In an effort to concentrate its focus on offering a more attractive range of sports betting, casino and skill games products, Austria's Interwetten has pulled out of the online poker market, delivering its last hand of poker yesterday morning.
In a short statement posted on its site Tuesday, Interwetten said that any players still in possession of poker chips would receive the equivalent value in real money as a credit in their account by midnight Thursday. The company's poker offering had been part of the Ongame network.
The company said that following the closure it would now focus efforts on offering customers an even more attractive range of sports betting, casino and skill games.
Interwetten has already began the process of increasing its brand exposure in Europe, signing a deal last week to become the main sponsor of the Interwetten Honda MotoGP Team, providing the company with a presence on the starting grid for the 2010 MotoGP racing calendar, the premier class of grand prix motorcycle racing.
The company said that the agreement would increase its brand exposure in markets popular with the MotoGP such as Spain, Greece, Germany and Switzerland.
Showing posts with label Poker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poker. Show all posts
November 18, 2009
November 13, 2009
Top celebrity online power-players
Gambling has been a part of society all our lives, because lets face it, a lot of what we do is a gamble, whether it involves money or not! Life is unpredictable, so you never know what the outcome’s going to be, just like gambling, but gambling has had a bad rep over the past few years, and all the positives get totally discarded. But the truth is, gambling is a fantastic past-time, that’s been part of our lives for many years, and it’s actually a lot of fun, and can be really sociable.
Some people think that gambling isn’t for them, because there are too many classic casino games out there, and not everybody’s into that nowadays. But the internet is ever changed and improving to adapt to today’s challenging and hard to please market, so there’s something out there for everyone…
Even celebrities! More and more celebrities are engaging in online gambling, be it a little flutter, or a full blown play for the jackpot! But they mainly do it for the thrill, because Gambling is never boring, it’s always un-predictable, and online, you can just pay for fun!
One of the most famous celebrity gamblers would have to be Ben Affleck. Ben Affleck is an absolute poker champion. Although he’s had bad press over his online gambling habits, he’s got the money and the skills to play, and play to win! He is a true Power-Player, and he knows his stuff, I wouldn’t want to face him in a game! Would you?
Another Power-Player would have to be the fabulous Hugh Hefner, because sometimes, the playboy mansion just isn’t good enough. Hugh Hefner has been known in the past to splash his cash on specialist celebrity poker rooms in Vegas, given by request, but few know on the quieter days, Hugh has been known to dabble in the online gaming scene… As well as this, he only owns his very own Online Gambling site himself!
Continuing on now to George Clooney. George Clooney is as well known in the gambling world as he is in the rest of it! And has invested a total of $3 billion on a resort in Las Vegas. As well as this he’s also the co-ownder of the casino-hotel-condominium complex – Las Ramblas. George is well known as an avid gambler, online and in the Casinos, and was in Rome, back when the were filimg Ocean’s 12, playing a game of late-night poker with co-stars Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.
And now, batting for all the female gamblers out there, is Jennifer Tilly, veteran and semi-professional poker player. She began her gambling past-time through playing TV-Celebrity-Poker Porgrammes. She then dated none other than Phil Laak, who helped coach her! She’s well known in the gambling circuit, and was said to have used online gambling sites during her training to improve.
Toby McGuire, “Spiderman” superstar, is a very established poker champion. He won $186,000 at a $2,000 buy in tournament at the Hollywood Park Casino in 2004. He also went on to win the $2,000 Phil Hellmuth Invitational for $95,480! And he’s also known to hold high stakes poker parties at his home. Not only this, he has been known to cash in on online gambling sites before, and is quite obviously, an A-List Power-Player!
“Friends” star Matthew Perry is also rumoured to be a heavy poker player, and is known to be an avid fan of online gambling! As well as this, he has a special arrangement with the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas for a weekend where he spent a private VIP weekend gambling!
“Bourne” star Matt Damon has also, like Jennifer Tilly, had the amazing opportunity to be coached by a pro, and this pro is none other than Johnny Chan. He’s been seen regularly gambling with high profile celebrity friends such as George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Michael Douglas. He’s also rumoured to have been recently offered a $1 million endorsement offer for an online gambling giant, as he’s said to be quite a fan of the online scene.
And to finish up, another famous lady, showing the world that girls can gamble too! Shannon Elizabeth is famed for a sensational string of performances during her long run in the 2007 NBC Heads-Up Poker Championship. This American Pie beauty has scalped many big name bros, and has cashed in four times as the WSOP!
And these celebs are to name but a few! Because celebrities are known fans of the Gambling scene, and if they are, then why aren’t you? Help to discard the bad press gambling receives by gambling safely, and online, where Gambling has become just as sociable as Vegas!
Some people think that gambling isn’t for them, because there are too many classic casino games out there, and not everybody’s into that nowadays. But the internet is ever changed and improving to adapt to today’s challenging and hard to please market, so there’s something out there for everyone…
Even celebrities! More and more celebrities are engaging in online gambling, be it a little flutter, or a full blown play for the jackpot! But they mainly do it for the thrill, because Gambling is never boring, it’s always un-predictable, and online, you can just pay for fun!
One of the most famous celebrity gamblers would have to be Ben Affleck. Ben Affleck is an absolute poker champion. Although he’s had bad press over his online gambling habits, he’s got the money and the skills to play, and play to win! He is a true Power-Player, and he knows his stuff, I wouldn’t want to face him in a game! Would you?
Another Power-Player would have to be the fabulous Hugh Hefner, because sometimes, the playboy mansion just isn’t good enough. Hugh Hefner has been known in the past to splash his cash on specialist celebrity poker rooms in Vegas, given by request, but few know on the quieter days, Hugh has been known to dabble in the online gaming scene… As well as this, he only owns his very own Online Gambling site himself!
Continuing on now to George Clooney. George Clooney is as well known in the gambling world as he is in the rest of it! And has invested a total of $3 billion on a resort in Las Vegas. As well as this he’s also the co-ownder of the casino-hotel-condominium complex – Las Ramblas. George is well known as an avid gambler, online and in the Casinos, and was in Rome, back when the were filimg Ocean’s 12, playing a game of late-night poker with co-stars Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.
And now, batting for all the female gamblers out there, is Jennifer Tilly, veteran and semi-professional poker player. She began her gambling past-time through playing TV-Celebrity-Poker Porgrammes. She then dated none other than Phil Laak, who helped coach her! She’s well known in the gambling circuit, and was said to have used online gambling sites during her training to improve.
Toby McGuire, “Spiderman” superstar, is a very established poker champion. He won $186,000 at a $2,000 buy in tournament at the Hollywood Park Casino in 2004. He also went on to win the $2,000 Phil Hellmuth Invitational for $95,480! And he’s also known to hold high stakes poker parties at his home. Not only this, he has been known to cash in on online gambling sites before, and is quite obviously, an A-List Power-Player!
“Friends” star Matthew Perry is also rumoured to be a heavy poker player, and is known to be an avid fan of online gambling! As well as this, he has a special arrangement with the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas for a weekend where he spent a private VIP weekend gambling!
“Bourne” star Matt Damon has also, like Jennifer Tilly, had the amazing opportunity to be coached by a pro, and this pro is none other than Johnny Chan. He’s been seen regularly gambling with high profile celebrity friends such as George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Michael Douglas. He’s also rumoured to have been recently offered a $1 million endorsement offer for an online gambling giant, as he’s said to be quite a fan of the online scene.
And to finish up, another famous lady, showing the world that girls can gamble too! Shannon Elizabeth is famed for a sensational string of performances during her long run in the 2007 NBC Heads-Up Poker Championship. This American Pie beauty has scalped many big name bros, and has cashed in four times as the WSOP!
