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27 Février 2012, Matthew Kredell

Republican Presidential Candidates

La bataille pour l'investiture présidentielle républicaine vont s'intensifier au cours des prochaines semaines et puisse affecter la possibilité d'une loi, d'autoriser et réglementer le poker Internet passant par Congrès de cette année.

Un candidat est susceptible d'apparaître comme le clair favori à l'investiture, le 6 mars, également connu comme Super mardi, quand 10 États vote qui recevront leurs délégués.

La course est jusqu'à quatre candidats. Avec huit États ayant déjà voté, Mitt Romney a la tête avec des délégués de 123 à Rick Santorum de 72, Newt Gingrich de 32 et De Ron Paul 19.

Les favoris, Romney et Santorum, ont tous les deux sortent contre Internet gambling.

Menant au Caucus du Nevada au début de ce mois, journaliste Jon Ralston a interrogé chacun des candidats pour son émission NBC locale appelé Face à Face. Au jeu une question clé dans le Nevada, Ralston a demandé à chaque candidat sur sa position sur les jeux Internet.

1:45 Restant dans cette vidéo, Romney est demandé s'il est un partisan de la légalisation des jeux en ligne. Il a répondu: « non, non je ne suis pas. Jeux a un effet social sur beaucoup de gens. Je ne veux pas augmenter l'accès aux Jeux. Je crois que nous avons beaucoup d'accès au jeu dès maintenant à travers les différents casinos et établissements qui existent. »

Santorum a pris une position encore plus dures avec 15 minutes de la fin dans cette vidéo, dire: « Je suis quelqu'un qui prend l'avis que jeu n'est pas quelque chose qui est bénéfique, surtout après avoir accès sur Internet. Tout comme nous avons vu beaucoup d'autres choses qui sont des « vices » sur Internet, ils ont tendance à croître exponentiellement à la suite de qui. C'est une chose à venir à Las Vegas et jeux et participer à des spectacles et ce genre de chose comme divertissement. C'est autre chose pour être en mesure de s'asseoir dans votre maison et ont accès à qui. Je pense qu'il serait dangereux pour notre pays d'avoir ce type d'accès aux Jeux de hasard sur Internet. »

Il y a donc deux candidats plus susceptibles de remporter l'investiture républicaine, et qui pourrait être un problème. Soutien bipartisan est nécessaires pour passer la législation autoriser et réglementer le poker Internet. La personne qui gagne la nomination du Parti républicain est comme un chef de file et la figure de proue du parti, au moins jusqu'à l'élection est terminée, et qui pourraient influencer les législateurs républicains ne pas aller contre les points de vue de leur candidat.

Cela pourrait être pire, cependant. Ces positions n'ont pas fait partie de leur campagne. Les observations ont été faites sur une émission de télévision dans un marché. À l'extérieur de personnes à Las Vegas et la communauté de poker, peu de gens savent sans doute même que les observations ont été faites.

« Je ne pense pas leur opposition a été haut-profil assez à l'impact de la pensée quotidienne des législateurs sur cette question, » a déclaré John Pappas, directeur exécutif de l' Alliance de joueurs de Poker. « Si elles devaient sortir dans un débat ou campagne de publicité ou quelque chose comme ça, je pense qu'il pourrait permettre d'élever la question parmi les militants républicains. Une question sur le terrain, résultant dans la réponse qu'ils sont opposés à ce n'est pas tout ce que surprenant ou accablant de notre effort. Je ne pense qu'elle diminue notre possibilité de déplacer les républicains à la Chambre ou du Sénat. »

Il y a une autre question dans cette Ralston la question n'était pas spécifiquement sur le poker mais Internet Jeux d'argent en général. Législation comme Rep. Joe Barton dans la maison et sans doute tout ce qui vient finalement Leader de la majorité Harry Reid au Sénat sont encadrées comme des projets de loi qui renforceront les interdictions contre d'autres formes d'Internet au jeu tout en régulant le jeu de compétences de poker. Il s'agit de l'accord qui devrait connaître le promoteur UIGEA Sénateur Jon Kyl et autres républicains à bord.

Romney n'était également pas contre les jeux de hasard en général comme gouverneur du Massachusetts, et il a fait cette gaffe lors d'un débat en décembre dernier lorsque étendu sa main et a offert un pari de 10 000 $ de Texas Gouverneur Rick Perry. Un peu d'études sur la question pourrait amener à l'appui de la législation.

