POKER/GAMBLING NEWS

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Last post made 2 years ago by cabyxiaomi
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  • Great Interest In Nevada Online Poker Licenses

     

    Service providers anxious to be among the first in a legalized market.

     

    Five companies have already applied for online poker licenses in Nevada although there are at least 12 weeks to wait until the legalization as well as the final language of the regulations. The applicants seek authority to provide services to the new online poker sector.

     

    888 Holdings, International Game Technology, Bally Technologies and Cantor Gaming have submitted all necessary papers to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Recently launched free-to-play South Point Poker has also applied to be licensed as an operator, but has not yet submitted the documents. Previously mentioned 888 Holdings, based in Gibraltar, having an online relationship outside the USA with Caesars Entertainment, has now formed a US company titled 888 US Limited.

     

    Mark Lipparelli, Control Board chairman, confirmed they are currently reviewing the documents submitted by the applicants.

     

    "Regulators will reconvene toward the end of December to continue to iron out the language in the regulatory drafts, which must be finished by the end of January. February would be the earliest possible time a real-money online poker site could be running in the Silver State, but Lipparelli said laboratory testing and approval of software and other technologies will likely take longer than issuing licenses."

     

    Source: LPB News

  • Reports arrived towards the end of the week about another potential privacy scandal at Ultimate Bet, claiming that unknown person(s) have published online a significant amount of data from the company which suffered a lot in the Black Friday actions......read the full article

  • Probably the best Christmas present the online gambling industry could have gotten is the news that there has been a dramatic change in the United States Department of Justice’s stand on online gambling.

     

    Namely, this week the body announced that the federal Wire Act of 1961 does not apply to all online gambling activities, as was previously claimed, but that it only applies to sportsbetting....read the full article

     

    This is huge!  Interesting to see what the impact will be.

  • :`o :`o Definately sounds like a step in the right direction !! :-bd :)

  • This is monumental !! Wow !!

     

    katt

  • When players organized a protest against the changes to the Pokerstars VIP Club awards program in which a number of angry players “sat-out” on 24 cash game tables on January 1, the online poker giant decided not to tolerate such behavior and in return decided to restrict some accounts and lock others.....read the full article

     

     

     

  • Update: Online Gambling Imminent, Assesses Connecticut Governor

     

    DoJ change of policy responsible for the certainty of the advent of legalised online gambling

     

    After the US Department of Justice announced a change of its policy on the Wire Act, there’s no stopping for the legalization of online gambling in the country, opined Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy on Jan. 9.

     

    According to him, it is inevitable online gambling will come to Connecticut. He also specified that his administration is looking into what can be done to protect jobs associated with the state's two tribal land casinos and investigating whether to allow the casinos or the state lottery to handle any potential online gambling operations based in Connecticut.

     

    "The Internet is the Internet. You don't turn off the Internet at any state's borders," he said. "It's an impossibility.

     

    "If it [online gambling] moves forward, and it's clearly going to move forward, it's going to be available in Connecticut. Now we have to decide, in the state of Connecticut, what is our approach to that."

     

    However, Governor Malloy's position is not shared by Republican Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, who assessed that online gambling is not inevitable as there is still the possibility that Congress will oppose and defeat any attempt at legalisation.

     

    McKinney also expressed belief that there are options for Connectcut to prevent or restrict the advent of internet gambling, and that the state should not replicate what other states may decide to do.

     

    In his opinion: "I think the governor wants everybody to believe there's nothing we can do about it and therefore he wants to gain revenue from it. That's not right."

     

    Still, in his response to McKinney, Malloy said that the legalisation of internet gambling represents a decision on a national level – a decision that has largely already been made.

     

    Source: LCB news

  • Poker Network Rebranding Drive Continues

     

    Is it a new trend?

     

    Even though rebranding often causes recognition difficulties, so it requires a longer transition period, this does not seem to trouble a number of online poker networks which opted for the step.

     

    Namely, the poker networks that decided to change their name include the Entraction Network, acquired by International Games Technology (IGT), which has been rebranded "IGT Poker", the Yatahay Network that is now called the "Winning Poker Network", Action Poker Network which has turned into the "Chico Poker Network, and B3W Network, now known as the "Poker Pack Network".

     

    Source: LPB News

  • Update: 888 and Caesars in a Deal

     

    If it comes to regulation, Dragonfish will power US poker brands

     

    A new US online gambling regulation-facing agreement has been closed this week, between 888 Holdings US gambling giant, Caesars Interactive Entertainment, Inc. (CIE).

     

    Based on the deal which extends the UK software licensing agreement between 888’s independent B2B arm, Dragonfish and CIE, in the event of online gambling legalization in the States, Dragonfish will power CIE’s US-facing poker brands, and the business will apparently go live as soon as the regulation and licensing is finalized at either a Federal or intrastate level.

     

    Earlier reports informed the public of 888’s application for a Service Provider license with the Nevada Gaming Control Board ('NGCB'). Prior to that, back in September 2009, the gaming board found their commercial relationship to be suitable.

     

    It has been commented by Brian Mattingley, deputy chairman, 888: "888 has taken a prudent approach to regulation, which culminated in the successful review conducted by the NGCB, putting 888 and Dragonfish in pole position for the US market. This gives us a strong platform to roll out our cutting edge, turnkey solution to other potential partners as the market opens.

     

    “We are delighted to be extending our relationship with CIE into the much-anticipated US market, and we are proud to be providing them with the technology and tools to leverage and monetise their powerful brand."

     

    On the other side, Mitch Garber, chief executive officer of CIE, added:  "888 has been successfully driving the World Series of Poker brand in the UK for the past three years, and with current momentum toward either a Federal or State by State regulatory environment, 888 is uniquely positioned to support either outcome, without delay."

