Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2011 | 8:28 AM Kung, a 55 year old man from Reno Nevada has been called to a life sentence after he has been proven guilty of killing his wife after she had called him “coward” for losing their money in gambling. Samuel Powshing Kung called the receptionist of the Reno Police Department on June 8, telling that he needs to speak to a detective immediately. Kung stated to the homicide detective, “I murdered my wife” and added “ I've done something bad, and I should be punished.” He confessed to the detective what he did to his wife. Kung admitted he strangled his wife Gina Lew, 55 in their bedroom after the latter called him “coward” for gambling all their money and putting them to debt. “Seeing these pictures I know Gina is here,” Flanagan told Kung referring to the photos of Lew, he studied before he made the conviction. “She is here. She will always be with you when you wake up and when you go to sleep. This will haunt you everyday of your life.” Judge Patrick Flanagan of Washoe County District enforce the life sentence Friday, March 18, 2011 to Kung and is eligible for parole after he has served 10 years in prison. Police reports told that Kung was to a great extent involved in high-stake poker and even got loans from Lew's parents and spend his payday loans in gambling. Kung also admitted to the detectives whom he is hiding from his wife a $20,000 gambling debt. On the day of the incident, Kung was receiving dozens of call from debt collectors. Lew's husband couldn't keep a job and so Lew has to work two jobs to support their finances. She even had to quit her job as a waitress at a casino, so she could have her retirement fee to pay for her husband's debt. Kung was regretful about the killing. In his statement read by his attorney, he said, "There is nothing I can do to bring her back, and the wound and hurt will never heal," the statement read. "I hope my sentence gives (Lew's family) relief." Jaclyn O'Malley, “Reno man who killed his wife after she complained about his gambling debts sent to prison,” Reno Gazette Journal, March 19, 2011, accessed March 21, 2011 http://www.rgj.com/article/20110318/NEWS01/110318019/Reno-man-who-killed-his-wife-after-she-complained-about-his-gambling-debts-sent-prison?odyssey=mod Add Comment Who Is Smarter: You Vs. The Computer 03/15/2011
 Bryan Taylor who has been playing professional poker since 2008 discovered he has been playing with poker bots in his poker tournaments. Taylor started being skeptical with his three frequent opponents when they seem to play the same. After an investigation, it was proven that he really is playing with bot programmed to beat the odds in poker games. PokerStars.com, the online poker website where he's been playing concluded that his opponents really had been computers. As an action, they shut down the programmed robots July of last year. In October, another computer bots had been identified this time, in the Full Tilt Poker site and immediately took action by freezing accounts of the identified bots. Quoting Michael Josem the security manager of PokerStars, “PokerStars is continuing to invest substantial resources to combat bots,”“When a player is identified as a bot, PokerStars removes them from our games as soon as possible.” Their winnings are seized and the company will “provide compensation to players when appropriate.” University of Alberta Computer Poker Research Group has been known to produce the best poker bots. Before they are producing bots for chess games but switch to making computer bots for online poker games in 2003. Poker bots have been taking seats of online poker players and software developers make this notable. In an instance, Shanky Technologies is selling licenses for Holdem Poker Bot online for a price of $129 dollars per annum. In its released in 2008, 50,000 copies of the Holdem Poker Bot software have been sold. Now, Shanky Technologies is the target of Full Tilt. Brian Jetter, Shanky's co-founder said that more than 400 of his patriots has been banned from Full Tilt. “They really must have wanted us gone, we don’t think the other poker rooms we support will make a similar financial decision.” said Mr. Jetter. Full Tilt has taken more than $50,00 of his customer's money. With regards to Taylor, detecting poker bots has earned him a career. He is now working for PokerStars where “he is helping to protect the integrity of our games,” told Josem. describing Taylor's job. So who is smarter, human or the computer? This time it's the human that wins. Gabriel Dance, “Poker Bots Invade Online Gambling,” The New York Times, March 13, 2011, accessed March 16, 2011 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/us/politics/28health.html. Governor Christie Vetoes Online Poker Bill 03/06/2011
 New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed a bill Thursday that would have allowed casinos in Atlantic City to offer online gambling to state residents. This was the big news last week March 3, 2011 that gets not only NJ residents but also those that follows the news talking. Some say that its an end for New Jersey's hope for legal poker playing in online casino sites. But Christie also suggested the state legislature could revive the effort by asking voters to approve the standard by plebiscite. There has been talks weeks ago that he will veto the bill because of the pressure brought by his political career. Christie aim to run for the United States Presidency in 2012 and his approval for the online poker bill may have a major effect in his candidacy. Many in his political party is against online gambling and so making such move to legalize online poker might spoil his political plans. Rumors last week has been confirmed last Thursday morning. In a press conference made before the decision was made public, Christie said that he would veto the bill if there were any remaining legal or constitutional questions. He said in his statement, I’ve got to make sure