American Poker News

David “Chino” Rheem Takes Down the Fourth Side Event at the 2009 Asian Poker Tour Macau

2009-08-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

August 17, 2009 (Macau, China) Just four days in, The Poker Pack already made its presence felt at the 2009 Asian Poker Tour Macau when David “Chino” Rheem defeated Tommy Le to win the Hong Kong Game Club (HKGC) No Limit Hold ‘Em R+A tournament.

Rheem went heads-up against Poker Pack member Nam Le’s younger brother after building up his stack at the final table. In the end, his Q-9 proved to be better than Le’s J-10 on a Q-7-J flop. For the win, Chino took home HK $64,200 and the winner’s trophy. Le, on the other hand, won HK $38,500 for his runner-up finish. Also on the table was AsianLogic CEO Tom Hall, who finished seventh for HK $9,200.

The HKGC tournament was the fourth side event at the 2009 Asian Poker Tour Macau. Rheem and the rest of The Poker Pack will be on hand during the twelve day festival of poker to play in the side events as well as the main event, which will be held on August 20.

The Poker Pack is a team of specially selected players of Asian origin who are ambassadors for the Asian Poker Tour. The group is composed of JC Tran, Nam Le, Quinn Do, David “Chino” Rheem, Steve Sung, and Kwang Soo Lee. Together, the six have more than US $24 million in live tournament winnings.

The 2009 Asian Poker Tour Macau will be held at the StarWorld Hotel and Casino in Macau from August 12 to 23, 2009. Buy-in for the main event is set at HK $32,000 + $2,400.

For more information, log on to the Asian Poker Tour’s web site at www.asianpt.com

Poker In The Park Opens Today!

2009-08-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

August 13, 2009 (London, UK) – At 5.00pm today the gates will swing open to Poker in the Park and Europe’s largest annual FREE Poker festival will get underway in the centre of London’s famous Leicester Square.

Thousands of people are set to descend upon Leicester Square today to take part in mass poker festivity.

Endorsed by Gamcare, the event will run from 5.00pm – 9.30pm today and will then re-open tomorrow (Friday 14th August) and run from 12.00pm – 9.30pm

Main attractions including the PKR Poker Dome will host many of the UK’s top pub poker leagues and will run a FREE turbo sit n go tournament with an 80 player cap every hour.

The Unibet Lecture Marquee will host some of the world’s most successful poker talent as they address the crowds in a series of lectures. The lecture schedules will run as follows:

Thursday, August 13th

17.15 Jamie Gold: Welcome speech and Charity tournament

18.00 Peter Eastgate: Q&A with current World Champion

18.45 Alex RoussoKnow the stats

19.30 Nik Persaud: Using the internet to improve your game

20.15 Neil Channing: Understanding tells

Friday, August 14th
12.30 Derek Webb: New poker games

13.15 Nik Wealthall: Luck in Poker

14.00 Derek Kelly: Omaha

14.45 Paul Jackson: Hand analysis

15.30 Liv Boeree

16.15 Tony Cascarino

17.00 Michael Greco

17.45 Alex Rousso

18.30 John Tabatabai

19.15 Derek Kelly: Book reading

20.00 Ian Frazer: Starting out in online poker

20.45 Jamie Gold

Make sure you don’t miss out!

PRIZES ANNOUNCED FOR JAMIE GOLD CHARITY TOURNAMENT

2009-08-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

7 August 2009 (London, UK) - The Jamie Gold Charity Poker Tournament, to be held at The Casino at the Empire during the Poker in the Park festival in Leicester Square, London – 13th and 14th August, is giving away a huge variety of generous prizes.

The tournament, which aims to raise money for The Jamie Gold Foundation’s numerous charities, will be co-hosted by 2008 WSOP Main Event winner Peter Eastgate and will commence at 7.30pm on Thursday, 13th August at The Empire’s Shadow Lounge.

It will be a 50 player No Limit Texas Hold’em Freezeout Tournament with starting stacks of 7,000 chips and 20 minute blind levels. Forty seats will be available at £500 per seat – the other ten seats are reserved for personal invites of Gold and Eastgate.

A number of prizes have been generously donated. These include the following:

· EPT seat worth £5,200 donated by Poker Stars

· £3,000 Unibet Open Package

· Gresham Blake Tailor Made Suit

· Custom Chip Set from Marlow Casino Chips

· £1,000 Gevril Wristwatch courtesy of Bluff Europe magazine

· Custom Poker Table worth £3,000

· Tag Heuer Sunglasses

· £1,500 Oceanault Wristwatch donated by Jamie Gold

· £1,000 PopStar’ Experience including one nights accommodation at Reading's 5 Star Forbury Hotel

· Poker & Golf program with Dare2Dream

· A week's poker training by "The Maven" in his Las Vegas poker academy

Prizes will be awarded by choice. i.e. 1st place gets first pick, second place gets second pick and so on.

Attending the tournament will be Michael Greco, Teddy Sherringham and Mark Chadwick of the band the Levellers. Also attending will be Poker Pro JJ Hazan as well as Gold and Eastgate.

Dublin Voted European Poker Capital 2009

2009-07-30T04:09:00.000-07:00

Bluff Europe magazine names Irish Capital best place for poker in Europe for second year running!

July 27, 2009 (London, UK) – For the second year running, Dublin has pipped London to the post for the title of this year’s European Poker Capital, as voted by industry leading poker publication Bluff Europe Magazine.

Bluff Europe praised the unbridled enthusiasm which Dubliners have for the game, as well as the variety of good card clubs in the city and the commitment to player-friendly tournament structures adopted by tournament organisers. The magazine says it deliberately ignored those countries where government gambling monopolies strangle the game, as well as places where the rakes in cash games are exploitative to the player – instead, they looked to reward variety, value, enthusiasm and “action”.

London took second place but was also praised for its venues, tournaments and for the growth of pub poker in the city over the last two years, as were fellow runner-ups Vienna, Tallinn and Galway respectively.

“It’ll always be a close run thing between Dublin and London for top spot, but we just had to give it to the Irish again this year, simply because we’re always overwhelmed by the enthusiasm we encounter for the game whenever we visit,” said Philip Conneller, editor of Bluff Europe. “Dubliners are mad for it, and in Ireland poker seems so much more of a passion than elsewhere. Even the table banter is just – well – better.”

Dublin is also home to the annual Irish Open, which is the oldest poker tournament in Europe and one of the most eagerly event on the circuit because of its festival atmosphere as well as the Irish sense of fun and fair play.

Please join Bluff Europe at this year’s Poker in the Park, August 13 & 14 in Leicester Square, London to toast all five top class poker cities.

Untapped Spanish Gaming Markets Cause a Stir

2009-07-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

New iGB Affiliate niche event offers knowledge needed to conquer this emerging sector

23 July 2009, London, UK - The Spanish online gambling market looks set to open its door to the online community as it moves closer towards collective regulation governing the industry in Spain. This is not a localised phenomenon as early indications from Brussels point to the need for nationalised law for the European gambling industry – access to each market will require compliance with local laws and a need for insider knowledge. The booming Spanish market will be of specific interest to many organisations, with numerous international companies such as William Hill or Bet Bull/Bwin already having joint venture agreements in place. This is no surprise as this largely untapped market has huge growth potential with the possibility of reaching up to 46 million Spanish speaking individuals in Spain alone.

This has led to companies such as iGaming Business to develop country/regional specific events tailored to understanding key industry areas in such emerging markets. Their latest venture, iGB España to be held in Madrid between 29th-31st October, is due to capitalise on this profitable industry by providing iGaming operators and affiliates with an early insight to gain market advantage.

“Never has the need for localization been more apparent in our industry, and iGB España is a timely reflection of this shift in focus.” James McKeown Editor for iGaming Business and iGB Affiliate Magazine, added “Spain is a flowering market but there is still much to learn in order to create a successful and fully compliant business there. Being the first market-specific conference on the circuit, iGB España is the only event fully dedicated to the Spanish market, and is the only place where you’ll be fully educated on the legal, operational and technical workings of the market.”

The conference sessions at iGB España will have an original twist on tried and tested methods, giving in-depth analysis of the different online gambling sectors in the Spanish speaking markets worldwide. Based on a discussion Q&A format, delegates will undoubtedly gain vital information on how to flourish in the Spanish marketplace. In addition, there will be a legal update on current jurisdiction, with principal focus on how to successfully charter and advocate this lucrative sector.

One session particularly worthy of note is the special focus on Pay-Per-Click advertising. As Google is on the verge of consenting to PPC advertising in Spain, there has been a huge demand on how to take advantage of this huge revenue potential. There is no denying that PPC has proven to be an excellent way of driving quality traffic to a website, particularly in conjunction with Search Engine Optimization. But equally PPC requires planning and practice in order to be successful and many organisations fail to understand the importance of geographical targeting, which is vital when considering the different demographics of the Spanish speaking markets. Consequently, iGB España will host a series of sessions which will provide a comprehensive guide to PPC and the Spanish market.

iGB España is completely free for all affiliates and media owners to attend which includes a 2 day exhibition, conference and multiple networking events. To register for iGB España or to find out more simply visit www.iGBEspana.com.