And these celebs are to name but a few! Because celebrities are known fans of the Gambling scene, and if they are, then why aren’t you? Help to discard the bad press gambling receives by gambling safely, and online, where Gambling has become just as sociable as Vegas!
November 10, 2009
Gaming Media Group makes Bulgaria play with acquisition, distribution deals
PokerHaeven and Poker Channel parent company Gaming Media Group (GMG) has acquired 49% of Bulgarian poker affiliate site Igrach.com, and also signed a distribution deal for the Poker Channel in that country.
The performance-related deal for Igrach.com, which according to GMG is the largest poker affiliate site in Bulgaria, values the business at between €1.5m and €1.9m, with an option to buy the remaining 51% at a later date.
GMG will fund the transaction using a combination of cash and services, including provision of infrastructure and marketing resources.
The Igrach.com affiliate business will be integrated with GMG’s existing online affiliate business, PokerChannelEurope.com. The managing director of the Poker Channel, Chris White, will manage the company’s new Bulgarian investment.
In conjunction with the deal, GMG announced that the Poker Channel had agreed terms with local cable operator Megalan to carry the Channel in its digital basic package, with other major operators in the pipeline for the first quarter of 2010.
GMG chief executive Crispin Nieboer said the acquisition a great first step in its strategy of expanding its online affiliate business by making acquisitions in high-growth markets. Nieboer said: “Igrach.com has succeeded in building a valuable share of the online poker community in a territory that is experiencing significant growth. Through our TV exposure in Bulgaria, and by providing investment and infrastructure, we will help drive Igrach.com’s further growth in Bulgaria and adjacent territories.”
The performance-related deal for Igrach.com, which according to GMG is the largest poker affiliate site in Bulgaria, values the business at between €1.5m and €1.9m, with an option to buy the remaining 51% at a later date.
GMG will fund the transaction using a combination of cash and services, including provision of infrastructure and marketing resources.
The Igrach.com affiliate business will be integrated with GMG’s existing online affiliate business, PokerChannelEurope.com. The managing director of the Poker Channel, Chris White, will manage the company’s new Bulgarian investment.
In conjunction with the deal, GMG announced that the Poker Channel had agreed terms with local cable operator Megalan to carry the Channel in its digital basic package, with other major operators in the pipeline for the first quarter of 2010.
GMG chief executive Crispin Nieboer said the acquisition a great first step in its strategy of expanding its online affiliate business by making acquisitions in high-growth markets. Nieboer said: “Igrach.com has succeeded in building a valuable share of the online poker community in a territory that is experiencing significant growth. Through our TV exposure in Bulgaria, and by providing investment and infrastructure, we will help drive Igrach.com’s further growth in Bulgaria and adjacent territories.”
November 06, 2009
Steve Begleiter, former Bear Stearns exec - WSOP winner?
Former Bear Stearns executive Steven Begleiter is set to compete in the final table at the Main Event at the World Series of Poker starting on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Begleiter qualified for the final round in the July preliminaries - since 2008, the final table has been delayed until November - where he finished among the top nine out of 6,494 entrants and took home $1.26 million in prize money. This month, he'll play for the top payout of $7.2 million.
Until 2008, Begleiter was head of corporate strategy at Bear Stearns, where executives were known more for their regard for bridge than poker. When Bear was sold to J.P. Morgan, Begleiter helped transition the firm before moving to the private equity group Flexpoint Ford. Begleiter told The New York Times that despite the "populist nonsense going on right now," he's still "very proud" of his time at Bear.
Time reports that, Begleiter will be up against several very skilled professional poker players - including Phil Ivey, who many consider to be the game's top professional - but it appears he appreciates the challenge: "It's not about the money, really, I just like to compete," he said.
Until 2008, Begleiter was head of corporate strategy at Bear Stearns, where executives were known more for their regard for bridge than poker. When Bear was sold to J.P. Morgan, Begleiter helped transition the firm before moving to the private equity group Flexpoint Ford. Begleiter told The New York Times that despite the "populist nonsense going on right now," he's still "very proud" of his time at Bear.
Time reports that, Begleiter will be up against several very skilled professional poker players - including Phil Ivey, who many consider to be the game's top professional - but it appears he appreciates the challenge: "It's not about the money, really, I just like to compete," he said.
October 23, 2009
California poker bill introduced next year, promises new PVA chief
The viability of US intrastate poker systems may hinge on preventing offshore sites such as PokerStars and Full Tilt from taking US bets, according to two leading data providers to the online poker industry.
California and Florida are currently looking at legislation to establish intrastate online poker systems and regulations as permitted by an exemp tion under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). This explicitly declares that online intrastate wagers do not constitute “unlawful internet gambling” if expressly allowed by the laws of a state.
But according to Poker Players Research (PPR), which provides the poker industry with regular reports and analyses, with almost everyone who is playing online poker for money now doing so in online poker rooms with over a million registered money players, a US intrastate poker site or network would need to get close to this number before it could offer an equal choice of games and size of tournaments as the offshore sites.
“Any site in California [which according to PPR has around 1.5 million online money play ers, compared to New York’s one million and Florida’s 500,000] would need to get what seems to be an unrealistically high percent age of that state’s players to create a viable alternative to the established online poker rooms US players are currently using. This does not seem realistically achievable in a competitive environment,” said director Glenn Flackett.
“Unless the ability of players to play on the sites they currently choose is substantially changed, liquidity advantages of the existing rooms will outweigh any safer, more legiti mate benefits and few existing players will switch,” argued Flackett, who thinks that attracting new players will not only be difficult for intrastate sites, “they will not build liquidity levels that are high enough.”
However, Simon Holliday, director of gam bling data business H2 Gambling Capital, cites Swedish national monopoly Svenska Spel’s 2006 example of how a platform can be built on leisure-oriented players who are comfortable only playing on state-licensed sites. This was achieved in a country with a popu lation of 9.3 million, just over a quarter of California’s and half Florida’s, with nothing done regarding offshore sites.
That said, H2 has calculated its intrastate poker numbers assuming that offshore poker site activity is eradicated.
“Governments have never moved to regulate an industry without offering it some protection. Who would be willing to pay millions of dollars in licence fees and taxation while others were allowed to carry on tax-free?”, explained Holliday.
Thus H2’s baseline for the number of players needed for sustainable, regulated intrastate gambling in the US is lower than PPR’s, for example, citing the need for approximately 500,000 unique active players in Year 1 in California, rising to one million by Year 10, while for Florida, the corresponding numbers are 200,000, rising to 650,000.
But with the federal government having its own tax-raising aims for egaming, it remains to be seen just how supportive it will be in the longer term of individual states’ drive to monopolise the gaming revenues generated within their respective borders.
California and Florida are currently looking at legislation to establish intrastate online poker systems and regulations as permitted by an exemp tion under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). This explicitly declares that online intrastate wagers do not constitute “unlawful internet gambling” if expressly allowed by the laws of a state.
But according to Poker Players Research (PPR), which provides the poker industry with regular reports and analyses, with almost everyone who is playing online poker for money now doing so in online poker rooms with over a million registered money players, a US intrastate poker site or network would need to get close to this number before it could offer an equal choice of games and size of tournaments as the offshore sites.
“Any site in California [which according to PPR has around 1.5 million online money play ers, compared to New York’s one million and Florida’s 500,000] would need to get what seems to be an unrealistically high percent age of that state’s players to create a viable alternative to the established online poker rooms US players are currently using. This does not seem realistically achievable in a competitive environment,” said director Glenn Flackett.
“Unless the ability of players to play on the sites they currently choose is substantially changed, liquidity advantages of the existing rooms will outweigh any safer, more legiti mate benefits and few existing players will switch,” argued Flackett, who thinks that attracting new players will not only be difficult for intrastate sites, “they will not build liquidity levels that are high enough.”