     

    Source

  • Negreanu Sees His PokerStars Acct Hacked

     

    Hacker spends $100,000 of his money playing poker

     

    An amazing piece of news arrived this week, and a truly unpleasant situation for famous poker pro Daniel Negreanu whose reputation as a player was almost shaken when someone hacked his account at PokerStars, and joined virtual tables at the venue under his name.

     

    Reputation aside, the person cost Negreanu a sum of $100,000 that they lost at PokerStars, showing a lack of Negreanu’s skill.

     

    In a comment on the event, Negreanu said: "I was on an airplane home while this guy was joyriding my Stars account. He hacked my email and I got that back; still figuring out what happened.

     

    "When I have all the details I'll share when it makes sense to."

     

    On behalf of PokerStars, it was stated that the hack is being investigated and that Negreanu’s account will be made good by Pokerstars.

     

    SOURCE

  • All I can say to that is HOLY SH*T :-pp :-pp

    That is just so pathetic

  • Can you just imagine playing with a fake Negreanu? Really cool that they are gonna make the money in his account right for him!

     

     

    katt

  • Robbie Williams Enters the World of Online Poker

     

    Eccentric pop star gets criticized for his new website

     

    After initial reports that the famous and somewhat eccentric singing star Robbie Williams is launching his own poker site, which focuses on the fun factor of the game, even though some of the games cost money, the singer got severely criticized by a Liberal Democrat MP Tessa Munt.

     

    In a comment on Williams’ site, which is currently in beta mode and seems to be powered by the Belgrade, Serbia software developer Pokermania, Munt said that Williams should know better, as he himself was once addicted to prescription drugs.

     

    She also added that his poker site could prove dangerous for his young fans: "I am absolutely outraged by this. I think it is deplorable. Robbie Williams of all people should be sensitive to the problem of addiction. I don't believe there is anything harmless about gambling in this way. The problem is escalation, and he must know what this is like. There's no excuse for doing this.

     

    "Young people are hugely susceptible to this sort of advertising and I am totally opposed to it. It directly targets his fans, including a new generation of children".

     

    According to media reports, 'thousands of Williams' fans' received email invitations to join the gaming site. Its offering includes prizes such as merchandise, concert tickets and a chance to meet the star himself.

     

    "Our online poker room is the place where poker players and Robbie Williams fans play each other to score great prizes and create the craziest avatars! So get your poker face on for free online poker tournaments and perfect your Holdem Poker skills. This is NOT a Gambling Offer. You play in all games with virtual game money with no value,” it was said on the site.

     

    "Robbie Williams Poker lets you experience the latest fun poker features and is great to play and be social. No downloads necessary to enjoy the slickest online poker for both pros and beginners."

     

    In addition, a Williams’ spokesman confronted the criticism, saying that the plan is still in the early stage and specifying: “Our main focus is not money.”

     

    Source

  • I had to look up Mr.Williams to find out who he was.Now I know I'm wayyyyyyyyyyy too old  :-[ :-X LOL LOL

  • Loooool, Rosebud! Well, if it's any comfort, he hasn't been that active on the scene in the past few years... :D

  • Phew,I feel soooo much better now!!!

    LOL

  • Latest Test Passed For Nevada Poker Legalisation Law

     

    Minimum Internal Controls (MICS) approved - implementation in March

     

    The Nevada regulators are pressing the finalisation of administrative requirements for the state's legalisation of online poker measure. Therefore, Gaming Control Board has earlier this week announced that it had completed the Minimum Control Standards required of operators, reinforcing its approval of the final Technical Standards.

     

    The MICS, probably to be implemented next month, will enable companies interested in obtaining Nevada licensing to make final preparations in order to ensure compliance with the Board's specific standards and technical requirements. The areas to be covered include: registration and the information required from players; verification of ID and age; financial arrangements; penalties for providing false information; and operator requirements.

     

    Now, the regulators will finalise plans for the licensing process, meaning that the work on reviewing the applications of thirteen companies - already applied for licensing - is in progress.

     

    The initial phase, probably on an intrastate basis, will restrict activity to Nevada residents and visitors to the gambling state, but when and if circumstances permit, the flexibility that has been built into the system will allow a wider spread of activity.

     

    So far, the Gaming Control Board has not indicated when the issue of licenses will de facto take place.

     

    Source

  • Legalisation of Internet Poker Not Likely Sooner Than 2013

     

    According to the Macquarie Securities analyst Chad Beynon, it is unlikely that online poker will be legalised in America before 2013.

     

    Commenting on the continuous, and often misleading, rumours that US officials would include poker legalisation bill in the latest batch of noteworthy federal financial proposals, Beynon singled out Nevada as the most likely state to make progress.....read full article

  • Hi,

     

    Is something known here about pokerwiki, the encyclopedie lauchned by PKR??

     

    8)  8) johan  8)  8)

  • Yes. You can read all about it HERE.

     

    Have you looked at the wikipoker site?

     

    blue

  • Yes i did

  • Yes i did

     

    It's a bit sparse at the moment but I have no doubt the info will fill up quickly.

     

    blue

  • yes indeed, in time when more and more people will find this wiki-phenomenon..lol, then it will fill up with data and info very fast........

     

    Johan

  • yes indeed, in time when more and more people will find this wiki-phenomenon..lol, then it will fill up with data and info very fast........

     

    Johan

     

    Should prove to be very interesting and of great use.

     

    blue

  • Well, you guys got me checking out the new Poker Wiki and I think it could turn into something great if enough people pick it up and get involved! I will be following its progress now!

