$100,000 Free Slots Tournament At All Jackpots Online Casino
November 30, 2007
All Jackpots casino (www.alljackpots.com) is offering a free slots tournament. Free daily Semi Final tournaments are offered at the site, though you must be a member of All Jackpots Casino to enter, the All Jackpots website indicates that you must sign up for a 'real' account. Though you'll need to sign up for a real money account, you won't be required to deposit any real money into the internet casino to be eligible to play.
The grand prize is $50,000.00 and semi final tourney's are available until the 14th of this month (December 2007). The top 50 slots
players from each Semi Final tournament win a ticket into the $100,000 Final slots tournament, no charge of course.
If you'd rather just enter the final tournament, that's also a possibility, entry is available for $100.00 on the All Jackpots Casino site.
All Jackpots is a member of the Jackpot Factory group, and is powered by online gambling software developer Microgaming. The casino offers the latest and greatest in casino software developed by Microgaming, the Viper edition.
David Brickman, spokesperson for All Jackpots online casino commented on the tournament, "All Jackpots also offers the players a chance to go head to head against slot players from around the world on its multi-player tournaments." David went on to explain excitedly that All Jackpots is hosting the worlds biggest multi player slots tournament on the Internet with the $100,000 tourney.
Full Tilt Poker – Another Alledged Online Poker Cheater Busted and Banned
November 30, 2007
Once again in the online poker world we have allegations of cheating. It would seem that here real soon, online poker is going to be the cleanest industry out there, though we do wonder just a bit if we will see the same big names still offering their up online poker tables to the masses. Will these online poker rooms where cheaters have run rampant, security leaks have been found, and poker players have been frankly - screwed - be able to grab hold of their tarnished reputations, wipe them clean and stay in business?
Just before the Absolute Poker Saga we read of quite a few poker rooms where online poker bots were present, for the most part, the bots can't beat the people and are just there to generate rake on rake back deals, so they didn't get a whole lot of press, they might have gotten a little more time, if it hadn't been for the major online poker cheating explosion at Absolute Poker following the 2+2 fact finding mission that uncovered that whole thing.
Just before that saga broke out however, a little tiny tournament incident came up at PokerStars, the story involved theVOid finishing a tournament on his sisters account, after having already busted out with his own username. This wasn't the OH MY GOD sort of cheating like we heard about with Absolute, more just a shame on him! He lost the money, I believe he got banned, maybe even just a suspension, but it was handled, it was timely, and the Absolute Poker news definitely out shined.
Now here we are just weeks later, the poker world is getting back to normal. Absolute Poker is cleaning up that mess they have going on over there, dealing with audits, and we're all waiting to hear final outcomes, repayments, etc. When today, Pokerati a major online news source's headline reads "Tiz the season for Cheating" following talk of cheating, in a big way, at Full Tilt Poker.
The current accusations involve Bluff Magazines managing editor Chris Vaughn and a couple of tournaments - high stakes poker tournaments, that played out about a month ago. The claim is that Vaughn won the Million Dollar Guaranteed tourney played at Full Tilt Poker, scooping $197,984.00. Then just one week later he took down the Poker Stars Sunday Million scraping in $240,633.00.
Now here's where the story starts getting good... #2 in the final finishers of the Full Tilt Poker tournament "Soren 'Kongsgaard' Kongsgaard says he got a letter from Full Tilt via his email that said Bluff Magazines Managing Editor Chris Vaughn or "BluffMagCV" had been disqualified from the tournament. "Kongsgaard" was now the winner, and was awarded the prize money.
What happens next, or what Pokerati describes as unconfirmed seems to parallel a story brought to us by the PokerKing not to long ago, allegedly Chris was backed by "Imer1um" Mizzi who took control of the computer, and therefore the tournament somewhere during the tournament, finishing the game for Chris. As a result, but Sorel Mizzi (Imper1um) and Chris Vaughn (BluffMagCV) have been banned at least temporarily, pending investigation by Full Tilt.
