Gambling News
Merge Poker Moves Into Number 7 Place for First Time
Merge Gaming has moved into the number 7 position of the world’s most trafficked online poker networks for the first time ever. Merge has sat in the number 8 position for the past few months. Winamax.fr moves down a notch.
In an ironic twist, Merge will be losing one of its biggest licensees June 1 when Lock Poker forms its own network, which will essentially be a rebranding of the Cake Network. Cake is currently ranked as the 21st most trafficked in the world, according to PokerScout.com.
Illinois Internet Poker Bill Amended Once Again
A measure to legalize Internet poker in the state of Illinois underwent a third revision this past Friday.
The bill would allow online poker to be run through the state lottery system with licenses handed out to one of 16 casinos and or racetrackes within the state. Each property would have to pay $5 million per license.
Illinois Internet Poker Bill Amended Once Again
A measure to legalize Internet poker in the state of Illinois underwent a third revision this past Friday.
The bill would allow online poker to be run through the state lottery system with licenses handed out to one of 16 casinos and or racetrackes within the state. Each property would have to pay $5 million per license.
Carbon Poker Brings Back Rakeback
Over the weekend it was announced that Carbon Poker, the flagship brand of the Merge Gaming Network, would be returning to rakeback after more than a year’s absence.
While popular with poker players, it’s not always considered the most profitable model where online cardrooms are concerned. Merge Gaming has been reluctant to bring back rakeback.
As with when it was previously offered on the network, the max rate for players will be 35% rakeback.
Tom Marchese Wins the WPT Super High Roller
Poker pro Tom Marchese has won the 2012 World Poker Tour Super High Roller event.
Marchese also won the more than $1.3 million that came with the WPT Super High Roller first place honor.
Coming into this event, the US-based player had won just over $770,000 in live tournaments to date.
Still All In at 2012 WPT World Championship Super High Roller: Daniel Perper, Andrew Robl
The 2012 WPT World Championship Super High Roller event was down to 6 by 7:30 pm EST Friday.
Leading the pack was Daniel Perper, followed closely by Andrew Robl. Justin Bonomo, who had led much of the way into Friday, was 4th in terms of chip count.
Last Remaining Satellites for $500,000 Guaranteed Latin American Poker Series
For those of you looking for a different flavor of poker tournament there is still time to qualify for this year's inaugural Latin Series of Poker Peru. The $500,000 Guaranteed No Limit Holdem poker tournament takes place in Lima Peru, from June 6th to 10th at the Atlantic City Casino.
Thank the Genovese Crime Family for Bringing Legalized Sports Betting, Online Poker to NJ
Should sports betting and/or online poker become legalized in the Garden State over the next 3 to 6 months, gamblers might want to give a big “Thank You” to the Genovese crime family, with its operations based out of Northern New Jersey.
PokerStars Ranked Among UK Top Employers
PokerStars has been selected as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces by The Great Place to Work® Institute, the world’s largest consultancy specialising in workplace assessment and enhancement. In order to establish the best workplaces, the Institute annually surveys employees and performs a cultural audit of some 5,500 organizations around the world representing 10 million employees. Companies are grouped and ranked in their respective countries on workplace values of credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.
Marvin Rettenmaier Enjoys Comfortable Lead at 2012 World Poker Tour Championship
Poker pro Marvin Rettenmaier had 6,715,000 chips to lead at this year’s World Poker Tour Championship. His count was 2-and-a-half times greater than that of the second biggest chip leader, Michael Mizrachi.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie: Legalized Sports Betting in the State by September
Christie’s stance on legalizing sports betting leads many to believe he will finally support online poker in the state as well
In a speech Thursday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie didn’t pull any punches, announcing he would like sports betting legalized in time for the start of the NFL season this September.
I’ll Have Another Trainer Suspended 45 Days
(Associated Press) - - Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Doug O'Neill has been suspended 45 days as a result of one of his horses exceeding the allowable limit for total carbon dioxide. But the punishment won't begin before July 1, ensuring he will be able to saddle I'll Have Another in next month's Belmont Stakes.
The suspension comes in the midst of I'll Have Another's bid to become horse racing's first Triple Crown winner in 34 years. The colt trained by O'Neill won the Derby and then the Preakness last Saturday, and is preparing to run in the Belmont on June 9.
Pinnacle Sports Obtains Alderney Gaming License (Video)
One of the largest and sharpest online sports betting firms, Pinnacle Sports, confirmed it has obtained a license from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC). Scroll Down to Watch Video...
Justin Bonomo Leads at 2012 World Poker Tour $100 Buy-In Super High Roller
Poker ace Justin Bonomo was leading the 2012 World Poker Tour $100 Buy-In Super High Roller coming into Thursday. 27 big name players were taking part in the event, which will yield $1,282,905 to the winner and $822,375 for 2nd place.
Justin Bonomo, Andrew Robl, Dan Smith, Phil Galfond, Daniel Perper, Tom Marchese, Sam Trickett, Roger Sippl, Bill Klein, Isaac Haxton, David Sands, Cary Katz, Jason Mercier, John Juanda, Brian Hastings, Justin Smith, Clemenceau Calixto, Sorel Mizzi, Jean Noel Thorel, Dan Shak and last year’s champion Erik Seidel.
Zombie Swipeout: Zynga Zombies Seen Rising From the Depths of New York City Subways
Just as Zynga’s trading came back from the dead last Friday, now we have Zynga zombies rising out of the New York City subway system and terrorizing what are usually tough New Yawkers.
