Calendar of Poker Events for February 2012 brought to you by texasholdemhowto.net
February 2012 Poker Events
Latest Poker News
MAJOR U.S. CHANGE FOR TOP ONLINE POKER SITE
2011-08-04
PocketFives halts US promotional activity
The respected online poker information site PocketFives.com has become the latest poker-oriented operation to insulate itself from promotional activities in the United States of America.
In an announcement Tuesday, the management of the site advised that it would no longer promote online poker rooms that still accept customers from the United States.
PocketFives co-founder Adam Small wrote:
“We’re planning a lot of positive changes to the community, and our plan is to bring more interesting offers and content than ever before for both our U.S. and non-U.S. visitors.
"However, that content will not in any way be geared towards promoting play on poker sites that offer real money, rake-based play to people in the United States. We will still, of course, continue to cover industry developments and news that’s relevant to our members regarding those sites, and players’ results will continue to be counted in the PocketFives.com Rankings.”
Small went on to clarify that his decision should not be taken as a denouncement of the U.S.-facing rooms, or as a statement regarding the safety and/or trustworthiness of those operators that have decided to continue offering their services to U.S. players.
"Our decision is much more based on the state of the industry and the developments we’ve seen since April," Small wrote in an apparent reference to US enforcement actions against operators and payment processors.
"We simply do not feel comfortable continuing to recommend real money online poker to our U.S.-based members based on what we perceive to be a heightened level of risk.”
US poker players seeking a more player-friendly residential domicile may find PocketFives a useful source of information. Small revealed that the site is about to launch a service that will aid U.S. poker players in establishing residence elsewhere so that they can continue to play.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAYING ONLINE POKER
2011-02-08
Online poker is playing the same poker available at the real casinos but through the medium of the Internet. This version is very easily available to all the people, as any player with a computer and an Internet connection can play it online. The people, who play online poker, have the advantage of playing with very little money or maybe free. In addition, playing poker online is useful to hone the skills, especially, the skills of amateur players. The distance is no longer a limitation for the players, as to play online poker; they are not required to go out to the real casinos.
The websites offering such games welcomes different players from all over the world. Many of the websites offering online poker, offers real prizes whether in kind or cash. Therefore, it is not just the attraction of getting entertained, but also the opportunity to win something too that attracts the players to play online poker.
Playing online poker is a good idea as it is very convenient way of playing a game. One can even play this game while sitting at home and just need an internet connection and a computer. Few Smartphone gives access to some of these websites. A beginner does not have anything to worry, as some poker games are available especially for such beginners that require very low bets and some are even free. Some of the poker websites assist the beginners by providing them with systematic instructions. Another convenience factor offered by the websites is that they are open for the entire 24 hours a day. One also gets the opportunity to interact with other virtual players. These players can be from any corner of the world, thus, the Internet has made it very easy.
Poker is the virtualized version of the real casinos, where the physical presence of the players (in front of each other) is not required. Due to advent in technology based on modern satellite, different people staying at different parts of the world can play this game just by sitting at their respective homes. This game became an instant favorite amongst the players, as this version does not require gathering at one place to play. The online websites that offer poker games earn billions as revenues. This is also because the cost incurred in setting up of virtualized version is very less as compared to the real casinos.
The speed of the online poker games is much faster and additionally the new players can get the training from the sites itself. As the online games involve different players from different countries, the currencies become a problem. To overcome this problem, a rule has been set, that the sites will only accept U.S dollars. The first method followed in this regard is that the currencies (apart from dollars) taken by the websites are converted upon entering and exiting of the customers. The second method is that, the players have to get their currency exchanged before investing any amount on the websites. Check out www.sportsbook.com/casino the fastest growing casino for USA players.
CHINESE RESTRICTIONS FROM POKERSTARS
2010-11-18
Only one Chinese national per table in ring games
Speculation that significant numbers of Chinese players may have been colluding on the internet poker site Pokerstars.com appeared to be confirmed this week when the company e-mailed the following notice to China-based players.
“PokerStars.com has introduced a new security feature that prevents players from certain countries playing at the same ring game table.
“This restriction means that only one player from each of these countries is able to play at the same ring game table. You are able to play at any ring game table you wish but once you are seated no other player from your country will be able to join the table. Similarly, if another player from your country is seated, you will be unable to join that table until they leave.