About iGB España
iGB España is first iGaming event solely focused on the Spanish iGaming market. Concentrating on content and networking as opposed to the large style exhibitions, iGB España will offer a diverse mix of presentations and lively panel discussions presented by expert speakers from the iGaming industry. With close to 400 Spanish affiliates, media owners, iGaming vendors and operators iGB España will be the biggest Spanish language conference ever seen in iGaming.

About iGB Events
iGB Events began as CAP Euro in January 2007, and has grown from 600 attendees to over 1700 attendees in just two years making them the biggest iGaming affiliate events in the sector. This rapid success has come about by keeping true to a simple philosophy: “Put Affiliates First”, which is the backbone of the events. For more information on these events, please visit www.iGBAffiliate.com/content/events or contact alex@igamingbusiness.com.

About iGaming Business
iGaming Business has been in the iGaming industry for over 8 years and as well as producing affiliate events publishes market leading magazines such as iGaming Business and iGaming Business Affiliate Magazine both considered the bibles for the iGaming Sector and read by thousands of affiliates, vendors and operators each and every month. For more information on iGaming Business, please visit www.igamingbusiness.com.

Two-Time World Champion Johnny Chan Returns to Asian Poker Tour Macau

2009-07-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

July 23, 2009 (Macau, China) – After getting a taste of the Asian Poker Tour’s event in Macau last year, Johnny Chan will be back this August 12th – 23rd for more.

The two-time WSOP® champion is confirmed to be a part of this year’s Asian Poker Tour Macau event, which will be a twelve-day festival of poker this August. Chan will be on hand to play in this year’s main event as well as to take part in the filming of “Poker King”, an upcoming Chinese film about poker in Asia.

Chan, who was born in China, is one of the biggest names in poker history. Aside from winning back-to-back World Series of Poker® championships in 1987 and 1988, he is also tied with Doyle Brunson for second all-time total bracelets with ten. He currently has over eight million dollars in winnings from live tournaments alone.

Joining Johnny Chan at the upcoming Asian Poker Tour Macau event will be some of the world’s best poker players, including The Poker Pack. The Poker Pack is a team of specially selected players of Asian origin who are ambassadors for the Asian Poker Tour. The group is composed of JC Tran, Nam Le, Quinn Do, David “Chino” Rheem, Steve Sung, and Kwang Soo Lee. Together, the six have over $24 million in live tournament winnings.

The 2009 Asian Poker Tour Macau will be held at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and Casino in Macau from August 12 - 23, 2009. Buy-in is set at HK $32,000 + $2,400 (approximately US $4,300).

For more information, log on to the Asian Poker Tour’s web site at www.asianpt.com

The Jamie Gold Foundation Charity Poker Tournament Teams Up With Poker In The Park

2009-07-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Peter Eastgate to co-host star-studded charity tournament

July 21, 2009 (London, UK) – Poker Champion Jamie Gold and Poker in the Park are teaming up to host the Jamie Gold Charity Poker Tournament at The Casino at the Empire during the Poker in the Park festival in Leicester Square, London – 13th and 14th August.

The tournament which aims to raise money for The Jamie Gold Foundation’s numerous charities, will be co-hosted by 2008 WSOP Main Event winner Peter Eastgate and will commence at 7.30pm on Thursday, 13th August at The Empire’s Shadow Lounge.

It will be a 50 player No Limit Texas Hold’em Freezeout Tournament with starting stacks of 6,000 chips. Forty seats will be available at £400 per seat – the other ten seats will be given to poker pros and celebrities personally invited by Gold and Eastgate.

PRIZES

While cash buy-ins will be donated to The Foundation, the top three final table winners will receive prizes.

PokerStars are generously donating a seat to the London EPT main event worth £5,200 as first prize.

The Maven, Bluff Magazine’s 2008 Online Player of the Year, is donating one-on-one poker strategy training via his site TheMavenVT.com worth £3,000 to the second place finisher.

The third place winner will receive a Gevril watch, established in 1758 and favoured by top celebrities including James Caan, Eva Mendes, Martin Sheen, Sting and Denzel Washington, worth £1,500 compliments of Bluff Europe magazine.
Jamie Gold and Peter Eastgate will also be giving lectures on both Thursday and Friday at Poker in the Park. On Thursday they will talk specifically about strategy for small tournaments (less than a hundred runners) similar to what will be played at Poker in the Park’s Poker Dome and at the Gold charity event. On Friday, they will do a follow-up lecture on tournament strategy, with stories and references from the Charity Event held the night before.

Both Jamie Gold and Peter Eastgate will be on hand to accept donations for The Foundation and to sign autographs.

The Asian Poker Tour Macau To Star As Backdrop For New Chinese Poker Film

2009-07-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

First Chinese language film, working title ‘Poker King’, to focus on Poker

July 13, 2009 (Manila, Philippines) AsianLogic, owners of the Asian Poker Tour, are delighted to announce a historic first for poker in Asia. The hotly anticipated Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival, taking place 12-23 August 2009 at the Galaxy Starworld, will be featured in a ground-breaking Chinese language poker movie. Many believe the film will have a similar impact on poker in Asia as the 1998 Hollywood film Rounders did in the western world.

The movie is provisionally titled ‘Poker King’ and will be directed by famous Chinese language director Chan Hing-Kai and Janet Chun and, produced by Amy Chin and Chan Hing-Kai. It tells the story of two bitter poker rivals competing for world championship glory. The cast will be all-star, A list Chinese actors and pop stars with a cinema release across the region set for later this year. Actors with the coveted starring roles include Louis Koo, Sean Lau Ching –Wan, Stephy Tang, Cherrie In and Josie Ho.

There have been several famous gaming films in the region, most notably the 1989 Chinese language classic ‘God of Gambler’s’ starring Chow-Yun-Fat which spawned dozens of spin-offs – but ‘Poker King’ is set to be the first release that focuses on poker.

Tom Hall, CEO of Asian Logic, owners of the Asian Poker Tour said: “This is a very exciting project and is sure to provoke even more excitement about The Asian Poker Macau Festival in August. Players across the region and throughout the world are encouraged to come to the Starworld and play at the Asian Poker Tour Macau – the movie crew will be needing lots of extras and even players to take on roles if they choose! Rounders, starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, is always highlighted as a key catalyst for the growth of poker in the western world. ‘Poker King’ has the promise to deliver this and potentially much more. Gross revenue from poker in Macau is estimated to have risen by 400% in 2008 alone and continues to rise and with this blockbuster movie the game could become even more popular in a land where baccarat is king. Think of how many people have seen Rounders and at least quadruple it and you can only speculate at the kind of impact ‘Poker King’ could have on the game. We’re delighted to be involved.”

The Asian Poker Tour Macau is a hotbed for the world’s top poker professionals and negotiations are ongoing about giving the Tour’s sponsored ambassadors ‘The Poker Pack’ significant roles in the film. The Pack includes recent World Series of Poker bracelet winners JC Tran and Steve Sung, as well as Quinn Do, Nam Le, David ‘Chino’ Rheem and Kwang Soo Lee. Together, they are amongst the most feared players on the world circuit.

The Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will run from August 12–23, 2009 at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and Casino in Macau. Last year, the event attracted some of the most famous names in the game. Poker legend Doyle Brunson was one of those that attended and said: “I thought Las Vegas was the gambling capital of the world but I was wrong, it feels like coming home.” The Main Event was won by 20-year-old US hotshot Yevgeniy Timoshenko, who scooped US$500,000 after emerging triumphant from the star-studded field that featured players from over 40 countries. Timoshenko has gone on to become one of the hottest talents in the game after taking down the WPT Championship earlier this year.

This year’s Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will be bigger and better with 12 days of non-stop poker action and fun. The buy-in is set at US$4,300 (US$4000+$300). Aside from the Main Event, the Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will feature the largest range of side events ever seen in Asia - guaranteed to make the poker fest even more exciting and appealing to players at all levels. Organizers and tournament director Matt Savage promise a lengthy and varied side event schedule that will appeal to all tastes, details of which will be confirmed in the near future. High-limit games and sit-n-go tables will run throughout the duration of the festival.

The last Asian Poker Tour event was held in the Philippines in January 2009 and was won by Manila rounder Neil Arce, who scooped US$185,000 for first prize after overcoming a field of 262 players from over 40 countries. The runner-up was the Republic of Korea’s Steve Yea, who repeated his second place in the Asian Poker Tour Macau 2008.

Like 2008, online qualifiers are also expected to flock to the StarWorld as the Asian Poker Tour continues to gain support from leading online poker networks hosting satellites to the Main Event. The Asian Poker Tour is supported by the iPoker Network, Titan Poker, DafaPoker, PKR, PartyPoker, , 32 Red Poker, Betfriends, Ongame Network, Red Kings, 888.com, and Bwin. Full details can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/

World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. AsianLogic is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.

Nuts Magazine Brings the Beautiful Nuts Girls to Poker In The Park

2009-07-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Nuts magazine named as media sponsor of Poker in the Park!

July 13, 2009 (London, UK) – Poker in the Park, Europe’s largest poker festival, is proud to announce Nuts magazine, Britain’s biggest selling men’s weekly, as a media sponsor and host of the opening poker tournaments on each day of the two day festival – August 13 & 14.

