play poker right then and there. It´s comparable to some of the instant flash casino games you can play at any of the better online casinos on the net. They are offering the player Hold´em poker. The graphics are quite good and the playability is quite smooth. Overall it definitely rates with some of the better online casinos but as far as choice of games and ability to play real wager bets, the serious player will still want to stick with his favorite online casino.
The Absolut Vodka winter campaign features ideas and activities for people to participate in during the winter months when they are stuck indoors. Certainly online casino games and drinking vodka go hand in hand for adults. The fact that Absolut decided to use Hold´em Poker as a promotional tool is further indication that poker games and online casinos in general are becoming more and more popular. Clearly they Absolut Vodka site is targeting young adults and clearly this is also a large segment of population that are checking out online casinos.
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The Absolut Vodka winter campaign features ideas and activities for people to participate in during the winter months when they are stuck indoors. Certainly online casino games and drinking vodka go hand in hand for adults. The fact that Absolut decided to use Hold´em Poker as a promotional tool is further indication that poker games and online casinos in general are becoming more and more popular. Clearly they Absolut Vodka site is targeting young adults and clearly this is also a large segment of population that are checking out online casinos.
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Program for Online Poker Giant DoylesRoom.com
Due primarily to the recent increase in television coverage, consumer interest in poker has skyrocketed. "The industry is seeing a tremendous increase in online gaming, especially poker," stated Gary Alpern, President of Santa Monica-based Hipnotic, Inc. Advertising. "We are excited to be working with iMedia on this pilot project, and look forward to seeing some great results for our client."
A key component of the disc will be an exclusive head-to-head match between the legend, Doyle Brunson, and the "Mad Genius of Poker," Mike Caro, who will provide their playing insights and strategy during each hand. "Mike and I had a great time working on the project," acknowledged Brunson. "I think everyone, regardless of their level of experience, will be able to benefit from our 'friendly competition."
Commenting on this program, Kevin Plate, EVP of Sales and Business affairs for iMedia concluded, "This is DoylesRoom's first foray into the use of interactive new media to promote their website. This project truly showcases the convergence power of our interactive media to deliver a complete multimedia promotion, push new users to the client's website, and distribute the required client software all simultaneously. What other media can do that?"
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A key component of the disc will be an exclusive head-to-head match between the legend, Doyle Brunson, and the "Mad Genius of Poker," Mike Caro, who will provide their playing insights and strategy during each hand. "Mike and I had a great time working on the project," acknowledged Brunson. "I think everyone, regardless of their level of experience, will be able to benefit from our 'friendly competition."
Commenting on this program, Kevin Plate, EVP of Sales and Business affairs for iMedia concluded, "This is DoylesRoom's first foray into the use of interactive new media to promote their website. This project truly showcases the convergence power of our interactive media to deliver a complete multimedia promotion, push new users to the client's website, and distribute the required client software all simultaneously. What other media can do that?"
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Woman Poker
Woman Poker Player was founded by professional poker player Barbara Enright, who also serves as the magazine's editor-in-chief. As the first and only woman to reach the final table at the World Series of Poker's main event, she certainly commands authority on the subject of poker.
The magazine debuts its first issue in April and will include features such as tips for playing poker with men. To commemorate its launch, Woman Poker Players will give away its inaugural issue for free. The free issue is available on Woman Poker Players' web site, www.womanpokerplayer.com.
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The magazine debuts its first issue in April and will include features such as tips for playing poker with men. To commemorate its launch, Woman Poker Players will give away its inaugural issue for free. The free issue is available on Woman Poker Players' web site, www.womanpokerplayer.com.
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Poker - TILT stars Michael Madsen
Bonus materials for TILT include an alternate ending for the first season, behind the scenes footage, outtakes, deleted scenes, actor auditions, and much more. There are more than three hours of bonus materials. TILT is available for $49.99 (SRP) for the three-disc DVD on June 14 from ESPN Original Entertainment and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
TILT comes from executive producer Orly Adelson, who served in the same capacity on ESPN Original Entertainment's popular "Playmakers" series. Writers and Executive Producers Brian Koppelman and David Levien also wrote the poker-themed hit film "Rounders."
TILT stars Michael Madsen ("Kill Bill" series; "Reservoir Dogs") as Don "The Matador" Everest, the champion poker-playing "king of the table." Facing off against the Matador is Eddie Towne (Eddie Cibrian, "Third Watch"), a hot-shot player driven by revenge, and Clark Marcellin (Todd Williams, "Lift") a young player out to de-throne the champ. Chris Bauer ("The Wire") plays Lee Nickel, a Midwestern sheriff looking for his brother's killer. Michael Murphy ("Tanner '88") appears as Molloy, head of a casino-owning family. Kristin Lehman ("Judging Amy," "Felicity") plays Miami, who has her eyes on the Matador.
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TILT comes from executive producer Orly Adelson, who served in the same capacity on ESPN Original Entertainment's popular "Playmakers" series. Writers and Executive Producers Brian Koppelman and David Levien also wrote the poker-themed hit film "Rounders."
TILT stars Michael Madsen ("Kill Bill" series; "Reservoir Dogs") as Don "The Matador" Everest, the champion poker-playing "king of the table." Facing off against the Matador is Eddie Towne (Eddie Cibrian, "Third Watch"), a hot-shot player driven by revenge, and Clark Marcellin (Todd Williams, "Lift") a young player out to de-throne the champ. Chris Bauer ("The Wire") plays Lee Nickel, a Midwestern sheriff looking for his brother's killer. Michael Murphy ("Tanner '88") appears as Molloy, head of a casino-owning family. Kristin Lehman ("Judging Amy," "Felicity") plays Miami, who has her eyes on the Matador.
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Online Poker On The Rise - Iowa
The situation represents the legal trouble that Iowans risk when playing Texas Hold'em, a card game made increasingly popular by cable television coverage of tournaments.
Small home poker games among friends that are not on school property, do not have entry fees, and have winnings only up to $50 in a 24-hour period are considered "social gambling" and are legal in Iowa. But games with winnings that exceed $50 and online poker games are illegal.
Most violations escape prosecution. State officials said they could not recall any charges filed against those violating the law by playing poker. They said prosecutors usually spend their time on more major offenses such as bookmaking or cheating at casinos.
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World Series of Poker - 2004
Halfway through the day, I pick up K-K and the action is raised to $600 by the first-position player. The second-position player then makes it $2,200 to go, and the third-position player calls. I say, "You better keep those ESPN cameras rolling, boys," and decide to just call. The first-position player folds, so three of us take the flop. It comes 10
7 4
, and the raiser leads out for $3,500 and the second player calls. My K-K does not include the K, and I start to study.
K also crosses my mind. After a long study, I decide I can win the event if I fold my hand, and if I call and my opponent has A-A, I'm gone. Finally, I fold, showing my holecards to the camera but not to my opponents. The turn card is the 7
, for 10 7 4 7, and the original raiser bets $7,000 and his opponent folds.Wednesday, March 23, 2005
March Madness $1,000,000 Texas Holdem Poker Tournament
To help celebrate March Madness and this huge poker event, Pacific Poker is also proud to announce that they will offer a 50% match bonus on your first deposit to the poker room. The max bonus is $100, and will be credited to your account instantly.
Join in on the fun at Pacific Poker today and try your hand at Texas holdem poker. Pacific offers a wide variety of games and levels to accommodate both the new player and the more seasoned veteran. There are thousands of players logged on 24 hours a day, check them out today at www.pacificpoker.com
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World Series of Poker Satellites Launches
Two years ago Chris Moneymaker made history when he turned a $39 investment into a $2.5 million World Series of Poker victory. The following year Greg Raymer spent $160 online to win $5 million. Beginning in June the 2005 World Series of Poker will be offering the largest payouts yet and the same online poker rooms making regular people millionaires are starting to offer seats. The recently launched www.WorldSeriesOnline.com reviews the top online poker sites offering satellites to the World Series of Poker main event.
With an estimated 8,000 entrants and $80 million prize pool this years tournament has casual poker players worldwide asking how to get a piece of the action. www.WorldSeriesOnline.com is the answer. Visitors are quickly shown where to find the most seats with the least competition. History has proven even a small investment can lead to millions of dollars. Tournament qualifiers with entry fees as cheap as $1 are discussed as well as the satellites that made Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer millionaires overnight. Hundreds of people will be sent to the World Series of Poker from online tournaments and www.WorldSeriesOnline.com finally offers surfers a site to learn where they can find a seat with their name on it.
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With an estimated 8,000 entrants and $80 million prize pool this years tournament has casual poker players worldwide asking how to get a piece of the action. www.WorldSeriesOnline.com is the answer. Visitors are quickly shown where to find the most seats with the least competition. History has proven even a small investment can lead to millions of dollars. Tournament qualifiers with entry fees as cheap as $1 are discussed as well as the satellites that made Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer millionaires overnight. Hundreds of people will be sent to the World Series of Poker from online tournaments and www.WorldSeriesOnline.com finally offers surfers a site to learn where they can find a seat with their name on it.
more info...
Asia For Online Poker
Paradise Poker, the US-focused firm bought for GBP 169m by Britain's Sportingbet last autumn, had turnover of $37.2m (GBP 19.7m) in the seven months to July 2004, and profits of $21.3m. And, in recent months, Paradise's aggregate monthly rake and tournament fee revenue has risen to over $7m and it is reported to have over 721,000 registered customers and over 97,000 active players.
PartyGaming, the sector leader with a share estimated at 50% of the overall market for its Partypoker offshoot, is believed to have made profits before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of more than $350m in 2004. If it floats on the London Stock Exchange, as it is considering, it would be likely to command a market value of more than GBP 2bn and be a candidate for inclusion in the FTSE 100 index.
And Online gaming revenues in the Asia-Pacific region will reach $1.84 billion by 2008, according to a recent report from IDC. Overall, online gaming subscription revenues in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Japan) are projected to more than double by 2008 to $1.84 billion from $760 million in 2003.
Mitch White, CEO of CYOP, stated, "recent reports have Chinese Internet users spending an average of 12.3 hours per week online with gaming and entertainment being the second most popular online activity. Combined with reports that China expects it will have a total of 120 million Internet users by the end of 2005; a 28% increase from the 94 million users in 2004. If the numbers bear out, China will have the second largest number of Internet users, after the US. And given the propensity for online games, Poker is a perfect fit."
