Main Headlines
Tilt Mania: PokerStars to Return €2m in Italian FTP Deposits Through Promotions
Due to legal issues, PokerStars will return all Italian FTP balances via four months of promotions and giveaways.
- Over €2 million will be given away over the next four months, in a series of promotions that will benefit all cash game, SNG and MTT players, on PokerStars.IT.
- The total amount represents the equivalent of all cash deposits, tickets, and tournament dollars held in Italian accounts on the date Full Tilt went offline.
- Due to Full Tilt’s gray-market operations, “any payment in favor of the Italian players would be considered a violation of criminal laws by PokerStars.”
- This method was the best choice given the alternatives, and the other options “... would not bring many benefits to the Italian poker players,” it was concluded.
Senator McCain Plays Online Poker During Syria Hearing
Perhaps there is more support for online poker than everyone previously thought. According to a blog post on the Washington Post, current Arizona Senator and one-time candidate for the office of President of the United States, John McCain (R-Ariz) was caught “passing the time by playing poker on his iPhone” during a US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing concerning the potential use of force by the US in Syria in response to the alleged use of chemical weapons on Syrian civilians by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
- Senator McCain downplayed the distraction.
- McCain confessed to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer that he was indeed playing a little online poker during the 3.5 hour long meeting.
Joe Hachem Finds Liberal Position on Online Poker a “Disgrace”
2005 WSOP Main Event Event Champion Joe Hachem vents his fury on Twitter.
Bodog Golden Spade Poker Open Guarantees $1.5M
Bodog’s biggest anonymous tournament series to date includes 51 events spread over two months.
- Bodog’s anonymous Golden Spade Poker Open kicks off on September 9.
- $1.5m is guaranteed in prizes split between a Contender Series and a Championship Series.
- The Main Event guarantees $300k with $58k to the winner.
- Fifty-one events will run until November 3 with at least one a day at an Asian friendly 10am EST.
Lansing Steps Down As WPT TV Anchor
The World Poker Tour announced that after three seasons in the anchor’s chair for the flagship WPT broadcast, Kimberly Lansing is stepping down from her position with the tour. She will be replaced by PokerNews.com personality and current anchor of the new WPT Alpha8 Super-High Roller broadcasts on FOX Sports 1, Lynn Gilmartin.
- Lansing will be making her final television appearance for the WPT on September 5 at the WPT Foundation Ladies’ Night Invitational.
- She will be replaced by PokerNews.com personality and current anchor of the new WPT Alpha8 Super-High Rolle* broadcasts on FOX Sports 1, Lynn Gilmartin.
- Lansing announced her departure on Twitter where she stated that while she is indeed leaving the show, she is not retiring from television.
More Germans Than Spaniards at EPT Barcelona
The European Poker Tour truly lives up to its name as a continental tournament series, according to the latest figures from the Barcelona Main Event.
- Germany boasts the highest percentage of runners, bringing in 11% of the player pool.
- Spain and Russia were both responsible for 9% (105 players each) of the players.
- Players from over 64 countries made the trek to the Casino de Barcelona to take their shot at the over €1M first place prize of EPT Barcelona.
More Headlines from Around the Web:
Interview with newlyweds Vanessa and Miranda Selbst youtube.com
The PokerNews girls chat to PokerStars Pro, online grinder and live tournament crusher Venessa Selbst and her new wife, Miranda, who are currently on their “half-moon” (they’re at a live poker tournament, after all). How well do the new couple know each other? Kristy and Sarah put them to the WAG Diaries test.
Profile of PokerStars Team Online pro Dale Philip pokerlistings.com
Dale Philip has been an online poker personality for many years. He is an award-winning blogger, video creator, has interviewed poker players, played a variety of games and traveled the world playing online poker. Check out Pokerlistings.com for an interview with the Scottish poker pro.
High stakes action – HUNL Galfond vs 'Denoking,’ Blom bouncing around highstakesdb.com
Calling all railbirds! If you missed the latest high stakes action on Full Tilt Poker, check out Highstakes Database. They recap all the action between Denoking and Phil “OMGClayAiken” Galfond at the $300/$600 and they also detail the heads-up action featuring Viktor “Isildur1” Blom.
English poker open 2013 cancelled pokernewsreport.com
If you were headed to London to play in the English Poker Open, a change of plans is in order. PokerNewsReport.com is reporting that the festival has been cancelled. They have the official word from tournament organizers and explore possible reasons for the last minute cancellation.
Exclusive Articles on pokerfuse PRO:
Feature: What Australia’s Election Means for Online Gaming Regulation
The results of Australia’s elections will not resolve the doubts over whether new legislation to legalize online gaming will be introduced. Australia’s general election is only a few days away, and the overwhelming favorite to win is the center right Liberal Party under its leader Tony Abbott. There are conflicting views as to what impact the election will have on the prospects for regulated online poker.
Regulation in Review
A weekly review of the newest developments in gaming regulation: Greece, Bulgaria and Mexico. Greek gaming monopoly OPAP produced its half year report which contained a strongly worded refutation that its monopoly contravenes EU law or treaties. The company expressed its firm belief that the legal position was not a risk and that consumer protection provided a sufficient justification for the Greek gambling law.
Despite Bugs, Ultimate Poker v2 Boosts Traffic 30%
Better multi-tabling software and new VIP system propels Ultimate Poker off a three month low. Ultimate Poker’s (UP) release of an upgraded software client and VIP benefits program has helped cash game activity jump over 30% (see graph below).
Denmark Sees 3% Gambling Market Growth but Poker Declines
Danish online poker has produced a lower share of gaming revenue every quarter since the beginning of 2012. Denmark’s regulator SKAT has produced figures showing growth estimates of 3% for gross gaming revenue between 2012 and 2013.
