The Portable Poker Pro hits the bookstores this month

Sheree Bykofsky and I have a new book about to be released. We wrote The Portable Poker Pro to take you from someone who’s maybe seen a little poker on ESPN or played for pennies around the kitchen table to someone who can go into any public casino or cardroom with confidence: confidence that you can not only win occasionally, but win regularly over the long haul. (And if you’ve already got some experience under your belt, you can think about skipping some of the earlier chapters and go right to the more advanced stuff.)

This book assumes that the reader really doesn’t know that much about playing poker, and more importantly, that you’d like to change that.

We started with the rules of poker, and then talked about good hands versus bad hands. We’ll also The Portable Poker Pro offers information on fixed- and no-limit poker, and poker tournaments too. By the time you’re done with it, you’ll have all the basic tools (and some advanced ones, too) to walk into any poker room without fear.

Many parts of this book will be useful for reference: everything from our handy-dandy charts telling what to play and what not to play to our basic odds tables to our glossary of colorful poker terms.

But whatever you do, there’s no need to be stressed out about learning all this. There’s no quiz at the end of this book. There’s going to be some math, but it’s not going to be much more heavy-duty than what you use to balance your checkbook.

There will be some psychology, but: A) it’s pretty fun; and B) it won’t be telling you much you don’t know – it will be giving you tips on how to use what you already do know about human nature at the poker table.

If you’re a newcomer to professional poker, please do read this whole book first before you go to a casino or get an online poker account. Yes, we know you’re anxious to play. That’s why you bought this book. But waiting a day or two or a week or two to finish this book, depending on how voracious a reader you are, will pay for itself many times over. Please just be patient and hang on until you’ve gone through it all at least once.

Trust us; we wouldn’t be putting anything in this book if it weren’t vitally important. Every bit of information you gain from this book can add up to dollars in the real world. Don’t worry: as soon as you’re ready, the game will be waiting there just for you.

The Portable Poker Pro is published by Pinnacle Books, a subsidiary of Kensington Publishing Corporation. At a $9.99 retail price, it is easily affordable by any new and aspiring poker player and available at bookstores everywhere.

2007 WSOP pre-registration now open

Pre-registration for the 2007 World Series of Poker, scheduled for June 1 through July 17, 2007 at the Rio, is now open.

Pre-registration instructions and new participant rules – including a more liberal player-apparel policy – can be found at http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/, the official web site of the World Series of Poker.

Acceptable forms of payment include cash, cashier’s checks, wire transfers and Rio casino chips. These payment forms may be used to pre-register for entry into any of the 55 events scheduled for the 2007 World Series of Poker. Player pre-registration instructions are included in Section 1 of the rules.

“In recognition of the endorsement agreements that provide income to many poker players, we’ve liberalized our policy to allow tournament entrants to wear apparel with multiple logos and patches,” said WSOP’s Jeffrey Pollack, who added. “We encourage all players and their sponsors to review the rules well in advance of the tournament.”

Are non US-based players having trouble getting their money from Neteller too?

It looks like US players are not the onhly ones having trtouble getting a timely payment out of Neteller. This information came to me via www.CanadianPoker.com, and my good friend and usually reliable source, Dave Scharf. I'm printing it here for what it's worth. If you're not a US-based player, you might want to do some digging -- or else just take the bull by the horns and move your money out of Neteller while you have a chance.

We have received numerous reports of NON USA Players waiting on checks from Neteller for more than 4 weeks.

We also have received reports from several operators stating Neteller claims to have sent them wires, yet after 3 weeks wires have not been received.

These same operators, also state that Neteller has ignored all their requests for clarification as to the status and whereabouts of their funds.

The facts along with Neteller’s action seem to indicate the end is near for them.

We urge all our members to withdraw any funds held with Neteller as soon as possible so as to avoid finding themselves in the same boat as the people and businesses providing us these reports.

We also strongly suggest all our US members contact the FSA in the UK to file formal complaints.