About CYOP
CYOP is a developer and provider of online skill-games and services for the online entertainment and gaming industries. CrediPlay, CYOP's licensed application, is an online transaction platform that is based on charging a fee for each game of skill played over the Internet. CYOP's central games portal, www.skillarcade.com, features virtual games where people play popular skill games against other players and compete in tournaments to win real money prizes.
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PartyGaming, the sector leader with a share estimated at 50% of the overall market for its Partypoker offshoot, is believed to have made profits before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of more than $350m in 2004. If it floats on the London Stock Exchange, as it is considering, it would be likely to command a market value of more than GBP 2bn and be a candidate for inclusion in the FTSE 100 index.
And Online gaming revenues in the Asia-Pacific region will reach $1.84 billion by 2008, according to a recent report from IDC. Overall, online gaming subscription revenues in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Japan) are projected to more than double by 2008 to $1.84 billion from $760 million in 2003.
Mitch White, CEO of CYOP, stated, "recent reports have Chinese Internet users spending an average of 12.3 hours per week online with gaming and entertainment being the second most popular online activity. Combined with reports that China expects it will have a total of 120 million Internet users by the end of 2005; a 28% increase from the 94 million users in 2004. If the numbers bear out, China will have the second largest number of Internet users, after the US. And given the propensity for online games, Poker is a perfect fit."
About CYOP
CYOP is a developer and provider of online skill-games and services for the online entertainment and gaming industries. CrediPlay, CYOP's licensed application, is an online transaction platform that is based on charging a fee for each game of skill played over the Internet. CYOP's central games portal, www.skillarcade.com, features virtual games where people play popular skill games against other players and compete in tournaments to win real money prizes.
read full article
The Poker Mania!
"You're basically renting a seat at the table" when you play poker at a casino, says Lawrence Klatzkin, an analyst at Jefferies & Co., who credits the recent poker craze as a big inducement for new and repeat casino players. His research shows that in 1999, 21% of American adults had visited a casino in the previous year, a total that increased to 26% by 2004. "Poker has definitely been a big factor in that," he says. "Having it on TV and on the Internet has made gaming more socially accepted, and that means it's seen as less of a sin."
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Poker Bill Killed
One of the main factors influencing the senate's ruling is pressure from the U.S. Justice department, which claimed that internet gambling was illegal according to federal laws. According to the DOJ, internet poker is included in the category of illegal online gambling. Due to the DOJ's approach and the legal battle that could have resulted from legalizing internet poker, North Dakota's Attorney General and Governor both refused to enforce the resolution.
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Gary Thompson Director of World Series of Poker Tournament
Thompson previously served as Director of External Communications, a position he had held since 2000.
Harrah's purchased the World Series of Poker, the legendary high-stakes tournament that annually attracts thousands of poker enthusiasts from around the globe to Las Vegas, in January 2004. In its first year under Harrah's ownership, the World Series of Poker set both participation and prize money records.
Thompson, a student of poker who played in preliminary World Series of Poker rounds prior to Harrah's acquisition of the tournament, will oversee new product development, tournament expansion and enhancement of the World Series of Poker's popularity and profitability.
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Harrah's purchased the World Series of Poker, the legendary high-stakes tournament that annually attracts thousands of poker enthusiasts from around the globe to Las Vegas, in January 2004. In its first year under Harrah's ownership, the World Series of Poker set both participation and prize money records.
Thompson, a student of poker who played in preliminary World Series of Poker rounds prior to Harrah's acquisition of the tournament, will oversee new product development, tournament expansion and enhancement of the World Series of Poker's popularity and profitability.
read more
Five Arrested In Poker Game
The arrests, unveiled Tuesday by authorities, took place March 17 at Brad's Bar in Chalmette. The five were arrested on misdemeaanor charges of conspiring to commit illegal gambling and released on bond.
Last fall, officials of the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control warned establishments with liquor licenses that it would be considered illegal to have "Texas Hold 'em" tournaments because of indirect profits the bars make during the games through increased beverage sales.
Bar owners have contended the game is legal as long as bar owners or tournament organizers do not take a cut of the pots.
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Last fall, officials of the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control warned establishments with liquor licenses that it would be considered illegal to have "Texas Hold 'em" tournaments because of indirect profits the bars make during the games through increased beverage sales.
Bar owners have contended the game is legal as long as bar owners or tournament organizers do not take a cut of the pots.
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TV POKER: Celebrity Poker Showdown
High profile programs are now regularly aired on ESPN (The World Series of Poker), Bravo (Celebrity Poker Showdown), the Travel Channel (The World Poker Tour), and Fox Sports. The major broadcast networks have also started picking up on the trend. For instance, this year NBC produced its own poker event -- the National Heads-Up Poker Championship -- to counterprogram against the Super Bowl pre-game shows on Fox. ESPN even has its own drama, Tilt, fictionalizing the world of high-stakes poker in Vegas. Poker is, suddenly, serious business.
If we want to get all deconstructionist about it, the reasons for this surge in popularity are pretty straightforward. Televised poker effectively combines aspects of three TV staples: the sporting event, the game show, and the "reality" program. You get to watch real people (and sometimes celebrities) play a game in which the winner is richly rewarded with cash and prizes. It helps, too, that poker is actually one of the great games.
Read full articleBSkyB Gamble on Poker
"The main problem with what's out there at the moment is that its very samey, not made for the UK market and there's not enough live programming," said Nieboer. "We think we can do as well, if not better than the World Poker Tour. Live is the next big thing to happen in poker."
Nieboer said that all The Poker Channel's content would be exclusive to the UK and the company was "keen to form partnerships with production companies" beyond those already commissioned.
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Nieboer said that all The Poker Channel's content would be exclusive to the UK and the company was "keen to form partnerships with production companies" beyond those already commissioned.
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Tuesday, March 22, 2005
TV Poker Host Promotes Texas Hold'em At Capitol
The measure would add Texas Hold'em to a list of "social skill games" for which tournaments are legal in Minnesota if prizes do not exceed $200. Currently covered by the law are bridge, cribbage, euchre, 500, gin, pinochle, sheepshead, skat, smear and whist.
Kleis contends that Texas Hold'em, enjoying immense new popularity thanks mainly to TV shows such as Gordon's, already is legal in Minnesota, just like darts, softball or Trivial Pursuit tournaments often promoted by bars.
Kleis contends that Texas Hold'em, enjoying immense new popularity thanks mainly to TV shows such as Gordon's, already is legal in Minnesota, just like darts, softball or Trivial Pursuit tournaments often promoted by bars.
Poker Defeated
South Dakota's Legislature has approved allowing telephone and electronic mail wagering on horse or dog races, as long as interstate betting is done using South Dakota bank accounts.
Lawmakers in Illinois and Georgia are considering bills to allow Internet lottery ticket sales. In Georgia, the measure is awaiting a Senate vote after winning easy House approval. The Illinois bill is still awaiting its first vote, in the Senate.
Nevada and the U.S. Virgin Islands have previously approved measures that would authorize licensing of Internet casinos, but the Justice Department's stance has stalled potential regulation in those jurisdictions.
North Dakota state Sen. Bill Bowman, R-Bowman, referred to recent federal felony convictions for Susan Bala, owner of Racing Services Inc., and the company itself for running an illegal Fargo gambling site to take off-track bets on horse races.
The company has been ordered to pay $99 million in restitution, with Bala responsible for $19.7 million of that sum.
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Lawmakers in Illinois and Georgia are considering bills to allow Internet lottery ticket sales. In Georgia, the measure is awaiting a Senate vote after winning easy House approval. The Illinois bill is still awaiting its first vote, in the Senate.
Nevada and the U.S. Virgin Islands have previously approved measures that would authorize licensing of Internet casinos, but the Justice Department's stance has stalled potential regulation in those jurisdictions.
North Dakota state Sen. Bill Bowman, R-Bowman, referred to recent federal felony convictions for Susan Bala, owner of Racing Services Inc., and the company itself for running an illegal Fargo gambling site to take off-track bets on horse races.
The company has been ordered to pay $99 million in restitution, with Bala responsible for $19.7 million of that sum.
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Boston vs. New York Poker
We wanted three P's: poker-playing ability, passion for sports, and personality," said Bill Borson, NESN's vice president of programming and production. "They picked me for local color," said Jerry Maffeo, a well-known Boston nightclub figure from the North End. He's worked most of the big clubs, from Jason's to Sonny's to the Sugar Shack in "the old days," to Il Panino and, most recently, Umbria.
Unfortunately, Maffeo's aggressive "all-in" style quickly wiped out a teammate, Nicky Dileo, and then himself, leaving only Robin Galloway up against New York's trio of Adam Schoenfeld, Mariealena Calabrese, and Alfonso Silvestri in the opening game. The quality of play wouldn't have impressed a connoisseur.
I'm hoping Freddy Kaplan of Sharon, a 34-year-old commodity trader, can help fire a Boston comeback Sunday. The Hub's other players, John D'Agostino and Leo Alvarez, also are yet to begin play.
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Unfortunately, Maffeo's aggressive "all-in" style quickly wiped out a teammate, Nicky Dileo, and then himself, leaving only Robin Galloway up against New York's trio of Adam Schoenfeld, Mariealena Calabrese, and Alfonso Silvestri in the opening game. The quality of play wouldn't have impressed a connoisseur.
I'm hoping Freddy Kaplan of Sharon, a 34-year-old commodity trader, can help fire a Boston comeback Sunday. The Hub's other players, John D'Agostino and Leo Alvarez, also are yet to begin play.
read more
Professor of Poker
Professor of Poker will be a tournament-style Texas Hold'em game for the cell phone with several unique capabilities. The game will feature a tutorial component to educate and improve poker skills, plus visually compelling graphics for a realistic poker experience. The game will also feature tournament-style play where players must go head-to-head against five famous poker professionals before getting the chance to challenge Howard Lederer himself. Top players like Chris Ferguson, Annie Duke, Phil Gordon, Greg Raymer and Matt Savage will be the other personalities included the game. Tips will be provided after each hand making the game a true teaching tool. Professor of Poker will be developed for the BREW® solution as well as the J2ME platform. The game will be made available on leading wireless carriers in the U.S. in the middle of 2005.
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Beauty signs Poker - DVD deal
Getting a star like Annie, whose beauty and skill is helping to take poker to a new level, is a real coup for Masters of Poker,” says Big Vision CEO Houston Curtis. “My partner, Jon Moonves, and I are pleased to add Annie to our best-selling series of poker DVDs which already includes 9-time World Champion, Phil Hellmuth.” Andy Bellin, author of the best-selling Poker Nation, serves as co-executive consultant on this project.