However, Simon Holliday, director of gam bling data business H2 Gambling Capital, cites Swedish national monopoly Svenska Spel’s 2006 example of how a platform can be built on leisure-oriented players who are comfortable only playing on state-licensed sites. This was achieved in a country with a popu lation of 9.3 million, just over a quarter of California’s and half Florida’s, with nothing done regarding offshore sites.
That said, H2 has calculated its intrastate poker numbers assuming that offshore poker site activity is eradicated.
“Governments have never moved to regulate an industry without offering it some protection. Who would be willing to pay millions of dollars in licence fees and taxation while others were allowed to carry on tax-free?”, explained Holliday.
Thus H2’s baseline for the number of players needed for sustainable, regulated intrastate gambling in the US is lower than PPR’s, for example, citing the need for approximately 500,000 unique active players in Year 1 in California, rising to one million by Year 10, while for Florida, the corresponding numbers are 200,000, rising to 650,000.
But with the federal government having its own tax-raising aims for egaming, it remains to be seen just how supportive it will be in the longer term of individual states’ drive to monopolise the gaming revenues generated within their respective borders.
October 17, 2009
Mike Sexton Only Pro to be inducted to the Hall of Fame for 2009
Harrah’s and the World Series of Poker announced this morning that Mike Sexton will be the one and only person inducted into this year’s Poker Hall of Fame. Sexton will become the 38th member of the Poker Hall of Fame and will be inducted this November.
Sexton’s poker career spans almost thirty years and he has earned more than $3.7 million in career poker winnings. Sexton is one of the most recognizable figures in poker and is known by many as the Ambassador of Poker.
Sexton is the main figure for the televised events for the World Poker Tour and he also serves as a consultant and host of Party Poker, the online poker room. Sexton also has his hand in charity work. He has formed the PokerGives organization which provides the poker community a way to give back to charitable causes. Sexton also donated half of this 2006 WSOP Tournament of Champions prize, which amounted to $500,000 to several charities.
Sexton will be inducted officially into the Poker Hall of Fame on November 7th. The Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will be the site of the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table and Sexton will be inducted during a break in the competition.
Poker pros have been sending their congratulations to Mike Sexton and some have taken to their Twitter pages to comment. Annie Duke tweeted: “Congratulations on the HALL OF FAME Induction Mr. Sexton!” and Joe Sebok tweeted: “congrats Mike Sexton…going into the poker hall of fame. Well deserved, sir…”.
Sexton’s poker career spans almost thirty years and he has earned more than $3.7 million in career poker winnings. Sexton is one of the most recognizable figures in poker and is known by many as the Ambassador of Poker.
Sexton is the main figure for the televised events for the World Poker Tour and he also serves as a consultant and host of Party Poker, the online poker room. Sexton also has his hand in charity work. He has formed the PokerGives organization which provides the poker community a way to give back to charitable causes. Sexton also donated half of this 2006 WSOP Tournament of Champions prize, which amounted to $500,000 to several charities.
Sexton will be inducted officially into the Poker Hall of Fame on November 7th. The Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will be the site of the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table and Sexton will be inducted during a break in the competition.
Poker pros have been sending their congratulations to Mike Sexton and some have taken to their Twitter pages to comment. Annie Duke tweeted: “Congratulations on the HALL OF FAME Induction Mr. Sexton!” and Joe Sebok tweeted: “congrats Mike Sexton…going into the poker hall of fame. Well deserved, sir…”.
October 16, 2009
Full Tilt Poker Issues Statement re: Robot Case
Call it arrogance on the part of the world's second largest online poker room. Full Tilt Poker typically does not comment on any type of complaints lodged against it from lawsuits to player complaints about software upgrades to nasty public relations people who are yet to properly utilize their star player and representative at next month's World Series of Poker final table.
In an unusual - and some might say BOLD - move by the online poker company, Full Tilt has responded to a recent lawsuit alleging it uses "bots" to play against real customers.
As first reported by the TMZ.com website two weeks ago, Lary Kennedy and Greg Omotoy claim they won $80,000 and that the funds were confiscated by FTP.
Full Tilt Poker, which has among its equity partners Phil Ivey and Chris Ferguson, claims that plaintiffs used an automated play functions called "robots" instead of playing the game themselves. Since using robots violates Full Tilt's rules, the site's owners confiscated more than $80,000. Omotoy and Kennedy, in turn, claim that Full Tilt Poker also use their own bots on the website.
Full Tilt Poker issued this statement:
"Full Tilt Poker has been made aware of the recent filing of a baseless lawsuit by former Full Tilt Poker customers - Ms. Lary Kennedy and Mr. Greg Omotoy. Both of these player accounts were appropriately terminated for multiple violations of the express terms and conditions governing fair and lawful play in the Full Tilt Poker online virtual cardroom, including their own admissions of using multiple accounts.
"The usage of multiple accounts not only violates the clear terms and agreements governing fair and lawful play, it creates an unequal and unfair advantage that Full Tilt Poker does not and will not permit. We aim to protect our players at all cost, thus we terminated these two claimants' accounts.
"The claims of these former customers have no merit, their complaint is frivolous, especially given the lack of candor during extensive investigation and the unequivocal and unambiguous admissions of using multiple accounts.
"With respect to alleged use of prohibited automated systems, the claimants' false assertions will be revealed as such in due course. Full Tilt Poker has never knowingly allowed "bots" to play on its site. To the extent either of these claimants indeed used such prohibited "bots" in violation of all applicable rules, such impermissible use by the claimants was without the knowledge of Full Tilt Poker. When fraud, collusion, and cheating of any kind is uncovered, Full Tilt Poker investigates extensively, and then acts accordingly and appropriately, as was the case involving these claimants.
"As always, Full Tilt Poker remains committed to protecting their players from anything that might compromise the integrity of its games. Full Tilt Poker expects that this erroneous lawsuit and its spurious claims will be dealt with accordingly by proper courts of law and other appropriate tribunals. Full Tilt Poker expects that these claimants will be obliged to compensate the aggrieved defendants for any harm that may arise out of their false allegations, and for the wrongful institution of these bad faith legal proceedings."
This is not the first time Full Tilt Poker has been thrust into the spotlight over alleged bots playing on their website.
In September 2007, the company was forced to respond to concerns that "bots" were playing on the site.
The website at that time issued several players affected by the "online poker bot play" refunds, according to Kelli Smithgall of 4Flush.com. Smithgall went on to suggest that suspect "bot" accounts had been froze and were "under investigation".
"The bots reportedly played on Full Tilt at the Texas Hold'em Limit cash tables and possibly, however not confirmed, at some no limit style tables.
"A poker bot is a type of malware, since the bot player is not human, they don't express fear or shame, they also can't recognize a bluff, they play the math, playing correct poker, not emotional poker, which has both it's ups and downs. Humans on the other hand might back off against extremely aggressive players. "For example, a poker bot will raise any two cards if they think there is even the slightest advantage based on a real player's history. "Although bots have been a common theme in online gambling and poker playing for several years now, it has been almost impossible to catch them. Like slimy snakes, they seek out unassuming new poker players that are still naive about the online gambling world."
Not all "bots" are bad. For example, the Google Bot is a "good bot" that scans websites for content than lists news stories to be part of the Google listings.
In an unusual - and some might say BOLD - move by the online poker company, Full Tilt has responded to a recent lawsuit alleging it uses "bots" to play against real customers.
As first reported by the TMZ.com website two weeks ago, Lary Kennedy and Greg Omotoy claim they won $80,000 and that the funds were confiscated by FTP.