A complete guide to filing a complaint with the FSA may be found here: http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pubs/public/complaint.pdf

WSOP-Europe set for London in September

With more details to come later on this Spring, WSOP honcho Jeffrey Pollack announced a September start for the inaugural WSOP Europe Main Event.

Events will be held at three separate London Clubs International casinos over an 11-day span. This marks the first time WSOP-branded events will be aimed at European players and held in the UK.

A complete schedule will be released in May; however three tourneys have already been set.

A three-day, €2,500 (approx. US $4,900) buy-in HORSE event begins September 6th at the Leicester Square casino, a new casino slated for an April 2007 opening.

HORSE will be followed by a €5,000 (US $9,800) buy-in Pot-Limit Omaha tournament, also slated for Leicester Square.

September 10th marks the beginning of the WSOP Europe Main Event — a No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament with a €10,000 (US $19,600) buy-in. Early rounds will be played at the Sportsman and Filly casinos as well as at Leicester Square. On September 13th play will be consolidated at Leicester Square until the event concludes on September 16th.

According to Pollack, "This new tournament has been designed with European players in mind, but registrants from every country are welcome. We hope it becomes an annual tradition for poker enthusiasts and a home for WSOP fans after the action concludes in Las Vegas each summer."

With a WSOP event underway in the UK, how long before we see the WSOP brand at an Asian event in Macao? I’m thinking within the next year to two — at the longest.

PartyPoker 'phishing' Scam unleashed

PartyPoker 'phishing' Scam unleashed
A phishing scheme targeting PartyPoker players has recently come to light. Email warning Party customers about legislation affecting online poker players is at the heart of the scheme, and asks users to log-in using a compromised link.

A link leads to a phony PartyPoker log-in page, which delivers the telling blow by asking users for account details, thus giving the hackers access to players’ money.

Politically Correct

Politically Correct
We’ve had so much downbeat news the past week, I just had to post something to give you a laugh. Due to the climate of political correctness now pervading America, Kentuckians, Tennesseans and West Virginians will no longer be referred to as "HILLBILLIES." You must now refer to them as APPALACHIAN-AMERICANS.

How To Speak About Women And Be Politically Correct:
1 She is not a "BABE" or a "CHICK" - She is a "BREASTED AMERICAN."
2. She is not "EASY" - She is "HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE."
3. She is not a "DUMB BLONDE" - She is a "LIGHT-HAIRED DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY."
4. She has not "BEEN AROUND" - She is a "PREVIOUSLY-ENJOYED COMPANION."
5. She does not "NAG" you - She becomes "VERBALLY REPETITIVE."
6. She is not a "TWO-BIT HOOKER" - She is a "LOW COST PROVIDER."

How To Speak About Men And Be Politically Correct:
1. He does not have a "BEER GUT" - He has developed a "LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY."
2. He is not a "BAD DANCER" - He is "OVERLY CAUCASIAN."
3. He does not "GET LOST ALL THE TIME" - He "INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS."
4. He is not "BALDING" - He is in "FOLLICLE REGRESSION."
5. He does not act like a "TOTAL ASS" - He develops a case of RECTAL-CRANIAL INVERSION."
6. It's not his "CRACK" you see hanging out of his pants - It's "REAR CLEAVAGE

Is a move on to repeal UIGEA?

Online-casinos.com reported a rumor earlier today that US Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) [pictured right] is attempting to have the UIGEA legislation repealed.

According to Online-casinos.com, A spokesman in the Congressman’s office said that although Frank was not in favor of the restrictions facing online gambling as a result of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Bill, there was “nothing on the agenda right now” to reverse the bill.

Frank’s office refused to confirm or deny whether the Congressman was considering such a move.

Here’s my personal opinion: I think a bill to overturn UIGEA will be introduced in Congress, though I’m not at all sure who will sponsor it. Once this bill is introduced you can also expect an announcement confirming that former Senator Al D’Amato [pictured top] will handle lobbying efforts on its behalf.

While it’s an open secret that the Poker Player’s Alliance has courted D’Amato to lobby on behalf of the online poker industry, and it’s been reported as a done deal in this blog, Poker Player Newspaper, Newsday, and other media, the PPA has yet to confirm it.

