http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/ http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6955/888-prepare-to-move-into-the-united-states-market Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:17:50 BST The world of online gambling is one of change currently within the United States; that changes even looks to include some fresh faces amongst the market...

888 are one of the most successful online gaming operators around; it now appears as though they are aiming to move into what could be the largest market in the world – if potential legalisation of online gambling goes ahead.

The issue of whether or not online gambling will be legalised within the United States has been a much discussed one, both by gaming industry members and legislators within America. Despite the issue being a fiercely contested one (particularly in some of the more conservative states), many analysts agree that it is looking highly likely that online gambling will be legalised within the country within the near future.

The United Kingdom's leading online poker operator has said that they are hoping to enter the gaming market within the United States; it would not be the first occasion that the company would have been established within the country, and would mark a re-entry for them. 888 originally left the tense market following a crackdown against online gambling by the United States Government.

Despite this, 888's chief executive officer, Brian Mattingley, has recently told digital media outlets that he is extremely hopeful that Nevada will be the earliest of America's states to establish licensed intrastate poker.

“Brian Mattingley … has overseen the hugely successful re-launch of Poker 6, a pick up in new active customers and launch into Italy.” commented Canaccord Genuity analyst, Simon Davies.

It has already been predicted that 888 will be one of the strongest contenders within the United States poker market; this is largely due to their proven success in the United Kingdom, and their strong outing while initially being in the American market.

]]> http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6950/alderney-gambling-control-commission-release-independent-report-on-full-tilt-poker Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:09:37 BST The online poker community had an enormous shadow cast over it last year due to the fall of the popular operator Full Tilt Poker; over a year later and the incident has still not been fully put to bed...

The fall of what was formerly the world's second largest online poker provider caused a great deal of debate and discussion amongst both the online poker community and industry.

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) were initially responsible for providing Full Tilt Poker with their gaming license; this led to a great many question being asked about how exactly such a seemingly unscrupulous poker provider managed to attain such an apparently high level of accreditation. The AGCC is widely believed to be amongst the top licensee distributors amongst the entire online gambling industry; however, it came under heavy criticism for its association with the Full Tilt Poker debacle. In order to try and counteract such a negative association, the AGCC has now published a full independent report of its findings following an investigation into the event.

The review was undertaken on behalf of the AGCC by Peter Dean CBE (the former chairman of the British Gambling Commission); Mr Dean performed a systematic review of the events which unfolded last year, which included staging many interviews with some of the saga's key figures.

It appears as though the reviews findings absolve the AGCC of any responsibility regarding the events surrounding the fall of Full Tilt Poker.

Mr Dean recently commented on the review, saying: "My opinion overall is that AGCC fulfilled its statutory obligations in relation to FTP and that its actions were appropriate, timely and fair."

“We wanted to reassure ourselves, and those who take an interest in our activities, that should mistakes have been made then we would recognize them, and if lessons could be learned that we would learn them." added Andre Wilsenach of the AGCC.

]]> http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6943/poker-enthusiasts-eagerly-anticipate-new-poker-themed-movie Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:41:14 GMT The global poker community is abuzz with the news that one of the most eagerly anticipated poker themed movies to come along in years is finally nearing the closing stages of its completion...

The title of the long awaited poker movie is 'All In'; this apt title promises to deliver a movie that will both 'enlighten and entertain' – though the producers of the film have already issued a warning to die-hard poker fans, saying that its aim is not to reveal secrets about poker.

At its core, the film is a series of interviews with prominent names within the world of professional poker; it also documents the history this incredibly popular game, right up until modern times. As well as this, the movie also takes a critical look at the culture that currently surrounds the world of professional poker, discussing its limitations and current problems concerning its future growth. In particular, the movie spends a great deal of time discussing the current state of professional poker with some its most recognisable names; among those who provide their expert insight into the issues raised by the new movie include: Phil Helmuth, Vanessa Rousso, Isabelle Mercier, Chris 'Jesus' Ferguson, Danial Negreanu and Phil Laak.

In addition to the views of seasoned professionals, the movie also catches up with Chris Moneymaker; it spends time chronicling his unlikely story (as an unlikely victor in the 2003 World Series of Poker), as well as asking if it is possible for other rank amateurs to follow in his footsteps.

Hollywood star Matt Damon also features in the movie, sharing his insight on the classic poker movie 'Rounders'.

While no official release date has yet been issued for 'All In', there has been a great deal of rumours which suggest it could be available within the early stages of 2012.

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]]> http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6942/nevada-aims-to-emerge-victorious-in-americas-online-poker-arms-race Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:03:19 GMT Anybody who has been keeping track of the latest developments concerning online poker in the United States will be well aware that it is an incredibly contentious issue...