that if I were to sign something like that it would both be legal and constitutional,”. And because even to the last moment where Gov. Christie is about to make his decision there are still some questions unanswered, it just added to the numerous reasons why the state politician decided to veto. Christie said that the online gambling bill violated the New Jersey Constitution. In his message he said that "the State Constitution explicitly requires casino gambling to be restricted to the territorial limits of Atlantic City," Christie wrote. "Senate Bill No. 490 desires to avoid this requirement by considering all Internet wagers as being placed in Atlantic City, even if the person placing the bet is outside the boundaries of the city. In my view, the creation of a legal fiction deeming all wagers to have 'originated' in Atlantic City cannot overcome the clear and unambiguous language of the State Constitution." Christie added, “certain provisions set forth in this legislation are not consistent with my administration's policy objectives, such as the continuation of public subsidies of horse racing," Ceasars Entertainment, the one who owns the popular World Series of Poker Brand thinks they could gain 20% share of the $5 billion online poker market if it was legalized. The hope of raising the states economy through the legalization of online poker bill has just been busted and now the government need to look for alternative ways to boost their economy. The bill might have allowed Atlantic City casinos to operate gambling websites in the state partnering with the leading software providers like Ceasars Entertainment. It was strongly supported by the Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association, a group that includes some of the offshore companies currently operating online gambling sites available in the U.S. Source: Casino Scam Report  In the last quarter of 2010, I have written how New Jersey is working on legalizing online poker in the state. The bill is supported by state Senator Ray Lesniak of the Democratic Union and then its in the hands of Governor Chris Christie whether if he'll sign the online gambling legislation. Now lawmakers and supporters of online poker are waiting for the decision of Gov. Christie. Governor Christie is cautiously weighing the issue whether to sign the bill and make New Jersey the first state to legalize online poker. Its a two way street for him, some say that his decision will more likely be of a political move. If he signs the bill, millions of poker supporters will move to his side, however this would also cause to lose his aim in the higher office. Christie is eyed as the upcoming leader in the Republican Party, but if he signs the legislation, he may lose being in the federal level. It has been long known that Republicans are against online gambling legislation and this means if Christie sign the bill, it will be killer for his political career. In the beginning when it the legislation was freshly presented to the senate, it seems as though Christie was fixed on signing the bill, but now analysts believe he will veto the legislation. Exercising a veto in politics is an authoritative prohibition to reject a proposed bill or enactment. The governor is receiving pressure from his political allies to veto. Christie is concerned that if he signs the legislation, federal prosecutors may sue the state for violating the Wire Act. Christie was also pushed by industry insiders to veto the bill. Known gaming companies like Caesars Entertainment and several other want online gambling regulated on a national level. If New jersey and other states start to regulate the industry, federal lawmakers may not see the need to force online gaming legislation. As of this moment, New Jersey appears to be in a race with Florida and California to become the first to regulate online poker. Lawmakers in both the assembly and the Senate have passed the law allowing Atlantic City casinos to operate online casinos, and the bill is in the waiting period for Christie's signature. Source: Casino Gambling Web  The UK online poker community was surprised when the venue for the next World Series of Poker Europe has been moved to France. This is the first time that WSOP changed its venue for the last five years. The 2011 WSOPE will be held in Cannes, at the Casino Barrière de Cannes Croisette and the Hôtel Majestic Barrière. In the last WSOP 2010, over 72,000 entrants from over a hundred countries gathered and awarded over $187 million as cash prizes. This time, its venue will conform to twice its capacity over previous WSOP in Casino in the Empire, London. Its not only the venue that gets an upgrade, this year's tournament will feature seven bracelet events compare to just five bracelets last year. The event will be re branded as World Series of Poker Europe Presented by BarierePoker.fr. Barrier Poker Tour 2011 will also take part in the tournament as they will include seven stops qualifying for the World Series of Poker Europe. This years WSOPE event will be a powerhouse undertaking as the biggest in gaming industry combine for one spectacular event. Ceasars Interactive Entertainment Inc. Lucien Barrière Hôtels & Casinos and BarrierePoker.fr join forces to bring you the best poker tournament this year. Both have something to say about this event. Lucien Barrière's Chief Executive Officer mentioned, “This alliance backs our powerful synergy strategy between offline and online gaming, and it is an honour to associate ourselves with the most prestigious poker tournament in the world.” Mitch Garber, Chief Executive Officer of Ceasars Interactive Entertainment also commented, “This is a unique agreement between two casino leaders with great brands. Lucien Barrière Hôtels & Casinos is a well-run organization and we are excited to work with them to access the French market with high-quality and reputable poker events both in their hotels and casinos, and online with BarrierePoker.fr.” French players and other nationalities who will participate are sure excited about the upcoming World Series of Poker Europe as more gamers can be accommodated and more bracelet events are awaiting. Another tournament to look forward to and more prizes up for grabs! Source: Online-Casinos iGB Affiliate Award Winners for 2011 02/02/2011