The only reason why PPA won’t confirm this story that makes any sense to me is to allow the bill’s sponsor to bring legislation forward without having to acknowledge a relationship with D’Amato, whose career in the US Senate was mercurial and played to mixed reviews, to say the least.

Love him or hate him, D'Amato — an avid poker player whose love for the game is well-known — is an extremely effective lobbyist, and clearly the best guy to honcho this legislation.

Did Full Tilt buy Doyle's Room players, or the entire site?

I thought the message was clear
Have I lost my ability to read and comprehend? Eye on Gambling reported earlier that “As EOG reported yesterday, Doyle’s Room has been acquired by Full Tilt Poker. Below are two Press Releases sent to us by the fine management team behind Doyle’s Room and Full Tilt Poker who just wanted to set the record straight after so much confusion was stirred up.”

What Doyle's Room said
The release from Doyle’s Room says “Effective immediately, USA online poker players will not be permitted to sign up for real money play or deposit funds into existing accounts. Commencing March 1, 2007 all US play on DoylesRoom.com will be blocked and USA players will be able to access only the cashier page.

“You may withdraw your funds at any time or, should you wish to enjoy uninterrupted play, we are pleased to announce the Full Tilt Poker has agreed to honor your account balance and action points. This account transfer option will be simple, immediate, allow you to maintain your action points and take advantage of Full Tilt’s wide range of fames and tournaments. The transfer feature will be available to USA customers within 24 hours.”

Full Tilt says essentially the same thing
Full Tilt says much the same thing. “Full Tilt Poker is currently working with Doyle's Room on processing funds transfers. This process may take some time to complete as there are a few steps involved to ensure that your balance is properly carried over. These funds should be available in your Full Tilt Poker account shortly.

“Within seven days of your transfer from Doyle's Room, your Action Points will be converted to Full Tilt Points and credited to your Full Tilt Poker player account.”

Did they buy some eggs, or the whole hen house?
I don’t know about you, but from my reading of these releases, it looks like Full Tilt has made a deal to acquire Doyle’s Room players, not the site itself. I may be missing something here, but I don’t think so. And while I don’t have any idea as to the future of Doyle’s Room, I do know there’s a great deal of difference between acquiring a firm’s US customer base, and acquiring the firm itself.

And here's what's really sad
This whole sorry set of press releases really disappointed me. Not for the wholesale confusion that ensued, but for the fact that it's Doyle's Room that's leaving the US market. All of their advertising was predicated on Doyle Brunson, a bastion of poker, a legend, stating that the room was here and would continue to serve US based players. Now it's gone. Not with a fight but a whimper.

I never even played at Doyle's Room and I don't play at Full Tilt. I have no horse in this race; I'm just a friendly observer looking at a promise to stay in this market place that was uttered in a way that made it seem like a holy vow from a poker icon. Now it's gone. Vanished. Blown away just as if it never was. And that's what's sad about this whole sorry set of circumstances. Turn out the lights and shut the door on your way out!

Doyle's Room to Abandon US Market

“In view of the passage of the UIGEA and the cessation of operations by Neteller and other payment processors, the management of Doylesroom.com has reluctantly decided not to permit online real-money play by US-based players.” So read a statement issued by Doyle’s Room and reported in eGaming Review by Jake Pollard.

This announcement came on the heels of a rather strange day in which Doyle’s Room first announced they were abandoning the US market, then said there was a “…mistake in communications” and they were not leaving, only to wind up heading for the exits at the end of the day.

I incorrectly predicted Doyle’s Room would join the Microgaming Network, which would have been a good fit in terms of increased liquidity for the network, a strong platform for Doyle’s Room, and a viable site for US based players – excluding those living in the eleven states not served by Microgaming.

There aren’t many sites still serving US-based players, and the change of pace in the online poker world is so fast and furious that each day is like a new decade. You wake up and never know what you’re going to find.

For players on Doyle’s Room, take note: They are or already have made arrangements for players to transfer their account balances to Full tilt Poker.

Where's Doyle Going?