« Je ne sais pas si ils sont opposés à réglementer le poker Internet en toutes circonstances », a déclaré Pappas. « Je ne crois pas qu'ils sont qui informe sur la question. Bien que leur position est assez claire maintenant, il pourrait évoluer. »

À moins qu'il gagne l'élection, le candidat républicain aussi n'est pertinent en novembre. Il peut y avoir quelques opportunités pour déplacer les lois au cours des prochains mois, mais ensuite les mois d'été viennent reposer toujours sur la colline du Capitole comme les préparatifs de l'élection prennent en charge. L'occasion plus susceptible d'adopter un projet de loi de Internet poker cette année viendra à la session de canard boiteux suite à l'élection.

Il est important pour Santorum ne pas à saisir le véritable élan Super mardi. Il est le genre ultraconservateur, religieusement et moralement opposé à toutes sortes de jeux de hasard, qui semble plus probable à en faire un enjeu majeur pour l'avenir. Il a déjà accéléré, après avoir remporté deux des trois dernières caucus position jusqu'à la voix de ce mardi en Arizona et au Michigan.

Gingrich a été pensé pour être un adversaire parce Sheldon Adelson, président de Las Vegas Sands, est contre la légalisation de poker en ligne. Adelson est un des plus farouches partisans de la campagne de Gingrich. Il est également rapporté que Adelson mettra son soutien derrière Romney si il devient le candidat.

Gingrich parle avec prudence, mais n'est pas venu fortement contre Internet gambling en parlant de Ralston. Avec 12 minutes de la fin de la vidéo, Gingrich dit qu'il se souciait de la fabrication en ligne disponible 24/7 pour tout le monde de jeu. Il a ajouté: « Je soulèverais des questions au sujet de savoir si elle devait être fait au niveau fédéral. Je veux regarder très attentivement. »

Bien sûr, le meilleur candidat républicain pour le poker Internet est Paul, qui a longtemps été un partisan de la Loi pour légaliser toutes les formes de jeu Internet. Paul, qui a un point de vue libertarien, ne croit pas que le gouvernement devrait intervenir dans la vie des gens. A demandé s'il devrait y avoir légalisé Internet gambling, avec cinq minutes de la fin dans la vidéo, Paul a répondu: « Je crois que personnes devrait avoir légalisé liberté. Je pense que les gens devraient être libres de la nation de prendre leurs propres décisions et qu'il ne devrait y avoir aucune réglementation d'Internet. »

Malheureusement, Paul ne semble pas avoir beaucoup de chance à la nomination. Mais c'est la beauté du Super Tuesday. Tout peut changer le 6 mars, lorsque les 437 délégués sont à gagner.

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* Photo : gracieuseté de KATU.com


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February 21 2012, Chad Holloway

On Monday, an Iowa legislative subcommittee approved Senate Study Bill 3164, which will legalize online poker in the state by allowing “licensees authorized to conduct gambling games on an excursion boat, gambling structure, or racetrack enclosure to operate internet wagering on poker and making penalties applicable.”

The three-member Senate panel voted to send the bill to the Senate State Government Committee, which may consider passage as soon as this week. The bill explains that “Internet wagering shall be limited to wagering on poker and all of its variations,” and that the licensee must verify that players are at least 21 years old. Any existing or new gaming operation also must submit an application and meet established criteria before being allowed to conduct Internet wagering.

If passed, the legislation would provide for intrastate, interstate and international options, as well as operation and taxation details. “We have it out there. It needs to be controlled,” said Senator Wally Horn (D-Cedar Rapids).

Horn's sentiments were echoed by Senator Rick Bertrand (R-Sioux City): “I agree something has to be done at this point. I see this as an opportunity for Iowa to get out in front of this.”

While Iowa lawmakers seem intent on pioneering an online gaming platform, there are still plenty of critics. Tom Chapman of the Iowa Catholic Conference told the subcommittee, “We do believe it will result in a greater number of people getting addicted to gambling.”

Similarly, Family Leader official Danny Carroll urged the subcommittee to consider the bill's effect on families, saying, “The people of Iowa do not want it.”

Iowa is now the fourth state in two years to consider an intrastate poker bill, joining Hawaii, New Jersey, and Nevada, with only the latter having adopted the bill and taken steps to make online gaming a reality.

To view the Senate Study Bill 3164 in its entirety, click here. For more on the subcommittee’s passage of the bill, check out the Quad-City Times.

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January 26 2012, Remko Rinkema

Tom "durrrr" Dwan

Before the Aussie Millions Poker Championship, rumors swirled that Tom “durrrr” Dwan was spotted in Australia and would be attending the event. Those rumors were confirmed when he arrived at the Crown Casino and entered the $100,000 Challenge. As we witnessed at the World Series of Poker over the summer and at the WSOP Europe in October, his participation in any tournament always draws quite a buzz.

We knew that Dwan was involved in the big cash games in Macau, but the details were sketchy at best. During the Main Event of the Aussie Millions, PokerNews.nl’s Remko Rinkema saw an opportunity to grab Dwan for an interview. Dwan agreed, and during a break, our Dutch reporter walked alongside Dwan as he strolled about the property.