Despite the fact that there is still a raging argument over whether or not online poker will be legalised in America, the state of Nevada has 'thrown its hat into the ring' by vowing that it will be the first of the American states to offer legalised online poker to its citizens.

The news comes as the chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Mr Mark Lipparelli, has recently confirmed in an interview with a popular online gambling publication that both online operators with licenses, as well as the proper technical systems needed could both in place and operational within the state by the closing stages of this year.

According to Mr Lipparelli, operators acting under the new system being established within Nevada will be able to operate without the need for any additional legislation – this will be as a result of the state's approval for licenses.

“The process from here will see licence applicants appearing on our public agendas in May/June.  For the successful licence applicants, the last step in turning the systems on will be a technical evaluation, and although we’re not certain how long this process will take, it’s plausible, even likely, that you’ll see the first set of systems approved for initial deployment by the fall.” commented Mr Lipparelli.

It is thought that filing of the licenses for new operators is due to commence during late Spring to Summer of 2012; this has fuelled speculation that legal online poker could be witnessed within Nevada by the end of this year, should all things stay on the course they are currently on.

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]]> http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6941/french-investors-still-optimistic-for-completion-of-full-tilt-poker-deal Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:58:01 GMT Full Tilt Poker has been shrouded in turmoil during the course of the last year; however, its potential new owners say that they remain optimistic that a deal to complete its sale can eventually be seen through...

The Bernard Tapie Group have been in the frame to make a purchase of the shamed online poker provider for many months now; despite this, the completion of the deal has been hampered at many stages as a result of new details emerging about the increasingly checkered past of the company. The latest revelation to shake the foundations of the potential deal was a debt owed to Full Tilt Poker by many of its professional player spokesmen, including the like of Phil Ivey; collectively, the professional players are thought to owe the company between $10 and $20 million.

Although the acquisition of the company has been extremely difficult, Bernard Tapie Group lawyer, Behnam Dayanim, has recently said that it is his belief that a satisfactory conclusion can be reached. Mr Dayanim recently spoke in an interview with popular publication Poker Listings, saying: “I would characterize my view as positive."

“We are reasonably optimistic we can get this deal done over the next few weeks,” he added.

Despite the reassurance, Mr Dayanim also made a point of highlighting the fact that there was still a great deal more work to be done before the sale of Full Tilt Poker could be finalised.

“Any time you’re dealing with a company in distress, understanding the financial position of the company is incredibly important,” commented the French investment group's lawyer.

The latest bits of new concerning the sale of the fallen online poker provider have stirred up much ill-feeling amongst both critics of the company and former players alike; both of whom will be keeping a close eye on further developments as they continue to arise.

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]]> http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6933/bodog-founder-indicted-by-maryland-authorities-in-united-states Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:15:24 GMT Online poker is currently a seriously contentious and divisive issue within the United States; this has been shown most recently in actions taken against the founder of the Bodog betting brand...

The news comes as Federal authorities with the state of Maryland have issued an indictment against Calvin Ayre; Ayre is the main founder of Bodog.com, alongside fellow Canadian nationals Derrick Maloney, James Philip and David Ferguson. The quartet stand accused of running an illegal sports gambling business, and are also under suspicion of conspiring to commit offences such as money laundering.

A statement concerning the case has been released by United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein, who said: "Sports betting is illegal in Maryland, and federal law prohibits bookmakers from flouting that law simply because they are located outside the country."

“Many of the harms that underlie gambling prohibitions are exacerbated when the enterprises operate over the internet without regulation.” it added.

In addition to the charges that have been presented against the founders of Bodog, they also stand accused of spending a massive $42 million on a marketing campaign which was allegedly aimed at players within the United States.

In reply to the allegations which have been levelled against him, 50-year-old Ayre issued his own statement, which read: "It is clear that the online gaming industry is legal under international law and in the case of these documents is it also clear that the rule of law was not allowed to slow down a rush to try to win the war of public opinion.”

As more details of the case continue to unfold, the global gaming industry will be keeping abreast of further developments with great interest.

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]]> http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6927/shuffle-master-to-purchase-ongame-poker-network Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:28:47 GMT The online poker industry is one which is constantly undergoing changes; this is a trend that is showing no signs of slowing down within the near future...

The latest in the changes to the online poker landscape comes from American casino equipment giant Shuffle Master. It is widely expected that the company will be purchasing the Ongame poker network from online gaming industry market leaders bwin.party. The report comes from a highly reputable source in the form of popular British newspaper 'The Sunday Times'.

It is believed that the rationale behind the purchase is one that firmly has the future of the American online gaming industry in mind; industry analysts think that the latest buy from Shuffle Master will set them up nicely should online poker finally be legalised within the United States.

The Ongame poker network has been up for auction for the past year; this came as a result of the merger between bwin and Party Gaming, which took place back at the end of March last year.