So where will Doyle go? When Tribeca announced they were leaving the US market, sites like Doyle’s Room and Poker Host had to scramble to find another network that’s still serving US-based customers.

Poker Host announced that they are moving to the Microgaming Network (formerly Prima Poker) but Doyle’s Room has not declared a new host site.

While many sites have left the United States, Doyle’s Room has hung fast to the statement that they plan to continue serving US players. I have no inside information to base this on, but I’m guessing that Doyle’s Room will join Microgaming in a deal that works for both parties. Microgaming offers a robust network and Doyle’s Room will provide additional liquidity to the other rooms sharing that space.

If Doyle’s Room were to join Microgaming, it would be good news for most US-based players, but not for everyone. Microgaming allows US players from most states, but excludes players from 11 states, including Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana, Oregon, Wisconsin, Washington, Indiana, Nevada, South Dakota, New York and New Jersey.

Neteller announces job cuts: 220 in Calgary, others in London

If you thought that Neteller’s customer service response time was going to the dogs in the days following their exit from the US market and the arrests of founders and former directors John David Lefebvre and Stephen Eric Lawrence, it’s likely to be even slower from now on.

Neteller reported that they cut 220 jobs in Calgary, Alberta, which is their primary processing center for calls originating from the United States. They are also considering selling or leasing some of their Calgary facilities in response to the decrease in its US-based business.

Neteller also announced on their website that 30 jobs in the U.K. will also be cut as part of a downsizing move.

This will leave Neteller with a worldwide staff of 425, down from more than 1,000 in 2006.

This is just another unfortunate outcome of the policies of the current administration's putative free-market government. It's time to leash -up that pit bull Department of Justice and allow the free market to work its magic for everyone, whether they're in Antigua, London, the Isle of Man, Canada, or right here in the United States.

Former NY Sen. Al D'Amato Soon to Lobby For Online Poker

According to a report in Newsday, New York’s former 18-year Senator Alfonse D'Amato may soon be lobbying on behalf of the online poker industry.

While this rumor has circulated through the poker community for the past week or so, it did not appear in print until yesterday.D'Amato, whose love of poker is well-known, has been talking with the 140,000-member Poker Players Alliance’s president, Michael Bolcarek about becoming the group's lobbyist and spokesman.

"We looked for three-term senators who love poker," Bolcerek quipped. "He fit the bill."

Reports appearing on http://www.pokerhelper.com/ state that D'Amato will be paid by online poker rooms that are helping fund the online poker lobbying effort, including Poker Stars and Full Tilt Poker. D’Amato seems the perfect guy for this job. He spent 18 years in the Senate, knows the people, has access to them, and his years of experience allows him to understand all of the nuances needed to succeed on Capitol Hill. In addition, he loves to play poker.

Although Bolcerek said there is no deal yet, Pokerhelper.com reports that it is a done deal. D'Amato is know to be an avid poker player, and while he was in office the Senator frequently played in home games with radio personality Howard Stern and other celebrities.

Because of his love of poker, I’m hoping that his dedication to protecting online poker will come from his heart, and not be just another lobbying assignment.

Duplicate Poker: It Removes All the Luck From the Game

A Duplicate Poker tournament, designed to circumvent the luck vs. skill debate that surrounds poker, took place earlier this week at the Cherokee Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As in duplicate bridge, cards are set up so that each seat at each table gets identical hands, and the flop, the turn, and the river are the same. This removes any element of chance from the game, and rather than competing against the players at your table, you’re actually competing against the guys and gals at other tables who occupy the same relative seat position as you.

The field was limited to 100 tables, and included Linda Johnson, Chip Reese, Scotty Nguyen, and other poker notables.

Duplicate poker takes time to play because decks must be set for each hand, and chips counts revised so that each player begins each hand with the same number of tournament chips. Nevertheless, the concept offers a different slant on America’s favorite card game and seems like a natural for online play, if for no other reason than hand setting and chip distribution, as well as the somewhat complex scoring system, can be accomplished instantaneously by computer in way that it never can in a brick-and-mortar environment.