There is someone's side of the story posted on Sorel's blog. Pokerati also brings up a valid point, Chris from Bluff Magazine was just interviewed back on November 18th by Scott Huff and Haralabos Voulgaris on Big Poker Sundays, a radio show that you can tune into on PokerRoad.com. Haralabos asked Chris if he'd ever been accused of ghosting, meaning the staked players backer steps in and finishes up a game. Chris' response was yeah "I've been accused of that. I think it's going to come with the territory when someone relatively unknown wins two in a row." In response to the truth in the question Chris says "But as far as having someone take over for me, that's ridiculous"
We don't have any word yet on how the alleged tag teaming came to Full Tilts attention, but this is an important event, people will always try to cheat, however, as online poker undergoes closer scrutiny, and in turn becomes more secure, they will get away with it less and less.
We spoke to Bluff Magazine's editor in Chief Mathew Parvis, who tells us that Chris Vaughn (BluffMagCV) "will not be commenting at this time."
Kudos to Full Tilt for being on the ball.
2007 World Poker Congress
November 29, 2007
The 2007 World Poker Congress started on Thursday November 29th and the event was kicked off by an opening speech from Sue Schneider of Clarion Gaming. She spoke on the challenges in arranging poker and gaming related conferences and how finding a friendly environment is important. This year’s event took place in Malta and it met the requirements of being friendly and hospitable.
The next speaker was Mario Galea. He is from the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta. He spoke about Malta’s growth in the poker market. They have some of the more advanced jurisdictions on poker activities in the world. He also spoke on the complexities of poker regulation and how Malta is prepared to deal with that. The Lotteries and Gaming Authority that he is a part of receives two applications a day from new operators and in 2008 they will see new gaming related bills being introduced.
The next speakers were Jeffrey Pollack and Steve Lipscomb who gave the keynote address. Pollack is with Harrah’s Entertainment and Lipscomb is with WPT Enterprises. Pollack’s address was recorded because he was unable to attend. His speech gave a synapses of the 2007 WSOP success and the WSOPE.
He made some suggestions on the 2008 WSOP. He said there will be no tents or outdoor structures during the event. Registrations for the event will begin early and a concierge will be available for players to have a more enjoyable stay.
Lipscomb spoke on the phases of growth in the poker industry over the past few years. He then discussed what might happen in the future. He gave specific scenarios for certain situations such as: a big government clamp down on poker, if the “big boys” in the offline gaming industry enter the online market and also least risk averse providers will win.
The 2007 World Poker Congress had a great number of speakers that gave very insightful speeches on the poker and online gaming industry. It was a great chance to learn more about what is going on in today’s market and what one might could expect in the future.
Online Casino Now Has Free Hitman Slot
November 29, 2007
It has been a popular computer game, has multiple releases as a video game across all the gaming consoles and this month released as a major motion picture. Now online casino players will get to play Hitman for free as All Jackpots Casino has released the Hitman video slot machine to coincide with this month’s release of the movie in its no download format.
Play is based on the PC game and this version is just like the downloadable version played on the industry leading Viper software powered by Microgaming. In this version though, people can log into the flash casino and play for free.
David Brickman a spokesperson for the Jackpot Factory Group in which All Jackpot is a member said, "This is a brilliant way for fans of the Hitman series that are looking for additional ways to enjoy the international hit. The game is depicted with razor sharp graphics and comes complete with a slew of bonus features. And the fact that the Hitman movie just came out further adds to the allure.”
Besides playing for free, casino players can also bet anywhere from one cent up to 75 cent per line and has payouts of 20,000 credits up to 67,500 credits in the bonus rounds.
All Jackpot Casino is not only powered by one of the top online casino software company, Microgaming but also carries the eCogra seal of approval. All jackpot also offers 350 casino games, 21 progressive jackpots, and many multi-player slot tournaments.
Electronic Poker Tables Could Increase Revenue for Casinos
November 28, 2007
Over the past few years, poker has become increasingly popular. The World Series of Poker being televised on ESPN and many pop culture items becoming more readily available have boomed the poker market. As wonderful as this all sounds it is a pain for casinos. Players want to play poker and win they bet against other players it brings a relatively small amount of money to the casino. This soon could change.