Annie Duke, whose appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman remains the only visit to that program by a female poker player, is widely hailed as being one of the best and most beautiful poker players in the world.
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Annie Duke, whose appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman remains the only visit to that program by a female poker player, is widely hailed as being one of the best and most beautiful poker players in the world.
more info...
Illini, NC State, The Madness Continues
The first 2 rounds of March Madness have proven to any poker player that skill does matter whether on the court or at the table. For the avid college basketball fan or online poker player the NCAA college finals have been a wild ride in 2005.
Upsets are the name of the game, a David and Goliath scenario. Ever been there? Try it, and you’ll love it if you win. If you decide to venture to Vegas this year for the WSOP 2005 you’ll come across many of these same type scenarios. Well as for the college basketball finals 2005, the pack leaders have emerged and so have some of the best cinderella teams the nation has ever known.
West Virginia, tied for seventh in the Big East this season, will play in the Sweet 16, while the league's top three teams -- Boston College, Connecticut and Syracuse -- will not.The Big 12's regular season co-champions, Kansas and Oklahoma, have been sent home for the summer, while its fourth-place team, Texas Tech, is favored to reach the Great Eight.
Wake Forest, which went 13-3 in the ACC, has bowed out. N.C. State, is this maddening?The overrated Big Ten has as many teams in the Sweet 16 (three) as the ACC. The supposedly underrated SEC has as many as the Horizon League (one).
And all this boils down to skill. The Illini and NC State looking better all the time? Well at the rate of so many upsets this just might not be; however if your enjoying all the smack last minute super power endings as forcing someone else’s bad beat on the river then you my poker playing friend are having the time of your life.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Flush With Poker
With Rising Popularity of Free Texas Hold 'Em, Bars Find the House Always Wins
In Texas Hold 'Em, each player is dealt two cards facedown. Then five shared cards are dealt faceup in between rounds of betting. The player with the best five-card poker hand -- or the last one left in the game -- wins. Industry officials say the format's heavy emphasis on strategic betting, luck and bluffing has moved it out of backrooms and kitchen tables and into the national consciousness.
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WP Exchange Boasts Matt Savage and Exclusive as Part of London Poker Open Tournament
The World Poker Exchange is elevating poker tournaments to an entirely new level with this summer's highly anticipated event. Every element of the London Open will convey the organization's distinctive approach from the setting at the Old Billingsgate Market -- a nineteenth century landmark building in a prime position on the River Thames with views across to Tower Bridge, London Bridge and the South Bank -- to the celebrity mix and memorable atmosphere. Designed to be the first lifestyle poker tournament of its kind, The London Open incorporates exclusive outings each night of the tournament and will feature a $2 million prize pool. Among the evening excursions are a Kensington Palace private tour, backstage passes for The Producers, a champagne reception in the Millennium Wheel, a private tour of Saatchi gallery, and a Savile Row custom tailor tour.
full article...
full article...
911 Introduces Poker and European Sports Coverage
Recent stats show Sports911.com readership is prevalent in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria, Denmark and Sweden. Australia, Mexico and Japan also represent a decent percentage of Sports911 readers.
‘Over this next quarter we will crank up our online poker and European gaming coverage another notch,’ explained Costigan, ‘On average we anticipate devoting at least 25% of our daily news coverage to internet poker and European gaming whereas Sports911 in the past focused almost entirely on the North American sports betting arena.’
Poker Resolution Sparks Ambivalence
Some members of the Judiciary Committee were influenced by a warning that was sent to Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem by the Department of Justice, asserting online gambling's illegality. Some fear that if North Dakota legalizes internet poker, then it will open itself up to a firing squad of lawsuits. Others remain unperturbed by the DOJ's warnings, claiming that the illegality of online gambling is limited to sports betting.
The Appropriations Committee, which helps compose the state budget, is also considering the bill, under the justification that the online poker bill is likely to affect state spending. It is expected to offer its recommendation to either approve or defeat the bill.
In June 2006, the Senate is to consider a second bill necessary to pave way for online poker in South Dakota. The second bill would provide for a referendum among the state's residents to decide whether or not to amend the constitution to allow internet poker.
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The Appropriations Committee, which helps compose the state budget, is also considering the bill, under the justification that the online poker bill is likely to affect state spending. It is expected to offer its recommendation to either approve or defeat the bill.
In June 2006, the Senate is to consider a second bill necessary to pave way for online poker in South Dakota. The second bill would provide for a referendum among the state's residents to decide whether or not to amend the constitution to allow internet poker.
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Video Poker
Currently, the use of video poker gambling is illegal in Indiana, but only one prosecutor that we're aware of — Tom Wilson of Steuben County — enforces the law. We are aware of one other prosecutor in the state who has established guidelines for the games, allowing their use up to a certain threshold.
As Sen. Robert Meeks, R-LaGrange, has pointed out for years, the use of the machines is widespread and the law is not enforced. But the bottom line is, without regulatory control, there are millions of dollars in potential tax revenue that is not collected. Meeks has favored legalizing the machines because they are already in place and the state could use the money.
“I’m looking for revenue,” Meeks said in an Associated Press story. “Under every rock.”
With state control, Meeks says, there would be regulation on payouts and who can play the games. As it is, Meeks said, children have been found playing the games.
We would like to see some consistency. The way it is, prosecutors have thumbed their collective noses at state law. A prime example is Steuben County. If one were to go looking for a video poker machine to play in the town of Orland, it would be difficult. However, drive about a half mile west, to Wall Lake in LaGrange County and you will be in luck. That’s because the law is enforced in Steuben and not in LaGrange.
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As Sen. Robert Meeks, R-LaGrange, has pointed out for years, the use of the machines is widespread and the law is not enforced. But the bottom line is, without regulatory control, there are millions of dollars in potential tax revenue that is not collected. Meeks has favored legalizing the machines because they are already in place and the state could use the money.
“I’m looking for revenue,” Meeks said in an Associated Press story. “Under every rock.”
With state control, Meeks says, there would be regulation on payouts and who can play the games. As it is, Meeks said, children have been found playing the games.
We would like to see some consistency. The way it is, prosecutors have thumbed their collective noses at state law. A prime example is Steuben County. If one were to go looking for a video poker machine to play in the town of Orland, it would be difficult. However, drive about a half mile west, to Wall Lake in LaGrange County and you will be in luck. That’s because the law is enforced in Steuben and not in LaGrange.
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Charities - Poker prowess
"Thanks goodness I'm a race car driver, because clearly I still have a lot to learn about poker," joked Castroneves, who won $4,000 for his charity the Brazilian Mission. "I played against some great competition and it was for a wonderful cause. I was just happy to be a part of it. I think I'm going to start practicing so that the next time I get to participate in something like this, I'll be much more competitive."
Hornish finished third at his table, which qualified him for the Wild Card Table. Hornish went on to finish third in the Wild Card round as well, which ended his night. He won $4,000 to his charity of choice, the Shriner's Hospitals for Children.
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Hornish finished third at his table, which qualified him for the Wild Card Table. Hornish went on to finish third in the Wild Card round as well, which ended his night. He won $4,000 to his charity of choice, the Shriner's Hospitals for Children.
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E-Book: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker
“Whether you’re a newbie to the game and want to learn all the secrets of the pros, or you’re already an experienced player, there’s something in this book for you,” Barnard says. “Want to learn how to read your opponents? Or strategies for playing the Flop, the Turn or the River? This book gives you not only the basics of Texas Hold ‘Em play, but the knowledge to hold your own with the big boys. As best of all, it’s free.”
“We’ve collected an incredible amount of the most in-depth information about Texas Hold ‘Em Poker anywhere on the Internet. This is simply the best resource around for Texas Hold ‘Em Poker information.” Barnard stated. “Simply visit our website (www.TexasHoldEmPokerSecrets.com) and download this exciting and informative e-book absolutely free of charge. No tricks, no gimmicks.”
Digital Storm Group, which is located in Oakdale, Minnesota, is committed to providing superior information products in a wide variety of fields to our customer base. To view our remarkable collection of information on everything Texas Hold ‘Em Poker-related, please visit us at www.TexasHoldEmPokerSecrets.com, and you, too, can learn when to hold ‘em, and when to fold ‘em.
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“We’ve collected an incredible amount of the most in-depth information about Texas Hold ‘Em Poker anywhere on the Internet. This is simply the best resource around for Texas Hold ‘Em Poker information.” Barnard stated. “Simply visit our website (www.TexasHoldEmPokerSecrets.com) and download this exciting and informative e-book absolutely free of charge. No tricks, no gimmicks.”
Digital Storm Group, which is located in Oakdale, Minnesota, is committed to providing superior information products in a wide variety of fields to our customer base. To view our remarkable collection of information on everything Texas Hold ‘Em Poker-related, please visit us at www.TexasHoldEmPokerSecrets.com, and you, too, can learn when to hold ‘em, and when to fold ‘em.
Read full article
CanadianPoker.com
The March 21 update at www.CanadianPoker.com is now available.
This week includes Dave's Poker Log, Devin Armstrong's Hold'em Quiz Part II, and details on the first ParadisePoker.com Team Canuck Poker tournament.
If you do not want me to notify you of updates to www.CanadianPoker.com let me know and I will take you off the list.
Regards,
Dave Scharf
Visit Team Canuck Poker at www.CanadianPoker.com
This week includes Dave's Poker Log, Devin Armstrong's Hold'em Quiz Part II, and details on the first ParadisePoker.com Team Canuck Poker tournament.
If you do not want me to notify you of updates to www.CanadianPoker.com let me know and I will take you off the list.
Regards,
Dave Scharf
Visit Team Canuck Poker at www.CanadianPoker.com
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Poker Game Legal?
Last weekend, 21 players, 10 of them from Missouri, were arrested at a Hold'em tournament at the Prairies Golf Course in Cahokia.
Poker's explosion in popularity has players, and sometimes authorities, confused about its legal implications.
A whole new crowd is playing the game, often without realizing they are breaking the law. And the law varies greatly from Missouri to Illinois, where different rules govern games played for charity in church basements and amateur tournaments in taverns.
While it's not likely that authorities will barge in on a friendly game at a private residence, the laws apply there, too.
Texas Hold'em is a version of poker in which each player is dealt two cards down and five common cards are dealt up between betting rounds. Players can risk all their chips on a single turn of the card.