Duplicate poker may well ameliorate some of the legal questions existing in the United States and other nations that legislate against poker.

You can find more information about this game, and even give it a try, at http://www.e-pokerusa.com/website/

Rumors of Doyle Brunson's arrest prove FALSE

The rumors of Doyle Brunson's arrest turned out to be just that -- rumors. And they were false. Brunson was not arrested, although much of the blogging community spent a good portion of yesterday trying to find someone -- any authoritative source would do -- who could either confirm or deny these rumors.

Regardless whom I spoke with, and I talked to sources as far away as London and as nearby as Las Vegas, that the rumors had no substantiation.

I'm glad that one turned out to be false.

I'm happy Doyle was not busted.

It's nice to have some good news for a change......

Harrah's chip snafu update; Tony G. Poker quits USA

Six month update on Harrah’s WSOP chip snafu
Tim Lavalli and Amy Calistri today provided a six-month update to the chip saga at the final event of the World Series of Poker, in which an extra two-million in chips was added to some players chip stacks during a color-up in the event’s final stages. Read all about it here:
http://www.pokernews.com/news/2007/2/two-million-chips-six-months-after.htm

Tony G. Poker to stop serving US customers
This was reported on Tony G’s blog today:

Tony wrote, “It's a very, very sad day for Tony G. There are no options for me to keep the room open to USA players.”

He went on to add that, “…with the USA government on a rampage, happy to freeze the funds of players that only wanted to play poker, that will put everyone at great risk as we have no way to pay our USA players.”

The only way possible to withdraw your funds from Tony G. Poker at this time is by doing the following:
1) Transfer your funds to Tony, his player id is "Tony G"2) Once the transfer is complete, send an email to "support@tonygpoker.com" detailing the amount you transferred, your player id, and one of the three accounts you would like your funds transferred to: UltimateBet, FullTilt, or PokerStars - also giving your player ID on the site you want your funds transferred to.

(If you don't have an account at one of those sites, please click on a banner on the left and open a real money account at the one of your choice). Regrettably, there is no banking option open at this time since everything is being closed to USA citizens and the government's strong arm tactics of protecting our borders from poker has removed yet another freedom. I want you to know that I will do my best to guarantee payment to you and keep your faith in dealing with me. You can check back here for updates.

Was Doyle Arrested?

Since I took the job as editor of Poker Player Newspaper last week, I've been working my tail off trying to get up to speed and get through my first editing cycle at the paper. I don't think it will be too bad once I get through a few orbits, organize the articles and files so that I have them the way I want them, and get familair with the process.

Was Doyle Brunson Arrested?
The folks I've been working with are all helpful and know their jobs, which makes my life a lot easier. What I didn't realize before I took this job is how much more plugged into the poker loop I am now. All sorts of rumors circulate through the poker world these days, and none more compelling that a story that's been heard on the street for a few days now, suggesting that Doyle Brunson has been arrested, or is about to be arrested, but the rumor doesn't say which agency has, or will make the arrest, nor does it specify any charges. For now, THIS IS JUST A RUMOR, NOT A FACT.

No one in any position of authority that I've spoken to can confirm or deny it, so until I hear anything that can be verified, it's just unsubstantiated speculation that may have no basis in fact whatsoever.

Will online poker be exempted form the UIGEA?

According to Las Vegas Sun reporter Jeff Simpson, recently circulated reports that online poker may be exempted in the future from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act are just wishful thinking.

The American Gaming Association's head thinks this will not happen
Simpson recently talked with the American Gaming Association’s president, Frank Fahrenkopf, who told Simpson that "they don't have a chance in hell," to get a poker exemption from the new UIGEA.

Fahrenkopf’s remarks were made after Poker Player Alliance President Michael Bolcerek’s described a meeting with officials in Key West, Florida in which those officials said that they understood the legitimacy of poker as a game of skill. According to Fahrenkopf, the American Gaming Association is pushing for a study to discover if the online gaming industry has the technology available to keep problem gambling at a minimum and to keep underage curiosity seekers out of the industry. They’ve been supporting this agenda for some time now.