Nuts magazine and The Nuts Girls will be in Leicester Square to host the first play-for-fun, Turbo Sit n’ Go tournament of the festival. The first tourney will be held in the festival’s Poker Dome on Thursday, August 13 at 5:00pm and the second at 12:00pm on Friday, August 14.

The Nuts Girls will be on hand posing for photos and taking subscription sign-ups at the Nuts booth within Poker in the Park.

“Teaming up with Nuts is a great fit for Poker in the Park. Their audience is made up of the fun-loving types of guys that make poker such an awesome game,” said Michael Caselli, Event Organizer.

“We’re chuffed to be involved with Poker in The Park. It’s one of those events that truly brings the heart of London alive in the Summer. With the organiser’s track record for providing the slickest poker festival in the business and our reputation for being a bunch of fun-loving berks lucky enough to work with Britain’s sexiest glamour stars, it really is a match made in, erm… Leicester Square!” Nick Soldinger, Deputy Editor, Nuts magazine

For information on Nuts magazine visit their website at http://www.nuts.co.uk/

To find out more about Poker in the Park visit http://pokerinthepark.com

Poker Pack Member Steve Sung Continues Strong Run

2009-06-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Fellow Poker Pack Pros JC Tran, Quinn Do, and Nam Le Join In With Their Own Money Finishes

June 15, 2009 (Las Vegas, Nevada) – Almost halfway through this year’s World Series of Poker®, Steve Sung, who will be heading to this year’s Asian Poker Tour event in Macau, is already running in high gear with a bracelet win and a final table showing.

The Poker Pack member kicked things off by winning Event #4 at the 40th World Series of Poker®. He outlasted a field of 6,102 and dominated the final table to win the $1,000 No Limit Hold ‘Em event, which was the biggest non-main-event tournament in history. With the win, he picked up his first-ever WSOP® bracelet in addition to $771,106 in prize money.

Just a little over a week later, Sung made his presence felt again by finishing third in Event #23, which was the $10,000 World Championship in No Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball. While he barely missed out on his second bracelet this year, the Korean poker pro did pick up $112,042 to bring his total winnings for this year’s WSOP® to almost $900,000.

The other members of The Poker Pack have been cashing in this year as well. Aside from Sung’s two big finishes, fellow members JC Tran and Quinn Do both have two cashes while Nam Le has one. All in all, the Pack has combined for seven cashes totalling $974,421.

The Poker Pack is a team of specially selected players of Asian origin who are ambassadors for the Asian Poker Tour. The group is composed of JC Tran, Nam Le, Quinn Do, David “Chino” Rheem, Steve Sung, and Kwang Soo Lee. Together, the six have approximately $23 million in live tournament winnings.

Asian Poker Tour Macau 2009 will be held at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and Casino in Macau from August 12 to 23, 2009. Buy-in is set at HK $32,000 + $2,400 (approximately US $4,300).

For more information, log on to the Asian Poker Tour’s web site at www.asianpt.com

Phil "Unabomber" Laak Headlines The Bluff Europe Poker Academy’s Final Stop – London

2009-05-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Casino at the Empire will be ground zero for ultimate poker lecture this Saturday, 23 May

22 May, 2009 (London, UK) - London’s Casino at the Empire is gearing up to host the final leg of Bluff Europe’s Poker Academy this Saturday, 23 May. Europe’s biggest poker magazine continues its crusade to share the do’s and don’ts of the poker trade. And after an incredible three events in Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin, the Academy moves to its final stop on the tour, London’s Casino at the Empire this Saturday, 23 May.

WHO: Phil Laak and Alex ‘Pickleman’ Rousso share their genius on all things poker.

WHAT: Bluff Europe’s Poker Academy - The day will comprise of three hours of interactive lectures followed by four hours of tournament play with direct supervision from the pros. The first half of the lecture will cover some of the most crucial concepts in professional poker, such as the fundamental ‘Theory of Poker’, luck and variance, dealing with defeat and bankroll management. There will also be an exercise in WSOP hand analyses, as well as the opportunity to send the pros bust when they make guest appearances during the tournament.

WHERE: The Casino at the Empire, located right in the heart of London’s Leicester Square, is an exciting, 24-hour venue that opened just under two years ago. It boasts two floors of casino and poker tables along with two restaurants and four bars. It has hosted the World Series of Poker Europe and is London’s premiere venue for poker and casino lovers.

WHEN:Saturday, 23 May

WHY: Because who better than Laak to teach how to become a poker legend!

“I’m really psyched up for our last and biggest leg of the series, which brings us back home to London. We’ve got two great pros in Ian Frazer and Phil Laak, and the venue – the Shadow bar at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square – is absolutely top class,” says Alex Russo.

About The Poker Academy Team

Phil Laak is definitely a person people remember in the poker world. He received his nickname, "Unabomber", because he always wears a hooded sweatshirt (hood up) while sitting at the poker table.

He started playing poker in 1999 but before 2003 he only entered eight tournaments, including the main event at the World Series of Poker three years in a row. His appearances on the World Poker Tour have made him one of the most popular players on the circuit and have also helped him land many television gigs. At one time, he was the host of E! Hollywood Holdem. He has also appeared on GSN's Poker Royale, High Stakes Poker and NBC's Poker After Dark.

Alex Rousso has a PhD in evolutionary psychology and has taught university undergraduates. He ran the family pickle importing business until he started making more money per hour playing poker. He now writes a column for Bluff Europe (as "Pickleman") and can be found most days online at the PLO cash tables.

There are still places available for London so interested parties should hurry if they want to secure a place.

Tickets cost £125 + £25, which includes the tournament buy-in. For more information or to sign-up, please visit www.bluffeurope.com/pokeracademy.

Bluff Europe’s Poker Academy Leaves Its Mark On Dublin – Final Destination, London

2009-05-19T09:58:00.001-07:00

Phil "Unabomber" Laak & Alex Rousso head to London’s Casino at the Empire, Leicester Sq

19 May, 2009 (London, UK) - Dublin’s Sporting Emporium hosted the third successful Bluff Europe Poker Academy last Saturday (16 May). The Academy will be making its final stop this Saturday, 23 May at London’s Casino at the Empire.

With Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin legs proving a success, the Academy looks to London for its biggest turn out which will be led by one of the industries most famous poker pros, Phil Laak. So far, attendees of the Academy have been granted a helping hand from a number of poker professionals including Paul ‘Actionjack’ Jackson, Ian ‘Razor’ Fraser, Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliot and Alex ‘Pickleman’ Rousso - all of whom have shared their insight on how to win at poker.

The fourth and final Poker Academy at London’s Casino at the Empire will offer the opportunity to meet, learn from and play against poker legend Phil "Unabomber" Laak. His legendary status in the poker world ensures this last session is one not to be missed.

Report from Dublin

Donnacha “The Don” O’ Dea and Alex “Pickleman” Rousso were joined by a particularly poker savvy group of players for the Dublin leg of the tour. A contingent of local talent from the venue itself – the very plush Sporting Emporium in the heart of Dublin – combined with about a dozen players from Paddy Power.

Seminar leader Alex Rousso was delighted by the overall standard of the class: “once again, the knowledge of the delegates was high, which is good news because it allowed us to tackle some of the deeper, more interesting issues.”

The top two prizes in the tournament were chopped between Sherman Kayer and Paddy Power’s Evan Frisby – each taking down £175.

The delegates’ comments on the day were glowing, with many rating the day as “excellent” value for money. Donnacha O’ Dea was deemed “knowledgeable”, “friendly and approachable”, “excellent”, and “gave an interesting analysis of value betting.” The head tutor was “clear, insightful”, “very informative” and with a “good interactive attitude.”

About the Poker Academy Team London

If you haven't seen an image of a man doing press-ups at a WPT final table, then chances are you have not witnessed Phil "Unabomber" Laak in action. Even at the felt, you might not see Laak around because he'll be the one in the sun glasses and hoodie attempting to show as little of his face to his opponent as possible. This led to him being named The Unabomber by his fellow pros because of his similarity to Theodore Kaczynski.

Laak, a former engineer, is a highly jovial person to have around the table known for doing unorthodox things. He will often stand around the dealer to see a turn or river card as soon as is humanly possible. Though he has a WPT title to his credit, his biggest win was in the UK when he won the inaugural William Hill Grand Prix defeating Ram Vaswani, flopping a straight in the final hand to win the £150,000 first prize.

Alex Rousso has a PhD in evolutionary psychology and has taught university undergraduates. He ran the family pickle importing business until he started making more money per hour playing poker. He now writes a column for Bluff Europe (as "Pickleman") and can be found most days online at the PLO cash tables.

There are places available for the final London stop. Tickets are £125 + £25, which includes the tournament buy-in. For more information or to sign-up, visit www.bluffeurope.com/pokeracademy.

Bluff Europe’s Poker Academy Does Dublin

2009-05-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

Donnacha O’Dea and Alex Rousso share their poker genius this Saturday, 16 May

15 May, 2009 (London, UK) - Dublin’s Sporting Emporium is gearing up to host the Bluff Europe’s Poker Academy this Saturday, 16 May, as Europe’s biggest poker magazine continues its crusade to share the do’s and don’ts of the poker trade with mere mortals. After a successful stop in Birmingham, the Academy continues its tour to Dublin, Ireland -- with its final stop at London’s Empire Casino on Saturday, 23 May.