The game is not considered gambling the way it's played at the Action Cafe, on North Lindbergh Boulevard, so it's all perfectly legal.
Poker Pot Of Gold
Bhargava, 32, has a 15 per cent stake worth an estimated £450 million, in the company, called PartyGaming.
His friend, Dikshit, 33, has a 40 per cent stake, which city analysts value at £1.25 billion.
Newspapers have called the couple “gambling tycoons of the Internet age”. It is certainly true that online poker has taken off in a big way, especially in America.
Bhargava, PartyGaming’s marketing director, was born in Jaipur, educated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta. Having worked as a credit officer for the Bank of America, he teamed up with Dikshit to set up their online poker company four years ago.
They employ 1,000 persons at a call centre in Hyderabad in a business which has gone through the stratosphere.
Last year, PartyGaming made profits of $350 million, which are expected to rise to between $500 million and $600 million this year. Investment bankers Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and Investec have been called in to advise on the suitability of a flotation.
With a notional value of $6 billion, the company will be among the Financial Times Stock Exchange Index (FTSE) top 100 companies on the London Stock Exchange.
read full article
His friend, Dikshit, 33, has a 40 per cent stake, which city analysts value at £1.25 billion.
Newspapers have called the couple “gambling tycoons of the Internet age”. It is certainly true that online poker has taken off in a big way, especially in America.
Bhargava, PartyGaming’s marketing director, was born in Jaipur, educated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta. Having worked as a credit officer for the Bank of America, he teamed up with Dikshit to set up their online poker company four years ago.
They employ 1,000 persons at a call centre in Hyderabad in a business which has gone through the stratosphere.
Last year, PartyGaming made profits of $350 million, which are expected to rise to between $500 million and $600 million this year. Investment bankers Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and Investec have been called in to advise on the suitability of a flotation.
With a notional value of $6 billion, the company will be among the Financial Times Stock Exchange Index (FTSE) top 100 companies on the London Stock Exchange.
read full article
Friday, March 18, 2005
Nintendo DS Lineup to Include, 'Texas Hold 'Em Poker'
"The enthusiasm and demand for a wide variety of interactive experiences is there and our DS lineup is ideally positioned to address this growing audience," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing for Majesco. "Texas Hold 'Em and Quad Frenzy hail from categories with a ravenous fan base and we are pleased to provide them with portable versions of their favorite leisure pursuits."
Following its successful launch on Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Majesco's Texas Hold 'Em Poker is bringing its high-intensity card action to Nintendo DS. Players compete in a limit or no limit Quick Game mode versus 10 computer players or in the Tournament Mode against up to five friends via Wi-Fi multiplayer support.
Portable "big air" is what's in store with ATV: Quad Frenzy which features Wi-Fi multiplayer, high-speed racing, and 40 different tracks. The DS touch screen also provides on-the-fly vehicle upgrading as players face a growing challenge that requires increased skills and advanced equipment.
More information about Majesco's entire product line can be found online at: www.majescogames.com.
read full article
Following its successful launch on Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Majesco's Texas Hold 'Em Poker is bringing its high-intensity card action to Nintendo DS. Players compete in a limit or no limit Quick Game mode versus 10 computer players or in the Tournament Mode against up to five friends via Wi-Fi multiplayer support.
Portable "big air" is what's in store with ATV: Quad Frenzy which features Wi-Fi multiplayer, high-speed racing, and 40 different tracks. The DS touch screen also provides on-the-fly vehicle upgrading as players face a growing challenge that requires increased skills and advanced equipment.
More information about Majesco's entire product line can be found online at: www.majescogames.com.
read full article
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Jennifer Tilly - All In Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament
Jennifer Tilly waits for a hand of cards during the "All In Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament," Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.
Bombshell Girls, Professional Poker Players
The Bombshell Girls, professional poker players, pose as they arrive at the Gen Arts fashion show in Los Angeles March 14, 2005. The avant-garde fashion show helps to launch innovative Los Angeles-Pacific Rim fashion designers. REUTERS/Fred Prouser
The Lady Ace
lives and breathes in her Bombshell-ness. Lady Ace has been known to be rather obsessive in her obsessions and being a Bombshell! Girl is no exception.
Lady Ace has a team of assistants dressed in fishnets and garters (and sometimes less) working hard for the machine that is Bombshell! There is just so much to do- press, publicity, designing, creating, networking -it is very difficult for her hard-working cuties to get everything together to meet the demands placed upon the Bombshell! Empire. Lady Ace is no tyrant (says she) but does expect the utmost from Bombshell! and its supporters.
While Lady Ace may seem like she is all work and no play, she is definitely not a dull girl! In her rare moments of relaxation she likes to meditate near large bodies of water, climb mountains and jump out of airplanes. She loves to bake cupcakes for her very good friends. She enjoys laughing her head off and dancing in the sun.
Lady Ace would like to encourage everyone who is a fan of hers and/or the Bombshell! Girls to enjoy our shows, dance, dress up & be merry!
John Bryant Wanted The Chance To Finish His Career On The Basketball Court
``It just feels great to come back,'' Bryant said. ``Just like anybody with an injury, the first game back is special.''
Bryant made an instant impact, passing out his defensive rebound to Dwayne Lee at the top of the key for a jumper on Saint Joe's very first possession. Bryant was scoreless, but had three assists and grabbed five rebounds in 23 minutes.
The difference in the game was the Hawks' experience down the stretch against the Pride. Pat Carroll scored 16 points, Dwayne Jones added 12 points and 15 rebounds, and Lee had 14 points for the Hawks (20-11).
Bryant decided to play after practicing Tuesday. He was cleared by team doctors and talked over the decision with his parents. Bryant was told there was a slim chance he would be reinjured.
read full article
Man killed in poker game
The office is not releasing the name of the dead man because his family has not yet been notified. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel is not publishing the name of the 17-year-old suspect because he is a juvenile, and although he may face murder charges, officials have not yet decided whether he will be charged as an adult. The other robber was at large Wednesday.
Joanne Dixon, who lives in the house where the shooting took place, said she and several friends were wrapping up a small-stakes game of poker. The two robbers came in and tried to join the game, she said.
Joanne Dixon, who lives in the house where the shooting took place, said she and several friends were wrapping up a small-stakes game of poker. The two robbers came in and tried to join the game, she said.
Online Poker Bill Debated in North Dakota Senate
The four hours of testimony didn't culminate in a vote, but those who made the trip to Bismarck to lobby for HB 1509 came away feeling like the session went well.
The group's efforts had an immediate effect on the House of Representatives, which had already passed HB 1509 by the margin of 49-43. House Concurrent Resolution 3035, which creates a constitutional amendment to allow the citizens to decide whether Internet poker legal should be legal, cleared the House Tuesday by a vote of 50-44.
full article
TV Poker Expert Phil Gordon to Testify for Poker Reform Legislation
"Legalizing this game of skill and making the pleasures of the game easier for all to enjoy is a worthy pursuit," said Gordon, who competed in nationally rated bridge championship events before graduating from college. "Government need not protect us from social poker."
"Phil Gordon is one of the world's foremost experts on Texas Hold'em, as well as an emerging role model for how this game is played today," said Kleis. "His credibility and expertise lend a great deal to our argument for why it is important to make the legality of this game clear under Minnesota law."
Kleis' proposed legislation was prompted by an incident last summer when state law enforcement authorities raided a Texas Hold'em tournament held at a St. Cloud bowling alley, confiscating cards and chips and threatening the proprietor with criminal charges.
Read full article
"Phil Gordon is one of the world's foremost experts on Texas Hold'em, as well as an emerging role model for how this game is played today," said Kleis. "His credibility and expertise lend a great deal to our argument for why it is important to make the legality of this game clear under Minnesota law."
Kleis' proposed legislation was prompted by an incident last summer when state law enforcement authorities raided a Texas Hold'em tournament held at a St. Cloud bowling alley, confiscating cards and chips and threatening the proprietor with criminal charges.
Read full article
Poker Pro
... That’s not a big number when you think about it. It amounts to one player per table and relegates the rest of the field to the position of lifelong loser. Some lose a little and others lose a lot, but approximately nine out of 10 poker players lose money in the end. A similar kind of fluctuation affects winners, too. Some win plenty of money, while others are only marginally successful — and it’s those subsistence winners who are far more prone to bankroll destruction than those who have the skill needed to beat the game steadily.
There’s a big disconnect about this issue, and lots of poker players bury their heads in the sand rather than examine the facts at hand. If you took a poll of players in any cardroom and asked if they consider themselves below average, average, or above average, and inquired about whether they are long-term winning players, most of your subjects would report that they are better than average and are long-term winning players. They’re not necessarily lying to you, either; they actually believe it. However, the vast majority of any group can’t be above average, otherwise what’s “average” would actually be “below average,” and that just can’t be. Moreover, if only 10 percent of the poker-playing populace are long-term winners, there’s a lot of self-deception when the majority of players lump themselves into this elite 10 percent.
read more...Action-Packed Month of Poker
Mizrachi is tearing up the tournament circuit, as he won more than $1.8 million at Commerce Casino and also made the final table in the championship event of the World Poker Open. When playing, Michael can be spotted wearing a basketball jersey and a hat that reads: “The Grinder, I’m a Machine.” I didn’t play with him, but from what I have heard, he has no fear and is a monster at the table. We at Card Player were so impressed that we had to put him on the cover immediately.
Poker tournament to raise funds for fair association
Participants will donate $200 each; however, the winner will not walk away with a wad of cash. All money won will be spent at the Junior Non-Livestock and Livestock auctions during the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo in April, which benefits area youths.
"All we're trying to do is have another fund-raiser that goes back to the young people in our community," Davis said.
Read full Article
"All we're trying to do is have another fund-raiser that goes back to the young people in our community," Davis said.
Read full Article
Online poker player wins seat at European championship
All players start with $10,000 in chips, and every 90 minutes, the ante goes up. However, Clarke will be trying not to think about the money.
"Just always see it as chips, even in a live cash game, always see it as chips," he advises. "If you start thinking about the money, that's when things can go bad for you."
The local poker star says he won't make the mistake of being cocky: "The thing about poker is that if you think you know it all, you're gonna lose. It's a game you've constantly got to be learning. I mean, a year ago, I thought I was good, but now, today, I look at myself and I'm like, I can't believe I thought I was good a year ago."
