Thursday, April 26, 2007

What will happen if the ban is lifted?

Given today's new about the possibility that US players will be able to reenter the market of online poker and gaming in general, I started to think about what the consequences of this has been. Last last year when the UIGEA was passed many players were unprepared for such a quick we'll call it "judgement" that they were very upset with how the poker rooms had treated them. Many were given the impression that it boils down to the all mighty dollar and to hell with the customer. Alot of people were posting on forums that their questions were being brushed off and accounts were closing.

Seven months later, and we are looking at a change in online gaming. For the last seven months these players have been playing at rooms such as Carbon Poker or Pokerstars who have kept their policy "business as usual" for the US. So what does that mean for the other rooms, the non US rooms? Are the players going to go back to them? Better yet do they want to go back to them? It will be interesting to see what kind of promotions the "non US rooms" would do to retain their once loyal customers and if these promotions would actually bring them back.

Online Gambling Bill Revision Was Submitted Today!

As the media has been discussing for weeks now, Barney Frank has presented a bill regarding the ban of online gambling. What was presented today was not what was expected but still very promising for US players. Many have been hoping for this ban to be lifted and things to go back to what they were almost a year ago. I don't believe this is possible nor would it benefit anyone. The bill that was presented suggested a regulation of online gambling for the companies who provide these service to American citizens. Here is an article containing some of the most important aspects of this bill. I am sure some will criticize it but I think without making compromises to the original bill there will not be any progress for US players and their ability to play online poker and the choice of room they want.

US Rep. Frank Calls For Regulation by Emily Swoboda Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, today introduced his long-awaited Internet gambling bill and it is not at all what people had been expecting. For several weeks, media reports have had the industry and U.S. online gamblers anticipating a full repeal of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), enacted October 2006, which prevents U.S. banks and credit card companies from processing payments to online gambling businesses outside the United States. Under the bill, titled the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act, the UIGEA would remain in place, as would the Wire Act. Banks and credit card companies would still be prevented from doing business with illegal online gaming operators. However, Section 5370 of Frank's bill provides a defense against the regulations that will soon be set forth by the UIGEA by proposing federal licensing and regulation of offshore Internet gambling companies. The legislation amends Chapter 53 of Title 31, United States Code (Monetary Transactions), by adding a new subchapter titled Regulation of Lawful Internet Gambling. Frank's bill gives the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) exclusive authority to issue and enforce licenses and regulations. Companies would be subject to financial and corporate scrutiny--including criminal background checks of corporate officers--during the application process. Furthermore, companies would be required to establish a corporate structure in the United States for tax-and-fees purposes. The bill proposes a 1 percent license fee and 1 percent user fee paid to the U.S government during each 30-day period of operation, based on the amounts deposited by customers. The fees, however, are drawn and paid from company funds and not from customer funds. It also requires licensed companies to adhere to federal- and state-income tax laws. Addressing the concerns of those opposed to Internet gambling, the bill also stipulates that in order to gain licensure in the United States, companies must have appropriate safeguards in place for preventing underage gambling, fraud and money laundering before ever taking a bet from a U.S. resident. Licenses are renewable each year under the proposed legislation and are subject to revocation if the company fails to comply with the regulations or any U.S. federal laws. Frank's bill is gambling-neutral, in that it doesn't target any one form of gambling. It gives states the choice to opt out of regulating gaming entirely--or, states can choose to regulate certain forms of gaming and not others. In addition, if sports leagues don't want any form of wagering to occur on the sport within their league they can opt out as well. Furthermore, it recognizes tribes, giving them the same rights as states. According to Congressional findings, Internet gambling is a $13 billion industry that continues to grow worldwide. Within the United States, gambling is a very popular activity, with some form being permitted in nearly every state. It is licensed and regulated in more than 50 countries and the global gaming market grossed $258 billion in 2005, of which 47 percent of North Americans were responsible. Furthermore, licensed and regulated Internet gambling in the United States would bring in additional tax revenue and reduce tax avoidance. Internet gambling opponents, such as Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., and former Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, tried for 10 years to push anti-Internet gambling legislation through Congress. Their colleague, former Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., managed to attach the UIGEA to a must-pass bill in the eleventh hour on Sept. 30, 2006--the last day of the session before mid-term elections. Since then the industry has taken a several billion-dollar spill but has shown signs of recovery. Numerous companies bailed out of the U.S. market after the bill was signed into law on Oct. 13, sustaining losses in the millions. "Why anyone thinks it is any of my business why some adult wants to gamble is absolutely beyond me," Frank said on Wednesday at an Independent Community Bankers of America conference. Frank has also called the UIGEA a "great mistake" and "one of the stupidest laws ever passed." Rep. Shelley Berkley, D- Nev., is expected to introduce legislation calling for a year-long study of Internet gambling that would delay the enactment of the UIGEA, and Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla., is also anticipating introducing a bill to create a carve-out for online poker on grounds that it is a game of skill.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Anti - UIGEA Bill Being Introduced

The day has finally come, a democrat is introducing a bill that will lift what is said to be one of the stupidest laws in US history. Barney Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat is expected to introduce this bill on Thursday April 26 2007, to lift the ban on American poker players and their right to play online poker.