However, Fahrenkopf believes that even if the industry can keep problem gambling in check, its legalization is still not a done deal. He believes that the tax rates established by individual states would be too high for online sites to turn a profit.

Is the Poker Player's Alliance about to strike a deal with a savvy Washington insider and political heavy hitter? Rumors say yes; but I can't say whom, or when!
The Poker Player’s Alliance may have another card to play. Rumors circulating throughout the poker community say that the PPA is about to announce the appointment of a well-known, very well connected former United States Senator (an avid poker player) to their leadership. While both of the unrelated sources that shared this with me pledged me to secrecy, if this connection is made it will go a long way to legitimizing the PPA in the eyes of elected officials on both sides of the aisle, and enhance poker’s respectability in the process.

Neteller confrims US authorities seize $55 million

Every online poker player’s favorite payment processor Neteller, confirmed that U.S. authorities have seized $55 million in funds related to U.S. transactions.

Neteller announced that they are cooperating with an inquiry by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. The inquiry has stopped U.S. customers from receiving their money.

In a statement released a few days ago, Neteller said, "As a result of the restrictions placed by third parties, court-ordered seizures, and related legal concerns, the group is currently unable to make payments to U.S. customers."

Following the arrest of Neteller founders and former board members Stephen Lawrence, 46, and John Lefebvre, 55, the payment processor announced it would cease handling gambling transactions from U.S. customers.

While Neteller and the US Attorney continue their waltz, customers are in limbo, with no access to their funds and no timetable as to when they may be released.

Paradise Poker, Bye-Bye

If you’ve been playing online poker since the good old days — five or six years ago — you probably remember when Paradise Poker was the Big Kahuna. But not any more. The Paradise Poker platform will close and players will be moved to Sportingbet. The cost to Sportingbet to close Paradise Poker is estimated to be approximately $100 million.

Sportingbet runs on the Boss Media platform, and the migration of players over to Sportingbet will make the Boss Network one of Europe’s largest. Sportingbet simultaneously announced a three-year extension of its agreement with Boss Media and that they will retain the Paradise brand name.

Industry analysts believe that although the process will yield cost savings, they may be eroded by a loss of revenue attributable to players migrating from one platform to another.

Sportingbet acquired Paradise Poker in October 2004 for slightly less than $300 million. Back then, just two-plus years ago, Paradise was the third largest poker room in the world with a market share estimated at 10 percent.

Neteller's Press Release About US Player Funds

To all of you with funds tied up in Neteller, the following press release was issued today.

On 19 January 2007, at the request of the Group, the Group’s legal advisers met with representatives of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (“USAO”) to clarify the Group’s position with respect to the complaints brought on 16 January 2007 against two of the Group’s founders, Mr. Stephen Lawrence and Mr. John Lefebvre. Neither are current employees or directors of NETELLER. In that meeting, the Group pledged to cooperate with the USAO, indicated it was prepared to begin document production promptly and discussed a potential mechanism for arranging an orderly repayment of funds to US customers.

The discussions between the Group’s legal advisers and the USAO are ongoing. The Group is, under advice of its legal advisers, commencing production of documents and intends to cooperate with the USAO in its investigation.
Following upon the complaints dated 16 January 2007, banks in the US began declining to permit transactions involving the Group through accounts maintained at one or more automated clearinghouses in the United States. Additionally, the Group has been advised that the USAO has obtained court-ordered seizure warrants seizing funds pertaining to the Group’s transactions. To the best of the Group’s knowledge, it believes that the amount of funds seized by the USAO or otherwise restricted by third parties does not exceed US$ 55 million. These funds were largely in the process of being transferred from the Group to its US customers or vice versa.

As a result of the restrictions placed by third parties, court-ordered seizures, and related legal concerns, the Group is currently unable to make payments to US customers. Nevertheless, the Group is in discussions with the USAO to manage an orderly return of funds to US customers. As part of these discussions, it is contemplated that the USAO will engage a forensic accounting firm, at the Group’s expense, to assist in this process and to examine the Group’s financial position. “The return of funds to our US customers is a top priority for NETELLER” said Ron Martin, Group President and CEO. US customers wishing to withdraw funds from their NETELLER e-wallet accounts will experience ongoing delays while these discussions continue, and a further update will be provided by the Group once effective repayment mechanisms are determined.

