Gambling
Courier Mail: Daniel Tzvetkoff Would Have Been Better Off Going to Jail
In a very well written article by Paul Toohey of the Courier Mail, the question is raised as to whether online poker payment processing “Wiz Kid” Daniel Tzvetkoff would have been better off spending a year or two behind bars as opposed to “snitching”.
Maryland Indicts Bodog for Internet Gambling and Now Wants Piece of the Pie, Oh My
For those of you who have been reading the Gambling911.com website in recent days, you may have been following coverage of Maryland’s decision to institute a special session for the sole purpose of expanding its casino industry.
Oh the hypocrisy! It’s so thick you can cut it with a knife. It’s thicker than the smog in my native India.
CNBC: Sheldon Adelson Casino Probed in ‘Prostitution Probe’
Casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson’s Sands Casino in Macau is reportedly under investigation by the local Chinese Government according to a CNBC report.
The company reportedly transferred documents linked to a wrongful dismissal case to the United States from Macau.
Leaked Email: PokerStars Chairman Seeks World Domination
Following news that the world’s largest “real money” online poker venture, PokerStars, will be acquiring its one time second biggest rival, revelations have surfaced regarding Stars intent and its pursuit of world domination, at least within the Internet poker universe.
From eGaming Review Magazine:
Full Tilt Poker Exec Nelson Burtnick Out on Bail: Absolute Poker Players Hopeful
At almost the exact time Full Tilt Poker executive Nelson Burtnick landed at Newark Liberty Airport on United Airline flight 23 from Dublin to 10:58 am (July 31, 2012), the US Justice Department confirmed Friday’s report on Gambling911.com that a settlement agreement had been reached between Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars whereby all players would be paid back monies owed.
PokerStars Will be Allowed to Operate in US Once Again
As part of a settlement agreement reached with the US Government on Tuesday, PokerStars has agreed to pay all players owed by Full Tilt Poker living outside the US. The United States Government will arrange for players within the US to be paid what they are owed. PokerStars will take over the assets of Full Tilt Poker.
PokerStars Official Release re: Acquisition of Full Tilt Poker, Players to be Paid
ONCHAN, ISLE OF MAN – July 31, 2012 – PokerStars today announced that the Company has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Southern District of New York. As part of the settlement agreement, PokerStars has also acquired the assets of Full Tilt Poker, and has committed to the full reimbursement of Full Tilt Poker customers outside the United States.
Official Release: Full Tilt Poker Concludes Transaction with PokerStars
Dublin, Ireland – July 31, 2012 - Full Tilt Poker is very pleased to announce the conclusion of a three-way transaction with PokerStars and the United States Department of Justice that will result in all of its players having the opportunity to be paid. The agreement ends the company’s civil forfeiture proceedings with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Specific Details of Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars Deal with US Government Now Public
As confirmed by Gambling911.com on Friday, PokerStars has been granted permission by the US Government to acquire the assets of Full Tilt Poker and ensure all players be paid. Attorney for Full Tilt Poker Jeff Ifrah has confirmed to Gambling911.com the report appearing on DiamondFlush.com.
Class Action Case Against Full Tilt Poker: Lead plaintiff Judy Fahrner
Information related to a class action suit against Full Tilt Poker (lead plaintiff Judy Fahrner) was presented by the Courthouse News Service. This complaint was filed out of St. Claire County Court, Illinois.
The complaint alleges that Full Tilt Poker companies took more than $443.8 million from players' accounts from April 2007 to April 2011
Breaking News: US Government to Take Control of Absolute Poker Assets
The US Government on Tuesday July 31, 2012 requested that the Court grant custody of all Absolute Poker assets. Presumably players would be paid at least a partial amount of monies owed provided they filed an action with the US Justice Department.
US Attorney in the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara filed the motion.
Case 1:11-cv-02564-LBS on PACER:
Maryland Panel Considers Baltimore Casino License
(Associated Press) - A Maryland panel is set to consider a decision on whether to grant a license for a proposed casino in Baltimore.
The Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon in Annapolis to take up the proposal by Caesars Entertainment
Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2008 allowing for a total of five casino locations. Four others have already been given licenses.
Caesars wants to build a casino with 3,750 slot machines.
Shuffle Master Receives License by Nevada to Offer Real Money Online Poker in State
Shuffle Master has received a license by the Nevada Gaming Commission for interactive gaming.
This license will allow Shuffle Master to be a business-to-business partner with land-based casino operators in order to provide online poker games in addition to play-for-fun versions of its world-renowned proprietary table games, such as Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, and Fortune Pai Gow Poker.
Ireland Olympic Athlete Under Investigation for Betting on Rival to Win
Graham Dunbar
The Associated Press
LONDON—The Ireland Olympic team is investigating allegations that one of its athletes cashed in bets on an opponent to win at a pre-London Games event.
The Olympic Council of Ireland confirmed reports Saturday that an athlete made a $4,800 profit on the wagers, and withdrew $4,435 in cash from an account with a gambling operator.
“At the moment, it is between the Olympic Council of Ireland legal department and athlete’s counsel,” team spokesman Jack McGouran told The Associated Press by telephone.
Massachusetts Governor to Sign Casino Tribal Pact
BOSTON (AP) Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is set to give final approval to a tribal casino compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.
Patrick on Monday is set to sign the compact, which promises the state 21.5 percent of gambling revenue if the tribe succeeds in developing a resort casino in Taunton.
Chili Poker CEO Big News Coming This Week: Zynga Puts Blame on Facebook for Losses
Looks like Chili Poker's CEO is about to make an exciting announcement this week. It's not about Chili Poker, per sey, Alexandre Dreyfus tells Gambling911.com, but rather a new venture he is involved with. Dreyfus sold the Chili Poker database to Poker770 back in March and the technology to Bally Technology in April.