WHO: Donnacha O’Dea and Alex ‘Pickleman’ Rousso bring their expertise and insight on how to win at poker to Dublin.

WHAT: Bluff Europe’s Poker Academy - The day will comprise of three hours of interactive lectures followed by four hours of tournament play with direct supervision from the pros. The first half of the lecture will cover some of the most crucial concepts in professional poker, such as the fundamental ‘Theory of Poker’, luck and variance, dealing with defeat and bankroll management. There will also be an exercise in WSOP hand analyses, as well as the opportunity to send the pros bust when they make guest appearances during the tournament.

WHERE: The Sporting Emporium is Ireland's premier private members gaming and card club -- the latest and most luxurious entertainment destination located in the heart of Dublin. Designed and fitted out to the highest standards, the Club features a total of 30 tables including roulette tables, a LuminAR table which is unique in Ireland, Punto Banco and Pai Gow tables and 14 traditional poker card tables as well as gourmet catering facilities.

WHEN: Saturday, 16 May

WHY: Because poker is a skill that must be honed!

“I’m particularly looking forward to Dublin because the Irish are such avid poker players. I’m also keen to include some comments and feedback from previous seminars, so as we progress, our seminars are evolving for the better,” said Alex Russo.

About The Poker Academy Team

Alex Rousso has a PhD in evolutionary psychology and has taught university undergraduates. He ran the family pickle importing business until he started making more money per hour playing poker. He now writes a column for Bluff Europe (as "Pickleman") and can be found most days online at the PLO cash tables.

Donnacha O’Dea is a renowned and likable cash player from Ireland. The Don is a former swimmer who represented his country at the1968 Olympic Games. Later turning to professional poker, Donnacha is of the old school, playing more comps than anything else. Making his first cash at the 1983 World Series when he finalled in two events (one being 6th in the Main Event), Donnacha went on to cash a further ten times before capturing a bracelet of his own, his triumph in 1998's $1,500 Omaha Pot Limit event netting him around $155k.

Famed for fending off the Devilfish to win the Ladbrokes Poker Million, Donnacha is considered to have one of the sturdiest games in the business - to witness him lose his composure, discipline or even tilt would be a rarity. A softly spoken yet highly respected figure among the gaming community, Donnacha has the honour of being the first entrant into the European Poker Players' Hall of Fame.

There are still places available on the last two stops of the tour but not for long so interested parties should hurry if they want to secure a place.

Tickets cost £125 + £25, which includes the tournament buy-in. For more information or to sign-up, please visit www.bluffeurope.com/pokeracademy.

Bluff Europe’s Poker Academy Dazzles Birmingham & Readies for Dublin

2009-05-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Donnacha O’Dea and Alex Rousso head to Dublin’s Sports Emporium

13 May, 2009 (London, UK) - Birmingham’s Broadway Casino played host to yet another successful stage of the Bluff Europe Poker Academy last Saturday (9 May). Continuing on its enlightening tour of Britain, the Academy once again offered poker enthusiasts the chance to “learn from the pros” – next stop is Dublin, Ireland.

With both the Manchester and Birmingham legs proving a success, the academy finds itself at the halfway stage of its tour with Dublin and London still to come. So far, attendees of the Academy have been granted a helping hand from a number of poker professionals including Paul ‘Actionjack’ Jackson, Ian ‘Razor’ Fraser and Alex ‘Pickleman’ Rousso - all of whom have been more than happy to share their poker acumen.

Looking ahead, the Poker Academy will offer the opportunity to meet, learn from and play against Irish poker legend Donnacha O’Dea at Dublin’s Sports Emporium next Saturday, May 16. Poker celeb Phil ‘Unabomber’ Laak ends the tour in London the following weekend, Saturday, May 23.

Reports from Birmingham

In addition to an array of lectures and exercises, delegates were also given a 45-minute master-class from Paul Jackson discussing various online hands.

The double chance freezeout tournament proved a great chance for the delegates to learn in live action, with a pro on each table following the action and running through the hands afterwards giving advice. When it got to heads up, Dave Carpenter defeated Mosaad “Rambo” Aboukashaba to take home the top prize.

Alex Rousso was particularly impressed with the standard of some of the players, “Our seminars are designed both to fine tune the skills of existing intermediate players and give beginners a sound platform to improve their game. The feedback on both these counts was very positive.”

About the Poker Academy Team

Alex Rousso has a PhD in evolutionary psychology and has taught university undergraduates. He ran the family pickle importing business until he started making more money per hour playing poker. He now writes a column for Bluff Europe (as "Pickleman") and can be found most days online at the PLO cash tables.

Paul “Action” Jackson is a revered UK tournament player from the Midlands. Although he has enjoyed much success in the UK circuit, he is perhaps best known worldwide for his second place finish at the Monte Carlo Millions in 2005. His heads up battle against Phil Ivey, with its bluffing and re-bluffing, has become a YouTube classic.

Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott is one of the UK’s most recognisable and formidable characters in poker. Along with his trademark sunglasses and personalised gold knuckle dusters, Devilfish has become a major celebrity with his own online card room. He also has collected over $4,000,000 in career winnings.

There are still places available on all three stops left of the tour but not for long so interested parties should hurry if they want to secure a place.

Tickets cost £125 + £25, which includes the tournament buy-in. For more information or to sign-up, visit www.bluffeurope.com/pokeracademy.

Press seats are still available. Please contact Melissa Ross to book seats in Dublin or London.

Bluff Europe’s Poker Academy Set To Storm Birmingham

2009-05-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

Paul Jackson and Alex Rousso share their poker genius this Saturday, 9 May

7 May, 2009 (London, UK) - Birmingham’s Broadway Casino is gearing up to host the Bluff Europe Poker Academy this Saturday (9 May), as Europe’s biggest poker magazine continues to offer you the chance to “learn from the pros”. After a successful stop in Manchester, the Academy continues its nationwide tour to Birmingham, with further stops in Dublin and London over the coming month.

WHO: Paul ‘Actionjack’ Jackson and Alex ‘Pickleman’ Rousso are all set to make an appearance in Birmingham and will be offering their expert advice and insight on how to win at poker.

WHAT: Bluff Europe’s Poker Academy - The day will comprise of three hours of interactive lectures followed by four hours of tournament play with direct supervision from a pro. The first lecture series will cover some of the most crucial concepts in professional poker, such as the fundamental ‘Theory of Poker’, luck and variance, dealing with defeat and bankroll management. There will also be an exercise in WSOP hand analyses, as well as the opportunity to send the pros bust when they make guest appearances during the tournament.

WHERE: Located at Birmingham’s entertainment hub Broadway Plaza, just minutes from the city centre, Broadway Casino offers one of the countries finest card rooms. In addition to hosting regular tournaments and cash games, the casino boasts sumptuous interiors and a fantastic gaming area.

WHEN: Saturday, 9 May

WHY: “It’s a fantastic chance to get on-the-spot training from some of the best players in the country. Inside poker tips from true pros is priceless,” says Master of Ceremonies, Alex Rousso.

About The Poker Academy Team

Alex Rousso has a PhD in evolutionary psychology and has taught university undergraduates. He ran the family pickle importing business until he started making more money per hour playing poker. He now writes a column for Bluff Europe (as "Pickleman") and can be found most days online at the PLO cash tables.

Paul “Action” Jackson is a revered UK tournament player from the Midlands. Although he has enjoyed much success in the UK circuit, he is perhaps best known worldwide for his second place finish at the Monte Carlo Millions in 2005. His heads up battle against Phil Ivey, with its bluffing and re-bluffing, has become a YouTube classic.

There are still places available on all three stops left of the tour but not for long so interested parties should hurry if they want to secure a place.

Tickets cost £125 + £25, which includes the tournament buy-in. For more information or to sign-up, visit www.bluffeurope.com/pokeracademy.

WPT Enterprises to present at fourth annual world poker congress

2009-05-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

(LOS ANGELES) May 6, 2009 – WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:WPTE) today announced that Steve Lipscomb, Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at the 2009 World Poker Congress, to be held June 24 -25, 2009 in Porto, Portugal.

In a high-powered closing keynote that will conclude the 2009 World Poker Congress, Lipscomb will join PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan in a “Remaking the Poker Market” discussion with active audience participation on the challenges of surviving and thriving in a poker market that is constantly evolving. The panel will be held Thursday, June 25 at 15:30 (local time).

"The World Poker Congress is simply not like other conferences,” said Lipscomb. “In attendance are the decision makers from the most exciting companies in the poker arena – and they are there to do business.”

World Poker Congress (WPC) is the only conference to examine the synergy between the live and online poker industries. This unique event will be tackling the business of poker from all perspectives, as experts in both sectors discuss the latest critical issues and ideas.