     

     

    katt

  • Iowa Online Poker Legalization In Progress

     

    Senate committee forwards through Danielson bill for further consideration

     

    Iowa state Senator Jeff Danielson managed on Monday to fast track his online poker legalization bill SSB3164 through a key senate sub-committee despite fears that the President's Day holiday would delay the process. The three member Senate panel forwarded the bill through for further consideration by the Senate State Government Committee with a possibility to review it as early as this Wednesday.

     

    Since prohibition has failed in other areas and the nations, the preferred approach is to bring an illegal betting activity (estimated at between $30 million and $100 million annually) under state regulation in order to protect Iowans and clear away underage play.

     

    The legislation that Danielson proposed would authorise the creation of an online poker network and provide a regulatory structure, as well as allow intrastate, interstate and international arrangements by common consent. Poker sites would operate under the state’s current gaming fee structure, and competing hub operators would be able to partner with state-licensed casinos under the control of the state Racing and Gaming Commission to operate affiliated online sites for registered players aged 21 and older who are within Iowa’s borders at the time they are playing.

     

    Danielson pointed out that out-of-state residents would be able to go to an Iowa casino, establish an account and play during the time they are in Iowa. In support of this proposal a Democrat Senator Wally Horn said “We have it out there. It needs to be controlled.” Republican Sen. Rick Bertrand agreed, saying: "I see this as an opportunity for Iowa to get out in front of this.”

     

    Wes Ehrecke of the Iowa Gaming Association said his members are generally supportive of the concept, especially if there is no exclusivity offered to one hub operator. The group would like passage of a federal law to address online gaming from a national perspective but if not, it prefers a plan to allow Internet poker on the casinos’ “platform,” regulated by the state commission and with reciprocity to enter into partnerships with Nevada, the District of Columbia and other states that may choose to legalize the pastime.

     

    Source

  • Coincidence!

    Server Crash Could Cost PokerStars a Lot of Money

     

    Server malfunctioned while over 70 000 players were on-site

     

    According to the latest reports from online poker giant PokerStars, the company saw its servers crash on Feb. 21, while some 70 000 players were active on the site – many of which will need to be compensated. It has been specified that the company’s new iPad service also suffered the blow.

     

    Many players were in the middle of the game when the glitch shut them out, disabling all access to hand histories and other information and facilities.

     

    So far, players have been contacted by PokerStars, which titled its email "Server Issues" and informed its customers that it is "....currently experiencing some problems with players logging in, creating accounts, and accessing the cashier, among others."

     

    In the same email, the company advised players 'materially' prejudiced by the failure to email its support with their details in order to receive refunds, assuring them that the problem is being dealt with and that they hope it will be sorted out quickly.

     

    How and when will the refunds be calculated, it remains to be seen.

     

    Source

     

     

  • Update: Everleaf Finally Offers Explanation

     

    Apologies for lack of communication

     

    After the lack of direct explanation and much speculation about the reasons why Everleaf Gaming (Everleaf Poker Network) decided to abandon the US market, the company has finally issued an official statement regarding the matter.

     

    And despite the reassuring statements by Everleaf skin Luvin Poker, it has been confired that the US Department of Justice has actually seized unspecified funds, which only affects US players.

     

    The statement reads: “As has been reported, certain funds maintained by one of our payment processors to be distributed to U.S. customers were seized by U.S. authorities. To our knowledge, the U.S. authorities seized these funds and blocked the transactions based on purported violations of certain U.S. laws, including operating an illegal money transmitting business, the Wire Act, and money laundering. Evidence relative to the subject can be reviewed from the attached papers.

     

    “Please be advised that this seizure occurred in the United States and only affects U.S. players.

     

    “In view of the above Everleaf will no longer accept U.S. players. None the less Everleaf reiterates and wants to reassure all the effected players that all the funds will be refunded in full and the effected parties will be contacted in a short while accordingly.

     

    “For the other markets we operate in and with regards to all our other players we want to reassure you that nothing has changed and thank you for the continued business with our Company.

     

    “We sincerely apologize for the lack of communication to date, but as a Company we were still trying to find our feet and assessing the situation at hand and how to best protect the interest of all the effected parties.

     

    “Everleaf Gaming”

     

    Source

  • Bodog’s .com Domain Seized by US Authorities

     

    Why engaging Homeland Security in case of a defunct site?

     

    In another, quite inexplicable US enforcement action, the United States that Department of Homeland Security officials have seized the dead .com Bodog domain.

     

    What is quite mysterious in this case is why the authorities decided to engage an anti-terrorist body for a site that has been abandoned long ago by Bodog, which moved to less risky .eu domain. The action is even more unclear having in mind that it will virtually have no practical impact on Bodog franchises around the world.

     

    It has been specified by Bodog that it shut down the domain some time ago; that it now licenses its brand to operators internationally and in agreements outside the USA, and that the seizure has little effect on its operations.

     

    So far, the real implications and reasons for such a move of the US enforcement authorities, which tried to conceal the action with a sealed warrant, are not known. More info will opefully become available in near future.

     

    Source

  • New Applicant for Nevada Online Poker License

     

    NetEffect Networks decides to join the line

     

    The latest addition to the Nevada online poker licenses applications is the one by a Las Vegas-based software developer, NetEffect Networks, which decided to apply for a Nevada online poker Class 2 license.