Full Tilt Poker, which has among its equity partners Phil Ivey and Chris Ferguson, claims that plaintiffs used an automated play functions called "robots" instead of playing the game themselves. Since using robots violates Full Tilt's rules, the site's owners confiscated more than $80,000. Omotoy and Kennedy, in turn, claim that Full Tilt Poker also use their own bots on the website.
Full Tilt Poker issued this statement:
"Full Tilt Poker has been made aware of the recent filing of a baseless lawsuit by former Full Tilt Poker customers - Ms. Lary Kennedy and Mr. Greg Omotoy. Both of these player accounts were appropriately terminated for multiple violations of the express terms and conditions governing fair and lawful play in the Full Tilt Poker online virtual cardroom, including their own admissions of using multiple accounts.
"The usage of multiple accounts not only violates the clear terms and agreements governing fair and lawful play, it creates an unequal and unfair advantage that Full Tilt Poker does not and will not permit. We aim to protect our players at all cost, thus we terminated these two claimants' accounts.
"The claims of these former customers have no merit, their complaint is frivolous, especially given the lack of candor during extensive investigation and the unequivocal and unambiguous admissions of using multiple accounts.
"With respect to alleged use of prohibited automated systems, the claimants' false assertions will be revealed as such in due course. Full Tilt Poker has never knowingly allowed "bots" to play on its site. To the extent either of these claimants indeed used such prohibited "bots" in violation of all applicable rules, such impermissible use by the claimants was without the knowledge of Full Tilt Poker. When fraud, collusion, and cheating of any kind is uncovered, Full Tilt Poker investigates extensively, and then acts accordingly and appropriately, as was the case involving these claimants.
"As always, Full Tilt Poker remains committed to protecting their players from anything that might compromise the integrity of its games. Full Tilt Poker expects that this erroneous lawsuit and its spurious claims will be dealt with accordingly by proper courts of law and other appropriate tribunals. Full Tilt Poker expects that these claimants will be obliged to compensate the aggrieved defendants for any harm that may arise out of their false allegations, and for the wrongful institution of these bad faith legal proceedings."
This is not the first time Full Tilt Poker has been thrust into the spotlight over alleged bots playing on their website.
In September 2007, the company was forced to respond to concerns that "bots" were playing on the site.
The website at that time issued several players affected by the "online poker bot play" refunds, according to Kelli Smithgall of 4Flush.com. Smithgall went on to suggest that suspect "bot" accounts had been froze and were "under investigation".
"The bots reportedly played on Full Tilt at the Texas Hold'em Limit cash tables and possibly, however not confirmed, at some no limit style tables.
"A poker bot is a type of malware, since the bot player is not human, they don't express fear or shame, they also can't recognize a bluff, they play the math, playing correct poker, not emotional poker, which has both it's ups and downs. Humans on the other hand might back off against extremely aggressive players. "For example, a poker bot will raise any two cards if they think there is even the slightest advantage based on a real player's history. "Although bots have been a common theme in online gambling and poker playing for several years now, it has been almost impossible to catch them. Like slimy snakes, they seek out unassuming new poker players that are still naive about the online gambling world."
Not all "bots" are bad. For example, the Google Bot is a "good bot" that scans websites for content than lists news stories to be part of the Google listings.
October 14, 2009
Poker Channel signs Neufbox TV French distribution deal
In parallel to France's National Assembly preparing to vote Tuesday on enacting a bill to liberalize and regulate the country's online gaming market, the Poker Channel has just announced a new distribution agreement with Neufbox TV, the popular TV service of French telecommunications company SFR.
The launch on telco SFR's TV platform follows deals with IPTV operator Free and cabler Numericable in France. Now Europe's largest dedicated gaming TV network is available 24 hours a day to all SFR TV subscribers on Channel 199.
SFR is currently 56% owned by French media group Vivendi and 44% by mobile phone giant Vodafone.
After the agreement, the Poker Channel will air to more than 18 million cable and satellite homes in twenty different countries. It attracts over 1 million unique TV viewers per month, with 65% of viewers playing online every day.
Highlights for the launch in France include seven episodes of the PokerHeaven European Cash Game, a high stakes cash game featuring celebrated poker pros, as well as events from the World Series of Poker, European Poker Tour, and the World Poker Tour.
The launch on telco SFR's TV platform follows deals with IPTV operator Free and cabler Numericable in France. Now Europe's largest dedicated gaming TV network is available 24 hours a day to all SFR TV subscribers on Channel 199.
SFR is currently 56% owned by French media group Vivendi and 44% by mobile phone giant Vodafone.
After the agreement, the Poker Channel will air to more than 18 million cable and satellite homes in twenty different countries. It attracts over 1 million unique TV viewers per month, with 65% of viewers playing online every day.
Highlights for the launch in France include seven episodes of the PokerHeaven European Cash Game, a high stakes cash game featuring celebrated poker pros, as well as events from the World Series of Poker, European Poker Tour, and the World Poker Tour.
August 26, 2009
PartyGaming to buy World Poker Tour
British online gaming group PartyGaming Plc said on Tuesday it agreed to buy U.S.-based branded gaming firm WPT Enterprises Inc, known as World Poker Tour, for $12.3 million in cash.
PartyGaming said it would also pay a minimum of $3 million over the next three years to World Poker Tour's vendors on an ongoing revenue share related to the assets purchased.
The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2009, PartyGaming said in a statement.
In a late evening release on Monday, WPT had said it agreed to sell substantially all of its operating assets other than cash, investments and certain excluded assets to Peerless Media Ltd, a unit of ElectraWorks Ltd, which is owned by PartyGaming.
PartyGaming is WPT's largest customer, accounting for 30 percent of its revenue for the six months ended June 28, WPT said in a regulatory filing.
Last month, PartyGaming had said it was looking for further acquisitions following its purchase of bingo website operator Cashcade for an initial 71.9 million pounds ($118.8 million at that time).
Earlier this month, rival online gaming firm 888 (888.L) said it was close to making an acquisition and expected a deal to be completed soon.
PartyGaming shares were down 0.5 percent at 268.2 pence in volatile trade by 0848 GMT on the London Stock Exchange.
PartyGaming said it would also pay a minimum of $3 million over the next three years to World Poker Tour's vendors on an ongoing revenue share related to the assets purchased.
The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2009, PartyGaming said in a statement.
In a late evening release on Monday, WPT had said it agreed to sell substantially all of its operating assets other than cash, investments and certain excluded assets to Peerless Media Ltd, a unit of ElectraWorks Ltd, which is owned by PartyGaming.
PartyGaming is WPT's largest customer, accounting for 30 percent of its revenue for the six months ended June 28, WPT said in a regulatory filing.
Last month, PartyGaming had said it was looking for further acquisitions following its purchase of bingo website operator Cashcade for an initial 71.9 million pounds ($118.8 million at that time).
Earlier this month, rival online gaming firm 888 (888.L) said it was close to making an acquisition and expected a deal to be completed soon.
PartyGaming shares were down 0.5 percent at 268.2 pence in volatile trade by 0848 GMT on the London Stock Exchange.
February 26, 2009
Crime victim asked to poker night
A man who went to Oxfordshire's police headquarters to report a burglary said he was stunned when he was asked if he was there to play poker.
Graham Hall, 68, went to the Kidlington offices after his home was broken in to and was asked by a security guard if he was there to play cards. He said the guard told him there was no-one there to deal with his report.
A police statement said Mr Hall's visit coincided with a poker night at the HQ, which is not an operational station. Mr Hall discovered thieves had broken into his home in the Kidlington area at about 1830 GMT last Thursday. They had stolen snooker equipment and an electric fan.
"When I went to report it, I was greeted at the desk by a security guard who said 'good evening sir, are you here for the poker?'," Mr Hall said.