For further information, please visit www.worldpokercongress.com/2009

ABOUT WPTE
WPT Enterprises, Inc. is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. WPTE has led innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, when it ignited the global poker boom with the creation of the World Poker Tour television show. Based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments, WPT is now broadcast globally and premiered its all-new seventh season on Fox Sports Net’s national sports network in the United States in January 2009. WPTE also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. WPTE also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, see www.worldpokertour.com. (WPTEG)

Bluff Europe’s CardGang “VegasFree” Freeroll Takes Place This Sunday, 3rd May

2009-05-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

€3,000 package to Vegas is up for grabs

May 1, 2009 (London, UK) – The latest in the series of Card Gang freerolls staged by Europe’s biggest poker magazine, Bluff Europe, is fast approaching – and it’s guaranteed to be a happy night for someone. Make sure you don’t miss out on the action this Sunday, 3rd May at 7:00pm (GMT) down at NoIQPoker.com. Everyone is welcome, be you good, bad or ugly but do hurry as the tournament is capped at 2,000.

The winner will be awarded a trip to Las Vegas worth €3,000, including flights and accommodation. All for zero financial risk!

All you need to do is go to bluffeurope.com/cardgang and follow the simple, on-screen instructions in order to sign up.

“This is the latest in a series of monthly freerolls aimed at giving Bluff Europe readers a free shot at really big prizes and having a lot of fun in the process,” said Michael Caselli, Editor-in-chief at Bluff Europe. “Players should keep their eyes peeled at www.bluffeurope.copm/cardgang for more excellent freerolls every month.”

NoIQ.com is one of Europe’s leading poker sites with great features, including a €160,000 rake race, a VIP bonus system and a huge network of promotions with races and packages to Vegas.

Boss Media’s IPN Poker Network Welcomes 3 Millionth Player

2009-04-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Europe’s largest online poker network is part of fully-managed poker solution provided by GTECH’s New Media & Sports Betting Group

30-04-2009 (Stockholm, Sweden) – Boss Media’s International Poker Network (IPN), Europe’s largest independent online poker network, has just welcomed its 3 Millionth player. With a 14% increase in active daily players, a 22% increase in maximum concurrent players, and an incredible increase of 28% in daily registrations the IPN was the fastest growing independent European network during 2008. That growth shows no signs of slowing.

Only last month, through a strategic alliance with CryptoLogic Limited, Boss Media expanded the International Poker Network to add poker licensees like Extreme Poker, Classic Poker, Opoker, DTD Poker, BetJacks, InterPoker and ParBet to the network that already included such leading brands as Virgin Poker, CelebPoker, Casino Club Poker, Poker Heaven,Yahoo, BetClick and Paradise Poker.

Together with St Minver, which manages player liquidity, tournaments, customer service and promotions for a network of poker, bingo and casino sites, Boss Media provides a fully-managed poker solution.

“This is a major milestone for the IPN,” said Atul Bali, President of GTECH’s New Media & Sports Betting Co. including Finsoft, Boss Media, St Minver, and Dynamite Idea. “We are building on the strength of each company in the new media group and this is just the first of many achievements to come.”

GTECH’s New Media & Sports Betting division focuses on white label services and technology to customers operating interactive poker, casino, bingo, skill as well as lottery games, sports betting, and regulated multi-jurisdictional games. These will include new professional services such as risk management, player relationship management, fraud prevention, responsible gaming, and community functions.

The International Poker Network features Boss Media’s fast, easy to play No Limit, Pot Limit and Fixed Limit Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Stud & Draw poker in more languages and currencies than any other. The network also offers freerolls, guaranteed tournaments, tournaments with added prize money and satellites to live tournaments around the world. Every night IPN poker rooms host a €25,000 Guaranteed Tournament and every Sunday night guarantee there will be €100,000 in the prize pool.

In addition to the liquidity that poker players look for, poker rooms in the International Poker Network offer cash incentives that increase conversions and earn player loyalty. There is still time for players to qualify for the massive €1 Million guaranteed tournament on the 10th May, with satellites running all day from as little as a €3 entry.

Jadestone’s Arena Business Shows Record Growth

2009-04-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

April 24, 2009 (Stockholm, Sweden) – Jadestone Networks, the Nordic based owner and operator of the multiplayer gaming networks DiceArena and GamArena, today announced that its combined Arena business has completed a record breaking first quarter.

With the addition of the DiceArena network and healthy growth in the GamArena network, the overall player activity has been growing steadily. The March total number of unique cash players across the combined Arena business increased year on year by 116%.

This strong upwards trend is supported by good organic player growth, but also by the fact that an increasing number of igaming operators are joining the Jadestone networks. From three partner sites in Q1 2008, the number of sites featuring Jadestone’s Arena games has tripled to nine.

“We’re very pleased indeed with the development so far,” said Tobias Nissen, Business Development Director at Jadestone. “We’re seeing strong growth overall, with good numbers across the board. The DiceArena games are picking up momentum and we’re convinced that with over 200,000 pre-registrations from bwin, the curves will continue to push in the right direction. More surprising is the strength of our more mature GamArena product. We just closed our biggest jackpot ever – a €20,000 prize pool was shared by avid Scarab Solitaire players.”

There are a number of other factors that are fuelling optimism within Jadestone Networks as it looks at the rest of 2009. In only a week after its launch, Dice Solitaire has shot up to become the second most popular GamArena game – all while adding new revenues. In the summer, Jadestone Networks will launch additional multiplayer games including a new Backgammon and the very well-known and highly popular game Liar’s Dice.

Jadestone is proceding with its strategy of creating uccessful igaming networks and gaining synergies from interconnecting their liquidity. With a combined online audience of well over 2,000 players, the company believes it will be well positioned as the leading one stop shop for non-poker multiplayer game services.

WPT Boot Camp Champions Camp price reduction

2009-04-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

The WPT Champions Boot Camp will be held Memorial Day Weekend (May 22,23, & 24) in Las Vegas. This is our advanced 3-day Camp with more pros, more labs, more poker, more (bigger) prizes. It adds up to you having a great time and taking your game to the next level.
We are reducing the $2,995 with a $500 discount so that you can take this camp for $2,495. We’ve also negotiated a room rate of $64/night. To reserve your seat on-line use promotion code W4988.

Remember, we only run ONE Champions Event per year, so if you miss this one, you won’t have another chance until May of 2010!

Take a look below for a partial list of our Pros and the topics they’ll be teaching.
For the more details please click here.

Adjusting To Your Opponents “Cowboy” Kenna James takes you through modern player identification and discusses how to adjust to various styles. This expert at reading people helps you learn to identify your opponent weaknesses in order to exploit each type of player you face.

Sit & Go Breakdown Clonie Gowen - The winner of three Poker After Darks tournaments and a WPT Ladies Night title walks you through every key decision of a SNG. Learn her thought process as she faces and beats some of the best poker players in the world.

Preparing to Win Nick Brancato - Too many poker players make decisions as they come up, rather than thinking multiple moves ahead, commonly resulting in inconsistency and mistakes. Learn to automate certain aspects of your play by incorporating predetermined decisions.

Momentum Jules Leyser - “I just didn’t get dealt any good hands” - Not an excuse for going out of a tournament anymore. - In this session you'll learn about momentum and moving forward throughout a tournament.

WPT Hand Analysis T.J. Cloutier - Enter the mind of a Legend. TJ will guide you through World Poker Tour final tables. Learn the process of analysis that goes into each hand played by the man with more tournament poker wins than anyone.

Size does matter Linda Johnso and Jan Fisher - Learn to adjust you strategy for short, average, and big stacks. Linda and Jan explain advanced stage strategies and show how to play while at various parts of the tournament.

If you are interested please call or click here for more information on this event.

Other Upcoming Camps (click below for more details)
7/23 & 7/24 CASH Camp in Vegas
7/25 & 7/26 CASH Camp Clinic (for alumni only)
8/8 & 8/9 Tournament Camp in Dallas
8/22 & 8/23 CASH Camp in Orlando
9/12 & 9/13 Tournament Camp in Vegas
10/3 & 10/4 CASH Camp in Vegas
10/24 & 10/25 Tournament Camp in Foxwoods

Register on-line for Champions using promotion Code W4988
For more info please call (866) 978-2668 or visit www.wptbootcamp.com

Intermediate Poker in an Advanced World

2009-04-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

By Joshua Spivack

What do sweaty plans and a rapid heart beat have in common?
No, it’s not the economy (at least not here).

It’s bad poker.

We all know it, we’ve all done it, and some of us are, well let’s face it, a part of it.

This is not your beginners guide to poker however. By now, you’ve realized the good hands versus the bad ones.

You know, things like why ace, four isn’t very decent at an eight person table and why you can go ahead and fold those tempting pocket fours when raised half your stack before the flop.

It’s time to get intermediate with the game.

The first thing to improve are your tells. Even after acquiring the hand and betting knowledge, it’s a beginners’ tells that makes them fresh for the pickin’.

However our strategy here is somewhat different than what you may have been told previously: That’s because we believe that to start, you should focus less on your tells and instead on the tells of those around you. Simply alerting your focus will in turn minimize your giveaways, and make you keen to your competitors’ cues.
Most players’ tells involve simple disinterest. Remember folks, this isn’t Rounders. The scratching of a nose or the blinking of an eye won’t tell you anything in a quick, sit-and-go game.
But more common than not a player will see their weak six, four and appear unimpressed, almost disappointed.

If you notice this, you need to do two things: First, challenge it, do some investigation. Raise pre-flop, talk to them if you can.

Remember, disappointment isn’t just facial.

