Toby Maguire, Gabe Kaplan, Others Settle High Stakes Hollywood Poker Games Lawsuit
Actor Toby Maguire and Gabe Kaplan have reportedly reached a settlement agreement in a highly publicized lawsuit involving high stakes Hollywood poker games.
Barney Frank Won’t Run for Reelection: Online Poker Sector Must Act Fast
The online poker and gambling industry as a whole is about to lose one of its greatest allies as Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank has announced he will not be running for reelection in 2012.
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.
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.
Spain Regulates Online Poker: A Breakdown
PokerStrategy.com as always has provided its readers with a fantastic analysis of what Spanish regulation of online poker means to players.
Belgium Online Gambling Blacklist Likely to Feature Bwin
Belgium has announced plans to incorporate a so-called “blacklist of online gambling websites”, a move that is seen as shocking in most industry circles.
Belgium’s biggest city of Brussels is considered the de facto capital of the European Union. The EU has worked hard to abolish individual nation prohibition of Internet gambling within its membership organization, even going as far as to condemn the United States for its position against Web gambling.
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.
Isle of Man Seeks New Head of E-Gaming
Garth Kimber, who is currently contracted to the role of Head of E-Gaming, has decided to return to the private sector and as a result will be leaving his position in December. The process to recruit and appoint a replacement for Garth has already commenced.
The California Tribal Business Alliance Demands Regarding Online Poker Regulation
The California Tribal Business Alliance believes the following principles must be adhered to for any online gaming legislation at the state or federal level. The legislation must:
• Not compromise the inherent rights of tribal governments, modify the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act or undermine existing tribal-state gaming compacts.
• Allow tribes to accept wagers from persons not on Indian lands.
Prince Harry Does Las Vegas: $200 Lost During BJ
Prince Harry and friends spent this past weekend in Las Vegas gambling like rock stars….down and out rock stars maybe. A high roller he is NOT.
No Harry didn’t win a million dollars or lose a million dollars. Instead, he and his buddies total lost $500 ($200 of which was Harry’s). They were reportedly playing at the blackjack tables.
A source told People Magazine Harry “couldn’t believe you got free drinks from gambling at the blackjack tables.”
President Obama Pardons Man Who Ran Illegal Gambling Operation
US President Barack Obama on Monday announced the pardons of five individuals, including one who was convicted of running an illegal gambling operation.
Thomas Paul Ledford of Jonesborough, Tenn was sentenced in 1995 to one year of probation for conducting and directing an illegal gambling business.
Other pardons were as follows:
Cheap Air Fares to Las Vegas From… New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC – December 2011
Gambling911.com has your cheap air fares to Las Vegas from the New York City metropolitan area along with Philadelphia, Washington DC, Boston and Hartford. These fares are for the month of December 2011. Fares are based on Wednesday thru Tuesday travel (round trip). When in Las Vegas, $42 per night weekday rates and $72 per night weekend rates at the fabulous South Point Hotel Casino and Spa here.
New York City/Newark to Las Vegas –
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:
Super Committee Failure Means Online Poker Won’t be Hitching a Ride
Supporters of legislation that would make online poker legal in the United States had hoped to have their bill attached to a so-called Super Committee financial reduction measure, but the prospects of this happening appear close to zero at this point.
It’s not so much that the online poker measure couldn’t somehow latch itself onto the deficit-reduction bill. Instead, the Super Committee was about to declare failure on Monday.
From Reuters:
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”.
With Pay For Picks Platform Nearing: Gambling911.com Free Sports Betting Picks Come Through Big
In conjunction with DonBest.com, Gambling911.com has been offering plenty of free sports betting picks, angles and preview videos for upcoming games.
This week the website introduced its own free picks and angles and enjoyed a solid showing.
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.
Senate Reacts Following Spencer Bachus Insider Trading Allegations
Following a segment that aired on “60 Minutes” claiming Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) engaged in insider trading during the height of the financial crisis, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and panel ranking member Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced Wednesday they will hold a hearing on the issue, which has been stuck in Congress for more than five years.
From TheHill.com:
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. 
Alfonse D’Amato Comments on Friday Internet Poker Hearing: Responds to Lottery Concerns
Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato, Chairman of the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, offered the following comments in response to issues raised during today’s House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on internet gaming.
Friday Hearing on Internet Poker: Can We Still Control Offshore Gambling Sites?
A November 18, 2011 Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade hearing discussed the potential pitfalls of legalizing Internet poker in the United States. Issues raised included under age and problematic gambling along with cheating mechanisms. Additional coverage of Friday’s hearing, which concluded at 11:09 am EST could be found on the Gambling911.com website.
Joe Barton Testifies Before Subcommittee on Legalized Internet Poker (Live Streaming Video)
Texas Republican Joe Barton has drafted legislation that would legalize Internet poker in the US. He testified Friday November 18, 2011 before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. It was the second hearing on the subject over the past 30 days.
During the testimony, concerns were raised over the vulnerability of Web users who might access an online poker site.
“My experience (with poker players) is they excel in math. Not people who would be taken advantage of or need to be protected,” Barton said.
Internet Poker Hearing November 18 Live Video Streaming
Gambling911.com does have the live streaming video for November 18 hearing to discuss the potential for legalized and regulated Internet poker in the United States.
Witnesses spoke before a House Subcommittee. This is the second hearing held on the subject in just a period of 30 days.
Concerns over under age gambling and the ability for states to opt out were part of the day’s discussion.
This hearing began at 9 am EST.
Watch the video below….
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.
Delaware Could Offer Single-Game NFL Betting….If It Wanted To
Gambling911.com recently revealed how some gamblers in Delaware have found a loophole in the state law governing NFL wagering, which is legal at the state's three racetracks.
The law doesn't allow bets on single NFL games, just parlays of three NFL games or more.
Barney Frank Urges Spencer Bachus: Take Up Bill On Insider Trading (Video)
Massachusetts Democrat Congressman Barney Frank on Thursday sent a letter to Alabama Republican Congressman Spencer Bacchus urging him to take up a bill that would prohibit members of Congress and federal workers from trading on non-public information that they’ve obtained through their jobs.
A “60 Minutes” report suggested that Bachus engaged in “insider trading” during the height of the financial crisis.