In North Carolina there is a company starting up that will provide electronic poker tables that will be called PokerPros. Live dealers are not needed and the tables will soon be available in Nevada. The tables were first introduced in 2005. Lyle Berman, casino executive and poker pro, developed the tables but has had a hard time convincing Nevada casinos to use his idea.
The reason behind this is that Strip casinos are having difficulties. Dealers are gathering together from other casinos and organizing under the Transport Workers Union. The Wynn Las Vegas has a tip-sharing policy and other dealers want in. It is believed that casino executives are worried that if they introduce tables that do not need live dealers, their dealer employees would be angry.
It may be a few years before Nevada adds the tables to their casinos but eventually it will catch on. People are interested in playing quickly. The tables on PokerPros provides that service. Players rarely interact with dealers anyway so it really wouldn’t be any different except for the dealer’s side.
The PokerPro table can deal around 40 hands an hour while most dealers will do around 25 to 30. The PokerPro would also increase a casino’s revenue by around 60%. Also on PokerPro there is side bets available that will give casino better returns.
High Stakes Poker – Patrik Antonio Breaks Doyle Brunson’s New Record
November 27, 2007
During the most recent High Stakes Poker show and only a few hands after Doyle Brunson's record breaking 818,000 pot on High Stakes Poker a new record was set during the same episode (as we've recently written on 4Flush.com). Patrik Antonio's, a Finnish Poker Player shoved in after flopping a pair. Antonio's' nines were called by Sammy Farha who has a reputation for getting his chips in on a gamble now and then.
Farha had a king high flush draw and two overs. The pot, $998,000.00. In another crazy decision that has been seen often on High Stakes Poker, the two poker players decided to play the river four times, for best three out four wins it all. Antonio's won three of the four showdowns, and the record pot.
Brunson Scoops $800,000 – High Stakes Poker
November 27, 2007
In this latest episode of High Stakes Poker, Doyle Brunson took down a serious pot against Guy Laliberté. Guy Laliberté, one of the most well known poker players in the world, a millionaire, and one of the most active poker players appearing on the high stakes poker show was one of four callers to call an $11,200 raise preflop by Doyle Brunson.
When the flop came Ac Js 4d Brunson came out swinging, placing a forty thousand dollar bet, Laliberté called. Brunson bet the turn $110,000. Laliberté who now had a gutter draw and top pair raised the pot to $310,000.
Guy Laliberté found himself up against the Doyle Brunson, the Texas Dolly in the last episode of High Stakes Poker. Billionaire poker player, Guy Laliberté is one of the most commonly known, and most activie players on the high stakes poker show. Brunson moved all in over the top for a total of $340,500.00. Laliberté again made the call.
Brunson flipped over AT of diamonds. Jamie Gold made a comment about Brunson still having outs. The table was shocked however when they found Doyle to be the favorite, dominating Laliberté's A5 of hearts. Brunson and Laliberté agreed to run the river one more time, either way, I think I like Doyles hand.
Nickolas Cage to Play Professional Poker Player Amarillo Slim
November 27, 2007
He's Sexy. He's mysterious. His voice, it sucks you in, you want to hear more, you'll want to know what he's betting on. Nicholas Cage born, Nicholas Kim Copula, nephew of Francis Ford Copula, director of the Godfather series, and Talia Shire wife of Rocky Balboa. He's since made his own place in the movie industry with compelling roles in movies such as Face Off, where Cage costarred with John Travolta, Con Air and Gone in 60 seconds in which Cage played opposite of the ever alluring with Angelina Jo lee.
Cage is slated for a new role, this one in the gambling world, where Cage would be betting on, and playing out a bit of poker history in his character Amarillo Slim (aka Thomas Austin Preston JR.), a professional gambler that was born in Arkansas, and is known as an icon in the poker world. Thomas Preston Jr. was made famous by both his skills at the poker table, and his reputation with proposition bets. The real life Amarillo Slim, four time World Series of Poker (WSOP) winner, was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1992.
According to the US Internet Movie Database, Cage will be co-producing Amarillo Slim alongside Braxton Pope. Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People, Preston's autobiography was released in 2003. In the book Preston shares stories of his play with guys like Larry Flint (Penthouse Magazine), Former Presidents Lyndon
Johnson and Richard Nixon.