     

    With the company, the total number of applicants for licences of various descriptions and classes is 19, and they are:

     

    •Cantor G&W (Nevada) L.P. — Service Provider

     

    •South Point Poker (Gaughan Straight Holdings) — Operator

     

    •IGT — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •888 Holdings plc/888 US Limited — Manufacturer/Distributor/Service Provider

     

    •Bally Technologies — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •Shuffle Master — Service Provider

     

    •Aristocrat Technologies — Manufacturer/Distributor/Service Provider

     

    •Monarch Casino — Operator

     

    •Caesars Entertainment — Operator

     

    •Boyd Gaming — Operator

     

    •Fertitta Interactive, LLC — Operator/Service Provider

     

    •Fertitta Acquisitionsco, LLC — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •MGM Resorts Online, LLC — Operator

     

    •ACEP Interactive, LLC — Operator/Service Provider

     

    •NetEffect Networks, Inc — Class 2 Service Provider

     

    •Gaming Laboratories International — Independent Testing Lab

     

    •BMM Compliance — Independent Testing Lab

     

    In related news, Wiiliam Hill plc chief executive Ralph Topping told the press that, while the company has applied for a full gaming license in Nevada, it will still keep an eye for the sports betting legalization developments in New Jersey.

     

    "While we are focusing [on Nevada] we better not overlook the move by Gov. Christie in New Jersey particularly to overturn the land-based ban," he specified.

     

    Source

  • US Authorities Raise Charges against Bodog Founder

     

    Ayre and three other Canadians indicted

     

    After the seizure of Bodog’s defunct .com site, a report came from the US that a federal grand jury in Baltimore Maryland has indicted Bodog Entertainment Group along with four Canadians connected to it – one of which is Bodog Brand founder Calvin Ayre, and the other three were identified as James Philip, David Ferguson and Derrick Maloney.

     

    The federal indictment comprises two charges: conducting an illegal gambling business from June 2006 to January 2012, and money laundering conspiracy over the same period. According to the federal prosecutors, the group conspired to pay over $100 Million in sports gambling winnings by bank wire and checks through payment processors located within the United States and spent $42 million of dollars through an unnamed media company to advertise directly to US punters.

     

    It appears that the federal authorities had undercover agents register at Bodog’s .com site from a computer in the State of Maryland, deposit money through an ewallet, gamble on sports and cash out their winnings via check or Western Union withdrawal.

     

    In addition, more info was obtained from a former employee during July 2010, when they named the top directors and explained how the group allegedly operated.

     

    Regarding the indictments, Calvin Ayre, who remains out of the US, stated: “I see this as abuse of the US criminal justice system for the commercial gain of large US corporations. It is clear that the online gaming industry is legal under international law and in the case of these documents is it also clear that the rule of law was not allowed to slow down a rush to try to win the war of public opinion.

     

    “These documents were filed with Forbes magazine before they were filed anywhere else and were drafted with the consumption of the media as a primary objective. We will all look at this and discuss the future with our advisors, but it will not stop my many business interests globally that are unrelated to anything in the US and it will not stop my many charity projects through my foundation. You can also follow this story here on the number one global online gaming news and entertainment site and the only site I will be doing interviews with for the next while…CalvinAyre.”

     

    However, such optimism was not expressed by his co-indictee, Canadian citizen Ryan Lang, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in a Manhattan federal court on Feb. 28.

     

    It appears that he confessed he served as a middleman, helping the poker companies arrange to circumvent U.S. laws meant to prevent banks from processing online gambling proceeds from 2007 to the middle of 2010.

     

    He also stated in his plea that he operated from Canada, helping financial brokers who made false statements to the banks to trick them into processing payments, and on the occasion, he expressed contrition for his involvement and conduct.

     

    For the crime, he could face up to 30 years of prison.

     

    Source

  • On Wednesday, Federated Sports + Gaming announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a reorganization filing the company hopes will allow them to keep assets like Epic Poker and the Global Poker Index.

     

    What does a chapter 11 bankruptcy mean???

  • I checked out wikipedia and this is what it says:

     

    "When a business is unable to service its debt or pay its creditors, the business or its creditors can file with a federal bankruptcy court for protection under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 11.

     

    In Chapter 7, the business ceases operations, a trustee sells all of its assets, and then distributes the proceeds to its creditors. Any residual amount is returned to the owners of the company. In Chapter 11, in most instances the debtor remains in control of its business operations as a debtor in possession, and is subject to the oversight and jurisdiction of the court."

     

    Basically, they remain in control of the business.

     

    blue

  • New Applicant for Nevada Online Poker License

     

    Bwin.party joins the growing list

     

    The latest one to join the Nevada online poker license rush is the European online gambling conglomerate Bwin.Party digital entertainment, which has applied for the license this week.

     

    The giant is relying on PartyPoker to get it the license as it cleared its pre-UIGEA slate with the US Department of Justice some time ago.

     

    The current list of 24 applicants for the Nevada licenses includes:

     

    •Cantor G&W (Nevada) L.P. — Service Provider

     

    •South Point Poker (Gaughan Straight Holdings) — Operator

     

    •IGT — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •888 Holdings plc/888 US Limited — Manufacturer/Distributor/Service Provider

     

    •Bally Technologies — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •Shuffle Master — Service Provider

     

    •Aristocrat Technologies — Manufacturer/Distributor/Service Provider

     

    •Monarch Casino — Operator

     

    •Caesars Entertainment — Operator

     

    •Boyd Gaming — Operator

     

    •Fertitta Interactive, LLC — Operator/Service Provider

     

    •Fertitta Acquisitionsco, LLC — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •MGM Resorts Online, LLC — Operator

     

    •ACEP Interactive, LLC — Operator/Service Provider

     

    •NetEffect Networks, Inc — Class 2 Service Provider

     

    •Gaming Laboratories International — Independent Testing Lab

     

    •BMM Compliance — Independent Testing Lab

     

    •BP Gaming Entertainment, Inc. (subsidiary of bwin.party) — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •Spielo International USA, LLC — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •Spielo International Canada, ULC — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •Spielo International Austria GmbH — Manufacturer/Service Provider

     

    •St. Minver Ltd — Service Provider

     

    •Boss Media AB — Service Provider

     

    •GNLV Corp dba Golden Nugget — Operator

     

    Source

  • Update: New Talks about Full Tilt Poker

     

    New statements, ‘exclusives’ and rumors

     

    This week has been full of 'informal' statements on Full Tilt Poker, including 'exclusives', executive apologies and ad hoc lawyer comments trying to clarify the situation within the company. But have they managed to clarify it or further cloud it?

