Poker News in Brief for Week of Nov. 14Internet Poker Hearings Dominate Headlines |
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Not everyone has the time to stay on top of all of the news that breaks daily in the poker world, but that doesn’t mean you have to be out of the loop entirely.
Here’s a look at this week’s poker news.
Main Event Finalists Say Coverage Good for Poker
The general consensus from the final nine players of the 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event was that the nearly-live coverage, broadcasted on the Internet and on network TV, was good for the game – but didn’t make too much of a difference in the action.
In late October, ESPN and the WSOP announced that every hand of the event (except those missed due to commercials) would be shown with holecards, on a 15-minute delay. The stakes were raised after successful ratings from 30-minute delayed live coverage in July.
House Holds Hearing on Internet Gaming
A House subcommittee hearing held Friday on Capitol Hill to discus Internet gaming and Rep. Joe Barton’s (R-TX) online poker bill centered on the issue of problem gambling and the desire for blanket Federal legislation.
The hearing adjourned with Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) saying: “I look forward to our work together if [the Barton bill] moves forward.” No vote was held or scheduled.
“No markup is imminent,” an aide to Bono Mack told National Journal.
Senaate Holds Hearing on Online Gaming and Tribes
A panel of some of tribal gaming’s leading experts gathered in front of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on Thursday to discuss Internet gaming and its implications for Indian casinos.
Future hearings will be held regarding the points raised during the two-hour discussion, according to Committee Chairman Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI).
“The whole reason for this is to come to legislation that will be in the best interests of all concerned,” Akaka said.
French Investor and DOJ Allegedly Reach Agreement on Full Tilt Poker Sale
The Wall Street Journal reported that an attorney for Groupe Bernard Tapie said the French investor reached an agreement with the Department of Justice that could lead to the acquisition of Full Tilt Poker for $80 million.
Groupe Bernard Tapie is seeking to restart the poker site’s non-U.S. business.
The acquisition would allegedly facilitate paying out non-U.S. customers, despite the company owing $150 million to Americans. At least some of that figure could be covered by what the DOJ has seized from the company over the years. Former American customers who are owed money reportedly would have to seek compensation from the DOJ.
Massachusetts Casino Bill Sent to Governor’s Desk
The Massachusetts legislature has sent a casino bill to Governor Deval Patrick’s desk, the Boston Globe reported Thursday.
The measure will allow three casinos and a slot machine parlor.
After a last-minute legislative compromise, Patrick said he will likely sign by Thanksgiving.
Supporters claim the bill will create jobs and keep much needed tax revenue within the state. Opponents of the bill will reportedly seek to draft a repeal proposal.
Nevada Regulators to Take Applications for Online Poker Licenses Come February
VegasInc reported that in February the Nevada State Gaming Control board will begin the process of accepting applications for interactive gaming licenses, which would allow online poker sites.
The Board’s chairman Mark A. Lipparelli told industry insiders at the U.S. Online Gaming Law conference at Aria.
EU Shifts Stance On Online Gambling
The European Parliament voted on Tuesday to adopt a new report which urges a harder line on harmonizing online gambling law across the European Union.
Among the recommendations in the report, drafted by German MEP Jurgen Creutzmann, are a common set of rules for consumer protection in the realm of online gambling across the continent.
Ben Lamb Takes Player of the Year Lead
American pro Ben Lamb finished third in the World Series of Poker Main Event for $4,019,635 and 2,400 POY points, bringing his point total to 6,036 and putting him in the overall lead.
Lamb already had an incredible year prior to making the WSOP Main Event final table. He had three other huge final-table finishes and one massive win at the 2011 WSOP.
He finished runner-up in a $3,000 pot-limit Omaha event, earning $259,918 and 1,200 POY points. He followed that score up by winning the $10,000 pot-limit Omaha championship only one week later, banking $814,436 and 2,160 POY points. He also made deep runs in two of the other largest events at the WSOP, finishing 12th in the $10,000 no-limit hold’em six-max event and eighth in the $50,000 eight-game Poker Players Championship.
In total, Lamb has amassed an impressive $5,351,467 in earnings this year.
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