PokerPages writers say the rumor is that Milos Forman will be directing. You may remember Forman from movies such as the ever popular "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Man on the Moon," which starred Jim Carrey and Andy
Kaufman.
According to unverified Wikipedia information, Thomas Preston Jr. found himself in just a bit of trouble during August of 2003, when
he was indicted on for indecency (3 charges involving his granddaughter). The charges were later reduced to misdemeanor assault. It's not known at this time ho
wever whether or not this incident will be addressed in the movie.
One Billion Hands Dealt at BodogLife Online Poker Room
November 26, 2007
Bodog Life has reached a plateau in the online poker world, having just yesterday dealt their one billionth online poker hand! The hand was dealt at 9:36 PM yesterday November 25th, 2007. Each and every person playing live poker at the table where the one billionth hand was dealt got a share in a sweet 10 thousand dollar prize and $109 in tournament buy-ins.
There were nine players playing at the table in total:
- bbink - Gallatin, TN
- mthomas29 - Auburn, ME
- AlexisNicole - Corbin, KY
- jankow - Rollinsford, NH
- Lroy5303 - Hawkinsville, GA
- salmon slayer - Bay City, OR
- Wantagolf - San Ysidro, CA
- pikachu420 - Honolulu, HI
- Dodger Blue 007 - Las Vegas, NV
The event was announced a few weeks back on Calvin Ayre's blog where online poker players first learned that November would be the month of BodogLife's one billionth hand dealt. Calvin Ayre stated he is of course, "incredibly proud of this landmark number."
Pokerstars APPT Macau Asian Poker Open Has Winner
November 26, 2007
The Asia Pacific Tour (APPT) Macau Asian Poker Open sponsored by Pokerstars has come to a successful end. 352 poker players paid the $2500 to participate in Asia’s largest poker tournament. It took 29 minutes for the first player to leave but the final table was an eight and a half hour marathon.
This event had a star studded field at the beginning including Joe Hachem, Isabelle Mercier, John Juanda, Liz Lieu, Jeffrey Lisandro and more but it was Dinh Le, a relative unknown that flew in under the radar and took the title.
On the first day when such high profile players were being felted like Lee Nelson, Vanessa Rousso, Tuan Lam, and Chad Brown; Dinh Le was serving notice that he was some one to watch out for finishing second in chips for the day.
Day 2 started with 74 poker players vying for the money and the $226, 640 first place prize. This day saw Isabelle Mercier leave early followed by almost a quarter of the field over the next hour. Again, Le was not to be involved and headed into the impressive line up of final table participants as the chip leader.
Pokers Stars APPT Final Table:
Dinh Le (710 000)
Guillaume Patry (575 000)
Ivan Tan (549 000)
Bertrand Grospellier (455 000)
Sangkyoun Kim (422 000)
William Tan (293 000)
Liz Lieu (232 000)
Simon Randall (159 000)
Joe Hachem (130 000)
As stated before the final table was eight plus hours of intense play but it only took 10 hands heads up for Dinh Le to eliminate Ivan Tran for the Macau Asian Poker Open title and the $226, 640 top prize.
The events in Macau will come to an end this week with a high roller $15,000 buy in tournament.
Asian Online Gambling Market Gains Playtech Deal
November 25, 2007
It seems the next big thing in online gambling is the Asian market. There have been major moves in development lately including a new deal signed with Playtech. It was announced on Friday that Playtech signed a three-year deal that would provide poker and specialist player-to- player games to an Asian online gambling firm. The name of the company has not yet been released.
Playtech will be providing the company with many games throughout the upcoming year and also will give the company many Asian much-loved games such as Cho-Da-Zhu and 13-card poker. It is believed that the deal will see as much as $4 to $5 million in 2008 revenue. Many sections of Asia such as Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, Korea, Laos and Singapore already allow some type of online gambling for their residents. Macau is also an Asian market that has been hosting tournaments and has seen an increased in tourism in the past few years. It is believed that China will soon allow some form of online gambling as well in the near future.