"I said I thought I had come to a police station and not a casino and told him that I'd like to report a theft.
"He said I couldn't do it there because there was not anyone there who could deal with my problem."
Mr Hall then found out he could not report the burglary at nearby Kidlington Police Station because it closes at 1700 GMT during the week. He then phoned the police non-emergency crime helpline, reported the incident and was given a crime number. However, Mr Hall said he had no further contact from the police until this week.
"I had no contact at all from the police until yesterday and today an inspector came to my house to apologise," he added.
A statement from Thames Valley Police said: "Police HQ is not an operational police station so the gentleman was unable to report the crime at this building, and was advised to call our single non-emergency number 0845 8 505 505 which is the quickest and most effective way to report a crime.
"The gentleman's visit to HQ coincided with a poker evening organised by the Thames Valley Police Sports and Social Club which was attended by off-duty staff. "The evenings are limited to a maximum of 20 staff, with a top stake of £2.50 a game and small cash prizes, and are intended to raise money for the Sports and Social Club. The nights operate fully in compliance with the licence held by Thames Valley Police HQ."
Graham Hall, 68, went to the Kidlington offices after his home was broken in to and was asked by a security guard if he was there to play cards. He said the guard told him there was no-one there to deal with his report.
A police statement said Mr Hall's visit coincided with a poker night at the HQ, which is not an operational station. Mr Hall discovered thieves had broken into his home in the Kidlington area at about 1830 GMT last Thursday. They had stolen snooker equipment and an electric fan.
"When I went to report it, I was greeted at the desk by a security guard who said 'good evening sir, are you here for the poker?'," Mr Hall said.
"I said I thought I had come to a police station and not a casino and told him that I'd like to report a theft.
"He said I couldn't do it there because there was not anyone there who could deal with my problem."
Mr Hall then found out he could not report the burglary at nearby Kidlington Police Station because it closes at 1700 GMT during the week. He then phoned the police non-emergency crime helpline, reported the incident and was given a crime number. However, Mr Hall said he had no further contact from the police until this week.
"I had no contact at all from the police until yesterday and today an inspector came to my house to apologise," he added.
A statement from Thames Valley Police said: "Police HQ is not an operational police station so the gentleman was unable to report the crime at this building, and was advised to call our single non-emergency number 0845 8 505 505 which is the quickest and most effective way to report a crime.
"The gentleman's visit to HQ coincided with a poker evening organised by the Thames Valley Police Sports and Social Club which was attended by off-duty staff. "The evenings are limited to a maximum of 20 staff, with a top stake of £2.50 a game and small cash prizes, and are intended to raise money for the Sports and Social Club. The nights operate fully in compliance with the licence held by Thames Valley Police HQ."
February 25, 2009
Robbie Williams swaps life in LA for poker in Swindon
As a super-rich pop star, you would expect Robbie Williams to indulge his passion for poker at the world’s most luxurious gambling resorts. He could go all in at Monte Carlo or Vegas — but instead he is choosing to hit the tables in not-so-glamorous Swindon.
Now I’m sure there is nothing wrong with the facilities at the town’s Premier Club. But it’s not quite where you expect to find the world’s high-rollers.
But The Robster — during breaks from gazing up at the sky searching for flying saucers — has become a regular at the club’s poker nights close to his multi-million pound Wiltshire mansion. And pal Jonathan Wilkes often joins him for the five-card stud sessions.
My mole said: "Robbie has been in frequently over the last few weeks. He plays to a very high standard and has been having fun with Jonathan. He’s getting a reputation as a serious adversary around the poker tables here."
The former Take That star signalled the end of his five-year exile in LA last December when he splashed out 7 million pounds on his new pad.
He moved in a month ago and has been beavering away on his comeback album.
Robbie — who released No1 album Swing When You’re Winning in 2001 — has a reputation for being a demon card shark.
When he was living in LA, he hosted a card school and once begged veteran Welsh crooner Tom Jones to join. In 2002, Tom said: "Robbie’s started a poker circle. He’s bought a house up the street from me and has been asking me to join in but I can’t play."
Robbie might also have the chance to get his football boots back on, having left his beloved LA Vale amateur side behind. Wilkes plays for the Premier Club members side KC FC.
He explained: "Me and my wife moved to the area about a year ago and my brother-in-law is the captain. We’ve got a decent side and are having a pretty good season."
Sounds like Rob’s got everything his heart desires. Now he just has to persuade his LA-born actress girlfriend Ayda Field to settle over here.
Now I’m sure there is nothing wrong with the facilities at the town’s Premier Club. But it’s not quite where you expect to find the world’s high-rollers.
But The Robster — during breaks from gazing up at the sky searching for flying saucers — has become a regular at the club’s poker nights close to his multi-million pound Wiltshire mansion. And pal Jonathan Wilkes often joins him for the five-card stud sessions.
My mole said: "Robbie has been in frequently over the last few weeks. He plays to a very high standard and has been having fun with Jonathan. He’s getting a reputation as a serious adversary around the poker tables here."
The former Take That star signalled the end of his five-year exile in LA last December when he splashed out 7 million pounds on his new pad.
He moved in a month ago and has been beavering away on his comeback album.
Robbie — who released No1 album Swing When You’re Winning in 2001 — has a reputation for being a demon card shark.
When he was living in LA, he hosted a card school and once begged veteran Welsh crooner Tom Jones to join. In 2002, Tom said: "Robbie’s started a poker circle. He’s bought a house up the street from me and has been asking me to join in but I can’t play."
Robbie might also have the chance to get his football boots back on, having left his beloved LA Vale amateur side behind. Wilkes plays for the Premier Club members side KC FC.
He explained: "Me and my wife moved to the area about a year ago and my brother-in-law is the captain. We’ve got a decent side and are having a pretty good season."
Sounds like Rob’s got everything his heart desires. Now he just has to persuade his LA-born actress girlfriend Ayda Field to settle over here.
November 12, 2008
Crypto surprises industry with Boss tie-up
CryptoLogic is to merge its poker network with Boss Media's International Poker Network (IPN) from the first quarter of 2009. CryptoLogic revealed a poker tie-up was on the cards with another platform recently when it announced that it would focus on its casino licensing business, leading to widespread speculation that PartyGaming would be the partner poker network.
The migration of its poker operations and customers to the Boss Media network is expected to generate savings for CryptoLogic of between US$12m and US$15m per year. Chief executive Brian Hadfield said the deal represented “a major step in our journey back to growth, profitability and returning shareholder value”, while Atul Bali, president of Boss parent company GTech’s New Media & Sports Betting, said the deal would deliver some much-needed liquidity to the networks: “We are delighted to welcome these customers and their players to our network and significantly increase the liquidity for our new enhanced player base," he said.
CryptoLogic poker licensees, including the InterPoker and Parbet brands, are on schedule to join the IPN in early 2009, St Minver, another GTech subsidiary, will provide a fully managed customer management solution to Crypto's poker licensees.
The migration of its poker operations and customers to the Boss Media network is expected to generate savings for CryptoLogic of between US$12m and US$15m per year. Chief executive Brian Hadfield said the deal represented “a major step in our journey back to growth, profitability and returning shareholder value”, while Atul Bali, president of Boss parent company GTech’s New Media & Sports Betting, said the deal would deliver some much-needed liquidity to the networks: “We are delighted to welcome these customers and their players to our network and significantly increase the liquidity for our new enhanced player base," he said.
CryptoLogic poker licensees, including the InterPoker and Parbet brands, are on schedule to join the IPN in early 2009, St Minver, another GTech subsidiary, will provide a fully managed customer management solution to Crypto's poker licensees.