“We regret the inconvenience that this has caused you but this policy has been implemented to enhance the integrity of the games.”
The present restriction was preceded by an initiative earlier this year where Pokerstars instituted restrictions on Chinese players in their sit-and-go tournaments and double-or-nothing games.
STAR-STUDDED ENTRY FIELD FOR WSOP (E) HIGH ROLLER EVENT
2010-09-22
Top international players vie for a share of million sterling prize pool
The NLHE High Roller Heads Up event at the World Series of Poker Europe currently running in London attracted a stellar field of international players this week, each prepared to shell out the hefty GBP10 350 buy-in for a crack at the respect, the bracelet and the money that accrues to the winner.
The 103 player entry list generated a prize pool of GBP 1,030,000, which ensures that the final sixteen players cash, with the winner taking home a useful GBP 288 409.
Tuesday evening's start line-up included names like Phil Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, Chris Ferguson, Tom Dwan, John Juanda, Sam Trickett, Mike Matusow, Andy Bloch, Erik Seidel, Neil Channing and Ram Vaswani.
The initial action was fast and furious, with the field was reduced to 64 by the end of the first round, and 32 by close of play later in the evening.
When the second day of the contest kicks off today (Wednesday) afternoon London time, the survivors will include Phil Ivey, Huck Seed, Howard Lederer, Gus Hansen, Chris Moorman, Andrew Feldman and Neil Channing, Mori Eskandani, Yevgeniy Timoshenko, Andrew Robl, Andrew Feldman and online high-stakes ace Ilari "Ziigmund" Sahamies.
Among the fallen on the first day were Vanessa Rousso, Jake Cody, Jason Mercier, Andrew Litchenberger, Praz Bansi, Barny Boatman, Carlos Mortensen, Antonio Esfandiari, Jeff Lisandro, Greg Mueller, Scott Seiver and Phil Hellmuth.
ITALIAN ONLINE POKER MAKES A GRAND ENTRANCE
2010-06-10
Pokerscout now reporting Italian numbers, too
The independent online poker statistics monitor Pokerscout has commenced following Italian site performances as the market in that country continues to burgeon.
In real money players, involving both tournament and cash game action, the People’s Network owned and operated by Italy gambling giant Microgame, made an impressive entrance in the number 10 slot and is expected to improve as it grows an already impressive 800 000-strong player base.
Several industry giants have partnerships in dedicated Italian online poker networks.
WASHINGTON CHARITY POKER RAISES $70 000
2010-04-16
A great opportunity to hobnob with Capitol Hill lawmakers
Playing poker for a good cause, there was a good turnout of Capitol Hill lawmakers at this week's charity poker tournament in Washington DC organised by the Poker Players Alliance and poker siblings Annie Duke and Howard "The Professor" Lederer.
The event, in aid of the Ante Up for Africa charity, gave the politicians a chance to hobnob with international poker stars and raised $70 000, with Full Tilt Poker donating a $10 000 seat at this year's World Series of Poker main event as the big prize.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, which recently signed an online fantasy sports deal with Hubbub's subsidiary FanDuel, reported on the event, asking Lederer if there was any substance to Financial Times reports that a Manhattan grand jury probe had been mentioned in conjunction with his and other aces names and Full Tilt Poker (see previous InfoPowa report)
Lederer appeared relaxed, saying that it was news to him.
The newspaper noted that those attending the charity event included supporters of new attempts to legalise US online gambling by Congressman Barney Frank.
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democrat who has introduced a proposal to regulate online poker, commented: "None of that [regulated protection of players] exists under the present system right now. You have offshore entities. You don't necessarily have honesty and transparency on many of those sites. You certainly don't have any revenue coming to the United States. And you do nothing about compulsive gambling."
Menendez sits on the Senate Finance Committee, and his proposal mirrors similar legislation introduced by Frank focused on online gambling in general that has 66 House sponsors so far.
Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Barton from Texas - a poker fan who supports federal oversight of online poker - was there too, saying: "I am a proponent of allowing people over 21 that want to play poker on the Internet to at least do so," he said.