Dwan was a little distant at first, but he eventually relaxed and gave honest answers to some tough questions that included his thoughts on Full Tilt Poker, Black Friday, and the state of online poker. Here is what Dwan had to say.

What have you been up to the last couple of months?

I feel like I’ve played a decent amount of poker. I was in Macau a bit. I played a bit in Vegas. There were actually some games in Vegas. Did I play somewhere else? I think I might have. I think I might have gone to London after. I’ve played a lot of live poker since, obviously, there’s no online [poker], but I plan to start that soon.

Can you tell us any details on these cash games?

There were some pretty big games. I don’t talk about cash games much usually, but there were some pretty big games all around.

Reflecting back on 2011, what kind of thoughts come to your mind?

Well obviously the whole Full Tilt situation still makes me sick to my stomach every time I think about it. I don’t know, other than Full Tilt, it was an alright year for me, but it still sucks that we can’t play online poker in the U.S. anymore. It sucks that I went on a USO Tour where there were a bunch of soldiers talking about how they could play online poker wherever they were in the world, and then came home and weren’t allowed to.

When you asked me how poker was in 2011, that’s the first thing I think of. It’s hard to get past that one. A pretty sour note on the year for me and a lot of other people obviously.

You said you’re thinking about going back to playing online. How come you haven’t moved out of the country like a lot of other online pros did?

I don’t know. It seems like a lot of effort. There are a lot of things the U.S. did in the last ten years that I didn’t like, but there are still things I like about the country. Most of my family is there, and I really like Vegas.

Is it easy to stay on top of your game when you’re not playing thousands of hands that you usually do online, as opposed to playing live when things are a lot slower?

I don’t find much of a difference. It doesn’t affect me too much I think. Maybe I’m wrong, but not as far as I’ve noticed at least.

Do you think you might move anytime soon in order to play online?

Yeah. I actually planned on setting it up where I could play online about two or three months ago, but then there happened to be a bunch of live games where I was, so I played live for about a month straight and just never got around to it. But I definitely plan on setting it up soon so that I can play online.

Your last Tweet was in September, so you’ve been pretty quiet. How come?

I lost my Twitter password soon after the Full Tilt stuff. I think someone at Full Tilt set up my Twitter for me, you know, nothing mischievous on Tilt’s part. Believe me, there was enough mischievousness that they did, but not related to my Twitter. So then I was trying to find out what my Twitter password was, couldn’t find it, then I found an old phone that had Twitter logged in on it. First I had my first phone, lost that, then I found another phone that had Twitter logged in on it like a month later. Used that for a bit, and then lost that. For the last few months. I thought I had it worked out. I thought I was going to be getting it. I thought I had a few friends who knew people [at Twitter] well enough that they could get it worked out, but I guess not. I guess Twitter’s just too hard to work out.

So if you know anyone at Twitter, tell them to send it over.

So it wasn't a plan of radio silence?

No. There was a little period in late April and early May, which I’ve talked about, where I intentionally went silent, and that was because there was a bunch of things I wanted to say. But there were a few things I was under a NDA (nondisclosure agreement) that I couldn’t say and I thought it’d seem really hypocritical of me to say the stuff I could say and then with the actual interesting questions, be like, 'Oh, sorry, can’t answer that.' It would have just seemed really inappropriate. So, there was like a three-week period where I intentionally went silent, and other than that it’s been some combination of me being an idiot and my phones breaking. Maybe they break because I’m an idiot. I’m not sure.

Somehow I just can’t get my Twitter password. I don’t understand it. I went through the normal process. I did the e-mails, and I also tried to contact a few different people who worked there that knew a few friends of mine and could verify it was me. But I haven’t been able to get it. Hopefully sometime soon.

It’s hard not to talk about Full Tilt. It has been fairly quiet with FTP even though they were close to finalizing a deal with Groupe Bernard Tapie. What do you think we will see in the short-term future? Do you think we will see any developments and do you have high hopes that players will see their money?

I probably shouldn’t comment on that too much only because it’s in my best interest and the players’ best interest, but I do think there is a pretty decent amount of hope left. I’ll just leave it at that and hope that’s right.

We’ve just started 2012. What are your goals and plans for the year?

I’d like that little thing we talked about to be worked out, and then I’d like to go win all the money [online], that’d be a good combination. I’ve needed a bit of time off for like the last eight or nine months. I was planning a vacation. I had a mini-vacation planned for last April 15, 16, and 17 [that got interrupted], and then I had another one that I was talking about right after that, but I just never got around to it in the last nine months because I was really stressed for awhile. Then wanted to play a lot of poker for awhile.