     

    One of the reports that arrived was the one that three unnamed and separate sources had issued a 'reliable' info that an unnamed UK private equity company is waiting to see whether the Groupe Bernard Tapie acquisition will fail, so it can snap up Full Tilt for around $30 to $35 million. Apparently, this unknown and apparently unlisted potential buyer is only interested in the Full Tilt Poker software and has no operator ambitions; and if such a deal goes through, the private equity company reportedly plans to deposit the purchase price in an independent account under the control of the Full Tilt administrators.

     

    The next one in the line of statements is a long anticipated one – by FTP leader Ray Bitar, who finally made his first statement since Black Friday. On the occasion, he apologized for the mess, assured the public that he is working hard to fix things, and explained his silence.

     

    It appears that an experienced industry professional, Robbie Davies, was outraged by such a statement by Bitar, as he opined:

     

    "Waiting this long to drop a well-crafted PR statement, which tells affected customers nothing, is just short of worthless. If this is simply the start of a PR campaign. Fine. I get it. But it is still not sincere. Too much damage has been done. The sincere thing to do is to respect your customers. Explain the mechanics of working toward refunds with a method that reverberates with each affected individual. Couple that with an honest strategy for a commercially viable future, and the damaged company could be getting somewhere.

     

    "How could this happen to begin with? How can this be overlooked and how can anyone put faith in this leadership to get it back on track? To run a successful business one has to be aware of the external and internal situation around them at all times. This includes getting hubris in check. Claiming "business as usual" and taking deposits after Black Friday was not responsible. Where is an apology for that?"

     

    Finally, the ever-present Groupe Bernard Tapie lawyer, Behnam Dayanim, issued yet another statement regarding the takeover, in which he said GBT is still 'cautiously optimistic' that the Full Tilt deal can be finalized by the end of March, but that there are still some obstacles to clear in this acquisition, such as legal consideration regarding the DoJ and both Full Tilt and the individuals behind the company, jurisdictional differences and the money owed by poker professionals associated with it.

     

    In terms of the latter, he said: “It’s still an issue in that those debts have not been resolved. We’re continuing to work on that. There are no new names to add to that list but we’re also not taking off any names from that list.”

     

    And in regards to the Bitar statement, he seemed unmoved, saying: “I don’t see it as harmful in any way and I don’t see it impacting the deal in any way.”

     

    Source

  • Some US States Blocked by Bodog Brand Franchiser

     

    Bovada introduces new restrictions, puzzling players

     

    After the US federal indictment against Bodog brand franchiser Calvin Ayre, and the seizure of the defunct Bodog’s .com domain by US officials seem to have some sort of relation with the US-facing Bovada site’s new restrictions.

     

    Bovada is a Bodog franchisee, which continued where Bodog left off in the States, offering online gambling to Americans despite the mounting pressure from the US authorities. However, this week saw a number of players report that, without any prior warning, they found the following notification when they accessed their Bovada accounts:

     

    "Bovada has suspended transfers from residents of the following States: Maryland, Washington, New York and Utah. If you are a Bovada customer from one of the above states, you will not be able to use your MyPayLinque account to transfer. Please contact support at Bovada for further information."

     

    So far, Bovada has not issued an official statement about the newly introduced restrictions, which triggered speculation that Bovada may be turning away from the States. Hopefully, more info about the case will be available soon.

     

    Source

  • Hi

     

    Good information.Thanks!

  • Update: Alderney’s FTP Debacle Handling Review Presented

     

    In general, the matter was handled appropriately

     

    An independent report, drafted by Peter Dean CBE, a former chairman of the British Gambling Commission on the Alderney Gaming Control Commission’s much criticised actions in the Full Tilt Poker debacle, has been published on Mar. 27.

     

    The review contains recommendations about the availability of additional legal resources when needed to carry out investigations into licensee conduct and about the need for the Commission to establish a more direct relationship with its licensees instead of relying on intermediaries.

     

    In addition, he stated that Alderney should clearly set out on its website the level of player protection that it offers, and require the licensees to make that level of protection known to players.

     

    In the report summary, Dean assessed the FTP debacle as sad, but said it should serve as an example of regulation working as it should.

     

    "As soon as plausible evidence of irregularities came to light the regulator acted promptly and proportionately. An investigation was instituted, findings made, a hearing held, judgment delivered and sanctions imposed. Due process was followed," he said, adding: "This assessment will be of little comfort to the disaffected players who are still denied access to funds owed to them by FTP. The tribunal proceedings in 2011 were adjourned for several weeks to allow time for a rescue package to be negotiated. When this failed, the Commissioners then properly decided that because of the seriousness of the allegations they should discharge their statutory duties without further delay."

     

    "My opinion overall is that AGCC fulfilled its statutory obligations in relation to FTP and that its actions were appropriate, timely and fair," he concluded.

     

    Regarding the report, the Alderney Gaming Control Commission, which engaged Dean to conduct the investigation, issued a press release in which its executive director Andre Wilsenach said: "We believed it was important, given the sensitivities surrounding the revocation of Full Tilt Poker’s licenses, that an independent review should be carried out into the way in which the AGCC conducted itself throughout this process, and we are grateful that this has now been completed.

     

    ‘We wanted to reassure ourselves, and those who take an interest in our activities, that should mistakes have been made then we would recognise them, and if lessons could be learned that we would learn them.