To the Group’s knowledge, no criminal action or proceeding has been brought against the Group, its current officers or directors by the USAO. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Group will not be charged in a criminal action at some subsequent time. The Group intends to work with the USAO to seek a negotiated resolution of any allegations relating to its US activities. Any resolution of this matter may lead to potential sanctions against the Group including material financial penalties, fines and forfeitures.

It is emphasized that in line with the Group’s standard business practices for all customers, funds held by the Group for US customers are held in segregated trust accounts. The Group’s own cash position remains strong and the Group currently has sufficient working capital to fund all its customers’ balances as well as ongoing requirements of the business.

NETELLER remains committed to developing its business in line with its stated strategic objectives including geographical and product diversification for all markets. The Group will focus on its continuing business and the opportunities available in the growing markets of Europe, Asia and the Americas outside of the United States. Since the Group’s withdrawal from the US market on 18 January 2007, average daily new account sign-ups of new customers from non-US markets has been around 1,400. This compares to average daily sign ups of 3,303 for the year to 31 December 2006. Daily fee revenue since 18 January 2007 has averaged over US$ 200,000 per day (excluding any revenues from Netbanx, 1-Pay and interest income). These metrics demonstrate the resilience of the Group's ongoing business. NETELLER customers not resident in the US continue to be minimally affected by this withdrawal from the US market.

Jamie Gold and Crispin Leyser settle claim to half of Gold's $12 million winnings at WSOP

The Associated Press reports that World Series of Poker main event winner Jamie Gold and TV produced Crispin Leyser (pictured in happier days: Leyser, left; Gold, right) settled their dispute over Leyser’s claim to half of Gold’s $12 million winnings.

Gold and Leyser agreed to resolve the claim "without litigation," according to a joint, signed statement released yesterday. "Jamie always intended on sharing his winnings with Crispin," said the statement, although it made no mention of how much money Leyser would receive.

Gold earlier withdrew $6 million, half of the money he won in the WSOP’s main event, but the court froze the remainder of it, pending a resolution of this dispute.

Leyser claimed Gold agreed a 50-50 split of anything he might have won in exchange for Leyser finding celebrities to play in the main event wearing "Bodog" logo gear. The smoking gun turned out to be a voicemail Jamie Gold left on Leyser’s phone on the final day of the tournament in which Gold promised to pay Leyser half of whatever he won.

At a December court hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Roger L. Hunt indicated Leyser likely would win his claim to the $6 million, and this settlement is a reflection of the court’s opinion.

Antigua reacts to World Trade Organization findings in support of their online gaming dispute with the USA

A report in the Antigua Sun echoed my blog posts on January 30 and February 4 about European Union Intrernal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy’s recent concern about restrictive practices regarding online gaming by the United States. McCreevy also said that the matter might be taken before the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Mark Mendel, the attorney representing Antigua at the WTO hopes to meet with McCreevy soon to discuss how Antigua’s trade dispute with the Untied States could benefit from European Union support.

Mendel was quoted as saying, “What I do think they (the European Union) can do is add support to our case and help encourage us to get the right results, so I think they can be very helpful. They may be able to provide us with some support at the governmental level that could be beneficial.”

Although Antiguan gaming officials have been tight-lipped on the results of the WTO’s recently completed review of US legislation in the trade dispute, Gretchen Hamel, a spokesperson for the office of the US Trade Representative confirmed that the WTO panel did not agree that the United States had taken the necessary steps to comply with the earlier WTO ruling in Antigua’s favor.

More to come in March, when the confidential report is scheduled to be made public.

Full Tilt Poker introduces new e-wallet for US customers

Full Tilt Poker may have gotten a leg up on their competition by implementing MyWebATM, a new e-wallet service that can be used to make deposit from US bank accounts.