October 30, 2008
PKR and LoveStruck.com Launch Singles Poker
PKR.com, the 3D online poker room today announced it has partnered with online dating site LoveStruck.com to hold a series of poker tournaments where single men and women can meet and play poker this November.
The series will be launched at the Hoxton Pony bar in London on Thursday Nov. 6. Then from Nov. 17 the nights will feature a freeroll followed by three low buy-in tournament. To attend players must register at LoveStruck.com and PKR.com.
PKR marketing director, Simon Prodger said, “Poker is a very social game and we know our players actively chat both in the game and on our forums. We’ve seen romance bloom on PKR and so partnering with a site like Lovestruck that caters to young, outgoing professionals is perfect for us.”
The series will be launched at the Hoxton Pony bar in London on Thursday Nov. 6. Then from Nov. 17 the nights will feature a freeroll followed by three low buy-in tournament. To attend players must register at LoveStruck.com and PKR.com.PKR marketing director, Simon Prodger said, “Poker is a very social game and we know our players actively chat both in the game and on our forums. We’ve seen romance bloom on PKR and so partnering with a site like Lovestruck that caters to young, outgoing professionals is perfect for us.”
October 25, 2008
Dutch Minister of Justice Adamant: Poker is a Game of Chance
Poker will continue to be considered a game of chance as far as the Dutch Ministry of Justice is concerned. And even if it were to be officially recognised as a game of skill, which it will not, it should never be deregulated.
This is a summary of the answers given by Dutch Minister of Justice Hirsch Ballin to fellow lawmakers after a leading professor of probability and mathematical statistics offered a formula to support poker's classification as a skill game.
As reported by Gaming Intelligence Group, Professor Van der Genugten challenged the Dutch Supreme Court's 1998 decision that poker is a game of chance after developing a formula which showed that poker required a higher degree of skill than many other so called games of skill, leading to calls on the Supreme Court to reconsider its classification.
Several Dutch politicians submitted written questions to Hirsch Ballin as a result, asking whether the status of poker should be reconsidered or not.
In his response the Justice Minister said the Dutch state will continue to take action against illegal poker operators, referring to research conducted in 2007 by both the Dutch Gaming Control Board and the University of Twenty which confirmed that poker has a relatively high risk of addiction. As a result, he said the state monopoly of Holland Casino remains valid from the point of view of player protection.
Ballin added that he sees no reason whatsoever to request the Supreme Court to revise the status of poker, and pointed out that poker is currently considered a game of chance in 33 European countries.
Not only will poker in Holland remain a game of chance despite evidence to the contrary, but restrictions on online poker will also become more draconian. Mr. Ballin said discussions between financial institutions and the Ministry of Justice on blocking transactions to and from illegal gaming providers was making steady progress.
He said that the large number of parties and intermediaries involved in transaction processing as well as laws relating to privacy made the process extremely complex, however a satisfactory result was expected.
Ballin added that if gambling operators and their intermediaries do not 'assume their responsibility' in this matter, the Ministry of Justice will lodge a complaint against these organisations.
This is a summary of the answers given by Dutch Minister of Justice Hirsch Ballin to fellow lawmakers after a leading professor of probability and mathematical statistics offered a formula to support poker's classification as a skill game.
As reported by Gaming Intelligence Group, Professor Van der Genugten challenged the Dutch Supreme Court's 1998 decision that poker is a game of chance after developing a formula which showed that poker required a higher degree of skill than many other so called games of skill, leading to calls on the Supreme Court to reconsider its classification.
Several Dutch politicians submitted written questions to Hirsch Ballin as a result, asking whether the status of poker should be reconsidered or not.
In his response the Justice Minister said the Dutch state will continue to take action against illegal poker operators, referring to research conducted in 2007 by both the Dutch Gaming Control Board and the University of Twenty which confirmed that poker has a relatively high risk of addiction. As a result, he said the state monopoly of Holland Casino remains valid from the point of view of player protection.
Ballin added that he sees no reason whatsoever to request the Supreme Court to revise the status of poker, and pointed out that poker is currently considered a game of chance in 33 European countries.
Not only will poker in Holland remain a game of chance despite evidence to the contrary, but restrictions on online poker will also become more draconian. Mr. Ballin said discussions between financial institutions and the Ministry of Justice on blocking transactions to and from illegal gaming providers was making steady progress.
He said that the large number of parties and intermediaries involved in transaction processing as well as laws relating to privacy made the process extremely complex, however a satisfactory result was expected.
Ballin added that if gambling operators and their intermediaries do not 'assume their responsibility' in this matter, the Ministry of Justice will lodge a complaint against these organisations.
October 03, 2008
Former WSOP champion behind Ultimate Bet cheating scandal
Former World Series of Poker main event champion Russ Hamilton has been identified as the main perpetrator and beneficiary of the Ultimate Bet cheating incidents.
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) revealed 1994 WSOP winner Hamilton’s involvement over a period spanning more than three and a half years as it published the initial findings of an independent audit conducted on its licensee Ultimate Bet.
“The Commission found clear and convincing evidence to support the conclusion that between the approximate dates of May 2004 to January 2008, Russell Hamilton, an individual associated with Ultimate Bet’s affiliate program, was the main person responsible for and benefiting from the multiple cheating incidents,” said the statement.
The cheating incidents were initially uncovered by members of the Two Plus Two online poker forum in January of this year, who alerted Ultimate Bet to the abnormally high winning statistics in high-stakes games by a player with the online handle “Nio Nio”.
The KGC said it intended to fully cooperate with relevant law enforcement agencies in the prosecution of Hamilton and other individuals involved in the cheating incidents.
The statement also revealed the sanctions the KGC would be imposing on Ultimate Bet, which included a US$1.5m fine, the enforced removal from involvement in the company of all individuals deemed as “unsuitable” by the KGC, and the commencement of refunding of all player accounts found to have been adversely affected by 3 November. The KGC said it estimated Ultimate Bet had to date reimbursed players to the tune of US$6.1m.
The Commission warned that Ultimate Bet’s failure to comply fully with the sanctions would result in “immediate revocation of its KGC gaming permit.”
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) revealed 1994 WSOP winner Hamilton’s involvement over a period spanning more than three and a half years as it published the initial findings of an independent audit conducted on its licensee Ultimate Bet.“The Commission found clear and convincing evidence to support the conclusion that between the approximate dates of May 2004 to January 2008, Russell Hamilton, an individual associated with Ultimate Bet’s affiliate program, was the main person responsible for and benefiting from the multiple cheating incidents,” said the statement.
The cheating incidents were initially uncovered by members of the Two Plus Two online poker forum in January of this year, who alerted Ultimate Bet to the abnormally high winning statistics in high-stakes games by a player with the online handle “Nio Nio”.
The KGC said it intended to fully cooperate with relevant law enforcement agencies in the prosecution of Hamilton and other individuals involved in the cheating incidents.
The statement also revealed the sanctions the KGC would be imposing on Ultimate Bet, which included a US$1.5m fine, the enforced removal from involvement in the company of all individuals deemed as “unsuitable” by the KGC, and the commencement of refunding of all player accounts found to have been adversely affected by 3 November. The KGC said it estimated Ultimate Bet had to date reimbursed players to the tune of US$6.1m.
The Commission warned that Ultimate Bet’s failure to comply fully with the sanctions would result in “immediate revocation of its KGC gaming permit.”
Playtech adds fourth licensee to Italian poker network
Playtech has signed up Italian online and land-based operator Cogetech to its Italian ipoker network.
Cogetech, which provides sports betting white label solutions to several industry-leading Italian and global operators, is the fourth operator to have joined Playtech’s newly launched Italian network in recent weeks, following the deals signed with Snai, Sisal and Gala Coral’s Eurobet.