Poker Players Alliance executive director John Pappas told the Inquirer: "[Legalisation is] not going to be an easy thing to do because it's an election year, but if you have the right people who want to do two things: license and regulate those games which should be legal, like poker, but also make sure [enforcement against] illegal activities that they don't want - sports betting, for instance - is strengthened, then agreement is possible."
The newspaper explores recent statements by the American Gaming Association, which represents the commercial land gaming industry, and once questioned whether technological safeguards existed to adequately make Internet gambling regulation feasible. Now, the AGA says it "acknowledges that a properly regulated legal framework for Internet gambling is the best way to protect consumers."
"I think [the AGA's position] is a key indicator of what's happening in Las Vegas in the minds of the key Las Vegas members of Congress," Pappas told the Inquirer. "I think we'll probably see a movement in the Senate to push this thing . . . along with what's happening in the House."
ONLINE POKER NETWORKS MERGE
2010-01-26
Everleaf and Universal joining forces...with a third firm in prospect
Player communication, or the lack thereof, was a criticism levelled at companies involved in an online poker merger this week.
Everleaf Gaming Network, which permits US action, and the Europe-facing Universal Poker Network partnered up on January 19th to offer a larger network with more player liquidity. The merged network has yet to be branded, but it is understood that a third company, Victory Poker formerly on the Doyle Brunson Poker Network, may also be joining the duo on February 1st using a .net domain extension.
It appears that the new network will accept all players from the US with multi-currency facilities and a wider range of deposit options, and that the software has been enhanced with a number of new improvements.
Pokerscout's independent statistics rate Universal's action at around 300 players/day, with Everleaf just under 100 players/day.
The merged network was criticised by players, who claim that they were not advised of the move, and that this created confusion. Answering the criticism, a spokesperson for Everleaf said: "No emails were sent out regarding this, as the date for the merge could have and was delayed.
"We did have a pop up notice on our poker room for the last seven days to ensure everyone was made aware of this merger."
The merged network is home to some 24 skins, among them ThePokerPanther.com, ABDigitalPoker.com, FullKingsPoker.com, PokerDrum.com, MyNamePoker.com, BrasilianPoker.com, 5Poker5.com, Poker4Ever.com, Raider Poker.com, Minted Poker.com, WarriorsPoker.com, PokerKingBet.com and WinPKR.com.
2011-08-04
PocketFives halts US promotional activity
The respected online poker information site PocketFives.com has become the latest poker-oriented operation to insulate itself from promotional activities in the United States of America.
In an announcement Tuesday, the management of the site advised that it would no longer promote online poker rooms that still accept customers from the United States.
PocketFives co-founder Adam Small wrote:
“We’re planning a lot of positive changes to the community, and our plan is to bring more interesting offers and content than ever before for both our U.S. and non-U.S. visitors.
"However, that content will not in any way be geared towards promoting play on poker sites that offer real money, rake-based play to people in the United States. We will still, of course, continue to cover industry developments and news that’s relevant to our members regarding those sites, and players’ results will continue to be counted in the PocketFives.com Rankings.”
Small went on to clarify that his decision should not be taken as a denouncement of the U.S.-facing rooms, or as a statement regarding the safety and/or trustworthiness of those operators that have decided to continue offering their services to U.S. players.
"Our decision is much more based on the state of the industry and the developments we’ve seen since April," Small wrote in an apparent reference to US enforcement actions against operators and payment processors.
"We simply do not feel comfortable continuing to recommend real money online poker to our U.S.-based members based on what we perceive to be a heightened level of risk.”
US poker players seeking a more player-friendly residential domicile may find PocketFives a useful source of information. Small revealed that the site is about to launch a service that will aid U.S. poker players in establishing residence elsewhere so that they can continue to play.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAYING ONLINE POKER
2011-02-08
Online poker is playing the same poker available at the real casinos but through the medium of the Internet. This version is very easily available to all the people, as any player with a computer and an Internet connection can play it online. The people, who play online poker, have the advantage of playing with very little money or maybe free. In addition, playing poker online is useful to hone the skills, especially, the skills of amateur players. The distance is no longer a limitation for the players, as to play online poker; they are not required to go out to the real casinos.
The websites offering such games welcomes different players from all over the world. Many of the websites offering online poker, offers real prizes whether in kind or cash. Therefore, it is not just the attraction of getting entertained, but also the opportunity to win something too that attracts the players to play online poker.