Clarke says five other Canadians might be playing with him in the European championship; surprisingly, one other player is also from Winnipeg.
Read more here
"Just always see it as chips, even in a live cash game, always see it as chips," he advises. "If you start thinking about the money, that's when things can go bad for you."
The local poker star says he won't make the mistake of being cocky: "The thing about poker is that if you think you know it all, you're gonna lose. It's a game you've constantly got to be learning. I mean, a year ago, I thought I was good, but now, today, I look at myself and I'm like, I can't believe I thought I was good a year ago."
Clarke says five other Canadians might be playing with him in the European championship; surprisingly, one other player is also from Winnipeg.
Read more here
Online casino 888.com considers UK float
LONDON (Reuters) - Online casino 888.com is looking at joining the ranks of firms benefiting from a boom in Internet poker by listing this year with a valuation of about $1.6 billion (830 million pounds), the company's chief executive told Reuters.
Cassava Enterprises, the owner of 888.com and one of the world's biggest Internet gambling groups, has hired Credit Suisse First Boston to prepare the flotation, expected in the second half of this year.
"We have appointed CSFB to look at a whole range of options for us, one of which obviously is an IPO," John Anderson, chief executive of 888.com told Reuters on Wednesday.
"If that option was chosen it would be London. The logic for London I think is that the business is much more institutionally accepted in the UK than anywhere else and therefore the value should be higher," he added.
London is fast becoming the de facto listing centre for Internet gambling companies, partly because online gaming is strictly regulated in the United States but welcomed in Britain, even though most players are in the States.
Anderson said he was not surprised by the level of institutional investor, shareholder and client interest in online gambling businesses.
"This business is a very interesting one. Compared to normal businesses, I have no distribution costs, no production costs, no logistical problems, no storage costs, no stock costs. I get my cash up front. It is a pure cash business," he said.
"It is something people enjoy doing and will continue to do so. The growth in the poker has been absolutely stunning, it's a cool thing to do," Anderson added.
Rapid industry expansion, helped by better broadband access and the convenience of playing at home, has fuelled revenue growth at the companies hosting the sites.
"These are attractive growth stories. The online poker market is probably growing at over 100 percent a year," said Matthew Gerard, analyst at Investec Securities.
In January, the world's biggest online poker company, PartyGaming, said it was considering a listing that would value it at over 3 billion pounds, which would make it one of London's largest share listings for over three years.
The online gambling market is difficult to estimate, but is set to grow to over $10 billion a year.
A recent report by Edison Investment Research and Durlacher estimated online gambling revenue -- effectively the amount lost by gamblers -- exceeded $8 billion in 2004, up 37 percent from a year earlier.
But analysts estimate this represents under 3 percent of the world gambling market, and prospects were bright.
"Online gambling appeals to a wider audience than traditional gambling -- in particular to younger, more affluent computer literate customers and to women," the Edison report said. "Playing at home is not just convenient, it can also be much less intimidating than visiting a casino or a betting shop."
Poker is driving the growth. A report this month from Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein said sports betting represents 45 percent of total online gambling spending with other gaming representing 32 percent, but both could be overtaken by poker by 2008 or earlier.
Operators are also looking for the next big growth areas, however, with bingo and skill games and gambling on mobile phones and interactive television seen driving growth.
Companies exposed to the industry have boomed. Shares in Sportingbet have more than trebled in the last year to value the owner of the Paradise Poker site at 1 billion pounds.
Gaming VC has almost doubled in value since listing in December to give it a price tag of over 250 million pounds, while ukbetting has been rewarded for launching a new poker site.
Other beneficiaries have included CryptoLogic, a software developer for internet gaming whose shares have almost doubled in the last year, and online payment processing company, NETeller, whose market value has more than trebled to over 800 million pounds since listing in London last April.
Cassava Enterprises, the owner of 888.com and one of the world's biggest Internet gambling groups, has hired Credit Suisse First Boston to prepare the flotation, expected in the second half of this year.
"We have appointed CSFB to look at a whole range of options for us, one of which obviously is an IPO," John Anderson, chief executive of 888.com told Reuters on Wednesday.
"If that option was chosen it would be London. The logic for London I think is that the business is much more institutionally accepted in the UK than anywhere else and therefore the value should be higher," he added.
London is fast becoming the de facto listing centre for Internet gambling companies, partly because online gaming is strictly regulated in the United States but welcomed in Britain, even though most players are in the States.
Anderson said he was not surprised by the level of institutional investor, shareholder and client interest in online gambling businesses.
"This business is a very interesting one. Compared to normal businesses, I have no distribution costs, no production costs, no logistical problems, no storage costs, no stock costs. I get my cash up front. It is a pure cash business," he said.
"It is something people enjoy doing and will continue to do so. The growth in the poker has been absolutely stunning, it's a cool thing to do," Anderson added.
Rapid industry expansion, helped by better broadband access and the convenience of playing at home, has fuelled revenue growth at the companies hosting the sites.
"These are attractive growth stories. The online poker market is probably growing at over 100 percent a year," said Matthew Gerard, analyst at Investec Securities.
In January, the world's biggest online poker company, PartyGaming, said it was considering a listing that would value it at over 3 billion pounds, which would make it one of London's largest share listings for over three years.
The online gambling market is difficult to estimate, but is set to grow to over $10 billion a year.
A recent report by Edison Investment Research and Durlacher estimated online gambling revenue -- effectively the amount lost by gamblers -- exceeded $8 billion in 2004, up 37 percent from a year earlier.
But analysts estimate this represents under 3 percent of the world gambling market, and prospects were bright.
"Online gambling appeals to a wider audience than traditional gambling -- in particular to younger, more affluent computer literate customers and to women," the Edison report said. "Playing at home is not just convenient, it can also be much less intimidating than visiting a casino or a betting shop."
Poker is driving the growth. A report this month from Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein said sports betting represents 45 percent of total online gambling spending with other gaming representing 32 percent, but both could be overtaken by poker by 2008 or earlier.
Operators are also looking for the next big growth areas, however, with bingo and skill games and gambling on mobile phones and interactive television seen driving growth.
Companies exposed to the industry have boomed. Shares in Sportingbet have more than trebled in the last year to value the owner of the Paradise Poker site at 1 billion pounds.
Gaming VC has almost doubled in value since listing in December to give it a price tag of over 250 million pounds, while ukbetting has been rewarded for launching a new poker site.
Other beneficiaries have included CryptoLogic, a software developer for internet gaming whose shares have almost doubled in the last year, and online payment processing company, NETeller, whose market value has more than trebled to over 800 million pounds since listing in London last April.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Poker Pros Criticize ESPN's Tilt
"ESPN's track record with original dramas leaves what to be desired. The network's first effort, 'Playmakers,' did to the world of pro football what it has done to pro poker in 'Tilt.' After a good deal of griping on the part of NFL players and officials, the show got axed after its first season. The network figured that 'Playmakers' ' promising ratings weren't reason enough to risk jeopardizing its relationship with the NFL.
Although 'Tilt' was expected to generate controversy, many believed the chances that it would suffer a fate similar to that of 'Playmakers' was unlikely, since the world of poker was assumed to be less organized and united than that of professional football. Well, they may be wrong. Poker Updates, a monthly online streaming television program covering events and issues current to the world of poker, broadcast a segment which showed professional poker players' take on the show as less than favorable. Nine-time champion of the World Series of Poker, Doyle Brunson was quoted as calling the show a 'disgrace.' Will professional poker players merely suffer in silence, or will they take action against ESPN? Guess we'll just have to stay tuned.
Source: OPN Staff"
Read more...Poker News Online & Poker Magazine ~ Gambling News:
Although 'Tilt' was expected to generate controversy, many believed the chances that it would suffer a fate similar to that of 'Playmakers' was unlikely, since the world of poker was assumed to be less organized and united than that of professional football. Well, they may be wrong. Poker Updates, a monthly online streaming television program covering events and issues current to the world of poker, broadcast a segment which showed professional poker players' take on the show as less than favorable. Nine-time champion of the World Series of Poker, Doyle Brunson was quoted as calling the show a 'disgrace.' Will professional poker players merely suffer in silence, or will they take action against ESPN? Guess we'll just have to stay tuned.
Source: OPN Staff"
Read more...Poker News Online & Poker Magazine ~ Gambling News:
Howard Lederer Gets Ready Texas Hold'em Seminar
Howard Lederer isn't the only poker celebrity to take part in the workshop; an impressive lineup of poker pros will also making appearances. Participants will get the chance to meet poker professionals, including Chris Ferguson, Erik Seidel, Andy Bloch, Layne Flack, Robert Williamson, Paul Phillips, Phil Gordon as well as Lederer's own sister, Annie Duke.
The camp will take place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Casino, and the $3,495 registration fee covers lodging, all of the poker events, as well as entrance to a Penn and Teller show.
Source: OPN Staff"
Read more...Poker Newswire Blog:
The camp will take place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Casino, and the $3,495 registration fee covers lodging, all of the poker events, as well as entrance to a Penn and Teller show.
Source: OPN Staff"
Read more...Poker Newswire Blog:
Monday, March 14, 2005
Ante Up at Dear Old Princeton: Online Poker Is a Campus Draw
Mr. Sandberg, 22, of Alexandria, Va., mostly splits his time between Princeton University, where he is a senior and a politics major, and Atlantic City, where he plays high-stakes poker in his black hooded sweatshirt and dark aviator shades.
Since September, he says, he has won $120,000, including $30,000 in Atlantic City and $90,000 playing at PartyPoker.com, a popular online casino that says it is "licensed and regulated by the government of Gibraltar." Those claims are backed up by his financial records.Mr. Sandberg's is an extreme example of a gambling revolution on the nation's college campuses. Mr. Sandberg calls it an explosion, one spurred by televised poker championships and a proliferation of Web sites that offer online poker games.
Experts say the evidence of gambling's popularity on campus is hard to miss. In December, for example, a sorority at Columbia held its first, 80-player poker tournament with a $10 buy-in, a minimum amount required to play, while the University of North Carolina held its first tournament, a 175-player competition, in October. Both games filled up and had waiting lists. At the University of Pennsylvania, private games are advertised every night in a campus e-mail list."It's the TV programs that are driving it," said Elizabeth George, chief executive of the North American Training Institute, a nonprofit organization in Duluth, Minn., that specializes in the problems of pathological and underage gambling. "Young people particularly are drawn to it. There are superstars, then there's advertising, plus the Internet. So with all of those elements, put that into a bag and shake it up and what you have is a remarkably dangerous situation."