The poker client is now available in play-for-fun mode, with a real-money version planned for launch later this year. Playtech has tailored its product to specifically appeal to the Italian market and to comply with all Italian regulatory standards.
Playtech’s chief executive Mor Weizer said the deal demonstrated how the company was increasing its profile in the Italian market and also its commitment to expanding its presence in regulated European markets. “We look forward to a long and productive partnership that will be mutually beneficial for both parties, and to providing new and exciting gaming opportunities for Italian players,” he added.
Fabio Schiavolin, Cogetech’s chief executive, commented: “We chose Playtech over other providers because they are one of the leading players in global management platforms with a very strong and liquid poker network.”
Cogetech, which provides sports betting white label solutions to several industry-leading Italian and global operators, is the fourth operator to have joined Playtech’s newly launched Italian network in recent weeks, following the deals signed with Snai, Sisal and Gala Coral’s Eurobet.
The poker client is now available in play-for-fun mode, with a real-money version planned for launch later this year. Playtech has tailored its product to specifically appeal to the Italian market and to comply with all Italian regulatory standards.Playtech’s chief executive Mor Weizer said the deal demonstrated how the company was increasing its profile in the Italian market and also its commitment to expanding its presence in regulated European markets. “We look forward to a long and productive partnership that will be mutually beneficial for both parties, and to providing new and exciting gaming opportunities for Italian players,” he added.
Fabio Schiavolin, Cogetech’s chief executive, commented: “We chose Playtech over other providers because they are one of the leading players in global management platforms with a very strong and liquid poker network.”
September 11, 2008
2008 World Poker Congress Scheduled for October
The 3rd annual World Poker Congress (WPC) is scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary, on October 29th-30th 2008. Symbolically located near the world famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge spanning the Danube River, this conference will once again act as a connection between both the land-based and online operators, and service providers in the poker industry.
Program facilitators feature industry leaders such as Steve Lipscomb, the founder and CEO of WPT Enterprises. Having vast experience in the professional online and offline poker worlds affords Mr Lipscomb a unique view, and his participation in the keynote panel will give delegates his perspective on this vibrant sector of the gambling industry.
"The growth of the World Poker Conference is a testament to the essential maturation of our industry," said Mr Lipscomb. "I simply can’t say enough about what those at Clarion Gaming are doing to bring us together. I enjoyed the conference, saw old friends, made new friends and had a fantastic time last year. People should participate in this dialogue - it will help us create the future together."
New this year providing insight into the land-based portion of the program, through their endorsement and participation, is the European Casino Association. Breakout sessions into live poker and online poker tracks offer the most current information and trends in the industry. With sponsorship activities well ahead of last year's, exhibitions will be a 'must see' during networking events, refreshment breaks and lunches. Exhibitors of these networking-heavy events find the intimate and targeted nature of the audience to be of strategic benefit.
WPC participants will get the opportunity to check in on a current case study involving efforts to dovetail land-based and online poker products. Further innovative topics will examine methods for attracting players from different continents and paying players into live events.
Several sessions will investigate techniques that expand product range, improve efficiency and give a greater understanding of the customer’s needs. Specifically, delegates will get a look behind the scenes to probe the fact and fiction of player’s responses to consumer magazines regarding recent trends in poker.
In addition to the fresh program and stellar line up of speakers, there are many networking events scheduled including a welcome dinner, cocktail reception and closing party. The opportunity to meet high-level executives representing prominent companies in the fast-growing poker industry continues to rank top among this event's many attractions.
More information can be found on the event at www.worldpokercongress.com
Program facilitators feature industry leaders such as Steve Lipscomb, the founder and CEO of WPT Enterprises. Having vast experience in the professional online and offline poker worlds affords Mr Lipscomb a unique view, and his participation in the keynote panel will give delegates his perspective on this vibrant sector of the gambling industry.
"The growth of the World Poker Conference is a testament to the essential maturation of our industry," said Mr Lipscomb. "I simply can’t say enough about what those at Clarion Gaming are doing to bring us together. I enjoyed the conference, saw old friends, made new friends and had a fantastic time last year. People should participate in this dialogue - it will help us create the future together."
New this year providing insight into the land-based portion of the program, through their endorsement and participation, is the European Casino Association. Breakout sessions into live poker and online poker tracks offer the most current information and trends in the industry. With sponsorship activities well ahead of last year's, exhibitions will be a 'must see' during networking events, refreshment breaks and lunches. Exhibitors of these networking-heavy events find the intimate and targeted nature of the audience to be of strategic benefit.
WPC participants will get the opportunity to check in on a current case study involving efforts to dovetail land-based and online poker products. Further innovative topics will examine methods for attracting players from different continents and paying players into live events.
Several sessions will investigate techniques that expand product range, improve efficiency and give a greater understanding of the customer’s needs. Specifically, delegates will get a look behind the scenes to probe the fact and fiction of player’s responses to consumer magazines regarding recent trends in poker.
In addition to the fresh program and stellar line up of speakers, there are many networking events scheduled including a welcome dinner, cocktail reception and closing party. The opportunity to meet high-level executives representing prominent companies in the fast-growing poker industry continues to rank top among this event's many attractions.
More information can be found on the event at www.worldpokercongress.com
July 14, 2008
Battle of chips: Computer beats human experts at poker
Human pride took a hit 11 years ago when IBM's Big Blue computer beat world chess champion Gary Kasparov. Now it's poker players' turn to be humiliated by a machine.
A computer system called Polaris outperformed some of the world's top players last weekend at a human-vs.-machine competition in Las Vegas.
The score was computer 3, humans 2, with one draw.
If you think it should be easier for a computer to win at poker than at the highly intellectual game of chess, think again. The human element makes poker a much more complex challenge.
"Poker is a completely different game," said computer scientist Michael Bowling, the leader of a Computer Poker Research Group at the University of Alberta, Canada.
"In chess or checkers, you have perfect information. There are no secrets on the board," Bowling said. "But in poker you don't know the other person's cards. The basic computer techniques used in chess can't help you in poker."
The poker computer project may have practical applications beyond the card room. For example, Bowling said poker-like skills might be useful in bidding auctions where multiple companies are competing for government contracts or buyers are hunting deals on eBay.
"There is a lot of uncertainty there," he said. "Should you wait or bid? The same things apply in poker."
Bowling's team launched Polaris five years ago as a project in artificial intelligence. At first it did well against amateur players but couldn't beat professionals. Last year, it narrowly lost a match against two poker pros in Vancouver, British Columbia.
This year, a stronger version of Polaris — one that learns how to adapt to an opponent's strategy in midgame — triumphed over seven top-ranked humans drawn from the online poker-training site www.stoxpoker.com.
So far, the system plays a relatively simple game of two-person Texas Hold 'em. The next goal is to take on games of three or more players.
"That's very challenging," Bowling said. "There is no perfect strategy to play against multiple players."
Unlike Big Blue's IBM supercomputer, the Canadian team used a cluster of five small, off-the-shelf computers linked in a network to prepare its strategy before the game.
The system repeatedly played 8 billion games against itself to devise multiple strategies, each slightly different. Some strategies were more aggressive, others more passive.
When it came time for the match, a laptop was sufficient to manage the system. The laptop, of course, showed the perfect poker face.
During the game, Polaris analyzed its human opponent's style of play and adjusted its strategy to meet it. For example, the system plays more aggressively in order to get the human to give up and fold his cards.
"The computer pushes humans to make more decisions. More decisions mean more mistakes. Aggression raises errors," Bowling said.
Bowling conceded that it will take a few more competitions for human poker players to accept that a computer can outdo them.
"Now that we've lost, I'm itching for a rematch," said Jay Palansky, one of Polaris' opponents.