According to Full Tilt, funds transferred via MyWebATM are instantly available at the poker room and players can withdraw money from their poker account into MyWebATM. An ATM card linked to the Cirrus network can be used to make withdrawals at ATMs around the world.

The service costs $3.95 per month, plus transaction fees. Limits for withdrawals and deposits range between $500 and $2,700 per day.

More details are available at Full Tilt Poker.

Two dirt-dishing poker tales

If you want to dig deeply into some fascinating poker news, you’ll have to visit Haley Hintze’s two blogs.

If you go to http://haleyspokerblog.blogspot.com/, you can see all the dirt she’s dug up involving the battle for control of the WSOP.com domain. It involves alleged cybersquatter Federico Schiavio, who seized control of the domain name WSOP.com from under the Horseshoe in the latter days of Becky Binion’s reign.

According to Hintze, Schiavio, who was in charge of IT at Binion's, glommed onto the domain name and applied for ownership and registration of "WSOP" as a federally recognized and protected trademark.

Schiavio tied the battle for the WSOP domain name into knots by strengthening its connection to other registration processes and you can read about this in a lengthy, incredibly well researched and detailed multi-part post at Haley’s blog.

Haley also writes for KickAss Poker, and over at http://www.kickasspoker.blogspot.com/ you can dig into the current hissy fit surrounding Bluff Magazine’s now tainted Reader’s Choice Awards. According to Haley, It turns out the real winner of the award for best poker forum was not Pocket Fives, as published, but rather Two-Plus-Two.

Two-Plus-Two received an e-mail from Bluff about the honor and asked that it be kept confidential until publication. Bluff also sent along some banners asking for placement on the Two-Plus-Two site. Bluff was told in response that if they wanted banner-ad placement, they could buy the ad, just like everybody else.

Bluff allegedly pulled the award from Two-Plus-Two, and announced the winner as Pocket Fives. But the award wasn’t just a vanity, throw-away award; it was generated by an official reader survey, and you can read about this whole, tacky, tabloid affair on Haley's blog at KickAss Poker.

Will the European Union next challenge unfair US trade practices related to online gaming?

The European Union’s Internal Market Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy (pictured left), recently suggested that the US was safeguarding its own gambling industry by preventing foreign companies from entering the online betting sector, saying, "In my view it is probably a restrictive practice and we might take it up in another form."

Commissioner McCreevy told reporters that US rules and regulations were a 'prima facie' case of protectionism, and that the World Trade Organization was a possible forum for tackling them.

Does this mean that the European Union, or the United Kingdom, will join the Caribbean nation of Antigua’s efforts before the World Trade Organization to force the United States to open up its restrictive online gaming practices?

It’s hard to tell. Although McCreevy told the European Parliament that the United States’ action “… is probably a restrictive practice and we might take it up in another form," he wasn’t specific as to when this might occur, nor did he specify the where he would pursue his case.

Time will tell; it’s another case of “watch and wait.”

Mobile phones, Neteller, checks in the mail, and hi-frequency radio emissions

I had to chop up the cardboard box my new mobile phone came in to cut out the barcode information and send it off for my $50 rebate. I’m guessing the phone rebate beats the Neteller check request into my mailbox, and if you’ve ever sent in for any sort of rebate, you know you’re in for a long Neteller wait when you believe the rebate will arrive first.

I also hated to cut up the cardboard box the phone came in. It was tough, sturdy, and just the right size to use as a desk drawer organizer in my office for all sorts of small things. But for $50, I was willing to make that kind of sacrifice.

Way down at the bottom of the mobile phone box was a small pamphlet entitled Consumer Information About Radio Frequency Emissions. It told me, "The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones." But the very next sentence hedged that comment, stating, "there is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe."

Something for everyone; it’s not likely to be a problem but we can’t tell you it’s not. Now you see it; now you don’t. Just like Neteller: Your check will be mailed, but we don’t know when. I guess I’ll complete this strange analogy by cutting up my Neteller debit card some day soon. I had uses for it too; just like I did for that cardboard box.

All I'm wondering now is whether Neteller causes health problems through radio frenquency emissions.