This is a major step forward for not only the US citizens who enjoy playing poker, but the major shareholders, and poker rooms themselves.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Competitive League Game Tonight!

Looking for a competitive poker game where you can win some free money. We have league games that run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Carbon Poker. The cost is low and it's open to everyone.. There are cash prizes to be won, with the player recieving the most points over the course of the season recieving $70 in their Carbon Poker account. Download Carbon Poker and get ready for a great game.

Pokerriver League Games

Every Friday Saturday and Sunday at Carbon Poker

Tournament Start Time; 9 pm EST

$2.20 buyin

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Sklansky Delivers Again!

One of the best in authors for poker theory is once again giving his fans what they most want and that is another brilliantly written poker theory book. The 10th book in his career, this one is going to be a sure success and long awaited for.

Sklansky's newest edition to his collection "No Limit Hold'em Theory and Practice" is not a book designed for players at the beginner level, and will leave even the more skilled players reading it 2, 3 or even 4 times to understand the concepts that this reputable author displays in the game. David Skalansky is well known for his mathematical concepts, formulas and giving his players a better perspective in the theories of poker.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

WSOP Seat Up For Grabs At Carbon Poker

Mark your calendar as this Saturday, April 21st at 15:00 (Carbon Poker server time) Carbon Poker is holding their WSOP Seat Giveaway. This is your shot to land a seat at this year's Main Event. You can buy your way into this game for $250 or win your way through their daily satellite qualifiers at only $2. With a 1 in 50 chance at winning this package you may find yourself on the path to becoming the next Main Event Champion.

Carbon Poker has also added epassport as one of their funding options and for a limited time when you open a new account at Carbon using this payment option you can claim a 10% cash bonus. Use the bonus code epass10 and receive up to $50 free.

Poker.com
Carbon Poker EPassport Bonus " epass10"
10% Cash Bonus Up to $50

Monday, April 16, 2007

$25 Free at Titan Poker!

Titan Poker has released another exciting promotional offer for all new players. This company has once again tried to compete with all the others in respect to bonuses and they have done just that. All new players at Titan Poker can receive a $25 cash bonus. Cash! Once you make your first deposit of at least $30 you will receive the free $25 in your Titan account within 24-72 hours. No points to clear or stipulations. As a side benefit Titan also gives new players exclusive freerolls.

If you are looking for some free money to start your bankroll here is $25 and don't forget you also receive a 50% deposit bonus up to $200

Get Your Free $25 Here!

No More Pro Player Endorsements For The US

Throughout the months since the UIGEA took place, poker players in the US have been feeling the heat when it comes to where they can play poker and the freedom to do so. With each month that has passed since last September there seems to be one hit after another against the US poker players.

Recently Ulitimate Bet and Absolute Poker announced that their efforts to endorse some of the world's greatest players in the US market will stop. This appears to be a legal issue that this company has had to come to protect themselves while working in the US market. Pros in question – Michael Mizrachi, Mark Seif, Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, and Annie Duke will no longer be promoting their respective brands in the US but quite possibly through an off shores basis.

Details of the new marketing plan have yet to be confirmed, it is clear to see that the UIGEA is still making an impact on the game of poker as a whole.

Pokerstars "Team Canada"

Well with pokers biggest event of the year coming up fast Pokerstars is offering Canadians the opportunity to play for Team Canada through two qualifiers. It's simple really, they give you two entry tickets for Round1A and Round1B. With these you have a shot at moving on to round two where the winner will play for Team Canada in the WSOP. This is one of the best qualifiers I have seen for a shot to represent your country. Pokerstars added on some nice cash to their qualifying freerolls. In the first round the average payout spot run from 400-500 where as if you have the ability to make it to Round2 to you can guarantee you will be making a lot more.

So anyway when the tickets first came out I went to register and it was full within 30 secs (3000 people) so I thought I would wait it out. 3 weeks later and I have used my first ticket. If you are looking for a great overlay now is your chance. Most Canadians have used their entries and this tournament now sees around 1400 registrants. Less than half the people than there was in the beginning so it gives you more chances of qualifying for Round2. Unfortunately I went in the game trying to win and not looking at as a freeroll so I was only able to manage placing in the top 500 (just shy of any money) but the opportunity is still there.

If you have never played at Pokerstars and would like to try out for Team Canada all you need to do is open an account by using one of our links and you will receive your two entries. Pokerstars is also one of online poker's largest rooms offering more entries to main events than anyone for their players.

Download Pokerstars here

Hola!

Welcome.

We have decided to move on from our original site ( http://www.pokerriveronline.com) and join the blogging community to keep our viewers up to date in all aspects of the poker world and community. We will be posting everything from reviews, bonuses, important news in the poker world and just about anything related to this game. From time to time I will write about my own experiences as this truley is a game of trial and error. Hope you all enjoy and I would love any feedback or suggestions you may have.


Cheers,