Phil Ivey is currently at the Aussie Millions but has been pretty quiet. Do you know how he feels about everything and have you been playing with him in Macau?

I know that he’s a really good guy and I know that he feels really sick about the situation. I said that I thought it was like 90-something percent that Full Tilt would pay out, but obviously in hindsight that was incorrect. I know some people got upset about some things that he said. It’s possible that stuff that he said was wrong, but I know that he’s definitely a good guy and I believe he is sick about the situation. I don’t really want to say much more than that.

Do you think there is a fair shot of seeing online poker back in the United States in the next 12 months?

I sure f***ing hope so. I think it would be hard to see like a countrywide online poker solution in the next 12 months, but I really hope there will be. Obviously I’m really happy to hear that the DOJ announced their interpretation of the Wire Act. Like I said, there is a ton of things I like about the U.S., but it definitely bothers me a bit that the DOJ’s new interpretation wasn’t used when convincing banks that what Tilt and Stars [were doing was illegal], but then eight months later they say, 'Oh, wait, now that we got Tilt and Stars, [the Wire Act doesn’t apply].' Now we are going to say our interpretation of the Wire Act is no big deal. That didn’t really sit right with me.

In hindsight, it is hard to be too upset with the DOJ because Full Tilt didn’t have all the money, which is one of the things that’s made me the sickest. I wish I could be sitting here cursing the DOJ, but realistically I can’t do it that much because they knew things were wrong. I think the way they pressured Tilt and Stars, only to then relent in ways that were really good for other businesses, wasn’t really right. That said, Tilt didn’t have all the money so you can’t fault [the DOJ] too much.

So many things have changed with online poker. Has your view toward online poker changed at all and do you feel it is hard to trust anyone?

I definitely trust PokerStars a lot. I don’t think there’s much chance I’m affiliated with them anytime soon, but I still think that’s a fair take on the situation. They handled themselves very well throughout, and they had all the players’ money, which is by far the most important thing.

Obviously I wish I would have looked more in depth. It would have been hard but if I really tried . . .

Do you blame yourself?

I think the chance that I would have or should sniffed it out wasn’t very high, but it’s still the chance of an average person sniffing it out was extremely low. I had a little chance. Yeah, I could have put a ton of crazy things together. I do somewhat. I think it would have been hard. I do wish I would have asked a few more questions. Maybe I could have found it out. One thing I’ve learned is when you call when you’re wrong, or when you fold and you’re wrong, you move on with it. I’m definitely really unhappy I didn’t ask more questions, but at this point I kind of just have to let it go.

People asking me questions about Tilt is just a reminder of how many people got screwed over. I don’t really mind people asking me. I wish the situation didn’t happen. I wish I wasn’t being asked. But since the situation happened, I think it’s only fair that people get to ask me about it.

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January 25 2012, Brett Collson

The Nightly Turbo

While all eyes are on Phil Ivey at the Aussie Millions Main Event, the Nightly Turbo is here to bring you some of the other big stories in the world of poker. In this edition, we'll cover the upcoming online poker hearing being held on Capitol Hill, the announcement of the World Poker Tour television schedule, and more.

In Case You Missed It

Phil Ivey was second in chips after Day 2 of the 2012 Aussie Millions Main Event. Find out who he's trailing in our daily Aussie Millions recap.

Is Pennsylvania overtaking New Jersey as the East Coast's gaming leader? Inside Gaming has the latest on why the country's second and third largest gaming markets could switch places this year.

What does it feel like to make the final table of your first Aussie Millions Main Event? Randy Dorfman explains his experience in the latest edition of My First.

Senate to Revisit Online Poker Next Month

A recent decision by the Department of Justice to reverse its position on the Wire Act of 1961 will be one of the topics discussed during a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on Feb. 9, 2012.

The hearing will be the second of its kind in less than three months. On Nov. 17, a Senate hearing titled, "The Future of Internet Gaming: What's at Stake for Tribes?" focused on testimony from representatives of various tribes and tribal groups. Poker Players Alliance Chairman Al D'Amato was one of the witnesses that testified before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

In regards to the hearing next month, Poker Players Alliance VP of Player Relations Rich Muny made the following statement in an e-mail sent to PPA members on Tuesday: "These continued hearings are hard evidence of the great work the poker community has been doing to ensure our elected representatives hear from us. I thank everyone for taking the steps necessary to ensure our elected representatives understand that we poker enthusiasts will not back down and will not simply go away!"

A list of witnesses for the upcoming hearing has not yet been announced. PokerNews will provide that information to our readers as soon as it is released.

Information on next month's hearing can be found at indian.senate.gov.

