Gambling News
Poker Pro Matt Roth Commits Suicide: A ‘Black Friday’ Casualty
Many a US-based poker pro has struggled since indictments were handed down against the big 3 American facing online poker rooms on April 15, 2011. PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Ultimate Bet were forced out of the US market. The later two would eventually shut down, owing millions of dollars to customers. And while Full Tilt Poker may have been resurrected by fellow indictee PokerStars, American have yet to see any payouts going on two years now.
Bill to Stop Expansion of Internet Cafes in Ohio Heading to State Senate
COLUMBUS — (Associated Press) - A bill that would immediately halt the expansion of Internet cafes in Ohio cleared a legislative panel Tuesday evening and was headed for a vote by the full state Senate.
The measure would extend a current moratorium on the opening of new sweepstakes gambling operations until June 2014, as lawmakers consider a ban on the facilities. The legislation also would require operators of current facilities to file more thorough affidavits of existence with the state. And those who don’t submit a new affidavit could face a fine of up to $1,000 a day.
No PokerStars in Atlantic City for Now
A deal that would have allowed the world’s largest real money online poker room to take over a troubled Atlantic City property is dead for now.
PokerStars was to have acquired the Atlantic Club Casino, formerly the Atlantic City Hilton, however, the initial contract has since expired.
From the Wall Street Journal:
85-Year-Old Avoids Prison Sentence for Running Illegal Gambling Business
BOSTON (Associated Press) - Three Cape Cod men who pleaded guilty in 2011 to running an illegal gambling ring have avoided prison time.
Federal prosecutors say 86-year-old Adam Hart and 62-year-old William Neofotistos were sentenced to two years of probation, including six months of house arrest.
They were also fined $40,000 and $10,000, respectively.
Also, 34-year-old Timothy Reardon was sentenced to two years of probation and fined $3,000.
Busted High Stakes Poker Ring had Ties to NYC Murder Suicide
A busted Russian mob linked high stakes poker and sports betting ring had ties to a murder suicide, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday.
From the Daily News:
First Real Money Online Poker Based in US Open for Business
LAS VEGAS (Associated Press) — Poker devotees will soon be able to skip the smoky casino and legally gamble their dollars away on the couch — at least in the state of Nevada.
A Las Vegas-based social gambling company is expected to launch the first legal, real-money poker website in the United States on Tuesday morning.
The site, run by Ultimate Gaming, will accept wagers only from players in Nevada for now, but likely represents the shape of things to come for gamblers across the country.
WSEX Founder Left Suicide Note: Hated Having to Stiff Customers
World Sports Exchange founder Steve Shillinger reportedly left a suicide note behind prior to taking a gun to his head last week.
Obama’s Choice of Ambassador to France has Ties to High Stakes Poker Bust, Mob
A recent New York City bust tied to illegal sports betting and high stakes poker games led to the indictment of a prominent art dealer, a so-called “Princess of Poker” and an individual said to be a major figure in Russian organized crime.
Pathological Gambling Caused by Excessive Optimism
Compulsive gamblers suffer from an optimism bias that modifies their subjective representation of probability and affects their decisions in situations involving high-risk monetary wagers. This is the conclusion drawn by Jean-Claude Dreher's research team at the CNC (Centre de Neurosciences Cognitives, CNRS / Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1). These findings, published in the May print edition of Psychological Medicine, could help explain and anticipate certain individuals' vulnerability to gambling, and could lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Internet Gambling Bill in Illinois Would be Standalone
Whether this reduces the chances of passage remains to be seen but an Internet gambling measure in Illinois will now be presented as a standalone.
The measure was originally added to a much broader gambling expansion bill that Illinois Governor Pat Quinn as already shot down. He has stated that a more thorough review would be required before allowing Web gambling in the state, adding he was "not excited about it at all."
Hong Kong Police Arrest 4 in Hacking Death of Triad Boss: Disemboweled in Front of Many
Hong Kong police announced Monday the arrests of 4 individuals ages 18 through 30 for the brutal hacking death of alleged triad boss. Only the age (30) and surname (Tse) of the victime were disclosed.
The attack occurred outside a hospital in front of many onlookers. One of the strikes nearly disemboweled the victim.
Canadian Government Caught Off Guard by Bitcoin Emergence
OTTAWA – (Canadian Press) - Canadians buying and selling an emerging digital currency are running afoul of established banks and operating in uncharted territory for financial regulators.
"The Canadian government doesn't know what a Bitcoin is, doesn't recognize the Bitcoin, and there's no regulatory agency that knows what a Bitcoin is," said Joseph David, the owner of VirtEx.
His Calgary-based website lets Canadians trade Bitcoins through an online market similar to a stock exchange. David said the two-year-old company facilitated $15 million in transactions this year.
Michigan Lottery to Come Online Despite Opposition
LANSING — (Associated Press) - The Michigan Lottery sees the Internet as its new frontier for business, where more tickets can be sold and games can be played to ultimately pump more money into public schools.
Some lawmakers fear increased gambling addiction, debt and a hit to brick-and-mortar stores participating in the lottery.
Daniel Pidun of Germany Wins EPT Berlin 2013 for €880,000
It’s the third time he’s run deep, but this time German businessman Daniel Pidun achieved his dream and won EPT Berlin – for a massive payday of €880,000.
Witnesses Testify in High Stakes Poker Game Killing
Eight men involved in a Saginaw Township, Michigan high stakes poker game testified against Quintel A. West this week.