With poker and online gambling growing in popularity in the Asian community, many companies have begun having events in different sections of the country. PokerStars was a sponsor for the new Asian poker tour that took place in several different cities including the above mentioned and Seoul and Manila as well. Another deal was made recently with The World Poker Store that would move them into the Asian market.
Payment processors have also noticed the interest in the Asian market. NETeller has begun expanding their business in the area. They are hoping to make up for losses they accrued when the United States banned processing payments for online gambling. Since Playtech’s deal they have already seen a growth in share prices early on Friday. It seems that business is booming in the Asian online gambling market.
Charity Poker Tournament Hosted by Phil Hellmuth
November 25, 2007
Phill Hellmuth Charity Event" alt="Phill Hellmuth Charity Event" align="left" border="0" height="130" hspace="5" width="178" />December 1st Phil Hellmuth will host a Charity Tournament at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. The Tournament is called the Beauty and the Bet and will benefit the TASER Foundation. Players can participate in two no limit hold’em events during the tournament. The first tournament will have a $500 buy-in and will have unlimited rebuys at $500 each. This will continue until it is time for the first break and during that time a last chance rebuy can be made for $250 at the end of the period.
The next tournament is for the player will a larger bank roll. The High Roller tournament will begin in the evening at 5 pm and has a buy-in of $2,500. Rebuys will be available until the first break and will have one add-on that will be $1,250. The prize pool will be made up of 50% of the funds made on the add-ons, rebuys and buy-ins. Several playmates will be on hand at the event and will celebrate with the top three winners from both events, along with Phil Hellmuth. They will get access to the VIP booth at the Playboy Club and get to party like a rockstar! The grand prize winner will receive two Super Bowl XLII tickets and two tickets to the Super Saturday Night Party hosted by Playboy.
The big winner of the night will be the TASER Foundation. They will receive funds to help their organization. They are a group that works to provide financial and educational support to families of local and federal law enforcement officers who have lost their life in the line of duty. "We are thrilled to bring Phil Hellmuth back for our third annual poker fundraiser," said Gerry Anderson, TASER Foundation Executive Director. "Phil Hellmuth is a huge draw and anyone who watches the World Series of Poker knows that he brings his A-game to play. We couldn't be happier to provide such a unique opportunity for the community to support the families of fallen officers who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty as 100% of the proceeds (net of costs and winner pay outs) go directly to the families."
Absolute Poker – Forgiven by Fans? Bad Beat – Back to Six Figures!
November 25, 2007
Public majority seems to have made their decision, either Absolute Poker was innocent altogether, which oddly was the unanimous opinion of 10 poker players interviewed today by LadyHoldem, or, they've cleaned up what used to be a mess.
Whether or not the allegations against Absolute Poker ring true, whether or not they pass the audits, and regardless of what has already been admitted, the public seems to have for the most part forgiven the allegedly misbehaving online poker room. In evidence of their customer support, Absolute Poker's bad beat jackpot has hit six figures yet again.
The jackpot was paid out yesterday the 24th, that jackpot amounted to a bit more than $300,000.00! Now just a day later, we're right back there in the six figure range!
To win a badbeat jackpot at Absolute Poker you must use both of your hole cards, and you must have quad 8's or better, that do get beat.
Charity Poker Event at Crown Melbourne
November 25, 2007
Australia will be having their largest charity poker event on Friday November 30th. The event will take place at Crown Melbourne and many pros and celebrities will be in attendance. Russell Crowe, Dave Hughes, Glenn Robbins, Livinia Nixon and Nathan Buckley will some playing in the event.
The title of the event is “The Joe Hachem and Shane Warne Charity Poker Tournament” and both men will join the final table action. Joe of course has success in the gambling field while Warne is a former cricket player. The event will take place in the High Limit Area in the Crown Poker Room. The event will be open to the public and will have a $1000 buy-in and $500 re-buys. The first place prize will be a guaranteed $25,000 and the other players at the final table will receive a $5,000 prize.