Thor Hansen Diagnosed with Cancer

On Tuesday, the poker world was devastated to learn that Norwegian poker legend Thor Hansen has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Hansen, 64, was told by doctors at a Los Angeles hospital that the cancer is untreatable and he likely has less than two years to live.

Poker player Andreas Høivold broke the news on Twitter Tuesday evening:

AndreasHoivold Andreas Høivold It is a very sad day for Norwegian poker. The world's best Thor Hansen has terminal cancer. He is now in a hospital recovering from surgery. January 24 2012

Hansen, nicknamed "The Godfather" in Norway, is one of the most respected poker players in the world. He has amassed more than $3 million in live tournament earnings to go along with two World Series of Poker bracelets, one coming from a seven-card stud event in 1998, and the other in deuce-to-seven lowball in 2002. He was named the Norwegian Poker Player of the Year in 2005.

The news hit the poker community hard on Tuesday. Fellow Norwegian poker player Annette Obrestad said the following in a thread at TwoPlusTwo: "I seriously cried when I read [about] this. I don't know anyone like him. He truly is one of a kind. All the best Thor, ur an inspiration for us all."

Check out the full thread at TwoPlusTwo.

Watch the World Poker Tour on FSN

Season X of the World Poker Tour is still going strong in the U.S. and across Europe, but the action is already set to hit television screens beginning next month. On Wednesday, the WPT announced that all-new episodes will air on Fox Sports Net beginning on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. local time.

Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten will be back in the booth for the tenth year providing commentary for all 37 episodes of Season X. They will be joined by WPT anchor Kimberly Lansing, Raw Deal analyst Tony Dunst, and the Royal Flush Girls from the sidelines.

“WPT Season IX redefined poker programming and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Season X will see more new elements that we expect the audience will love and will further enhance the timeless appeal of our show,” said WPT CEO Steve Heller. “World Poker Tour’s sustainability is not only a testament to continual innovation, but also to co-hosts Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten, who have been the best in the business for an incredible ten years.”

Read more at PokerNews.com.

More TCOOP Winners

The inaugural PokerStars Turbo Championship of Online Poker passed the halfway point on Tuesday as winners were determined in events 24 through 27. Only 23 tournaments remained going into Wednesday, which featured four more events on the slate.

Here's a look at the results from Tuesday:

Event #24: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi/Lo($50K Guaranteed)

A large turnout for Event #24 resulted in a prize pool that almost tripled its guarantee. The UK's "Mongy," who won TCOOP Event #4 last week, reached another final table on Tuesday. However, the cards did not fall in the Brit's favor as he hit the rail in eighth place. Switzerland's "Sir_Don_John," who final tabled TCOOP Event #14, went on to win this one for $22,127.

Event #25: No Limit Hold'em ($500K Guaranteed)

One of the largest events on the TCOOP schedule attracted more than 3,500 players, leaving $717,800 in prize money up for grabs. A four-way deal at the final table saw all four players walk away with at least $63,600. Mexico's "wcsquad3" claimed victory and the top prize of $85,653.

Event #26: Stud ($25K Guaranteed)

Thayer "THAY3R" Rasmussen weaved his way through a field of more than 3,000 players, but the online poker legend fell short of his first TCOOP title, finishing sixth. Canada's "Poker Own U" claimed victory and a prize of $10,327.

Event #27: No Limit Hold'em 2x Turbo w/ Rebuys ($300K Guaranteed)

Nearly 8,000 players combined to generate a prize pool of $542,780 after the rebuys and add-ons were settled. Brazil's "Mcolombo" cruised through the final table to collect $82,562 and the commemorative 24k gold-played card protector.

For more details on each event, check out the PokerStars Blog.

A Gift From Tony G.

We reported last week that Shane Warne was having problems with cyclists on the road in Melbourne. As a solution, Tony G. presented a special gift to the legendary cricketer during the Aussie Millions Main Event on Wednesday.

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December 04 2011, Brett Collson

The Weekly Turbo

We're trying to get you caught up on the week's top poker news stories. In this edition of the Weekly Turbo, we bring you Facebook's plans to offer real-money gambling, Barney Frank's retirement announcement, and more.

Facebook Considers Real-Money Gambling

According to a report by eGamingReview, social media giant Facebook is developing plans to offer real-money gambling in the United Kingdom as early as 2012.

Facebook, which hosts the free-to-play Zynga Poker, has already begun exploratory talks with U.K. operators to launch real-money online gambling and is already in discussions with 888poker and Gamesys. EGR says the plan is for Facebook to offer eight licenses to U.K. operators who want to offer their gambling platform on Facebook.

PokerNews contacted Facebook for a comment and received a response from a company spokesperson: "We're always in discussions with companies about lots of different ideas, but we don't comment on future plans or speculation."