On that note, equally important, excitement isn’t either. If a player gets a good hand, especially after a poor hand, they might do their best to maintain a straight face, but they’re probably going to sit up straight (indicating they’re ready for action) and be a little more poised all of the sudden.

You have to recognize these trends.

The second thing to do when you notice disappoint comes after the flop. It’s imperative that you don’t simply bet here. Keep in mind that if the flop is weak, and you recognized disappoint on a player’s face before that weak flop, there’s a decent chance that these two negatives spell a positive for this particular player. Remember, you have to have six, four to flop it. Don’t assume disappointment and bad flops spell a green light, if anything, it means the opposite.

However if you do sense disappoint it does allow you to at least play like you have top pair, and that read alone could win you a variety of pots while destroying the confidence of your opponents.
It’s important that as a player, when it comes to your own tells, that you view the cards in your hole, but don’t actually see them. When someone sees something, a reaction typically follows.
But if you merely glance at your cads, gathering the required information of suit and value, you are simply conducting reconnaissance to make an informed decision.

Others will be trying to gather reconnaissance on you, so give them nothing. Glance, but don’t see.

Sticking with this theme, perhaps the greatest mistake made by players still trying to master the game is looking at the flop.
Seems acceptable, if not normal. But in reality, you should never look at the flop as it is revealed. Instead, watch the people watching the flop.

Even if your confidant in your poker face, you’ll find there is much more to learn from others stuck looking at the board.
No part of the game has more significance. The flop determines hope while revealing misses and successful hits.

Once again, the most common theme here is sheer disappointment.

From this you can determine if your opponent’s bet is a bluff or if their check means weakness—or just as important, the opposites.

Finally, once the flop occurs, watch for players who look back at
their hands. This is almost always an indication of a flush or straight possibility.

That’s because players remember their value—whether or not they hit a pair—but not always one of their two suits. This is especially relevant if the board has three or more of one suit, with at least one card left to be revealed.

The same can be said in regards to flops that resemble possible straights, say nine, jack, queen. Once again, most players will remember if they hit a pair, but counting to five from the hole doesn’t typically begin until after the flop.

If you can recognize this, you can bully the runners out of the race.

The last topic in this intermediate poker lesson is your betting strategy. Noting betting styles is a focal point of intermediate poker. Perfecting this art is perhaps the greatest difference between early goodbyes and long awaited final tables.
While one’s own betting pattern is indeed essential, realizing the trends of others will serve you better in your own development.

We’re not going to discuss long-term betting strategies here. It can be very difficult to determine what an over aggressive player, who suddenly slows down, is really doing. Maybe they’re slow playing, maybe they’re disinterested, or maybe they’re hibernating to save chips and make cuts.

Instead we’ll discuss single hand strategies. If a player bets pre-flop, it’s natural to assume they have a decent hand, depending on the bet. Of course, despite my statement about long-term strategy preceding this, you still must take into account how that player has been playing. Not all pre-flop raises indicate decent hands.
Some will raise randomly, or against the book.

Nevertheless, a decent enough raise is a strong indicator that there’s probably face somewhere in their hole (don’t get any ideas). Use this knowledge once the flop comes. Is there a face card on the board? If not, and your opponent bets (especially if it’s a hard bet), they’re most likely trying buy their cards back.
Betting styles are also fairly noticeable on checks during obvious runner situations. If you have a decent enough hand and don’t want to succumb to that flush runner, don’t let the player across you check or make low calls, push him, as much as you can.
What this strategy emphasizes is that you, at all times, think more than what was just bet, but instead think back to the original bets and calls of that player for that hand.

There’s a large equation to sense in every single hand, and an even larger one throughout an entire game.

Finally, keep in mind that good players will often check great hands before the flop and after it, at worst making minimal wagers for value. Be keen for this, keeping aware that the bets of your opponents represent two things and two things only: What a bad player has, or what a good player wants you to think they have.

Good luck my friends!

CardGang "VegasFree" Freeroll kicks off on Sunday, 3rd May

2009-04-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

€3,000 package to Vegas up for grabs

April 27, 2009 (London, UK) – Bluff Europe has announced that the next leg of its popular Card Gang Series of freerolls will kick off on Sunday, 3rd May at 7pm down at NoIQPoker.com. It’s open to all comers, capped at 2,000 and first prize will be a €3,000 trip to Las Vegas, including flight and accommodation. All this is at zero financial risk to the players.

All you need to do is go to bluffeurope.com/cardgang and follow the simple on-screen instructions in order to sign up.

“This is the latest in a series of monthly freerolls aimed at giving Bluff Europe readers a free shot at really big prizes and having a lot of fun in the process,” said Michael Caselli, Editor-in-chief at Bluff Europe. “Players should keep their eyes peeled at www.bluffeurope.copm/cardgang for more excellent freerolls every month.”

NoIQ.com is one of Europe’s leading poker sites with some great features, including a €160,000 rake race, a VIP bonus system and a huge network of promotions with races and packages to Vegas.

Poker by Day

2009-04-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

By Joshua Spivack

Most of us would have fallen by now. The time, the pressure, the scrutiny of others, and that ever constant knowledge that one wrong move and it could all be for nothing.

And most do fall. An eager move here, out played there, Texas Hold ‘em is not a game for the faint hearted. Demanding a seemingly incalculable balance of timid yet aggressive play, it’s a game in which the cards tell but a small portion of the story.

Because the story is always told by its players.

Recently, I had the experience of meeting one of those players on a typical Wednesday afternoon at the Fort McDowell Casino off the AZ 87 Highway near Phoenix, Arizona.

His name was Brian Brennan, a young but confidant 23-year-old from nearby Scottsdale.

“(You can) spend about as much dough here as you would at a bar, but you rarely go home happy from the bar—and you never go home with more money,” Brennan said after winning third at a 55 player sit-and-go tournament.

Beats the awkward morning, we suppose.

Various casinos around the Valley offer Texas Hold ‘em cash games as well as tournaments. Wednesday’s $30 sit-and-go is a staple at Ft. McDowell, yet there’s a variety of cash games and afternoon to evening tournaments offered throughout the state, ranging from the cheap to the costly.

“I’m tryin’ to move past that point where I think I know what I’m doing and go to where I know what I’m doing,” Brennan said.
Unlike his own, modest poker description, Brennan’s a bit more aware at the table than he leads on.

As I watched the overly zealous, excessively patient, and seemingly indifferent fall in succession before a final gathering at this afternoon’s final table, it was easy to see the difference between the successful and the lucky.

Cards are going to fall, that’s a given to any poker player. Those willing to take risk will inevitably get lucky. But the successful player is the one who can implement careful yet poignant tactics based on the knowledge they have in front of them.

Brennan resembled the latter. Down to the final table, he continuously employed an aggressive technique to weak play, sensing the ability to capture empty pots; yet was willing to fold his failed bluffs when necessary.

Yet the deceive moment came when he changed this style, taking the table by surprise and giving himself enough chips to sit comfortably as the rest battled out the blinds. The moment came when he employed a slow play after flopping three of a kind, which ended up resulting in a full house (five’s full ten) once the board paired on the river. Acting weak, in bets and mannerisms, Brennan induced action before moving all-in on his river full house.

“This was the kind of table that had a lot,” said Bret Mathews, age 43, who lost seventh. Mathews played with his wife, Kathy, who fell earlier on in the tournament.

What Mathews was trying to say was that there was a wide range of playing styles that Wednesday afternoon. Often the theme at a the local casino, it can makes things difficult for a player used to certain styles, putting the emphasis on the individual’s ability to adhere to a variety of aggressive and passive strategies.
Usually however, it’s aggressive play that dominates these amateur tables.

“I’m an aggressive player, but that’s when I have the chips to make the investment. You gotta be careful about all those players early on who will make a random all-in (move) on you,” Brennan said.
Wednesday night was no different. It took approximately twenty minutes for eight players to bid adieu, usually moving all-in before the flop.

“You have to survive the riff-raff,” Brennan continued. “Yea you want to get involved. But unless you are sure you have him, stay out and wait.”

There’s the patience we were talking about.

And that aggressiveness?

“Of course you have to make your moves. It’s about mixing it up, bluffing aggressively, and making your moves, gaining your position when you can for later on,” Brennan said.

It’s an important lesson. As the rounds of drinks continued to be served and the cards dealt, patience moved to necessity for some as rising blinds forced players to make required moves, lest they be blinded out.

It’s a tough act to balance. Players can wait for the right hand, such as Brennan did when he got his boat, and set their traps, but if they let the clock tick for too long they’ll find how quickly the blinds can punish.

But in the end, it’s what it always has been about:

“Reading your players is key,” Brennan said. “Hell, if I did a better job at that I don’t sit here third. You need an idea of what the guy across you is doing. You can only play with your cards, but if I had my choice, I’d rather play with everyone else’s instead.”

We think that’ something any poker player could agree with.

Leading Online Poker Rooms Flock To Support Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival

2009-04-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

22 April 2009 (Manila, Philippines) – The Asian Poker Tour, Asia’s original poker tour, is delighted to announce that a number of leading online poker rooms have already signed up to provide online qualifiers for its popular Macau event. Last year’s six day event will be transformed into a record breaking 12 day extravaganza, creating Asia’s first festival of poker. The Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will run from August 12–23, 2009 at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and Casino in Macau. The success of the Asian Poker Tour sponsored poker room at the Starworld has led organizers to lay out these ambitious plans that represent another huge leap forward for poker in the region.