West is accused of fatally shooting Michael Kuhlman, who was hosting the poker game at his home. West and an accomplice were attempting to enter the home, according to the witnesses. When Kuhlman placed his weight against the door to try and prevent the two men from entering, he was shot through the door. The bullet entered his lung.
Everett Enters Into Agreement With Steve Wynn for Massachusetts Resort Casino
EVERETT, Mass. (Associated Press) — Las Vegas casino operator Steve Wynn would make $30 million in advance payments to the city of Everett and more than $25 million in annual payments once a proposed resort casino was open for business, under a host community agreement announced Thursday by Mayor Carlo DeMaria.
More Internet Cafe Raids Reveal Gambling, Drugs, Booze
CBS13 in Sacramento has uncovered what appears to be an illegal gambling business at a local Internet café.
From CBS13:
Zynga Upgraded From ‘Sell’ to ‘Hold’ After Disastrous Week
Following a huge decline in its share price this week, there was a little ray of hope for Zynga Inc. Friday as TheStreet Ratings upgraded it from a “sell” to “hold”.
That development comes following Zynga reporting stronger than expected earnings per share for the past quarter.
Online Poker Room Tower Gaming Shuts Down: Cake Takes Over Accounts
Tower Gaming, which has been in business for seven years now, shut its doors this week with all player accounts being migrated to Cake Poker.
Once an Ongame poker room skin, Tower Gaming has operated on the Revolution Network since November 2011.
“After years of fun and excitement around the tables and more good times than we can remember, we’re stepping out of the game,” a statement from Tower Gaming read.
17 Players Remained Heading Into 2013 EPT Berlin
German player Roman Herold was the chip leader going in to Day 5 of EPT Berlin.
The 26-year-old has 4,485,000 after winning a monster pot against fellow German Alexander Helbig in the penultimate hand of the day. There were 17 players left in the tourney heading in Friday, all guaranteed at least €27,000 but all hoping to snag the first prize of €880,000.
Ray Bitar Must Give Up $3m Mansion, Surrender 18 Bank Accounts
Former Full Tilt Poker CEO Ray Bitar may not be serving any jail time but he will have to surrender several coveted assets including a $3 million mansion in Glendora, California.
Bitar was among those indicted for his role in running an illegal online poker room, Full Tilt Poker. He recently plead guilty to charges of fraud and violating a 2006 gambling prohibition act.
Zynga Shares Were Down Another 6 Percent Thursday
After falling 10 percent in after hours trading Wednesday, social gaming company Zynga witnessed another 6 percent drop in its share price heading into Thursday afternoon.
The company's surprise profit in the first three months of this year was overshadowed by reported revenue decline, a drop in the number of users and a lower-than-expected second-quarter forecast.
Revenue fell 18 percent to $263.6 million, from $321 million.
Analysts, on average, had expected revenue of $264.5 million, according to FactSet.
Khac Trung Tran Wins 2013 APT Philippines Main Event
Australia native Khac Trung Tran has won the 2013 APT Philippines Main Event and the $124,000 grand prize.
205 players took part in the $2,700 buy-in event at Resorts World Manila.
Until recently, Tran has had 20 cashes in live poker events, having amassed just over $100,000 total. This is his biggest win to date.
Legends Sports - Where is My Money: The Latest Account Transfer Information
Gambling911.com isn’t sure whether all Legends Sports customers received an email detailing the transfer of their accounts (keeping in mind that many emails from offshore gambling sites end up in one’s spam folder then go on to get lost). As many of you are finding the Gambling911.com website through search engines for terms related to Legends Sports, you’ll be happy to know we have the answer for you as to where your funds have gone.
Energy Drinks Should be Banned From Poker Rooms Says Sludikoff
In an interesting editorial written by Poker Player Newspaper Publisher Stanley R. Sludikoff, the question is asked: Should energy drinks be banned from poker rooms?
Sludikoff suggests there is good reason to do so.
Aku Joentausta Still the Chip Leader Going Into Day 4 of EPT9 Berlin
Finnish player Aku Joentausta was the overnight chip leader yet again Wednesday.
The 21-year-old, who came 14th at EPT Barcelona at the beginning of the season, goes into Day 4 of EPT9 Berlin with 1,039,000. He is one of 55 players who have made it through from the 168 who started the day. The survivors also include tennis legend and Team SportStar Boris Becker who is recording his best ever live event cash, guaranteed at least €15,000. His previous best was 97th at EPT Barcelona for €8,000.
Borgata Hotel Unveils Online Gambling Plans
Fast forward to 2024 and $3.23 billion had been generated over the past year from online casino gaming in the U.S. with New Jersey accounting for a cool $1.5 billion.
Art Gallery With Alleged Ties to High Stakes Poker Probe, Russian Mob Reopens
The Helly Nahmad Gallery, located within the confines of the ritzy Midtown Manhattan Carlyle Hotel, has reopened.
Zynga Shares Drop More Than 10 Percent in Extended Trading
NEW YORK — (Associated Press) - Zynga Inc.'s surprise profit in the first three months of the year got overshadowed by a revenue decline, a drop in the number of users and a lower-than-expected second-quarter forecast.
The online game maker's stock fell more than 10 percent in extended trading Wednesday after the first-quarter results came out.
Equity Group Sports Betting Bill Clears Nevada Senate
A bill allowing private equity groups to place large wagers at Nevada sportsbooks has passed with a near unanimous vote on Tuesday. Senate Bill 346 will now head to the Assembly for a vote.