Playing online poker is a good idea as it is very convenient way of playing a game. One can even play this game while sitting at home and just need an internet connection and a computer. Few Smartphone gives access to some of these websites. A beginner does not have anything to worry, as some poker games are available especially for such beginners that require very low bets and some are even free. Some of the poker websites assist the beginners by providing them with systematic instructions. Another convenience factor offered by the websites is that they are open for the entire 24 hours a day. One also gets the opportunity to interact with other virtual players. These players can be from any corner of the world, thus, the Internet has made it very easy.
Poker is the virtualized version of the real casinos, where the physical presence of the players (in front of each other) is not required. Due to advent in technology based on modern satellite, different people staying at different parts of the world can play this game just by sitting at their respective homes. This game became an instant favorite amongst the players, as this version does not require gathering at one place to play. The online websites that offer poker games earn billions as revenues. This is also because the cost incurred in setting up of virtualized version is very less as compared to the real casinos.
The speed of the online poker games is much faster and additionally the new players can get the training from the sites itself. As the online games involve different players from different countries, the currencies become a problem. To overcome this problem, a rule has been set, that the sites will only accept U.S dollars. The first method followed in this regard is that the currencies (apart from dollars) taken by the websites are converted upon entering and exiting of the customers. The second method is that, the players have to get their currency exchanged before investing any amount on the websites. Check out www.sportsbook.com/casino the fastest growing casino for USA players.
CHINESE RESTRICTIONS FROM POKERSTARS
2010-11-18
Only one Chinese national per table in ring games
Speculation that significant numbers of Chinese players may have been colluding on the internet poker site Pokerstars.com appeared to be confirmed this week when the company e-mailed the following notice to China-based players.
“PokerStars.com has introduced a new security feature that prevents players from certain countries playing at the same ring game table.
“This restriction means that only one player from each of these countries is able to play at the same ring game table. You are able to play at any ring game table you wish but once you are seated no other player from your country will be able to join the table. Similarly, if another player from your country is seated, you will be unable to join that table until they leave.
“We regret the inconvenience that this has caused you but this policy has been implemented to enhance the integrity of the games.”
The present restriction was preceded by an initiative earlier this year where Pokerstars instituted restrictions on Chinese players in their sit-and-go tournaments and double-or-nothing games.
STAR-STUDDED ENTRY FIELD FOR WSOP (E) HIGH ROLLER EVENT
2010-09-22
Top international players vie for a share of million sterling prize pool
The NLHE High Roller Heads Up event at the World Series of Poker Europe currently running in London attracted a stellar field of international players this week, each prepared to shell out the hefty GBP10 350 buy-in for a crack at the respect, the bracelet and the money that accrues to the winner.
The 103 player entry list generated a prize pool of GBP 1,030,000, which ensures that the final sixteen players cash, with the winner taking home a useful GBP 288 409.
Tuesday evening's start line-up included names like Phil Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, Chris Ferguson, Tom Dwan, John Juanda, Sam Trickett, Mike Matusow, Andy Bloch, Erik Seidel, Neil Channing and Ram Vaswani.
The initial action was fast and furious, with the field was reduced to 64 by the end of the first round, and 32 by close of play later in the evening.
When the second day of the contest kicks off today (Wednesday) afternoon London time, the survivors will include Phil Ivey, Huck Seed, Howard Lederer, Gus Hansen, Chris Moorman, Andrew Feldman and Neil Channing, Mori Eskandani, Yevgeniy Timoshenko, Andrew Robl, Andrew Feldman and online high-stakes ace Ilari "Ziigmund" Sahamies.
Among the fallen on the first day were Vanessa Rousso, Jake Cody, Jason Mercier, Andrew Litchenberger, Praz Bansi, Barny Boatman, Carlos Mortensen, Antonio Esfandiari, Jeff Lisandro, Greg Mueller, Scott Seiver and Phil Hellmuth.
ITALIAN ONLINE POKER MAKES A GRAND ENTRANCE
2010-06-10
Pokerscout now reporting Italian numbers, too
The independent online poker statistics monitor Pokerscout has commenced following Italian site performances as the market in that country continues to burgeon.