Amongst the online poker rooms and networks already committed to sending players are the iPoker Network, PartyPoker and Ongame Network, the third, fourth and fifth largest online poker networks respectively. In addition, online rooms Bwin, PKR, Dafa Poker, JBET Poker, Betfriends and 32Red will also be in on the action guaranteeing a significant online qualifier contingent. More online poker rooms are expected to sign up for the landmark event shortly.

Asian Poker Tour CEO Chris Parker said: “We are very encouraged by the enthusiasm of our partners to send players and we look forward to welcoming more online poker rooms on board. This year’s Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will be bigger and better with 12 days of non-stop poker action and fun. The Main Event has been extended, with the first of three day ones getting underway on August 19 and the televised final table scheduled for August 23. The Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will feature a side event schedule never seen in Asia before, including several new formats that will stir the curiosity of poker enthusiasts at all levels.”

“We are currently witnessing record numbers in our Asian Poker Tour sponsored room at the Starworld and six figure $US pots are now a regular occurrence. We believe Asia is ready for its first festival of poker and that it will establish Macau as an essential stop on the international circuit.”

Last year, the event attracted some of the most famous names in the game including Doyle Brunson, Jack Binion, Johnny Chan, John Juanda, Huck Seed, Liz Lieu, Todd Brunson, Kenny Tran and Poker Pack members Nam Le, Quinn Do, JC Tran, Steve Sung, David “Chino” Rheem, and Kwang Soo Lee. The 2008 Asian Poker Tour Macau Main Event was won by 20-year-old US hotshot Yevgeniy Timoshenko, who scooped US$500,000 after emerging triumphant from the star-studded field that featured players from over 40 countries.

Organizers and leading tournament director Matt Savage, fresh from a successful revamp of the LA Poker Classic, promise a lengthy and varied side event schedule that will appeal to all tastes, details of which will be confirmed in the near future. The buy-in for the Main Event is set at US$4,300 (US$4000+$300) while high-limit games and sit-n-go tables will run throughout the duration of the festival. Last year’s event hosted a HK$1,000,000 (US$129,000) high rollers game and this will be repeated but with the Asian Poker Tour sponsored poker room at the Starworld now experiencing six figure $US pots regularly, the stakes are expected to be significantly higher this year! As well as the action on the felt, the play off the felt promises to be extremely lively too with The Asian Poker Tour looking to top the legendary and award winning party held in Macau last year.

The last Asian Poker Tour event was held in the Philippines in January 2009 and was won by Manila rounder Neil Arce, who scooped US$185,000 for first prize after overcoming a field of 262 players from over 40 countries. The runner-up was the Republic of Korea’s Steve Yea, who repeated his second place in the Asian Poker Tour Macau 2008. Full details can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/

Manchester Gears Up For Bluff Europe Poker Academy

2009-04-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ian Frazer, Paul Jackson and Alex Rousso head new series of poker lectures

21 April, 2009 (London, UK) – Manchester’s 235 Casino is set to host the inaugural Bluff Europe Poker Academy next Saturday (26th April), as Europe’s biggest poker magazine offers you the chance to “learn from the pros”. Manchester is the first stop on a nationwide tour that will take in Birmingham, Dublin and London over the next month where the likes of Devilfish and Phil “the Unabomber” Laak will be joining in the fun.

The day comprises three hours of interactive lectures followed by four hours of tournament play with direct supervision from a pro. This tour, the first in a wider series of lectures, will address issues vital to poker success such as “the Theory of Poker”, luck and variance, mastering tilt, dealing with defeat, and bankroll management.

“This is a great opportunity for intermediate players to come along and improve their game by learning from some of the best players in the country and hopefully have a lot of fun at the same time,” said Master of Ceremonies Alex Rousso.

Poker in Manchester is burgeoning and, as the city’s premier luxury gaming, dining and live music club the Manchester 235 is the natural venue for the Academy’s first stop. The casino boasts contemporary interiors, classic and electronic gaming, stylish bars, an intimate music venue 235Live, and two distinctive restaurants.

Alex Rousso has a PhD in evolutionary psychology and has taught university undergraduates. He ran the family pickle importing business until he started making more money per hour playing poker. He now writes a column for Bluff Europe (as "Pickleman") and can be found most days online at the PLO cash tables.

Paul “Action” Jackson is a revered UK tournament player from the Midlands. Although he has enjoyed much success in the UK circuit, he is perhaps best known worldwide for his second place finish at the Monte Carlo Millions in 2005. His heads up battle against Phil Ivey, with its bluffing and re-bluffing, has become a YouTube classic.

Ian “The Raiser” Frazer is a familiar face to all viewers of poker on TV. His aggressive play and fearless reads have made him one of the most successful players of all time in the six-seater format.

There are still places available on all four stops of the tour but not for long so interested parties should hurry if they want to secure a place.

Tickets cost £125 + £25, which includes the tournament buy-in. For more information or to sign-up, visit www.bluffeurope.com/pokeracademy.

Poker in the Park III Announced – August 13th & 14th

2009-04-08T02:52:00.000-07:00

Europe’s largest poker festival returns to London’s Leicester Square this summer

April 8, 2008 (London, UK) – Europe’s largest free poker festival, Poker in the Park, will return to the middle of Leicester Square Park this summer. The third incarnation of consumer poker fair will take place on Thursday & Friday, August 13th and 14th.

This year promises to be even bigger and better than last year, with plenty of free live poker tournaments on offer, as well as live lectures and autograph signings from big name pros, plus all manner of discounted poker merchandise on sale.

Last year 10,000 people swarmed into the marquees in Leicester Square to play poker for free and listen to talks from the pros, including Devilfish, Neil Channing, Ian Frazer, Marc Goodwin, Paul Jackson and Nik Persaud. This year promises more big name players and exhibitions from some of the most exciting brands in the poker industry.

Bluff Europe’s Editor-in-Chief Michael Caselli said, “Poker in the Park is about bringing poker enthusiasts from all over the UK together to meet their poker heroes, improve their play and play poker absolutely free with other lovers of the game from all around the nation.”

Bluff Europe Poker Academy Hits the Road

2009-04-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Poker lecture series moves ahead with new dates and new pros

April 7, 2009 (London, UK) – Industry leading poker magazine, Bluff Europe’s, new Poker Academy gets officially underway in Manchester at the 235 Casino on Sunday, April 26th with pros Ian Frazer and Paul “Action” Jackson on board, with Bluff Europe’s own Alex Rousso directing the proceedings.

From there, the lecture tour moves to Birmingham at the Broadway Casino on Saturday, May 9th where Rousso and Frazer will be joined by the inimitable Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott. Devilfish rejoins the tour at the next stop, in Dublin’s Sporting Emporium, on 16th May, before winding up in London’s Casino at the Empire with top US pro Phil “The Unabomber” Laak on May 23rd – an modification to the original London date of 4th April.

The Bluff Europe Poker Academy comprises a series of affordable public lectures, followed by a tournament with direct professional supervision from a pro. The first lecture series will cover some of the most crucial concepts in professional poker, such as the fundamental theory of poker, luck and supervision, dealing with defeat and bankroll management.

Master of ceremonies Alex Rousso said, “This is great opportunity for poker enthusiasts to learn to improve their games with the help of some of the best players around. We really want to challenge you to think like a professional poker player.”

Michael Caselli, editor-in-chief of Bluff Europe echoed Rousso’s enthusiasm. “I’m really excited about the pros we have involved. We’ll be announcing who they are on Monday, but let’s just say they are huge!”

Tickets cost £150 + VAT, which includes a £25 tournament buy-in. Visit www.bluffeurope.com/pokeracademy for more details.

Sunday, April 26,
Manch235ter Casino - Manchester,
Paul "Action" Jackson &
Ian "Razor" Frazer

Saturday, May 9,
The Broadway Casino, Birmingham,
Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott & Paul Jackson

Saturday, May 16,
The Sportsman, Dublin,
Devilfish

Saturday, May 23,
Casino at the Empire, London,

Phil "Unabomber" Laak

WSOP Satellite Spots Up For Grabs With Bluff Europe’s Card Gang

2009-03-29T23:31:00.000-07:00

Bluff Europe’s Card Gang series kicks off Monday, March 30 at 8:00pm (GMT)

March 27, 2009 (London, UK) – Europe’s biggest poker magazine, Bluff Europe, has announced that the next step in its popular “Card Gang” series of tournaments will kick off at ParadisePoker.com this Monday (30 March) with over €1,200 in value added. Players who log-on at 20.00 GMT on Monday could find themselves winding up at the WSOP in Vegas by winning seats into ParadisePoker.com’s Vegas satellites.

Two €300 + €20 satellites entries to the weekly €10,500 GTD Vegas satellite are up for grabs, plus three €100+10 satellite entries to the weekly €3,500 GTD Vegas satellite, and for the runners-up, 20 x €1 super-satellite entries to the €100+€10 weekly €3,500 Vegas satellites, all for an initial stake of just €1.

