Business & Financial
Microgaming Poker Site 24Poker Disappears Without a Trace
A skin of the Microgaming Poker Network, 24Poker.com, has been shut down, the second Microgaming poker site in the past 48 hours to do so.
24Poker.com did not accept US customers but many worldwide are likely to be affected as the brand received approximately 880 search inquiries per month. That is still a far cry from the 40,000 plus who search for Cake Poker on a monthly basis however so Gambling911.com does not anticipate a massive outcry from the online poker community.
With South Africa Deeming Online Poker Illegal: PiggsPeak Casino and Poker Shut Down
Long established online casino and poker room PiggsPeak has shut down following a court ruling in South Africa that makes online gambling illegal.
The judge's decision states the gambling takes place where the play is, not where the gaming site's servers are physically located.
PiggsPeak and other online casino companies attempted to appeal a ruling by the North Gauteng High Court that declared Internet gambling illegal in the country.
Play Online Poker Free: South Point Poker Site Flourishing
After just over a month of offering folks the opportunity to play online poker for free with a licensed and regulated Las Vegas casino, South Point Poker has seen its website generating plenty of momentum.
Global monthly searches for “South Point Poker” were at 390. These numbers were generated prior to South Point Poker opening its play-for-free site.
The free play model has proven extremely successful – Witness Zynga Poker with its millions of users.
SurebetPoker.com Reviews Mixed Early On
One of the newest proprietary online poker rooms to come out of the post-Black Friday era, SurebetPoker.com, debuted last month promising one of the lowest rakes – 3.5 percent – among Web card rooms. They also landed former UB.com celebrity poker pro, Trishelle Cannatella.
The site has hit a few early road blocks, including some isolated payment processing issues and affiliates of SurebetPoker.com are spamming the hell out of popular poker forums like TwoPlusTwo.com.
Still, SurebetPoker.com has some great things going for it.
Las Vegas Airport: New Gateway to Asia
Las Vegas tourism officials are betting that a new air terminal will offer a new route for air passengers to connect between the US and Asia.
A new terminal will make its debut in June and connect international passengers through six gates. Customs will be able to process 2,200 passengers per hour,
"We see Las Vegas not just as an origin and destination point, but also as another hub for us," John Jackson III, vice president of passenger marketing and sales for Korean Air's Americas region, says to AP.
Free-to-Play Game of Online Poker Zynga Won’t Offer Cash Games in Near Future
There has been a lot of talk about the world’s largest free-to-play game of online poker Zynga offering cash games once regulation takes place in the United States.
Zynga Poker General Manager Lo Toney has been talking down the prospect in recent days.
In fact, Mr. Toney is adamant Zynga Poker will remain free-to-play, even if legislation ultimately passes that would make cash games legal in the United States.
Ladbrokes, BetDSI.com Demonstrate Importance of Mobile Betting, Live Wagering
Ladbokes this week launched a live streaming of AtTheRaces live coverage of British and Irish horse races in an effort to expand on its vital mobile betting platform. iPhone users can currently access while the product will ultimately be available to Android and other mobile platforms.
Richard Ames, Ladbrokes managing director, products, commented: "Mobile betting is growing rapidly and Ladbrokes customers have a leading range of services. We continue to develop it and aim to make it the first choice for mobile betting and gaming customers."
Switch Poker Becomes First Bitcoin Poker Room
Mobile poker operator Switch Poker became the first to offer Bitcoin as a payment solution for players. Switch Poker does not currently accept US customers. The online poker room also promotes itself as being the first room compatible on just about every browser for iPhone, iPads, iPods and more.
Sky Bet, Other British Bookmakers Slaughtered After This Week’s Premier League Action
Sky Bet bookmakers were left reeling after a week where all of the Premier League favourites walked off victorious.
It was the “worst day in their sports betting history” according to a company statement.
Sky Bet paid out to thousands at 7/1 with Manchester City, Southampton, Charlton and Southend all winning.
Sky Bet's Head of Football Trading Sandro Di Michele said: "Pretty much everything that could of gone wrong for us today did, with the 'What If' market just one of our enhanced accumulators to have come in.
Online Poker Traffic Flat Lines This Week
Online poker traffic for the week dropped a mere 0.2 percent according to PokerScout.com.
PokerStars was among three sites in the top 10 that witnessed a slight gain, increasing its traffic by 2.5 percent after a sharp decline last week. Stars up and down traffic has been attributed to big time promotions in recent weeks. This week the poker site is celebrating 10th anniversary with freerolls and a $10 deposit bonus.