Last year, Elliott Dorsch of Tampa, Fla., another Princeton senior, made $11,000 in two hours playing online blackjack, only to lose most of it in 15 minutes, he said."I was playing very recklessly," he said. "I was definitely very drunk."
Vik Bellapravalu, a Princeton junior from Phoenix, who plays poker with friends on campus, said, "Whatever amount you can think of, it's probably been lost or won."Drastic gains and losses have always been a part of gambling, but access to poker games has never been as easy as the Internet makes it, and undergraduates and students of youth gambling say that interest has never been so high.
Members of both groups point to ESPN's frequent broadcasts of the World Series of Poker as a catalyst. The series has made heroes out of everyman champions like Chris Moneymaker, who started playing poker four years ago and won the $2.5 million grand prize in the 2003 series after entering for $40 through an online poker Web site.Mr. Sandberg, from his narrow, atticlike room on the top floor of a Princeton dormitory, can spend up to 10 hours a day playing the game he loves most - Texas Hold'em, a popular version of poker that is simple to learn but hard to master.
With his well-worn baseball cap and bristly, blond goatee, Mr. Sandberg doesn't look like a high roller, and his slapdash dorm room, bedecked with poker posters, bears no marks of a conspicuous consumer.Sitting on a folding chair in front of his laptop computer and looking almost bored, he plays three online games at once, each for many hundreds of dollars, while distractedly listening to classic rock and instant-messaging his friends. He speaks in poker parlance as if everyone understands it and can innately calculate the odds of drawing pocket aces (two, face down), while casually sizing up his online opponents and divining what cards they may hold.
Thanks to a boom in tournaments and prize money, poker has become a career option for Mr. Sandberg, he says. Though he is graduating in May, he has not applied to graduate school or for any jobs."I'm playing this game, treating it like a job," he said. He predicts that he could make up to half a million dollars a year, just playing on his computer every day. "Even with the bad runs," he said, "I haven't had a losing month or even too long of a losing session. I think I'm a pretty smart guy, and I'm only going to get better at cards."
Read more...21 Arrested At Charity Poker Tournament
(KSDK) - 21 people were arrested Saturday evening at a charity poker tournament.
Illinois State Police say an anonymous complaint of gambling at The Prairies Golf Course in Cahokia led them to the poker game.
All 21 were charged, and one of them, Matthew A. Mueller, 37, of Cahokia, was charged with "Keeping a House of Gambling."
Police seized $4,500, along with poker chips.
Illinois State Police say the raid was conducted in partnership with Cahokia police and liquor authorities.
KSDK
Illinois State Police say an anonymous complaint of gambling at The Prairies Golf Course in Cahokia led them to the poker game.
All 21 were charged, and one of them, Matthew A. Mueller, 37, of Cahokia, was charged with "Keeping a House of Gambling."
Police seized $4,500, along with poker chips.
Illinois State Police say the raid was conducted in partnership with Cahokia police and liquor authorities.
KSDK
Doyle Brunson, Other Poker Players Up in Arms About ESPN's New Poker Drama
In the latest episode of Poker Updates, the online streaming TV show about the game shown at www.PokerUpdates.com, poker legend Doyle Brunson speaks out about ESPN's new drama, "Tilt".
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 14, 2005 -- In the latest episode of Poker Updates, the online streaming TV show about the game shown at www.PokerUpdates.com, poker legend Doyle Brunson speaks out about ESPN's new drama, "Tilt".
ESPN's first dramatic series called "Playmakers" was about life in the NFL. The show portrayed a shady world of seedy dealings, murder and drugs. After strong critisism from players and NFL officials, Playmakers was canceled after just one season. Even though the show was pulling in the ratings, the network decided to cancel the it rather than ruin a strong relationship with the NFL.
Last January, ESPN debuted a new dramatic series called "Tilt" and are once again taking chances with realationships in the sports community. This time, it's the poker world.
The show portrays poker in a less than favorable light, showing in depth stories of cheating, collusion, and murder. One of the highest rated shows on ESPN last year was their coverage of the World Series of Poker and their latest drama has the poker community up in arms.
"I think that 'Tilt' is a disgrace. I can't believe that ESPN would air something like that", nine time World Series of Poker winner Doyle Brunson told a reporter from the show Poker Updates. Brunson went on to say, "I'm really disappointed in it. A lot of people think that what they see on TV is true and they portraty all poker players as cheaters and collusion[ists]."
The March episode of Poker Updates is available via streaming video. You can watch the entire show at http://www.PokerUpdates.com.
###
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 14, 2005 -- In the latest episode of Poker Updates, the online streaming TV show about the game shown at www.PokerUpdates.com, poker legend Doyle Brunson speaks out about ESPN's new drama, "Tilt".
ESPN's first dramatic series called "Playmakers" was about life in the NFL. The show portrayed a shady world of seedy dealings, murder and drugs. After strong critisism from players and NFL officials, Playmakers was canceled after just one season. Even though the show was pulling in the ratings, the network decided to cancel the it rather than ruin a strong relationship with the NFL.
Last January, ESPN debuted a new dramatic series called "Tilt" and are once again taking chances with realationships in the sports community. This time, it's the poker world.
The show portrays poker in a less than favorable light, showing in depth stories of cheating, collusion, and murder. One of the highest rated shows on ESPN last year was their coverage of the World Series of Poker and their latest drama has the poker community up in arms.
"I think that 'Tilt' is a disgrace. I can't believe that ESPN would air something like that", nine time World Series of Poker winner Doyle Brunson told a reporter from the show Poker Updates. Brunson went on to say, "I'm really disappointed in it. A lot of people think that what they see on TV is true and they portraty all poker players as cheaters and collusion[ists]."
The March episode of Poker Updates is available via streaming video. You can watch the entire show at http://www.PokerUpdates.com.
###
CryptoLogic - a winning hand in Online casinos and Poker
CryptoLogic, one of the leading online casino software providers, operating a wide range of superb online casinos on the web, released financial records for the previous year. According to the publicized high figures, the company’s popularity is warranted and online casinos using this software are blossoming with success.
In 2004, the percentage of proceeds yielded from international player gambling exceeded by far the previous years totaling to 60%, whereas in 2003 it reached 55% and in 2002 40%. The primary zone to which the company’s gazes are directed remains to be the UK and Continental Europe. The future seems to be brighter than ever for CryptoLogic and the upcoming year holds many promises for even greater surge in usage of this online casino software.
The financial success of CryptoLogic according to Lewis Rose, the President and CEO of the online software company may be addressed to its capacity to overpass two huge online markets of online casinos and poker. While the later one received a special attention in 2004 by enhanced tournaments and licensees fortifying the brand poker name, pushing the fees to climb up to 165%.
In 2004, the percentage of proceeds yielded from international player gambling exceeded by far the previous years totaling to 60%, whereas in 2003 it reached 55% and in 2002 40%. The primary zone to which the company’s gazes are directed remains to be the UK and Continental Europe. The future seems to be brighter than ever for CryptoLogic and the upcoming year holds many promises for even greater surge in usage of this online casino software.
The financial success of CryptoLogic according to Lewis Rose, the President and CEO of the online software company may be addressed to its capacity to overpass two huge online markets of online casinos and poker. While the later one received a special attention in 2004 by enhanced tournaments and licensees fortifying the brand poker name, pushing the fees to climb up to 165%.
Online Poker Googlebomb
Apparently, a new Googlebomb is currently being planted by Bloggers around the world: they are linking to Wikipedia’s Online Poker page using the link text online poker, thus boosting its ranking in Google for that phrase. Currently, the Wikipedia page is at number 3. (Pokerroom.com is first.)
The phrase “online poker” is known amongst blogger because of its high spam potential. Along with “mortgage”, “Viagra” and similar terms, “online poker” is often found in comment spam.
A poster at Threadwatch.org doesn’t like this approach of fighting fire with fire:
“I don’t understand why bloggers are doing this? Their stated goal is to stop comment spam. This stunt only addresses one keyword and not spam in general. (...) This stunt actually will increase blog spam volume for online poker in order for the spammers to compete with the wiki.”
Why is this phrase so valuable anyway? The Wikipedia page gives a clue:
“[Online poker] has been responsible for a dramatic increase in the number of poker players world wide, and as of December 2003, revenues from online poker were estimated at US$34 million per month.”
The phrase “online poker” is known amongst blogger because of its high spam potential. Along with “mortgage”, “Viagra” and similar terms, “online poker” is often found in comment spam.
A poster at Threadwatch.org doesn’t like this approach of fighting fire with fire:
“I don’t understand why bloggers are doing this? Their stated goal is to stop comment spam. This stunt only addresses one keyword and not spam in general. (...) This stunt actually will increase blog spam volume for online poker in order for the spammers to compete with the wiki.”
Why is this phrase so valuable anyway? The Wikipedia page gives a clue:
“[Online poker] has been responsible for a dramatic increase in the number of poker players world wide, and as of December 2003, revenues from online poker were estimated at US$34 million per month.”
Luck be a lady - Sigourney Main Street hosts second poker tourney
SIGOURNEY - On the surface, watching a card game on television sounds about as interesting as golf or tennis on TV. Some people will watch, but most will quickly change the channel.
But poker, specifically Texas Hold Em, thrives. ESPN airs the World Series of Poker. Poker shows up on the schedule 23 times between July and October.
Need another barometer for the game's popularity? Type "Texas Hold Em" into Google and you get about 5 million returns. Type poker into eBay and more than 19,000 items pop up.
That helps explain why the Sigourney Main Street Chamber held a poker tournament Saturday night. Most gambling in Iowa is illegal, but organizer Sue Martin said the chamber falls under an exemption for charitable organizations or non-profit groups. It's the same exemption used for church bingo.
"We can only do one of these gambling tournaments once a year," Martin said.
She said the chamber already had a two-year license for raffles. The cost for adding on a license for a poker tournament is nominal, Martin put it at $25, so they figured they might as well try it out.
The tournament had a 90 percent payout to the final table. Any money raised over that went into the fireworks fund. A similar tournament last fall had 25 people.
"If we get that, it would be nice," Martin said. "If we get more it would be nice."
Turnout appeared to be just under last fall's numbers. Of course, the tournament was rescheduled from January, when a snowstorm forced its cancellation. Most players came from the area. One came from Coralville. Martin said the chamber tries to advertise widely, knowing that serious poker players are willing to drive an hour or so to get to a tournament.
