Online Poker Traffic Stagnant for Week

Following a huge increase in online poker traffic last week, there was virtually zero growth during mid-January.

PokerScout.com reported a 0.1 percent net decrease. The good news, among the top 10 sites and networks, advancers outnumbered decliners seven to three.

Merge Gaming Network gained 3 percent for the week as its bad beat jackpot rose to more than $1 million.

Microgaming.fr moved up to ninth place ahead of PokerStars.fr.

PokerStars was the only top five site to lose traffic last week, though it is doubtful this has anything to do with concerns over the company’s CEO stepping down under “mysterious” circumstances since news only broke yesterday (after these results came in).   Stars has 6 times the amount of traffic as its nearest competitor.

More Poker News Headlines Heading Into Wednesday January 17, 2012 (Overnight/Early Morning Edition)

Black Friday Defendant Ira Rubin to Serve Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy – A defendant named in sweeping indictments April 15, 2011 has plead guilty on Tuesday to conspiracy in association with processing payments for online poker rooms.  Ira Rubin, 53, faces a prison term of 18 to 24 months under federal sentencing guidelines.  He was looking at up to 80 years behind bars originally.  [Gambling911.com]

Gaming Analyst Expresses “Grave Concerns” Over International Game Technology’s Acquisition of Double Down Interactive - Union Gaming Group principal Bill Lerner believes that International Game Technology could hurt its core slot machine business and may be spending too much to acquire Double Down Interactive [Las Vegas Sun]

2012 Aussie Millions Event #2 $1,100 PLO Results

 - Patrick Flanagan, Gambling911.com