Meanwhile, PokerStars French website continued surpassing its Italian version.
CNN on Full Tilt Poker Shutdown: Did Poker Ponzi Steal My Rent? (Video)
With the Super Committee deficit-reduction failure drawing added viewers to CNN’s afternoon programming, the news network’s special look at how much money was lost by US poker players on Full Tilt Poker managed to garner additional attention, not to mention scaring off more potential poker players.
“A popular online gambling website shut down by the US Feds. Just how much money was lost by players?” a teaser asks.
While the shutdown occurred back in April, CNN continued to broadcast its segment throughout the afternoon hours.
Zynga Mobile No Match for Angry Birds…Yet
While Zynga, along with its online poker product, remains the biggest social games provider on Facebook, it is far behind where mobile gaming is concerned. Angry Birds currently holds the title there for “Most Popular” game platform.
Zynga has some 227 million monthly users.
From the Guardian Online:
World Wide Wagering Does Not Suspend Use of Alleged Rigged Online Casino Software (Correction)
A Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report last week claimed BLR Technologies offered rigged online casino software to its operators.
Tests studied as part of the article demonstrated that the BLR online casino software could be rigged.
According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review piece, “the software by BLR Technologies, based in Costa Rica, detects a player's bet and increases the chances of a losing roll”.
Dan Henderson UFC Poker Marriage Perfect for Stations Casino Online Poker Plan
The Montreal Gazette this weekend posted an article on Dan Henderson enjoying success at the poker tables. He was slated to fight Mauricio (Shogun) Rua as part of Saturday night’s UFC 139 card. Henderson was a +120 underdog vs. Rua at -150.
Full Tilt Poker Customers Would Likely Get Deposits Back Should Deal Go Through
Customers of Full Tilt Poker owed monies since April 15 wait with baited breath as a reported settlement has taken place between the US Justice Department and Groupe Bernard Tapie, the entity looking to acquire Full Tilt Poker. On June 29 the company had its license to operate pulled after it failed to prove the business had sufficient funds on hand to pay players. Two executives of the company were indicted on April 15, charged with money laundering and bank fraud. Three other stakeholders in FTP were accused by the US Government of running an elaborate ponzi scheme. It is interesting
DOJ Spokesperson Denies Full Tilt Poker, Groupe Bernard Tapie Deal for $80m
A DOJ spokesperson, Carly Sullivan responded to a CNN report that was quickly pulled off its site regarding a DOJ deal to allow Groupe Bernard Tapie’s acquisition of Full Tilt Poker: “We have no comment and do not confirm or deny a deal.”
Full Tilt Poker itself later issued a statement that an “agreement between Groupe Bernard Tapie and the Department of Justice have been finalized”, however, FTP has released “misleading” statements in the past.
Spencer Bachus: 60 Minutes Segment a Hit Job
Alabama Republican Congressman and strong advocate for online gambling prohibition, Spencer Bachus, denied he engaged in any form of “insider trading”. He called a “60 Minutes” segment that suggested otherwise “a hit job”.
The segment aired on Sunday. The reporting was based on a book by conservative author Peter Schweizer called “Throw Them All Out.” Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL), the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, was alleged to have traded stocks after he was told by Treasury officials in September of 2008 of the impending financial meltdown.
Overnight and Weekend Binary Options Funded By Bitcoin Announced at Digibookie
Wholesale sports and financial bookmaker, Digibookie, announced today that it will be offering overnight binary options on all major financial stocks, commodities, and indices to accounts funded by the hot new digital currency, Bitcoin. Until now, Digibookie has catered exclusively to retail credit bookmakers and binary options brokers across the globe. The retail investors have embraced the binary options revolution in a big way.
Tower Poker Moves to Cake Poker Network: Still Will Not Accept US Customers
Pro-friendly Tower Poker, owned by TowerGaming, has made the move to the Cake Poker Network from Ongame. While Cake Poker accepts US customers, Tower Poker will not be permitting players from the US.
Tower has a reputation for permitting unlimited reload bonuses and VIP promotions while accommodating more high-end players. In recent months, Ongame has focused more heavily on a recreational player base.
Online Poker Traffic Crashes Nearly 8 Percent
The world’s online poker traffic fell a staggering 8 percent this week following the conclusion of PokerStars 70 billionth hand promotion. That site witnessed a remarkable 22 percent rise in overall traffic last week, which helped boost the industry overall to a 12.5 percent rise.