There will also be an auction taking place to help raise money as well. Many exciting prizes will be up for grabs such as: play golf with Joe and Shane at the Crown’s Capital Golf Club, a walk-on role to Hugh Jackman’s new film Wolverine, or dinner for eight people with Joe and Shane at Robert De Niro’s new restaurant then on to a night of poker. Before the tournament begins there will also be a learning session. From 6-7 p.m. players can enjoy learn-to-play lessons. Then the tournament will begin at 7p.m.
The charity the event is raising money for is The Shane Warne Foundation. The foundation raises money for seriously ill and underprivileged children of Australia for the present and the future. Over the past year and a half the charity has given over $750,000 to Australian charities that works directly with the children in need. They have set a goal to give over $2 million in 2007. Joe Hachem is the Ambassador for Wild Turkey Bourbon and they have decided to help sponsor the charity as well.
Onlne Poker – Peek-a-Boo – I see Your Hole Cards!
November 24, 2007
4Flush.com has received an unconfirmed report that PokerStars, among other online poker rooms intends to require all final table finishers to reveal their whole cards following the Sunday Million tournament. The reason behind this is said to be entertainment, we've all watched a poker game or two on TV haven't we? It wouldn't be a lot of fun if we couldn't see the players hole cards.How are we to know if he had it or if he bluffed! Well we are to have the action, albeit a bit delayed. However, one must wonder, as the guys at Rounders did, are we just showing cards for their entertainment value? If you recall the recent Absolute Poker Scandal, then you can probably see another obvious reason for showing hole cards to the public. In fact, like several poker players we interviewed today at the Portland Players Club, you might just be relieved.
There are those however like Josh Michaels who 4flush.com staff spoke to at an Indian based casino however who do not ever believe in showing their hole cards and as a result say they might find a new place to play.
TJ from AZGambler.com wasn't to sure he wanted his Party Poker hands shared either, telling 4flush staff, "I can't say that I whole-heartedly agree with PokerStars wanting to waive the players' rights to not have their hole cards shown during the Sunday Million final table. " He continued to explain, "The great thing about the Stars' online webcasts is that there is still an allure and a mystery about it that you just don't get from watching a live WPT or WSOP final table on TV."
TJ continued by explaining to 4flush staff the overall importance of the Sunday Million replay, and just what he believes it brings to the online poker world, "When someone like myself watches the replay of the Sunday Million I know I'll get to see all the hands and all the action that proceeds, and not just some made-for-TV version. In an age where ESPN and other networks have made the game look more "Hollywood" than anything, the Stars Sunday Million broadcast has never glorified any one player (even though there have been many who have made it to the final 9) or edited out key bluffs. Never taken out a single hand or edited out a player's table banter. The poker was real and the action was uncut....T
We are currently awaiting confirmation from PokerStars regarding this announcement, keep your eye on 4Flush Online Gambling News for updates.
What do you think? Should Hole cards be shown at final tables online?
Perhaps all cards should be shown (after the game) all the time?
Or are poker players hole cards a sacred secret that shouldn't be shared at any cost?
World Poker Tour Satellite Seat Won at The Bar Poker League
November 22, 2007
Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Minnesota was the spot for this past weekend’s No Limit Texas Hold’em tournament hosted by The Bar Poker League. Over 600 players showed up to play in the tournament, there was a Team event on Friday and the Main event took place on Saturday. Up for grabs was a seat in the WPT Satellite.
Players could qualify for the WPT Satellite Seat events by earning points through The Bar Poker League point system. This took place over a two month period. Along with the seat at the WPT, the winner also gets their airfare and lodging paid for as well. The winner can play in any upcoming WPT event but must sport the World Poker Store logo while playing.
The Bar Poker League has over 30,000 members in three states and will be gaining new members from other states in the upcoming year. They will begin in the Washington State area in January. The casino Jackpot Junction who hosted the event is partners with The Bar Poker League and The World Poker Store is looking to expand partnerships with other states.
Greg Needham, the VP of Marketing for The World Poker Store Inc. had this to say: “Our gaming partner program is not only beneficial to the facility that we bring thousands of players tom but it’s also a great chance for us to bring our Bar Poker League members together where they can compete in our Free tournament and then enjoy the Casino and Card Room opportunities later that same day. Our players are gamer at hear and that bodes well for the gaming partner.”