The Zombie sightings were first observed on the streets of San Francisco yesterday.
It’s all part of a promotion introducing the social game maker’s newest iPhone-compatible entry, "Zombie Swipeout".
Payback: Spain Wants Back Taxes From Online Poker Operators
In order to obtain an Internet gambling and poker license in the country of Spain, operators must pay back taxes on the business taken in from Spanish citizens over past years. The Spanish Government began regulating the sector this year.
Some have taken the bait.
888 Holdings expects to pay a back-tax bill for its Spanish operations of less than $10 million.
Lesniak Cites Mob Bust as Reason Why New Jersey Must Legalize Online Gambling
Following a New Jersey Mob bust tied to offshore Internet gambling on Wednesday, State Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak called on Governor Chris Christie to embrace his bill to legalize Web gambling in the state, including sports betting.
Illinois Passes Gambling Expansion Bill: Major Ethical Shortcomings, Claims Governor
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- (Associated Press) - - Gov. Pat Quinn is blasting the Illinois House for passing a gambling expansion bill he says has "major ethical shortcomings."
Quinn said Wednesday the bill passed by a 69-47 vote does not provide the Illinois Gaming Board with "sufficient time to make critical licensing and regulatory decisions." He says the bill also fails to ensure clear oversight of the proposed Chicago casino.
Quinn said that as long as he is governor, he will not support a gambling bill that "falls well short of protecting the people of Illinois."
Revolution Gaming Network, Lock Poker Full Online Poker Tournament Schedule Unveiled
In exciting news Wednesday, the Revolution Gaming Network has unveiled its full online poker tournament schedule. You can join Lock Poker here to enjoy these great tournaments.
The newly branded Revolution Gaming Network is set to debut June 1, 2012 and includes Lock Poker, Cake Poker and Intertops.com among others.
Live Online Sports Betting and Poker Could Become Legal in Australia
A report in the Herald Sun on Wednesday claims that the Australia Federal Government is considering legalising live online sports betting and poker, activities that are currently banned down under. Australia does permit phone betting and walk-in wagering. The country is known for its popular bookmaking operations.
Poker Brat Phil Hellmuth Launches New Website
So what do you really think of Phil Hellmuth? The self-proclaimed “Poker Brat” wants to know and you can now chime in at his newly launched website www.philhellmuth.com.
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Hellmuth, who is currently the World Series of Poker record bracelet holder, debuted the new site this week.
13 Busted in New Jersey for Running Internet Gambling Website: $2.2 Billion in Bets
Thirteen alleged members of the Genovese crime family have been charged with federal racketeering in a case connected to Internet gambling. The individuals were rounded up on Wednesday (May 23, 2012), including an 80-year-old man.
Authorities allege that the multi-billion dollar sports betting business was run through an Internet website and office based out of the Web gambling hub of San Jose, Costa Rica. $2.2 billion in bets were taken over the past 16 months, according to the complaint. Payouts and collections are said to have been made on New Jersey soil via agents.
Online Gambling Sector Marks One Year Anniversary of 'Blue Monday'
Today, May 23, 2012, is the one-year anniversary of “Blue Monday”, the day in which the US Attorney’s Office in Baltimore seized nearly a dozen online gambling domain names following a two-year sting operation.
The US Attorney’s Office set up a phony payment processor as part of its investigation and attempted to lure i-Gaming execs operating in other foreign jurisdictions to Guam, a US territory, where arrests could be made. That never happened.
One company, BetED.com, ultimately shut down. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were also seized from BetED.
Las Vegas Probe Following Reports of Underage Gambling by Whitney Houston Daughter
Nevada authorities were looking into reports that the daughter of the late recording artist, Whitney Houston, gambled while at a Las Vegas casino. Bobbi Kristina Brown is 19-years-old and underage, according to Nevada state law.
TMZ.com posted the video that appears to show Brown sitting at a slot machine at the MGM Grand Hotel. (See Video Here)
White House Response to Online Poker Petition
Over the past couple of months, over 10,000 electronic signatures have been collected asking that the Obama Administration consider the legalization of online poker.
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This week, the White House responded.
Brian Deese, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, said in the press release:
Malta has Yet Another Black Eye Following Purple Lounge Shutdown
The online gambling jurisdiction of Malta has said there is little it can do about the abrupt closure of Purple Lounge Casino and Online Poker Room.
High Stakes Poker Games Featured in ‘Killing Them Softly’ with Brad Pitt
“Killing Them Softly”, starring Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini of “The Sopranos”, debuted Tuesday (May 22, 2012) at the Cannes Film Festival.
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Colorado Latest State to Draft Online Poker Bill
The Colorado Gaming Association has said it drafted a bill that would legalize online poker in the state.
Bellagio Botched Robbery: Bandit Loses Wig, Casino Chips
LAS VEGAS — (Associated Press) - A hapless bandit lost his wig, sunglasses and $115,000 worth of casino chips when security wrestled him to the floor during a botched weekend heist at a posh Vegas Strip resort, authorities said Monday.
Two men attempted to rob the Bellagio on Saturday night by spraying a blackjack dealer and others with a caustic eye-burning chemical, police said.
With the distraction in the air, Michael Q. Belton snatched up nearly two dozen high-value chips and took off for the door, according to a police report.
Record-Breaking PokerStars SCOOP Crowns 3 Main Event Champions
LONDON, UK –This year’s record-breaking PokerStars Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) came to a thrilling climax on Monday, May 21 as the final two events awarded some huge six-figure prizes across the six different tournaments, with three Main Event champions crowned.