Read more at PokerNews.com.

Barney Frank To Step Down

On Monday, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) announced he will not return to Congress for a 17th term in 2012. Frank, one of the major political advocates for the legalization of online poker, cited changes to the new congressional map as a major factor in his decision to step down.

"I was planning to run again, and then the congressional redistricting came," Frank, 71, said at a press conference in his hometown of Newton, Mass.

During his time with the House Financial Services Committee, Frank has introduced several bills pushing for online poker legislation in the U.S. In his most recent venture, Frank served as a sponsor for Congressman John Campbell's Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act (H.R.1174). The proposed bill was referred to the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security in June, but no action has been taken since.

Frank also recently testified on behalf of Internet poker at a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing. He has arguably been the biggest driving force behind the legalization of online poker since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed in 2006.

Read more about Frank's retirement announcement at the Wall Street Journal.

Tobey Maguire Settles Hollywood Poker Lawsuit

Earlier this year, Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire was one of 22 people sued for their winnings in a high-stakes Hollywood poker game organized by a criminal Beverly Hills hedge fund manager. On Nov. 22, Maguire reportedly agreed to an $80,000 settlement with a bankruptcy trustee who is trying to recoup more than $30 million in lost funds, the Associated Press reported on Monday.

Maguire was being sued for more than $300,000 for winnings he earned from the invitation-only games organized by businessman Bradley Ruderman, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for running a Ponzi scheme to pay off debts. Ruderman operated a wire-fraud and investment-adviser fraud scheme that lost investors $25 million, and then allegedly lost another $5.2 million in the high-stakes cash games trying to win the money back.

According to the Associated Press, 14 of the 22 people sued have agreed to settlements in their cases. Former High Stakes Poker host Gabe Kaplan also agreed to pay $26,900 after he was sued to try to recoup nearly $63,000 in winnings, according to the AP report. All of the money recouped will be used to repay the victims of Ruderman's Ponzi scheme.

Read the full Associated Press story at the Washington Post.

Elie, Campos Face Trial

Chad Elie and John Campos, two of the 11 men indicted on Black Friday for their involvement in alleged fraud and money laundering associated with online poker sites, were told Thursday by US District Judge Lewis Kaplan that their case is likely to go to trial in March. The two men had filed motions to dismiss the April 15 indictment filed against them by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, but Judge Kaplan listened to arguments from both sides Thursday before telling attorneys to expect a trial on March 12.

“I think it's extraordinarily unlikely the entire indictment will be dismissed,” Kaplan said at the end of the hearing, according to Forbes.

Lawyers for Elie and Campos argued that the U.S. law making it illegal for businesses to make transactions with unlawful online gambling companies doesn't apply to poker because it is a game of skill. Elie, a former payment processor for PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker, and Campos, the vice chairman of a Utah Bank that processed payments for the three sites, filed motions to dismiss the case in October.

According to Forbes, Kaplan seemed unsympathetic to many of the arguments put forward by lawyers representing Campos and Elie, openly disagreeing with some of their points. With a trial on the horizon, Kaplan will now have to decide whether or not a jury will be asked to determine if poker constitutes illegal gambling.

Read more on this story at Forbes.

Martin Staszko Signs with PokerStars

2011 World Series of Poker runner-up Martin Staszko is the newest member of Team PokerStars. Staszko, 35, joins Martin Hruby as the only players from the Czech Republic on the PokerStars roster.

"I'm really happy to sign for PokerStars and join such a talented team of poker players, said Staszko, whose contract will officially begin on Dec. 1. "I’m playing in my home country at EPT Prague as a Team PokerStars Pro and looking forward to playing many big live and online tournaments in 2012 like the PCA and WCOOP. My main focus is to win a mixed-game event at the next WSOP, becoming the first Czech player to win a bracelet."

PokerStars will officially introduce Staszko as part of the team on Dec. 4, 2011, at the Prague Hilton Hotel as part of the 10th Anniversary Guinness World Record celebration. His first tournament as a PokerStars Pro will come the following day, Dec. 5, at the European Poker Tour Prague Main Event.

More on this story can be found right here at PokerNews.com.

Iowa Study Could Open Door for Intrastate Online Poker

On Thursday, a study issued by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) outlined several ways the state could set up and regulate the online poker in the state. The report was requested by the Iowa legislature last session to determine the practicality and potential income Internet poker could generate for the state.

The objective of the report was to give the legislature information to work with if it ultimately decided to set up an online poker infrastructure in the next session. For example, based on the projections of the IRGC, approximately $13 million to $60 million in rake was paid annually by Iowa online poker players before Black Friday. Assuming a tax rate of 22 percent, the projections indicate approximately $3 million to $13 million in potential tax revenue for the state annually, according to the IRGC.