Absolute Poker Online Turkey Bowl
November 22, 2007
All month long Absolute Poker Players have been gearing up for entry into the Absolute Poker Turkey Bowl, where $5,000.00 will be up for grabs!
One of the first promotions offered by Absolute Poker since the scandal of recent, is the Absolute Poker Turkey Bowl, where Absolute says online poker players can 'Stuff their faces with cash.' AP will be giving away $5000 to qualified players. To qualify players must participate in 3,000 raked hands between November 1st and November 27th. The final
The Turkey Bowl isn't actually held on Thanksgiving, but on December 1st instead, at 2pm EST. Once you qualify for entry an email will be sent to the email address your account is registered with (the same one you use to login) Registration for the tournament, which is limited to the first 2000 players, will begin at 8pm EST Friday November 30th.
Maestro Poker Removed by iPoker Network
November 22, 2007
Due to a violation of the network's terms of use, Playtech, which is a very well known gaming software provider, has removed Maestro Poker from their iPoker network. It seems that Maestro Poker skin had been offering rakeback deals to their affiliates as well as their players. iPoker network has a zero tolerance stance on any rakeback deals made.
Fines were previously introduced by Playtech for any violations made by iPoker card rooms, but due to the large volume of rakebacks, they felt that it required a much tougher penalty. It is probable that others will heed this as a warning, who would try damaging iPoker's vision that aims in the promotion of working together to be able to create a high standard of trust and quality.
Many players and especially affiliates are attracted to benefits of good rakeback rates, so there are of course some who feel that iPoker's decision is detrimental to business. However, many companies still have chosen to opt out when it comes to rakebacks. Some companies that are included in those to opt out of rakeback include PokerStars, PartyPoker, FullTiltPoker and the Ongame Network. Each one of these companies can be noted as ranking in the top five for traffic.
Pot Limit Omaha – Hansens $1.7M Full Tilt Poker Streak
November 20, 2007
Gus Hansen Poker Pro" alt="Gus Hansen Poker Pro" align="left" border="0" height="159" hspace="5" vspace="0" width="175" />Danish star, Gus Hansen has won a total of $1.7 million so far in Pot-Limit Omaha games, for the month of November, making his streak at the Full Tilt Poker high-stakes tables, one to be envied.
Starting the month out a little slow, then showing progress, Hansen writes in a Danish newspaper Ekstrabladet, "I had a really bad down-swing at Full Tilt. I was actually pretty happy about the way I played, but my money management and my steam control wasn't very good."
"But then things turned around. To make a long story short, I won $1,750,000 in four days."
Playing as many as four tables at one time, during this period he mainly played $200/$400 Pot-Limit Omaha. Of course to add some action, he was also playing H.O.R.S.E. and Omaha Hi-Lo.
Hansen had some highlights during his streak, such as: catching a full house on the river which won him a $16K pot, while playing against Sahamies. Then he hit a runner-runner straight which won him $147K, playing against 'google12345'. To add to these, he caught a two-outer on the river, winning $105K, against 'trex313'.
Wanting the streak to continue of course, Hansen writes, "I hope my good run continues."
The University of Poker Championship
November 20, 2007
It is time again for all those registered college and university students to try and not only be crowned best Texas holdem no limit college player but also get a year’s paid tuition. The University of Poker Championship is sponsored by Life of Sports, Inc.
The University of Poker Championship has begun at PokerStars for all U.S and Canadian registered college and university students. There will be 24 free qualifiers and the top three from those free tournaments will compete in the final round for some great prizes. The winner of the final event will receive a year’s tuition and an all expense paid trip and entry to a PokerStars European Poker Tour event.
Carly Sawers of Pokerstars said, “We're excited to be involved in this event because it offers students an opportunity to further their education with the free tuition and also provides them with a chance to visit Europe and play in an event on the European Poker Tour."
Not to be left out there is a UK version also running at Cake Poker. The same qualifying and final round will be run but for the UK students the grand prize will consist of a year’s paid tuition and a $12,000 prize package including a seat into the 2008 World Series of Poker.
The free weekly qualifiers have already started at Pokerstars for the U.S. version and are available to all registered students.