     

    "We note that today’s report finds that “AGCC fulfilled its statutory obligations in relation to FTP and that its actions were appropriate, timely and fair.” That is the standard to which we aspire.

     

    "Nonetheless, Mr Dean’s report does make valuable recommendations on how we can make improvements in the light of what has happened. We accept those proposals and will seek to implement them as soon as practically possible.

     

    "None of this, of course, will compensate those players who have lost money as a result of FTPs actions, and we have great sympathy for them. But, as the report confirms, a regulatory regime cannot be proof against deliberate concealment or deception. Our focus now is to assist other authorities to recover as much of the players’ funds as possible."

     

    In conclusion, in the statement the Commission assured the players that it is already in advanced stages of implementing a new approach towards the protection of player funds on a risk-assessed basis.

     

    Source

  • Update: WMS Joins the Race for Nevada License

     

    An interactive gaming license sought

     

    The latest company to apply for an interactive gaming license in the State of Nevada to the State Gaming Control Board (SGCB) is WMS, the US gambling equipment and games developer that has an online presence through Jackpot Party Casino.

     

    According to the company’s president, Orrin J. Edidin, “The filing of WMS’ interactive gaming application with the SGCB in Nevada represents an important milestone in our efforts to support our customers’ needs with a full array of products and managed services in the online and interactive arenas.

     

    “WMS is committed to assisting our customers in establishing strong interactive gaming relationships with their patrons in the casino, at home or on their mobile devices.

     

    “With the success and experience we have in online and interactive gaming -- through our UK-based Jackpot Party.com online casino; our popular Lucky Cruise social casino found on Facebook and our classic slot content for mobile and other casual play users -- WMS is well positioned to help our customers move forward with confidence.”

     

    Source

     

    This is very good news.

  • Online Poker Regulation Necessary, States Police Association

     

    Another body expresses support to the popular pastime

     

    An interesting report came this week from the pro-legalisation action body FairplayUSA that the legalization of online poker in the US now has another supporter - the Fraternal Order of Police in the United States which sent a note to a number of senior US congressmen and women that includes Senator Harry Reid, Speaker John Boehner, Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative Nancy Pelosi.

     

    It is stated in the letter: "...Millions of Americans wager regularly on offshore Internet gambling sites beyond the reach of the Federal government. Today, there are no controls on Internet gambling to give U.S. consumers recourse to U.S. courts to provide prompt and accurate payment; no protections are in place to prevent or detect money laundering; no firm and transparent licensing of operators exists; and no regulatory controls are in place to prevent criminals from entering the marketplace, rigging games, or misusing customer financial data.

     

    "This has created a situation in which U.S. law enforcement authorities cannot shut down illegal activity, nor is there any way for those victimized by fraud or other criminal activity to seek redress.

     

    "Just a few weeks ago, former Governor and Homeland Security Secretary Thomas J. Ridge and former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Louis J. Freeh penned an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner explaining the scope of the problem and the need for a national strategy and Federal action.

     

    “The FOP shares their approach-- we need to modernize the Wire Act, create a strong regulatory framework for legal gaming that provides law enforcement the tools necessary to put the illegal offshore sites out of business and protect consumers from the operators who engage in criminal activity."

     

    The letter is signed by FOP president, Chuck Canterbury.

     

    Source

  • Groupe Bernard Tapie starts a new Full Tilt company investing Euro 1 million

     

    A new company with a brand name New Full Tilt Limited has been registered in Ireland with starting capital of Euro 1 million invested by Groupe Bernard Tapie.

     

    The company itself is described as a “software consultancy and supply” firm with a Dublin address.

     

    Laurent, the GBT founder's son, and Prosper Jerémy Masquelier, director of International Stadiums Poker Tour, are listed as sole directors of the new company, appointed in March, whilst the New Full Tilt Limited was originally incorporated on February 14, 2012.

     

    The new company is followed by various reports such as: Tapie has been trying to persuade the Alderney authorities to reinstate FTP's revoked licence; the company is again hiring staff in Ireland; rumours of a company bearing the FTP title applying for licensing in Malta; as well as the hitherto dormant FTP operational website has been the subject of what appears to be player-based software testing.

     

    Source LPB news

  • What’s Cooking at Betonline Poker?

     

    Confusion arises over conflicting company information, a number of complaints and a possible network change

     

    What’s going to happen with Betonline’s online poker room? This seems to be a question that’s been bothering players of this Panama-based online sportsbook and poker operator for a while now, especially in light of conflicting company information, many complaints and a possible network change.

     

    The complaints in question include questionable payment delays or disqualifications by Betonline Poker, which uses the Chico (formerly Action) Poker Network, where it’s the only site taking US action.

     

    Furthermore, confusion was caused by a site shutdown this week, which was not announced to players beforehand. To make things worse for anxious and already irritated players, the company’s support center has been giving conflicting stories about the company's status and intentions, at the same time when the Chico Poker Network advised players that Betonline's licensing agreement had been terminated.

     

    The Chico statement read:

     

    "Access to BetOnline has been shut down permanently, as they are no longer a licensee on the network. Your poker customer balance has already been pushed back to BetOnline and we request that you go to their website."

     

    In return, Betonline communicated with its players, giving them a rather belated and scarce explanation:

     

    "The good news is that we have a fantastic new poker licensee which will be available to you shortly – all you will have to do is install the new poker software as soon as it is available," without saying to which network it was switching.

     

    Then, later on, the company issued another communication, opposite to the last one:

     

    "In an effort to provide you with an improved poker product, the BetOnline.ag poker room will be closed for maintenance over the next few days. To help us expedite this process please log out of the poker client if you are currently logged in. If you play poker at BetOnline and your poker account is currently funded, your money will be transferred over to your sports betting account within the next 72 hours. Once the upgrades are completed, you will be able to transfer your funds back over to your poker account and resume playing immediately."