In real money players, involving both tournament and cash game action, the People’s Network owned and operated by Italy gambling giant Microgame, made an impressive entrance in the number 10 slot and is expected to improve as it grows an already impressive 800 000-strong player base.
Several industry giants have partnerships in dedicated Italian online poker networks.
WASHINGTON CHARITY POKER RAISES $70 000
2010-04-16
A great opportunity to hobnob with Capitol Hill lawmakers
Playing poker for a good cause, there was a good turnout of Capitol Hill lawmakers at this week's charity poker tournament in Washington DC organised by the Poker Players Alliance and poker siblings Annie Duke and Howard "The Professor" Lederer.
The event, in aid of the Ante Up for Africa charity, gave the politicians a chance to hobnob with international poker stars and raised $70 000, with Full Tilt Poker donating a $10 000 seat at this year's World Series of Poker main event as the big prize.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, which recently signed an online fantasy sports deal with Hubbub's subsidiary FanDuel, reported on the event, asking Lederer if there was any substance to Financial Times reports that a Manhattan grand jury probe had been mentioned in conjunction with his and other aces names and Full Tilt Poker (see previous InfoPowa report)
Lederer appeared relaxed, saying that it was news to him.
The newspaper noted that those attending the charity event included supporters of new attempts to legalise US online gambling by Congressman Barney Frank.
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democrat who has introduced a proposal to regulate online poker, commented: "None of that [regulated protection of players] exists under the present system right now. You have offshore entities. You don't necessarily have honesty and transparency on many of those sites. You certainly don't have any revenue coming to the United States. And you do nothing about compulsive gambling."
Menendez sits on the Senate Finance Committee, and his proposal mirrors similar legislation introduced by Frank focused on online gambling in general that has 66 House sponsors so far.
Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Barton from Texas - a poker fan who supports federal oversight of online poker - was there too, saying: "I am a proponent of allowing people over 21 that want to play poker on the Internet to at least do so," he said.
Poker Players Alliance executive director John Pappas told the Inquirer: "[Legalisation is] not going to be an easy thing to do because it's an election year, but if you have the right people who want to do two things: license and regulate those games which should be legal, like poker, but also make sure [enforcement against] illegal activities that they don't want - sports betting, for instance - is strengthened, then agreement is possible."
The newspaper explores recent statements by the American Gaming Association, which represents the commercial land gaming industry, and once questioned whether technological safeguards existed to adequately make Internet gambling regulation feasible. Now, the AGA says it "acknowledges that a properly regulated legal framework for Internet gambling is the best way to protect consumers."
"I think [the AGA's position] is a key indicator of what's happening in Las Vegas in the minds of the key Las Vegas members of Congress," Pappas told the Inquirer. "I think we'll probably see a movement in the Senate to push this thing . . . along with what's happening in the House."
ONLINE POKER NETWORKS MERGE
2010-01-26
Everleaf and Universal joining forces...with a third firm in prospect
Player communication, or the lack thereof, was a criticism levelled at companies involved in an online poker merger this week.
Everleaf Gaming Network, which permits US action, and the Europe-facing Universal Poker Network partnered up on January 19th to offer a larger network with more player liquidity. The merged network has yet to be branded, but it is understood that a third company, Victory Poker formerly on the Doyle Brunson Poker Network, may also be joining the duo on February 1st using a .net domain extension.
It appears that the new network will accept all players from the US with multi-currency facilities and a wider range of deposit options, and that the software has been enhanced with a number of new improvements.
Pokerscout's independent statistics rate Universal's action at around 300 players/day, with Everleaf just under 100 players/day.
The merged network was criticised by players, who claim that they were not advised of the move, and that this created confusion. Answering the criticism, a spokesperson for Everleaf said: "No emails were sent out regarding this, as the date for the merge could have and was delayed.
"We did have a pop up notice on our poker room for the last seven days to ensure everyone was made aware of this merger."
The merged network is home to some 24 skins, among them ThePokerPanther.com, ABDigitalPoker.com, FullKingsPoker.com, PokerDrum.com, MyNamePoker.com, BrasilianPoker.com, 5Poker5.com, Poker4Ever.com, Raider Poker.com, Minted Poker.com, WarriorsPoker.com, PokerKingBet.com and WinPKR.com.