 The iGB Affiliate Awards is the UK's premier recognition platform for businesses of all sizes in the online gaming affiliate industry. The benefits of entering The iGB Affiliate Awards extend far beyond just picking up one of the prestigious trophies. Organizations take part in this awards for them to have a great recognition within the industry There are a total of fourteen iGB Affiliate Awards, each with their own judging criteria and an added special award. This will total to 15 affiliate winners walking with their awards at the end of the event. This year was a blast for the gaming industry with the announcement of the 2011 IGB Affiliate Award. January 27, 2011 - it’s that time of the year again when all online gambling affiliates, operators and affiliate programs gather and attend the IGB Awards show, which was held in London at the ICE Convention. This year there were some big surprise winners and some expected winners at the 4th IGB affiliate awards ceremony. There was an added feature this year for those who were not able to attend the festive gala, a live feed was broadcast through CalvinAyre.com and everyone was able to watch the events of the night and root for their favorites to win in this competitive industry of online gambling. Here are the affiliate winners per category coming from the iGB Afilliate Awards :
Source: CasinoScamReport  Online gambling was controversially banned in the United States back in 2006, but as the years go its not the case anymore, and several new laws are being considered as both federal and state governments struggle to deal with the fall-out from the financial crisis. They are know seeing online gambling industry can help boost their economy. New Jersey has started what will be a hope for the casino owners for US online gambling regulations, and stock analysts are starting to think that it can be a trend in for US to get back with the down economy. A note to clients today from Daniel Stewart analyst Michael Campbell suggested that rises in prices may be coming soon. Just yesterday, Michael Campbell release a statement to clients and I quote: “Bricks and mortar casinos have endured a torrid time during the recession and are seeking to explore new ways of generating income,” “Our view is that online gambling will move ahead whether legislative change happens at Federal or State level or a combination of both. “Poker may be the only product vertical to pass at Federal level, however we believe that individual States will legalise online casino and poker at state level, with New Jersey and California leading the way, we believe will cause a tipping point, whereby other state will follow. “We expect to see legislative change implemented and licenses granted in 2H11 or early 2012.” Campbell believes that Playtech and Partygaming are best placed to win new contracts in this new market, and as such he rates them both as ‘buy’. However Campbell is less optimistic for 888 Holding's prospects. The analyst was not as high on other gaming stocks outside of Playtech and PartyGaming. It has been rumored that 888 Holding's would be one of the companies to gain consideration for licenses in the US, but Campbell feels they first must meet US Department of Justice settlement agreements. “We see a number of issues plaguing 888 chances of entering the US market,” said Campbell. “First, the outstanding settlement with the US DoJ is a stumbling block. Second, the company still awaits clearance from Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) regarding its association with Caesers Entertainment. “Finally, cash earn-outs relating to acquisitions will weaken the balance sheet and further prevent its ability to reach a settlement with the DoJ.” As Michael Campbell end his statement, he said that 888 is a “sell” The US is already considered the top online gaming market in the world. Many European companies pulled out of the market after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was created back in 2006. PartyGaming was one of those companies, and they have since settled a legal dispute with the US, positioning themselves to re-enter the market should regulations be put in place. Source: Casino Gambling Web  Monday afternoon, Sen, Ray Lesniak's S490 Bill was approved that makes online gambling legal in New Jersey. The New Jersey Assembly get to a vote of 63-11 with 3 abstentions to allow Atlantic City casino operators to offer online gambling including poker to local residents. This bill will now go through the hands of Gov. Chris Christies for his signature. If the bill is signed by the Representative, that will make New Jersey the first state to regulate and license onine gambling in the United States. The gambling bill by Lesniak suggest that it “authorizes the online offering of "poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, craps, big six wheel, slot machines, mini baccarat (sic), red dog, pai gow, and sic bo; any variations or composites of such games, provided that such variations or composites, and any above listed game or variation or composite of such game to be offered through Internet wagering." The bill also stressed out that online gambling operators must be a licensed Atlantic City operator and that all equipments to be used in internet gambling be located in Atlantic City casinos or any secure Atlantic city locations. The bill is said to save the struggling casino industry in New Jersey. The vote came right after the released of Atlantic City's revenue figure revealing a gambling revenue fell of 9.6% in 2010. Overall betting proceeds drop to 31% from the 2006 figures of $5.2 billion. Slots revenue from 2009 fell off 9% with