Steve Coleman was one of the people who had a shorter drive. He's a big man clad in overalls. Coleman has a big laugh and was relaxed before the tournament started.
He's from Packwood. "Suburban Sigourney," he laughs. Coleman is relatively new to poker tournaments, though not the game itself.
"I just started a couple months ago," he said. "I watched a lot on ESPN. I've been playing poker quite a while, so I thought I'd try one of these."
The first tournament wasn't too bad, Coleman said, though he didn't say where he came in. The most recent tournament was even better - he won that one.
"I got lucky," he said. "Got good cards at the right time."
Luck plays a part in Texas No Limit Hold Em, but strategy does, too. Each player gets two cards, dealt face down. Only the player knows what's on them.
Players make bets based on those two cards. It's not uncommon to see players fold right then and there, knowing they don't have enough to make a run at the pot.
Then comes the flop. That's when the dealer puts three cards face up in the middle of the table. Those cards go with the two the players already have. Players can fold or bet more, based on the strength of their hand.
If more than one player is still in after the flop, the dealer puts another card face up on the table. That's the turn. Again, players can fold or bet.
If two players are still around after the turn, the dealer plays the river. That's the final card placed face up. Players make the best possible five-card hand out of their two cards and the five community cards. The high hand wins.
Luck plays a role. But good players can bluff everyone else out of a round before they even get to the river. That, along with knowing how much to bet and when, is where strategy comes in. A player has to have both good luck and good strategy to win.
Coleman likes tournaments along the lines of Saturday's. The buy-in for the tournament was $25. That got a player $1,000 worth of chips.
"I think the attraction for this is you get in for a nominal amount and get to play with a lot more chips," Coleman said. "If you're playing with $3,000 of your own money, you'd play a little differently."
Coleman prefers these tournaments to the games that involve four or five friends on a Friday night. It's too easy to take things personally when someone wins, even when those games have a $1 limit.
"It made a lot of hard feelings," he said. The tournaments are a bit different. "It's still competitive. Everyone hates to lose."
Coleman was right at home among the tournament's players. It was a loud, gregarious bunch. There was a lot of talk back and forth; predictions of victory and, inevitably, humiliation were tossed around as people waited to get started.
The tournament finally started at about 7 p.m. It wasn't all that easy to get things settled down. Finally, a loud "Everybody, shut up!" broke through the babble.
It was a different setting once cards were dealt. The talk died away, leaving only the occasional quip for others at the table. The rattle of cards being shuffled and the clink of chips far outdid the sound of voices.
Two tables started. Coleman took the second hand at his table. He was out by the flop on the third hand, when everything lined up right for a big pot.
The flop drew a king and two queens. Coleman couldn't resist a low commentary.
"Oh my God, this is going to get expensive," he said quietly.
He was right. The hand saw the first $100 bets. A hand a few minutes later was even bigger. The dealer put out two kings and an ace.
This time two players stayed in right through the river. Each player had a good hand. But two pair, aces and kings, beat two pair, kings and 10s.
It was a big pot, but no one seemed too put out as the cards were dealt for the next hand. There was, after all, a lot more poker to go.
***
Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mwmilner@mchsi.com.
***
Texas Hold 'Em terminology
The blind - The first bets of each hand, made on the strength of players' first two cards.
The flop - The first three common cards, dealt face up on the table.
The turn - The fourth common card, also dealt face up.
The river - The final common card from the dealer.
The best five-card combination from the players' two cards and the common cards wins the hand.
But poker, specifically Texas Hold Em, thrives. ESPN airs the World Series of Poker. Poker shows up on the schedule 23 times between July and October.
Need another barometer for the game's popularity? Type "Texas Hold Em" into Google and you get about 5 million returns. Type poker into eBay and more than 19,000 items pop up.
That helps explain why the Sigourney Main Street Chamber held a poker tournament Saturday night. Most gambling in Iowa is illegal, but organizer Sue Martin said the chamber falls under an exemption for charitable organizations or non-profit groups. It's the same exemption used for church bingo.
"We can only do one of these gambling tournaments once a year," Martin said.
She said the chamber already had a two-year license for raffles. The cost for adding on a license for a poker tournament is nominal, Martin put it at $25, so they figured they might as well try it out.
The tournament had a 90 percent payout to the final table. Any money raised over that went into the fireworks fund. A similar tournament last fall had 25 people.
"If we get that, it would be nice," Martin said. "If we get more it would be nice."
Turnout appeared to be just under last fall's numbers. Of course, the tournament was rescheduled from January, when a snowstorm forced its cancellation. Most players came from the area. One came from Coralville. Martin said the chamber tries to advertise widely, knowing that serious poker players are willing to drive an hour or so to get to a tournament.
Steve Coleman was one of the people who had a shorter drive. He's a big man clad in overalls. Coleman has a big laugh and was relaxed before the tournament started.
He's from Packwood. "Suburban Sigourney," he laughs. Coleman is relatively new to poker tournaments, though not the game itself.
"I just started a couple months ago," he said. "I watched a lot on ESPN. I've been playing poker quite a while, so I thought I'd try one of these."
The first tournament wasn't too bad, Coleman said, though he didn't say where he came in. The most recent tournament was even better - he won that one.
"I got lucky," he said. "Got good cards at the right time."
Luck plays a part in Texas No Limit Hold Em, but strategy does, too. Each player gets two cards, dealt face down. Only the player knows what's on them.
Players make bets based on those two cards. It's not uncommon to see players fold right then and there, knowing they don't have enough to make a run at the pot.
Then comes the flop. That's when the dealer puts three cards face up in the middle of the table. Those cards go with the two the players already have. Players can fold or bet more, based on the strength of their hand.
If more than one player is still in after the flop, the dealer puts another card face up on the table. That's the turn. Again, players can fold or bet.
If two players are still around after the turn, the dealer plays the river. That's the final card placed face up. Players make the best possible five-card hand out of their two cards and the five community cards. The high hand wins.
Luck plays a role. But good players can bluff everyone else out of a round before they even get to the river. That, along with knowing how much to bet and when, is where strategy comes in. A player has to have both good luck and good strategy to win.
Coleman likes tournaments along the lines of Saturday's. The buy-in for the tournament was $25. That got a player $1,000 worth of chips.
"I think the attraction for this is you get in for a nominal amount and get to play with a lot more chips," Coleman said. "If you're playing with $3,000 of your own money, you'd play a little differently."
Coleman prefers these tournaments to the games that involve four or five friends on a Friday night. It's too easy to take things personally when someone wins, even when those games have a $1 limit.
"It made a lot of hard feelings," he said. The tournaments are a bit different. "It's still competitive. Everyone hates to lose."
Coleman was right at home among the tournament's players. It was a loud, gregarious bunch. There was a lot of talk back and forth; predictions of victory and, inevitably, humiliation were tossed around as people waited to get started.
The tournament finally started at about 7 p.m. It wasn't all that easy to get things settled down. Finally, a loud "Everybody, shut up!" broke through the babble.
It was a different setting once cards were dealt. The talk died away, leaving only the occasional quip for others at the table. The rattle of cards being shuffled and the clink of chips far outdid the sound of voices.
Two tables started. Coleman took the second hand at his table. He was out by the flop on the third hand, when everything lined up right for a big pot.
The flop drew a king and two queens. Coleman couldn't resist a low commentary.
"Oh my God, this is going to get expensive," he said quietly.
He was right. The hand saw the first $100 bets. A hand a few minutes later was even bigger. The dealer put out two kings and an ace.
This time two players stayed in right through the river. Each player had a good hand. But two pair, aces and kings, beat two pair, kings and 10s.
It was a big pot, but no one seemed too put out as the cards were dealt for the next hand. There was, after all, a lot more poker to go.
***
Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mwmilner@mchsi.com.
***
Texas Hold 'Em terminology
The blind - The first bets of each hand, made on the strength of players' first two cards.
The flop - The first three common cards, dealt face up on the table.
The turn - The fourth common card, also dealt face up.
The river - The final common card from the dealer.
The best five-card combination from the players' two cards and the common cards wins the hand.
'Poker 425' To Give Unique Programming To Late Night Poker Viewers
UK -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- William Hill TV, Channel 425(on the Sky platform), which is owned by the UK's leading fixed odds bookmaker, announced today the launch of a new style poker programme, 'Poker 425' for the burgeoning late night poker viewer with the first programme airing on Wednesday 23rd March.
'Poker 425' (You'll find it exactly where it say's on the tin!) is a weekly magazine style programme which moves away from the usual repeat broadcasts of old tournaments (some up to 5 years old) to bring the poker aficionado the most 'recent and relevant' news from the European Poker Tour. At the helm is a fresh 'poker' face in 5TV presenter Johny Gould and professional player Tony Kendall. 'Poker 425' (sponsored by williamhillpoker.com) aims to bring a fresh outlook to the game, featuring the most recent tournament action, results, analysis, interviews and tips from the top European professionals competing in the European Poker circuit.
Poker has been on the up and up over the last few years and a similar rise in popularity could be attributed to Channel 425 TV since it's launch in October 2004. Proving a smash hit in 'wooing' armchair punters, the inventive programming on Channel 425 TV has seen an influx of viewers establish the Channel as one of the betting industries biggest success stories in recent years and has positioned William Hill as the dominate betting brand in Europe.
David Hood, William Hill PR Director said; "We expect 'Poker 425' to attract a large slice of the late night poker viewership. An explosion in the number of players now participating in the game means Poker is the hottest gaming product on the internet. William Hill is bringing together the popularity of williamhillpoker.com (with players in over 150 countries) and Channel 425 TV to ensure some dynamic content for 'Poker 425'. It is a natural fit for Channel 425's late night viewers."
Whilst stimulating betting activity via Hills established Internet and telephone mediums, Channel 425 offers viewers an interactive function via the 'red button' with a host of RNG products available 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. Players can register to play roulette, virtual racing, spoof, roll-em and many other games whilst the daily programming on Channel 425 still revolves around Racing Live, a live 3½ hour show featuring up to 40 live greyhound races a night. The station starts live programming in mid afternoon with the recently acquired 'The Game' programme hosted by Patrick Kinghorn on TalkSport, which promotes evening football and sports betting opportunities.
'Poker 425 ' will be broadcast at 11pm each Wednesday night, and repeated at the same time nightly throughout the week.