Alexandre Dreyfus @alex_dreyfus
ready for a new venture related to #Poker - more news soon.
Irish Sailor Peter O'Leary Subject of Gambling Probe
(Reuters) - Peter O'Leary, his face largely obsured by a black-hooded top and dark glasses was whisked past waiting reporters in the mixed zone at the Olympic sailing venue at Portland, close to the English seaside town of Weymouth.
The sailor, still wearing his wetsuit, made no comment when asked about the betting probe, after making a strong start in racing in the heavyweight Star class.
However, James O'Callaghan the Irish sailing team's performance director told reporters shortly afterwards: "The issue is sub-judice so we have no comment to make."
Maryland Governor O'Malley Calls for Special Session in August re Gambling Expansion
By BRIAN WITTE
Associated Press
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Gov. Martin O'Malley has called for a special session to expand gambling in Maryland to begin in about two weeks.
O'Malley said at a news conference Friday in Annapolis with House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller that the session will begin on Aug 9. O'Malley says expanded gambling will create more revenue and jobs for the state.
Paddy Power ‘London Olympic-like’ Ad Can Stay: Locog Furious!
Online gambling houses are not permitted to advertise or associate themselves in any way with the London Olympics, but that didn’t stop the creative folks over at Paddy Power, the UK’s third largest bookmaker, from trying.
The advert, featured prominently at London, England train stations, proclaimed that Paddy Power was “The Official Sponsor of The Largest Athletics Event in London This Year”
Tribes Want Federal Government to Stop States From Legalizing Online Gambling
WASHINGTON — (Associated Press) - With some states readying to start online gambling, Native American tribal leaders are calling on the federal government to step in as it did with brick-and-mortar gambling and establish regulations that ensure tribes get a piece of the action without having their revenue taxed and their sovereignty compromised.
Friday Decision Likely on Maryland Special Session to Talk Gambling Expansion
ANNAPOLIS — (Associated Press) - A spokeswoman for Gov. Martin O’Malley says a formal announcement on whether a special session will be held in Maryland to expand gambling is likely to be made on Friday.
Raquel Guillory declined to say definitively on Thursday whether a special session will be held next month. She says details are still being worked out.
On Wednesday, House Speaker Michael Busch met with House Democratic leaders to tell them to be prepared for a special session because he believes the governor will call one.
Eight Analysts Cut Price Target on Zynga as Texas Hold’em Poker Maker Sees Sharp Decline
Zynga witnessed a 42 percent drop in its share price following less-than-rosy news about the company’s future. This has prompted eight different analysts to cut their target price on the maker of popular games such as “Farmville” and “Texas Hold’em Poker”. Of the 24 who follow the company, only give have a ‘buy’ rating on the stock with an average price target set at US$5.
First Online Poker Sites Expected to be Operating in Nevada Within 90 Days
Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli told the Las Vegas Review Journal Thursday (July 26, 2012) that the first licensed online poker rooms could be operating within that state in 60 to 90 days.
Chris Christie Continues to be Adamant: Casino Gambling in Atlantic City Only
Lawmakers in New Jersey want casino gambling a little closer to home for the millions of people who populate the northern portion of that state. Governor Chris Christie continues to lay down the law, insisting only Atlantic City will play host to casinos there.
Christie’s plan includes a $20 million “Do AC” marketing campaign, tax breaks for developers and state oversight of policing and cleanup, Terrence Dopp of Bloomberg News writes.
How About a Temporary Casino at Meadowlands for Super Bowl
Despite New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s assertions that he will not support any casinos within the state outside of Atlantic City, a proposal was tossed around Wednesday suggesting a “temporary casino” at the Meadowlands for the Super Bowl in 2015.
Some are calling it a “pop up” casino.
Center Stage Casino in Alabama Raided
(Associated Press) - State and local law enforcement have raided Center Stage casino near Dothan and seized several hundred machines.
State Attorney General Luther Strange announced that his office worked with the Houston County sheriff and district attorney to serve a search warrant Wednesday morning that resulted from an ongoing investigation of illegal gambling.
June Gambling Revenue Flat in Mississippi
JACKSON, Miss. (Associated Press) - Mississippi's casino revenues were basically flat in June, as a recovery at gambling halls along the Mississippi River barely made up for losses on the Gulf Coast.
Overall revenue rose less than 1 percent from June 2011, to $186.9 million, according to Mississippi Department of Revenue figures released Tuesday. Statewide revenue was basically flat with May, down less than $150,000.
In June, the 12 coastal casinos won a total of $89.9 million from gamblers, down 4.3 percent from the $94 million that they won in June 2011.
Alderney Gambling Control Commission to Require Segregated Funds, Monthly Reports
Following the Full Tilt Poker fallout from this past year, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is looking to help repair its image by revising its licensing policy.
From PokerFuse.com:
Bookies Offer Odds on UFO Sightings, Torch Bearer Tripping at London Olympics
The bookies are getting especially creative with the upcoming London Olympics, offering odds on just about everything under the sun including whether there will be a UFO sighting during the opening ceremony and if the torch bearer trips while attempting to light the flame.
Feds Say Georgia Casino Boat Allowed Illegal Gambling
Russ Bynum, Associated Press
SAVANNAH, Ga. -- (Associated Press) - Federal prosecutors say the owners of a Savannah-based casino boat owe the government nearly $7 million earned from illegal gambling in state waters off Georgia and South Carolina.
An indictment unsealed Monday in U.S. District Court charges the general manager of Diamond Casino and two of his boat captains with operating an illegal gambling business. Prosecutors say Diamond Casino's cruise boat routinely allowed gambling in state waters between July 2010 and last November.