The commission also examined the different systems that could be put in place to offer an intrastate platform. The IRGC consulted with several experts to discuss measures and controls for online poker, including age verification, geo-location and money laundering. It also spoke with Iowa Lottery officials to get a perspective from lottery interests of internet poker regulation.

In March, a state Senate committee approved a bill designed to make online poker legal in Iowa. However, lawmakers weren't in complete agreement over the bill and requested the IRGC produce a report for the bill to be amended.

The full IRGC study can be found at Iowa.gov.

Bodog Unveils Anonymous Tables

Earlier this year, Bodog announced plans to "bring the fun back to poker" for the casual player by implementing a Recreational Poker Model. The growing poker room took a major step in that direction this week by introducing new poker software that will, among other things, prevent players from accessing any data on how opponents play.

Bodog's all-site anonymous tables will protect the casual player from opponents picking up information via the use of HUDs and other data mining sites. The software change comes two months after Bodog began removing full tables from the lobby and thus stopping data sites from accessing statistical information on players.

Among the other features included in the new software are a rabbit cam, several new tournament formats, and the ability to play up to 20 tables at the same time.

“We believe that introducing these features makes the Bodog Recreational Poker Model a pioneer in the online poker world and offers all players of all abilities the fairest place to play," said Bodog VP Jonas Ödman. "To my mind the software and Bodog’s Recreational Poker Model is a genuine game changer.”

Read more about Bodog's new software at CalvinAyre.com

Follow PokerNews on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news.

Follow Brett Collson on Twitter — @brettcollson


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October 28 2011, Chad Holloway

Phil “takechip” D’Auteuil

Since the end of PokerStars' World Championship of Online Poker, it seemed as though the high-stakes online action subsided a bit. This wasn't much of a surprise, given that the live circuit heated up in Europe and online grinders were content to take a break from the virtual felt. However, now that the post-WCOOP hangover seems to be cured, the online games are heating up once again. This was evidenced over the past week as most of poker’s biggest online names were action, with two familiar pros boasting half-million-dollar swings.

Phil “takechip” D’Auteuil, who won an impressive $637,957 in 7,347 hands spread across 58 sessions, was this week’s best performer. Coming in second was Ilari “Ilari FIN” Sahamies, who banked $207,189 in 1,261 hands of 16 sessions and showed that his performance last week was no fluke.

Richard “nutsinho” Lyndaker had a disastrous week, dropping $474,710 in 3,806 hands over 32 sessions. Lyndaker has had a rough go on PokerStars, earning the infamous distinction as the year’s biggest loser on the site. What’s worse, the downswing seems to be getting to the online pro, as reflected in his Twitter vents about his frustration:

nutsinho Richard Lyndaker continuing to run terrible every single day this year...just never ends, probably quitting online poker after the next 2 months October 17 2011

nutsinho Richard Lyndaker impossibly bad downswing immediately follows heater AGAIN. November will be the last month of 'nutsinho' playing on Pokerstars. sad times... October 24 2011

Townsend vs. Arnaud

Last Friday, Brian "aba20" Townsend lost $156,000 to Romain "moirhums" Arnaud at the $100/$200 pot-limit Omaha tables. On Sunday, Townsend was back and two-tabling his French foe, managing to score $89,000, the same amount he had lost two days earlier. He broke even against Arnaud for the weekend, but Townsend’s performance made him Sunday’s biggest winner.

In one hand between the two, Townsend ($50,598) raised to $600 on the button and Arnaud ($48,668) three-bet to $1,800 from the big blind. Townsend made the call and watched as Arnaud led out for $2,000 on the {7-Clubs}{A-Diamonds}{A-Clubs} flop. Instead of calling, Townsend raised to $5,800, and Arnaud called. The Frenchman then checked the {4-Hearts} turn, Townsend bet $10,200, Arnaud called, and the {J-Hearts} peeled off on the river. Arnaud check-called off his stack of $30,868 and the cards were turned up:

Showdown
Arnaud: {A-Spades}{K-Spades}{10-Hearts}{4-Spades}
Townsend: {7-Hearts}{7-Diamonds}{10-Diamonds}{2-Clubs}

Townsend had flopped sevens full of aces, but Arnaud managed to turn aces full of fours. The $97,336 pot was sent to Arnaud, and while he may have won that battle, he ultimately lost the war.

In another hand, Townsend ($37,398) raised to $600 on the button, Arnaud ($139,604) three-bet to $1,800, Townsend four-bet to $5,400, and Arnaud made the call. Both players proceeded to check the {6-Diamonds}{5-Hearts}{3-Spades} flop, and the {J-Spades} was put out on the turn. Arnaud seized the initiative with a $7,000 bet, but was quickly raised to $31,798 by his opponent. Arnaud responded with a reraise, and Townsend called off his last $200.