     

    It’s pretty obvious that Betonline has been booted off Chico and is looking for a new US-friendly home. Some speculate it could be Cake Poker Network, but these rumors have yet to be confirmed.

     

    Source LPB News

  • Update: FTP to Be Acquired by PokerStars?

     

    Groupe Bernard Tapie confirms that they’re out of the picture

     

    All the rumors that the French firm Groupe Bernard Tapie was about to re-launch Full Tilt Poker after almost a year of negotiating were obviously unfounded, as a report came on Apr. 24 that it’s actually the Isle of Man-based Pokerstars, who’s to acquire FTP.

     

    Namely, the latest news claim that thanks to the agreement it has reached with the US Department of Justice, the online poker giant is now able to acquire its former major competitor. The price mentioned in the rumors is $750 million, plus a payout for the US players.

     

    An assessment arrived from Chiligaming chief exec Alex Dreyfus, that $330 million of the reported $750 million purchase price would go to the payment of owed Full Tilt players and as a settlement with the US government.

     

    It is still being speculated that Pokerstars will re-launch Full Tilt Poker, but keep the brand separate from its own.

     

    Furthermore, the fact that the deal is off was confirmed on Apr. 24 by Groupe Bernard Tapie, which issued a statement that reads:

     

    “Groupe Bernard Tapie regrets to announce that, after seven months of intensive work, our efforts to obtain final approval of the United States Department of Justice of the agreement to acquire the assets of Full Tilt Poker have ended without success.

     

    “Ultimately, the deal failed due to two major issues:

     

    “The parties could not agree on a plan for repayment of ROW players. GBT proposed a plan that would have resulted in immediate reinstatement of all ROW player balances, with a right to withdraw those funds over time, based on the size of the player balance and the extent of the player’s playing activity on the re-launched site. All players would have been permitted complete withdrawal of their balances, regardless of whether they played on the site, by a date certain, and 94.9 percent of ROW players would have been fully repaid on day 1.

     

    “DOJ ultimately insisted on full repayment with right of withdrawal within 90 days for all players– a surprise demand made in the 11th hour, after months of good-faith negotiations by GBT.

     

    “The legal complications surrounding the deal – specifically, questions surrounding the legality of the forfeiture under non-US laws – also proved unresolvable. All of the key assets of the FTP companies reside outside of the United States. A non-US court well might regard the purported forfeiture as a “fraudulent transaction” and declare it invalid or deem the acquirer of the assets responsible for all of those creditor obligations.

     

    “Given the $80 million purchase price, and the substantial amount of cash needed to re-launch FTP, those issues ultimately proved too substantial to overcome.

     

    “GBT is very conscious of the hopes it has created – among FTP employees that they will retain their jobs, among FTP players that they will recover their balances, and among the entire poker community that the world’s finest poker platform will be re-launched and bring a needed added element of competition to a world market that today is fully dominated by a single operator.

     

    “GBT cannot accept the end of those hopes. For that reason, unless a concrete and legally viable solution is found in the very coming days to save the employees and repay the players of FTP, we will move to our own plan of action.

     

    “We understand from press reports that the DOJ may have entered into an agreement with PokerStars pursuant to which PokerStars will acquire the FTP assets.

     

    “If accurate, we can only assume that PokerStars determined that it was willing to accept these legal and financial risks in order to resolve its own legal situation with DOJ.

     

    “If a PokerStars acquisition of FTP means that all FTP players will be fully repaid immediately, we are very happy for the players, as their final and full repayment has always been our priority. We only regret that such a deal would signal further consolidation of a poker market already dominated by a single player – an outcome that may raise antitrust concerns and that, in the long run, is probably not good for players and for the whole online poker industry.”

     

    Source LPB News

  • Update: Confirmation on Cake Poker Network Sale Arrives

     

    Rebranding to take place as well

     

    After lots of speculations and announcements, a press confirmation from Cake Gaming NV on the sale of its poker network to Lock Poker has finally arrived.

     

    The statement regarding the sale reads:

     

    "Cake in Process of Selling Selected Assets to Lock Poker

     

    “Cake Gaming N.V. has announced today it is in the process of selling selected assets to Lock Poker, enabling Lock to rebrand the existing Cake Network to Revolution Gaming. Cake will continue operations providing all of its current Network partners, sites and players the opportunity to be part of the Revolution Gaming Network.

     

    “Cake is excited about the benefits this deal will offer all of its partners and players, including increased player rewards, a richer tournament schedule and new product features. This deal also allows Cake to focus efforts on its current European, South American and Asian business with another exciting announcement to soon follow."

     

    Source

  • New Jersey Assembly Approves Online Gambling Bill

     

    Senate committee colleagues jointly with house lawmakers voted for the bill

     

    Sen. Ray Lesniak succeeded in his second attempt at getting an online gambling legalisation bill through the state Legislature. It was House Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee that voted 3-1, with one abstention, to send the bill to a vote of the full Assembly.

     

    Actually, the new bill legalises and regulates internet gambling regime in existing Atlantic City land casinos, licensed to take bets from people in other states or countries. It has been carefully made to address Gov. Chris Christie's concerns over Lesniak's previously vetoed measure.

     

    The state Assembly panel approved the bill with an amendment to let New Jersey take out-of-state bets, if the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement concludes it wouldn't violate federal law. Both measures will have to go for full votes in their respective chambers, probably not before the end of June.

     

    John Burzichelli, an Assemblyman, in his address during intrastate or inter-state debate said: "Nothing can happen outside our state borders unless the federal government acts, and that's not likely anytime soon." Lesniak and Burzichelli have reminded the committee that Constitutional experts have already given professional opinions that online gaming would be legal as long as the servers where the bets were executed are located in Atlantic City.