'Poker 425' (You'll find it exactly where it say's on the tin!) is a weekly magazine style programme which moves away from the usual repeat broadcasts of old tournaments (some up to 5 years old) to bring the poker aficionado the most 'recent and relevant' news from the European Poker Tour. At the helm is a fresh 'poker' face in 5TV presenter Johny Gould and professional player Tony Kendall. 'Poker 425' (sponsored by williamhillpoker.com) aims to bring a fresh outlook to the game, featuring the most recent tournament action, results, analysis, interviews and tips from the top European professionals competing in the European Poker circuit.
Poker has been on the up and up over the last few years and a similar rise in popularity could be attributed to Channel 425 TV since it's launch in October 2004. Proving a smash hit in 'wooing' armchair punters, the inventive programming on Channel 425 TV has seen an influx of viewers establish the Channel as one of the betting industries biggest success stories in recent years and has positioned William Hill as the dominate betting brand in Europe.
David Hood, William Hill PR Director said; "We expect 'Poker 425' to attract a large slice of the late night poker viewership. An explosion in the number of players now participating in the game means Poker is the hottest gaming product on the internet. William Hill is bringing together the popularity of williamhillpoker.com (with players in over 150 countries) and Channel 425 TV to ensure some dynamic content for 'Poker 425'. It is a natural fit for Channel 425's late night viewers."
Whilst stimulating betting activity via Hills established Internet and telephone mediums, Channel 425 offers viewers an interactive function via the 'red button' with a host of RNG products available 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. Players can register to play roulette, virtual racing, spoof, roll-em and many other games whilst the daily programming on Channel 425 still revolves around Racing Live, a live 3½ hour show featuring up to 40 live greyhound races a night. The station starts live programming in mid afternoon with the recently acquired 'The Game' programme hosted by Patrick Kinghorn on TalkSport, which promotes evening football and sports betting opportunities.
'Poker 425 ' will be broadcast at 11pm each Wednesday night, and repeated at the same time nightly throughout the week.
Police scare charity off poker game
CBC News
SAINT JOHN — About 300 people hoping to play poker for charity were disappointed this weekend when questions were raised about the legality of the event.
The charity group United Commercial Travellers raised $2,500 with a poker event last fall, but police told the group they would have officers at the event to gather evidence this time around.
In the face of that threat, UCT cancelled the event. Paul Wentzell, chair of the UCT executive committee, says charities are looking for new kinds of events to raise money, and the poker games work well.
"It's a tremendous opportunity for charities and organizations," says Wentzell.
"It's the hot event right now and groups like UCT and the Lion's Club will tell you they are struggling to find that next good fundraising idea."
Wentzell wants the government to license charity poker tournaments.
Police say these types of activities are more common and that's why police are looking more closely at them.
Gaming events in New Brunswick are regulated by the department of finance. Spokesperson Vicky Deschenes says there's no time frame on licensing these activities in New Brunswick.
"The Texas Hold 'Em poker is a new trend in Canada, and the government is aware of this and is monitoring the situation," says Desschenes.
The only province that regulates poker gambling is Newfoundland.
SAINT JOHN — About 300 people hoping to play poker for charity were disappointed this weekend when questions were raised about the legality of the event.
The charity group United Commercial Travellers raised $2,500 with a poker event last fall, but police told the group they would have officers at the event to gather evidence this time around.
In the face of that threat, UCT cancelled the event. Paul Wentzell, chair of the UCT executive committee, says charities are looking for new kinds of events to raise money, and the poker games work well.
"It's a tremendous opportunity for charities and organizations," says Wentzell.
"It's the hot event right now and groups like UCT and the Lion's Club will tell you they are struggling to find that next good fundraising idea."
Wentzell wants the government to license charity poker tournaments.
Police say these types of activities are more common and that's why police are looking more closely at them.
Gaming events in New Brunswick are regulated by the department of finance. Spokesperson Vicky Deschenes says there's no time frame on licensing these activities in New Brunswick.
"The Texas Hold 'Em poker is a new trend in Canada, and the government is aware of this and is monitoring the situation," says Desschenes.
The only province that regulates poker gambling is Newfoundland.
S.J. poker player wins $1 million pot
By Brandon Bailey
Mercury News
There were cheers for Danny Nguyen at both of San Jose's card clubs this weekend, after the local poker dealer and hometown hero won the $1 million prize in the World Poker Tour's Shooting Star Tournament at the Bay 101 Casino.
``He's just very well-liked. It's nice to have a local guy win,'' explained Ron Castro, a shift manager at the Garden City Casino, where Nguyen has worked as a card dealer for several years.
More than 2,000 players and spectators filled the cavernous Bay 101 club with cheers when Nguyen won the final hand with a pair of threes shortly before 10 p.m. Friday, said Samuel Quinto, Bay 101 tournament director. The hand was good enough to beat Canadian Jay Martens in the final round of the five-day tournament, which drew Hollywood celebrities such as James Woods and Tobey Maguire, as well as poker stars like Greg ``Fossilman'' Raymer and Chris ``Jesus'' Ferguson.
Across town, when his victory was announced on the floor at Garden City, players and club employees gave another round of applause for the easygoing Nguyen, Castro said. They did it again when the day shift manager made a similar announcement Saturday.
``It's like hitting the lottery,'' Castro added. ``It opens a lot of doors for him.''
Nguyen was lying low on Saturday, taking calls from friends but begging off from talking with a reporter. His wife, who also works as a chip runner at Garden City, called in sick Saturday.
Friends say the couple have four children and have lived in the area for years. Nguyen worked at Bay 101 before he moved to Garden City, Quinto said. ``A lot of us know him on a personal level. We've worked with him and seen him play.''
Castro said Nguyen's victory was in keeping with his character. ``He's a good dealer but he'd rather play than deal. And he's not afraid to play high on a limited bankroll.''
After his victory Friday night, the normally low-key Nguyen was buying drinks for friends at the Bay 101 bar. Quinto said he indicated that he'll probably leave his job, at least temporarily, to play on the tournament circuit.
The Shooting Star tournament will be televised in June, and that could bring Nguyen more attention and even some endorsement offers, Quinto added.
Having a dealer from the area win was all the sweeter for fans, Castro said. Quinto agreed, before excusing himself to go back to work. Bay 101 was hosting another tournament for professional poker players Saturday. The winner was expected to earn a $225,000 purse.
Mercury News
There were cheers for Danny Nguyen at both of San Jose's card clubs this weekend, after the local poker dealer and hometown hero won the $1 million prize in the World Poker Tour's Shooting Star Tournament at the Bay 101 Casino.
``He's just very well-liked. It's nice to have a local guy win,'' explained Ron Castro, a shift manager at the Garden City Casino, where Nguyen has worked as a card dealer for several years.
More than 2,000 players and spectators filled the cavernous Bay 101 club with cheers when Nguyen won the final hand with a pair of threes shortly before 10 p.m. Friday, said Samuel Quinto, Bay 101 tournament director. The hand was good enough to beat Canadian Jay Martens in the final round of the five-day tournament, which drew Hollywood celebrities such as James Woods and Tobey Maguire, as well as poker stars like Greg ``Fossilman'' Raymer and Chris ``Jesus'' Ferguson.
Across town, when his victory was announced on the floor at Garden City, players and club employees gave another round of applause for the easygoing Nguyen, Castro said. They did it again when the day shift manager made a similar announcement Saturday.
``It's like hitting the lottery,'' Castro added. ``It opens a lot of doors for him.''
Nguyen was lying low on Saturday, taking calls from friends but begging off from talking with a reporter. His wife, who also works as a chip runner at Garden City, called in sick Saturday.
Friends say the couple have four children and have lived in the area for years. Nguyen worked at Bay 101 before he moved to Garden City, Quinto said. ``A lot of us know him on a personal level. We've worked with him and seen him play.''
Castro said Nguyen's victory was in keeping with his character. ``He's a good dealer but he'd rather play than deal. And he's not afraid to play high on a limited bankroll.''
After his victory Friday night, the normally low-key Nguyen was buying drinks for friends at the Bay 101 bar. Quinto said he indicated that he'll probably leave his job, at least temporarily, to play on the tournament circuit.
The Shooting Star tournament will be televised in June, and that could bring Nguyen more attention and even some endorsement offers, Quinto added.
Having a dealer from the area win was all the sweeter for fans, Castro said. Quinto agreed, before excusing himself to go back to work. Bay 101 was hosting another tournament for professional poker players Saturday. The winner was expected to earn a $225,000 purse.
Absolute Poker Sees Record Growth, Becomes World’s Fifth Largest Online Poker Destination
Absolute Poker experiences unprecedented growth -- becoming the Web’s fifth largest online poker room. Fueled by the growing popularity of poker around the world, Absolute Poker now hosts more online tournaments than any other online poker room.
San Jose, Costa Rica, (PRWEB) March 11, 2005 -- Absolute Poker (www.AbsolutePoker.com), one of the Web’s most popular and successful online poker sites, is thrilled to announce that it is now the fifth largest online poker destination in the world."Absolute Poker has experienced tremendous growth over the past three months, more than doubling our deposits, revenue, and number of concurrent users,” said Gian Perroni, poker room manager at Absolute Poker. “We now have more than 1,000 poker tables available at any time, and regularly host more than 10,000 concurrent users.”
Absolute Poker has quickly become a favorite destination for seasoned and professional caliber players alike, offering more online tournaments than any other poker website. They will be sending more than 40 players to the 2005 World Series of Poker via online satellite tournaments.
“I don’t have to tell you that poker is incredibly popular right now,” continued Mr. Perroni. “Due to the dedication of our investors and the hard work of our operational team, Absolute Poker has grown in leaps and bounds, quickly becoming a leader in its industry.
"It’s refreshing news that major publications are beginning to cover the online poker industry, finally giving it the legitimacy it deserves, Mr. Perroni added. "The online poker industry is booming, evidenced by recent media coverage and growing revenues. Analysts have predicted that online gaming will soon become the largest industry on the Internet, outpacing both retail and travel."
About Absolute Poker
Absolute Poker is the world’s fifth largest online poker destination. Driven by proprietary software, Absolute Poker was created to offer the most comprehensive, interactive online poker room, while always delivering superior customer service and a personal touch to each online poker player. Players worldwide can access an Absolute Poker online poker game 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and experience the best multi-player online poker the industry has to offer. Established in 2003, Absolute Poker is licensed and regulated in Canada.
Contact Information:
Poker Room Manager
Gian Perroni
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