Showdown
Arnaud: {8-Spades}{5-Spades}{7-Diamonds}{5-Diamonds}
Townsend: {A-Spades}{A-Hearts}{K-Spades}{8-Diamonds}

Arnaud had a flopped set with straight and flush redraws, while Townsend held a superior flush draw. Townsend's flush came when the {2-Spades} spiked on the river, sending the $81,796 pot his way.

The $89,000 loss to Townsend, combined with a $20,000 loss to “rickv17” at the $25/$50 heads-up PLO tables, made Arnaud’s total losses for the day $109,000, enough to make him Sunday’s biggest loser.

D'Auteuil Does What He Does Best and Takes Some Chips

On Monday, there was some notable $200/$400 no-limit hold’em action, contributing to the vast majority of Phil "takechip" D'Auteuil’s profits for the week. It was at those tables that D'Auteuil won $410,000 playing a four-hour session of 300 hands. With a waiting list 20 players deep, it quickly became apparent that this was going to be one heck of a game NLHE game.

In what would be his biggest hand of the day, action folded to D'Auteuil ($256,623) on the button and he raised to $1,000. “LiangYu” ($173,260) made the call from the small blind, the big blind folded, and the two were heads-up to the {6-Diamonds}{10-Hearts}{J-Clubs} flop. LiangYu checked, D'Auteuil bet $1,400, and LiangYu check-raised to $4,400. D'Auteuil made the call and then watched as his opponent fired out $4,000 on the {Q-Spades} turn.

D'Auteuil decided to raise to $23,400, LiangYu called, and the {5-Clubs} was put out on the river. LiangYu led out for $60,000, D'Auteuil moved all-in, and LiangYu called off his remaining $84,460, creating a pot worth $346,915. D'Auteuil rolled over {A-Diamonds}{K-Hearts} for the nuts and LiangYu sent his cards to the muck. The latter would go on to drop $240,000 in the game, including a loss in the second-biggest pot of the day.

That hand began when D'Auteuil ($102,745) opened for $1,000 from the hijack, LiangYu ($85,172) called from the cutoff, and “wobbly_au” ($63,989) exercised his option from the big blind with a raise to $4,800. Both D’Auteuil and LiangYu made the call and three-way action continued to the {9-Diamonds}{Q-Diamonds}{4-Spades} flop. After "wobbly_au" checked, D’Auteuil bet $7,400 and only LiangYu called.

The {6-Spades} turn saw D’Auteuil bet $22,400, LiangYu move all-in for $72,972 total, and D’Auteuil made the call. The latter rolled over {Q-Clubs}{Q-Hearts} for trip queens, and LiangYu mucked yet again, sending the $175,339 pot to D’Auteuil.

Joining LiangYu on the loser’s list in the big NLHE games was Richard "nutsinho" Lyndaker, who dropped $128,000 in the game, which came on the heels of losing $155,000 earlier in the day.

Who's Up? Who's Down?

Week’s biggest winners (10/21-10/27): Phil “takechip” D’Auteuil (+$637,957), Ilari “Ilari FIN” Sahamies (+$207,189), Benny “toweliestar” Spindler (+$150,328), !P0krparty¡ (+$139,322)

Week’s biggest losers: Richard “nutsinho” Lyndaker (-$474,710), VietRussian (-$239,299), Phil “MrSweets28” Galfond (-$173,657), LiangYu (-$145,946), Davin “mTw-DaviN” Georgi (-$108,786).

Year-to-date winners: *Gus Hansen (+$3,941,000), *Daniel “jungleman12” Cates (+$1,952,000), Rafi “refaelamit” Amit (+$1,910,000), *Alexey “NoPasaran” Makarov (+$1,875,000), *Matt Hawrilenko (+$1,440,000), Ilari “Ilari FIN” Sahamies (+$1,428,000), *bixiu (+$1,406,000), *Phil Ivey (+$1,336,000), Andreas “Skjervøy” Torbergsen ($1,305,000), Jen “Jeans89” Kyllönen (+$1,302,000)

Year-to-date losers: *Tom “durrrr” Dwan (-$2,474,000), *Eugene “fishosaurusREX” Yanayt (-$1,399,000), *kagome kagome (-$1,377,000), *cadillac1944 (-$1,336,000), *Esvedra (-$1,182,000), Richard “nutsinho” Lyndaker (-$1,014,000), *UarePileous (-$837,000)

Biggest weekly winners/losers all on PokerStars

*Reflects Full Tilt Poker profit/loss

Data obtained from HighStakesDB.com

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Follow Chad Holloway on Twitter — @ChadAHolloway


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