a $2.48 billion revenue last year while table games showed $1.9 billion, an 11% off compared to last year. In all, 11 casinos from Atlantic City was a down last year. Let us keep our eyes on how the online gambling legalization will affect or save the gambling industry in the said state. There are also some bills that is waiting approval which includes Christie’s plan to create a state-run tourism district within Atlantic City, the transfer of certain regulatory matters from the state Casino Control Commission to the Division of Gaming Enforcement in the Dept. of Law and Public Safety, the establishment of a Casino Gaming Study Commission, and incentives for the state’s horse breeders. Can New Jersey be the trendsetter that will make gambling operators increase their hopes that legal online gambling will be considered to different states in the US? Source: CasinoCityTimes Gambling.com Domain For Sale 01/09/2011
 It has been talked about towards the end of 2010 that there will be more online gambling domains that will be for sale this year. Its becoming true today as one of the much wanted domain Gambling.com is set to be up for grabs. Media Corporation own the domain and they hired the service of Sedo, the domain auction specialist to do the sale. Gambling sites who may want to own this domain must have a thick bank account for the reserve price indicated by Media Corporation is amounting to $9 million. Some rumors has been spreading around that big UK gambling sites has shown intent of buying the domain. Sites mentioned were Bet 365 and Playtech casino, but offers were just said to be $6 million, way lower than the reserved price. Hugo Dalrymple-Smith, the Sedo representative in London responsible with the sale, said, "This is the premium generic domain in a very competitive market. Gaming is one of the leading online businesses, and gambling.com offers the chance for one company to stand out above others." Gambling.com is a very competetive domain. The domain will sure attract a desirable traffic and Google search ranking, it attracts 300,000 unique visitors a month. The amount of $10 million as what have been expecting that the sale will be is very far from how much Media Corporation has bought the domain back in 2005. They get the generic domain for $20 million! It has been a very good investment because it generates $ 5.5 million in advertising revenue just after a year of it being live online. The site Gambling.com is an up to date information portal that covers various online casino games along with poker, bingo and sports betting. Market leaders like Bodog, Platinum Play and Go Casino advertise at the portal. So everyone is questioning Media Corporation why they are getting rid of the domain. The reason mainly is that they are leaving the American market. Because of the imposition of UIGEA plus the devaluation of the portal, Microgaming is left with the decision of leaving the market and also leaving behind the site. Justin Drummond,founder of Media Corporation made a statement regarding the domain sale - "Gambling.com does not contribute too much to revenues at the month, and the value we realize from this sale will allow us to make further acquisitions." Media corporation will now focus on their other gambling sites when the domain sale push through. They also own the Purple lounge online casino and Poker room powered by Microgaming. Source: Casino Advisor Big Bet Poker Closed 01/04/2011
 Big Bet Poker has decided to close its doors to online gamers and the ones who got the chance to sign up on their site can only continue playing until the 31st of January 2011. Big Bet Poker, a member of the Merge Gaming Network has announced that new players sign ups and deposits aren't now accepted on the poker site effective yesterday – Jan 3. However, those existing members who have made their deposit earlier must cash out until January 31. Up to this moment, there still no public announcement on why and how the poker site came up with this decision but here's an excerpt from the latest email BBP sent to one of their customer: IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM BIG BET POKER I am writing today to inform you that Big Bet Poker is closing our poker room for good on Friday, January 31st, 2011. Over the last two years, we gave poker our best shot but in the end determined that several factors made an early exit from the market the smart choice. We know this comes as a surprise to many of our partners who joined on in the last year and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. As of today, Monday, January 3rd, we are no longer accepting new signups or deposits from players. Existing players will still be able to access their account through the client and either play out current balances or request a withdrawal. The final date players will be able to request a withdrawal will be Friday, January 31st, 2011. We will make two final Affiliate payments; the first will be on January 10th for December revenues and the final February 10th for January commissions. If you have a Neteller account registered with us for payout, please contact us with your bank wire or Moneybookers accounts as we have also canceled our application for this method. On behalf of John Dang, Affiliate Manager, and myself it's been a pleasure to work with you over the last six months. We thank you greatly for your hard work and great energy as we built Big Bet into the room it is today. This is the second time that Big Bet Poker is closing, now under a new ownership. The first closure happened February of 2004. Will there be a part three of this scenario? This is just the start of the year and you expect for other online gambling sites that will be announced for closure. Source: Poker Addict |
Dave Newgates
Dave Newgates (DNG) is an author of online casino articles to help you learn more about online casino gambling. ArchivesMarch 2011 CategoriesAll Blog Roll |
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