Nevada to Begin Granting Internet Poker Licenses
Nevada’s state Gaming Control Board will begin issuing licenses for operation of Internet poker sites beginning in February. The licenses would be granted much faster for those casino firms already holding a gaming license in the state.
Once granted a license, companies would only be permitted to offer online poker within the state’s boundaries in specified settings such as in the casinos and racetracks themselves.
Caesar’s Head Gary Loveman: “$5 Billion From Internet Poker in US a Conservative Figure”
Caesars Entertainment Corp. Chairman Gary Loveman, speaking during the company's third-quarter earnings conference call with analysts, said he believed his casino operation would have an Internet poker site up and running within 12 to 14 months of legislation passing in the US. He also balked at the idea that the industry would take in a mere $5 billion.
Betfair Poaches Paddy Power Second-in-Command
The world’s largest betting exchange announced Thursday it has hired away Breon Corcoran from rival Paddy Power to become its new CEO. Corcoran replaces David Yu.
The Financial Times of London reported that Corcoran’s Paddy Power contract was understood to have had a six-month notice period, with a non-compete clause for two-and-a-half months. As such, Corcoran is said to be on “gardening leave” until August.
Bwin.party Shares Stable: Benefit Heavily From Full Tilt Poker Closure
Bwin.party reported a year-on-year revenue growth of 3 percent in the third quarter, benefiting from the abrupt closure of what had been the world’s second largest online poker firm, Full Tilt Poker.
According to Sharecast.com, third quarter pro-forma revenue of €201.1m was up from €194.7m in the third quarter of last year, ahead of the €194m Panmure Gordon had been predicting, and up 9% on the second quarter.
Black Friday Bank Shut Down
A bank implicated in the processing of funds for three of the world’s largest online poker rooms last April 15 has finally been shut down.
SunFirst Bank in Saint George, Utah, was closed down by US Feds at the close of last week. It is the 87th bank of 2011 to fail.
The US Justice Department alleges that Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars and UB.com enticed officials of SunFirst to disguise online poker transactions as dog food and golf balls. Executives of the three online poker companies were charged with money laundering and bank fraud as a result.
South Point Poker Joins The Gambling911.com Family
In case you haven’t seen their banners flashing all over the site, we at Gambling911.com would like to officially welcome South Point Poker on board as the first Las Vegas Internet poker room.
“We are very thrilled to have them on board,” noted Payton O’Brien, Senior Editor of the Gambling911.com website. “Their entry ushers in a new era of legalized US-based casinos now offering online poker rooms.”
For now, the site will be free-to-play, however, the incentives are enormous.
MGM Head: “Positive Momentum in Congress Toward Passing Online Poker Bill”
In an interview with the Las Vegas Review Journal, MGM Resorts Chairman, Jim Murren, expressed his strong belief that the US Congress will get a bill passed to legalize online poker in the very near future.
"We think there is positive momentum in Congress toward passing a bill," MGM Resorts Chairman Jim Murren said. "It's time for the federal government to address this issue."
Online Poker Traffic Rises 2.2 Percent
Online poker traffic has risen 2.2 percent and there is likely to be another increase in the coming week with PokerStars 70 billionth hand promotion continuing. The world’s largest online poker room witnessed a traffic increase of 6 percent. Traffic also tends to increase leading up to the World Series of Poker Final Table, which will take place next week.
The weekly statistics tell only part of the story, PokerScout.com noted. Same-day comparisons show that the true increase in PokerStars cash game traffic is more than 30 percent.
Bwin.party Shares Soar on News of MGM, Boyd Partnership But Caution Advised
While shares in Bwin.party have soared in recent days with news that the company has joined forces with powerhouse casino brands MGM and Boyd Gaming to offer online poker to US residents once legislation is passed in the States, some analysts have advised caution.
Share prices rose 11p at 120.7p following the news. The companies have entered into a long term 15-year deal.
Bwin, Boyd, MGM Online Poker Deal Terms Revealed
Bwin, PartyPoker, MGM and Boyd Gaming announced Monday their intention to offer Internet poker to US players should the industry become legalized. There is a strong push to get Web poker sites up and running for real cash play at the federal level especially since states like California and New Jersey are vying for a piece of the pie ahead of the federal government.
Under the terms of the deal, Bwin would own 65 per cent of a new company to offer poker to US players, while MGM would own 25 per cent and Boyd 10 per cent.