The new potential deal between bwin.party and Shuffle Master has been raising some eyebrows within the online poker industry; this is mostly due to the apparently low price tag attached it – a mere £13 million. Despite this, bwin.party have declared that the Ongame poker network is 'surplus to their requirements' and that it is 'no longer needed' by the company – whatever the reason, this is very good news for Shuffle Master.

Currently, the Ongame poker network is the sixth largest in the entire world (in terms of cash players); it is thought to play host to a seven day average of around 2,150 players.

The online poker industry will be surely be keeping tabs on the potential sale in the upcoming weeks. For now, why not check out our great online poker bonuses?

]]> http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6926/federal-poker-legislation-to-be-shelved-until-2013 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:26:31 GMT As quickly as rumours started about the possibility of online poker legalisation within the United States, yet more have sprung up which could spell an end to such talk of change...

A dampener may have been put on any plans of change until at least 2013, as a highly respected source of online gaming news claims that the United States Government plans to shelf such changes until next year. It had widely been believed that such changes were imminent within America, yet the latest reports indicate that any Federal changes to the current stance on the legality of online poker will not be made any time soon.

The reports come courtesy of gaming industry journalist Howard Stutz; he recently sent a message to his followers on popular social networking website Twitter which read: “One Wall Street analyst opinion: Internet poker legalization not being attached to the payroll tax bill means the issue is dead for 2012.”

This ominous message has naturally caught the attention of many an eye connected to the online gaming industry.

“We think the standards were written in a way that will allow for small adjustments as the process moves forward,” Beynon is quoted by Stutz as saying following Nevada’s moves to set minimum control standards for their intrastate online gaming operation.

“At this point, no firm date has been set, but thirteen companies have now submitted for an operating license," commented gaming analyst Chad Beynon during an interview held last week.

Despite this, many supporters of the campaign to get online poker legalised within the United States still insist that the movement is very much alive and well; it appears that which reports are to be believed will become evident within the very near future...

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]]> http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6918/2012-world-series-of-poker-schedule-finally-announced Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:21:05 GMT It has been a tense few weeks for hardcore poker fans around the globe as they awaited the schedule release of the 2012 World Series of Poker; fortunately, that wait has now come to an end...

The schedule for this summer's World Series of Poker tournament has finally been unveiled to poker fans around the world and it looks to be one of the hottest events to date. 2012's competition marks the 43rd incarnation of the incredibly popular annual event, which this year will be running from May 27th to July 16th. As fans of the World Series of Poker have come to expect from the competition, this year features several changes to the format of the event, as well as some big changes to to the illustrious Main Event.

All in all, there will be a total of 61 events that fall under the World Series of Poker's collective banner; this will include the much-hyped $1 million 'Big One', which is due to be held for the 'One Drop' charity event.

In addition to the usual preliminary events, this year will also see the first ever World Series of Poker 'Re-Entry' event, which will give a handful of would-be disappointed players a second bite at the cherry – this new feature of the World Series of Poker will be held on June 2nd during a $1,500 buy-in No Limit event.

This year’s WSOP schedule is very exciting,” commented WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel, who will be the man overseeing the event for the seventh consecutive year. “We’re introducing some fantastic new events, while bringing back many successful stalwarts that our players love. We will expand our footprint this year to include extra tables dedicated to cash games, as well as plenty of satellite and single-day tournament space, so players will have an easy time finding a desirable game without ever having to leave the Rio Convention Center.”

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]]> http://poker.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6917/888-looks-to-extend-relationship-with-caesars-interactive Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:14:40 GMT In the competitive online poker market, companies are always looking for the latest and best ways to pull ahead of their competitors; meanwhile, some of the market leaders are employing a 'if it's not broken, don't fix it' attitude...

Online gaming operator 888 Holdings has shown that it is not in the business of making rash changes to its set up, as it seeks to extend its relationship with Caesars Interactive. The announcement has come from the company's Dragonfish independent business to business arm; the two companies have been enjoying a successful working relationship and are currently looking to carry on with it for the foreseeable future.

Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world's largest land-based gaming company, with Caesar Interactive being its online subsidiary division.

The pair have given some insight into their plans for the future, after they announced that they would be aiming to implement a new deal which will see Dragonfish powering a range of virtual poker brands to be released by Caesars Interactive – the deal is thought to be an exceptionally lucrative one if legalisation of online gambling to go ahead in the United States.

A statement regarding the matter has recently been issued by 888 Holdings, which read: “Utilising 888's state-of-the-art poker platform, the agreement will allow the launch of a real-money offering immediately as either federal or state-based regulation is finalised and upon licensing by gaming authorities.”

As the pair look to be hitting full stride in their working relationship, it is certain that their competitors in a crowded market will be keeping a close eye on further developments in the upcoming months.

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