A computer system called Polaris outperformed some of the world's top players last weekend at a human-vs.-machine competition in Las Vegas.
The score was computer 3, humans 2, with one draw.
If you think it should be easier for a computer to win at poker than at the highly intellectual game of chess, think again. The human element makes poker a much more complex challenge.
"Poker is a completely different game," said computer scientist Michael Bowling, the leader of a Computer Poker Research Group at the University of Alberta, Canada.
"In chess or checkers, you have perfect information. There are no secrets on the board," Bowling said. "But in poker you don't know the other person's cards. The basic computer techniques used in chess can't help you in poker."
The poker computer project may have practical applications beyond the card room. For example, Bowling said poker-like skills might be useful in bidding auctions where multiple companies are competing for government contracts or buyers are hunting deals on eBay.
"There is a lot of uncertainty there," he said. "Should you wait or bid? The same things apply in poker."
Bowling's team launched Polaris five years ago as a project in artificial intelligence. At first it did well against amateur players but couldn't beat professionals. Last year, it narrowly lost a match against two poker pros in Vancouver, British Columbia.
This year, a stronger version of Polaris — one that learns how to adapt to an opponent's strategy in midgame — triumphed over seven top-ranked humans drawn from the online poker-training site www.stoxpoker.com.
So far, the system plays a relatively simple game of two-person Texas Hold 'em. The next goal is to take on games of three or more players.
"That's very challenging," Bowling said. "There is no perfect strategy to play against multiple players."
Unlike Big Blue's IBM supercomputer, the Canadian team used a cluster of five small, off-the-shelf computers linked in a network to prepare its strategy before the game.
The system repeatedly played 8 billion games against itself to devise multiple strategies, each slightly different. Some strategies were more aggressive, others more passive.
When it came time for the match, a laptop was sufficient to manage the system. The laptop, of course, showed the perfect poker face.
During the game, Polaris analyzed its human opponent's style of play and adjusted its strategy to meet it. For example, the system plays more aggressively in order to get the human to give up and fold his cards.
"The computer pushes humans to make more decisions. More decisions mean more mistakes. Aggression raises errors," Bowling said.
Bowling conceded that it will take a few more competitions for human poker players to accept that a computer can outdo them.
"Now that we've lost, I'm itching for a rematch," said Jay Palansky, one of Polaris' opponents.
March 04, 2008
Becker launches poker career
Former world number one tennis star Boris Becker has begun a career as a professional poker player, according to a report in Sunday's edition of Germany daily newspaper Die Welt."I have already been playing intensively since last year," said the 40-year-old who won Wimbledon three times and has signed a sponsorship contract with an internet poker company.
"What fascinates me about poker is the psychology: what is my opponent thinking of me and what do I think of him," added Becker, who retired from tennis in June 1999.
Becker says he learned to play the card game while on the ATP circuit, especially at Wimbledon during the rain breaks.
And the German big-hitter says he is keen to recruit other former tennis stars to the poker table.
"I would like to know how people like Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl or even Jimmy Connors, manage to keep their cool at poker," said Becker.
Becker is hoping to take part in Europe's grand final this April which will bring together 800 professional players in Monte Carlo.
February 29, 2008
The Poker Channel Hits European Screens
The Poker Channel, one of the original poker content TV stations in the UK, is set to launch in Europe. Scandinavia, Germany and France will be airing The Poker Channel's programming from March 1st.
Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany, considered by many to be expanding poker markets, will get dedicated poker programming this March as The Poker Channel heads into Europe. The Channel will be available throughout Scandinavia, on channel 95, on the regions' largest digital satellite network Canal Digital. In France the channel will appear on Noos Numericable (channels 48 and 95 respectively) and ADSL platform Free (channel 65). In Germany the channel will be carried on Cable Deutschland and KBW. European poker fans who do not have access to any of these networks, will still be able to receive the channel with a satellite dish pointed towards 1° West and an appropriate set top box (tuned to 11.229 GHZ Horizontal).
Crispin Nieboer, Founder CEO said: "The channel has been a huge success in the UK, attracting up to 1m viewers a month, from just 8m homes, since its launch in March 2005. We are delighted to be broadening our reach across the whole of Europe, having agreed deals with the leading networks in such fast growing poker territories. The appetite for high-quality poker programming continues to grow across Europe, and with our schedule of top-class tournament and high stakes cash game coverage, plus documentary, educational and classic game coverage, we are proud to offer poker fans the first pan-European poker channel".
European poker viewers can expect a plethora on televised poker delights, including:
European Poker Masters - Watch the big guns fight it out for a combined prize pool of over €1,000,000. With Ivey, Hansen and 'Jesus' Ferguson all in attendance.
Million Dollar Cash Game - High stakes poker attracted the big stars to London. Including Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen, Howard Lederer, Erik Seidel, Jennifer Harman, John Juanda, Mike Matusow, Erik Lindgren, Chris Ferguson, Mark Goodwin and Tony G.
Classic Tournaments - From the Aussie Millions in 2005 and 2006, The British Poker Open and watch on in awe at Stu Ungar's famous World Series of Poker victory from 1997.
Do It Like…: Get up close to the biggest names in Poker and find out what their peers and opponents think off them. Frank interviews where the stars have their say on who's great in the world of poker. Do it like…get's under the skin of poker and includes the likes of Tony G, Gus Hansen and Devilfish.
The Poker Channel launched as the world's first TV channel dedicated to poker on Sky in March 2005. The Poker Channel's broadband service remains a popular way to view the channel today via PokerChannelBroadband.com
Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany, considered by many to be expanding poker markets, will get dedicated poker programming this March as The Poker Channel heads into Europe. The Channel will be available throughout Scandinavia, on channel 95, on the regions' largest digital satellite network Canal Digital. In France the channel will appear on Noos Numericable (channels 48 and 95 respectively) and ADSL platform Free (channel 65). In Germany the channel will be carried on Cable Deutschland and KBW. European poker fans who do not have access to any of these networks, will still be able to receive the channel with a satellite dish pointed towards 1° West and an appropriate set top box (tuned to 11.229 GHZ Horizontal).
Crispin Nieboer, Founder CEO said: "The channel has been a huge success in the UK, attracting up to 1m viewers a month, from just 8m homes, since its launch in March 2005. We are delighted to be broadening our reach across the whole of Europe, having agreed deals with the leading networks in such fast growing poker territories. The appetite for high-quality poker programming continues to grow across Europe, and with our schedule of top-class tournament and high stakes cash game coverage, plus documentary, educational and classic game coverage, we are proud to offer poker fans the first pan-European poker channel".
European poker viewers can expect a plethora on televised poker delights, including:
European Poker Masters - Watch the big guns fight it out for a combined prize pool of over €1,000,000. With Ivey, Hansen and 'Jesus' Ferguson all in attendance.
Million Dollar Cash Game - High stakes poker attracted the big stars to London. Including Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen, Howard Lederer, Erik Seidel, Jennifer Harman, John Juanda, Mike Matusow, Erik Lindgren, Chris Ferguson, Mark Goodwin and Tony G.
Classic Tournaments - From the Aussie Millions in 2005 and 2006, The British Poker Open and watch on in awe at Stu Ungar's famous World Series of Poker victory from 1997.
Do It Like…: Get up close to the biggest names in Poker and find out what their peers and opponents think off them. Frank interviews where the stars have their say on who's great in the world of poker. Do it like…get's under the skin of poker and includes the likes of Tony G, Gus Hansen and Devilfish.
The Poker Channel launched as the world's first TV channel dedicated to poker on Sky in March 2005. The Poker Channel's broadband service remains a popular way to view the channel today via PokerChannelBroadband.com
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