     

    Generally supporting the new law are the Atlantic City casino operators, while the state's horse racing industry opposes it, as it wants to be included in it.

     

    Speaking at the Assembly committee Robert Griffin, CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts and president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, urged the legislature to pass the bill: "The state of New Jersey must be in the forefront of legalizing this emerging marketplace. Currently, millions of Americans engage in online gaming with illegal offshore operators with no oversight, no regulation, and no consumer protection," he said.

     

    "The state should regulate this activity, enforce strict standards to ensure the games are fair, and collect revenue rather than allow profits and jobs to illegally go overseas," he concluded.

     

    Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr. insisted on the state's need to keep up with evolving technology: "The Internet has long been a reality, and Internet gaming in New Jersey should now be reality too. We have to move aggressively and thoughtfully to position our gaming industry to succeed, and this is another step toward that goal."

     

    On the other hand, State Sen. Ralph Caputo, a Democrat and former Atlantic City casino executive, thinks it was “hypocritical” of the Legislature to favour only Atlantic City casinos when it comes to the expansion of online gambling, at the expense of others in the state, and called for a referendum of a state residents.

     

    Once again Lesniak hurried the state to approve online gaming before the rival jurisdictions such as Iowa, California, and Washington, D.C. do so, pointing out that the industry develops from the ground up so the “first state to market” would gain hundreds of high-tech, high-paying jobs.

     

    There are differences in the Senate and Assembly versions of the bill concerning the tax rate with the former proposing 20 percent of gross gaming revenues and an additional 5 percent levy to the casino reinvestment development project. That is way above the total 9.25 percent paid by brick-and-mortar operators.

     

    Lesniak bill was not the only gambling bill to pass the committee stage - several others did so as well: one on simulcast betting on horse races, another to allow horse race betting via mobile devices, and a third designed to simplify the offering on bingo for non-profit purposes.

     

    Source

  • Attention: Big LCB Contest with a Splash of Cash!

     

    Name the LCB, LSB and LPB mascots and win up to $300!

     

    Those of us who believe themselves to be imaginative and creative now have a great chance to express their creativity with the latest contest posted at Latest Casino Bonuses forum.

     

    As usual, LCB gives its members a chance to take an active part in some big decisions regarding the website – this time it’s looking for the best names for its recognizable mascots for Latest Casino Bonuses, Latest Poker Bonuses and Latest Sportsbook Bonuses. Anyone can take part and enjoy the possibility to win one or more of the three prizes of $100 – one for each name.

     

    So gear up with lots of imagination, brainstorm ideas, and give LCB, LPB and LSB the best mascot names ever – perhaps you’ll be the one to not only win up to $300, but to enter the site’s history as the official mascot name giver!

     

    Source LCB news

    To enter contest for free - CLICK HERE

     

     

  • CDPoker Merges with William Hill

     

    CDPoker has recently merged with William Hill Poker. There are a variety of promotions available to players and this merger is intended to bring players the best that online poker has to offer.

     

    CDPoker players will receive a special offer for switching over to William Hill Poker. All active players may contact support CDPoker support to obtain all the details of the incentive plan.

     

    Once you’ve made the switch to William Hill Poker, there are fabulous tournaments and special promotions to take part in.

     

    This weekend William Hill Poker players can get in on the Sunday $200,000 Guaranteed tournament.

     

    Every Sunday night at 18:00 (UK) this Weekly $200,000 Freezeout tournament will take place. Feeder satellites are scheduled all week from Monday to Sunday with buy-ins for as little as $3.50 + $0.30. To guarantee your seat in this special event, you can just buy-in directly for $200 + $15.

     

    This offer is listed in the “Tournaments” tab within the William Hill Poker lobby. In just a matter of a few clicks you could be registered to take part in the $200,000 Guaranteed tournament!

     

    There are loads more promotions to suit you, so check out the William Hill Poker review on LatestPokerBonuses.com for all you need to get started.

     

    Source LPB News

  • Update: First Internet Poker Licenses Issued by Nevada Gaming Commission

     

    Update: First Internet Poker Licenses Issued by Nevada Gaming Commission

     

    Recommendation of the Nevada Gaming Control Board opened a new chapter in e-gaming business

     

    Bally Technologies and International Game Technology were the first two companies to receive licence approvals from the Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday. Following the last week’s ground-breaking recommendation of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, 30 online gambling operators and providers have already applied for licensing.

     

    Mark Lipparelli, the chairman of Nevada Gaming Control Board, once again expressed his belief that either the end of 2012 or beginning of 2013 will see online poker available in Nevada, but he could not disclose any further details about the actual commencement date of poker internet operations.

     

    The next step for the first two licensees is examination of their technology by a state-approved autonomous testing agency, however this exercise is generally perceived as a formality in view of the comprehensive preparatory procedures conducted by these two leading companies.

     

    According to the Bloomberg report based on the H2 Gaming consultancy data, last year’s internet gambling revenue reached $32.8 billion worldwide, with Japan, UK and Germany leading in industry performance.

     

    Robert Melendres, IGT emerging businesses Vice President, commented on the recent developments: "This license, backed by our decade of interactive experience, will allow us to enable our casino partners with a way to provide wager-based online poker to their players.''

     

    IGT and Bally, being the land casino equipment suppliers, openly stated that their online gambling strategy is to offer the technology and content to other licensed operators rather than compete directly with casinos themselves.

     

    Source

  • The march continues in the right direction! Thank you for the great news blue!

     

    katt

  • It's definitely a positive step Katt....and hopefully just a matter of a short time now.

     

    blue

     

     

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