The password for the tournament will be “BLUFF” and is available for registration under the “private” tab of the “multi-tourney” section at Paradisepoker.com.

Michael Caselli, Bluff Europe’s editor in chief said, “This is another great value tournament from our ever-popular Card Gang series. It’s all about offering punters great value tournaments for little or no financial risk of their own and giving them a real shot at winning a significant prize.”

Check out www.bluffeurope/cardgang for regular updates on tournaments and promos.

Jadestone To Launch Backgammon With Key Partners

2009-03-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

March 25, 2009 (Stockholm, Sweden) – Jadestone Networks, the Nordic based owner and operator of multiplayer gaming networks GamArena and DiceArena, announced today that partners bwin, NordicBet and Paf are first in line to welcome players to its soon to be launched Backgammon network.

Following hot on the heels of Jadestone’s recent rollout of the DiceArena multiplayer dice games network, the new Backgammon product will debut later this spring. Players will be able to enjoy a fully featured Backgammon experience with both heads-up games and tournaments from day one.

“It’s our ambition to serve our partners with high quality content in a timely manner,” said Tobias Nissen, Business Development Director at Jadestone. “Our new DiceArena platform lets us do that in a very cost-efficient and robust way. Backgammon is the first new game we deploy for our existing partners with a substantially reduced integration effort. It’s a win-win situation that also players will benefit from since they can keep their avatars and names across more games.”

The Backgammon network will be launched across Europe with support for 25 languages. It will be fully compliant with all commonly used competition rule sets and will include the same full-featured operations and anti-fraud systems as the DiceArena games.

The Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival To Run For Record Breaking 12 Days This August

2009-03-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Asia’s first festival of poker!

23 March 2009 (Manila, Philippines) – The Asian Poker Tour, http://www.asianpt.com/ Asia’s original poker tour, is delighted to announce that it has been given approval by authorities to expand its popular Macau event. Last year’s six day event will be transformed into a record breaking 12 day extravaganza creating Asia’s first festival of poker. The Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will run from August 12–23, 2009 at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and Casino in Macau. The success of the Asian Poker Tour sponsored poker room at the Starworld has led organizers to lay out these ambitious plans that represent another huge leap forward for poker in the region.

Last year, the event attracted some of the most famous names in the game including Doyle Brunson, Jack Binion, Johnny Chan, John Juanda, Huck Seed, Liz Lieu, Todd Brunson, Kenny Tran and Poker Pack members Nam Le, Quinn Do, JC Tran, Steve Sung, David “Chino” Rheem, and Kwang Soo Lee. The 2008 Asian Poker Tour Macau Main Event was won by 20-year-old US hotshot Yevgeniy Timoshenko, who scooped US$500,000 after emerging triumphant from the star-studded field that featured players from over 40 countries.

This year’s Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will be bigger and better with 12 days of non-stop poker action and fun. The Main Event has been extended, with the first of three day ones getting underway on August 19 and the televised final table scheduled for August 23. The buy-in is set at US$4,300 (US$4000+$300).

Aside from the Main Event, the Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will feature the largest range of side events ever seen in Asia - guaranteed to make the poker fest even more exciting and appealing to players at all levels. Organizers and tournament director Matt Savage promise a lengthy and varied side event schedule that will appeal to all tastes, details of which will be confirmed in the near future.

High-limit games and sit-n-go tables will run throughout the duration of the festival. Last year’s event hosted a HK$1,000,000 (US$129,000) high rollers game and this will be repeated but with the Asian Poker Tour sponsored poker room at the Starworld now witnessing six figure $US pots in games on a daily basis the stakes will be significantly raised! More details on this feature of the festival will also be confirmed in near future. As well as the action on the felt, the play off the felt promises to be extremely lively too with The Asian Poker Tour looking to top the legendary award winning party at the Macau event in 2008.

Asian Poker Tour CEO Chris Parker, is excited about bringing Asia’s first poker festival to Macau: “The Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival will feature a side event schedule never seen in Asia before, including several new formats that will stir the curiosity of poker enthusiasts at all levels. We believe Asia’s first festival of poker will establish Macau as an essential stop on the international poker circuit.”

The last Asian Poker Tour event was held in the Philippines in January 2009 and was won by Manila rounder Neil Arce, who scooped US$185,000 for first prize after overcoming a field of 262 players from over 40 countries. The runner-up was the Republic of Korea’s Steve Yea, who repeated his second place in the Asian Poker Tour Macau 2008.

Like 2008, online qualifiers are also expected to flock to the StarWorld as the Asian Poker Tour continues to gain support from leading online poker networks hosting satellites to the Main Event. The Asian Poker Tour is supported by Full Tilt Poker, iPoker Network, Titan Poker, DafaPoker, PKR, PartyPoker, JBet Poker, Everest Poker, Microgaming Network, 888, 32 Red Poker, National Poker League and the Japanese Poker League. Full details can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/

2009-03-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

CRYPTOLOGIC AND PARAMOUNT DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT STRIKE A DEAL

Games based off of Paramount Pictures’ properties to be developed and made available to CryptoLogic customers

17 March 2009 (Dublin, IRELAND,) – CryptoLogic Limited, a world leader in Internet casino and branded gaming software, today announced a multi-year agreement with Paramount Digital Entertainment that will bring some of the most famous movie characters in history to the Internet casino world beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Under the agreement, CryptoLogic gains the exclusive rights to offer online slot games based on more than 20 of Paramount Pictures’ collection of feature film titles, including Braveheart, Forrest Gump, Beowulf, Beverly Hills Cop, Ferris Bueller, Ghost and many others. CryptoLogic also has the opportunity to build a dedicated gaming site that would house all of its movie-themed games. The first games will launch in several international territories.

“We are very excited about this new relationship with Paramount Digital Entertainment as it both vindicates and enhances our strategic position. Paramount Pictures boasts an extensive catalogue of classic and new releases, and CryptoLogic makes the world’s best branded Internet casino games,” said Brian Hadfield, CryptoLogic’s president and CEO. “It’s been proven that CryptoLogic’s branded games drive Internet casino revenue — and we look forward to a mutually profitable relationship with this global entertainment leader.”

“As the online gaming industry continues to evolve as a destination for gamers, we feel that our films are a great fit for those looking to play on this new platform,” states Luke Letizia, Vice President Interactive Licensing Paramount Digital Entertainment. “We are excited to be able to work with CryptoLogic, a leader in this space, and are confident that they will develop games that are on par with the quality and caliber of Paramount Pictures properties.”

With more than 280 games, CryptoLogic has one of the most comprehensive casino suites on the Internet today. CryptoLogic has earned rave reviews from industry peers and players alike, and just recently earned Gambling Online Magazine’s Top Casino Software award for the fourth consecutive year. Based on the votes of players around the world, it is widely considered the industry’s top honour.

“CryptoLogic is building excellent momentum with a long and growing list of major entertainment brands as our partners and customers,” said Justin Thouin, CryptoLogic’s Vice President, Product Management and Business Development. “This agreement with Paramount Digital Entertainment strengthens CryptoLogic’s leadership in the branded gaming space.”

About CryptoLogic (www.cryptologic.com)

Focused on integrity and innovation, CryptoLogic Limited is a world-leading public developer and supplier of Internet gaming software. Its leadership in regulatory compliance makes it one of the very few companies with gaming software that is certified to strict standards similar to land-based gaming. WagerLogicâ Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CryptoLogic, is responsible for the licensing of its gaming software and services to blue-chip customers who offer their games to non-U.S. players around the world. For information on WagerLogic, please visit www.wagerlogic.com.

CryptoLogic’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (CRY, CXY), the NASDAQ Global Select Market (CRYP) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (CRP).

About Paramount Digital Entertainment

Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) is a division of Paramount Pictures Corporation. PDE develops and distributes filmed entertainment across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices, videogames, virtual worlds and emerging technologies.

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

Bluff Europe Magazine Launches The Bluff Europe Poker Academy

2009-03-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

The first Bluff Europe Poker Academy set to begin April 4th in London

March 12, 2009 (London, UK) – Bluff Europe, Europe’s biggest poker magazine, announces the establishment of the Bluff Europe Poker Academy -- a series of affordable public lecture tours and tournaments delivered by big name pros.

The first stop of the tour will kick off at 1:00pm at The Casino at the Empire in London on April 4th. The first lecture series will cover some of the most crucial concepts in professional poker, such as the fundamental theory of poker, luck and variance, dealing with defeat and bankroll management. Following the lectures will be a tournament during which students will be able to enjoy direct supervision from a big name pro.

Each seminar will be presided over by online poker whiz and Bluff Europe columnist Alex Rousso, who will be joined by some of the biggest stars of the game. Their names will be announced next week.

Master of ceremonies Alex Rousso said, “This is great opportunity for poker enthusiasts to learn to improve their games with the help of some of the best players around. We really want to challenge you to think like a professional poker player.”

Michael Caselli, editor-in-chief of Bluff Europe echoed Rousso’s enthusiasm. “I’m really excited about the pros we have involved. We’ll be announcing who they are on shortly but let’s just say they are huge!”

Forthcoming dates on the Poker Academy tour will be announced at the end of March. Tickets cost £150 + VAT, which includes a tournament buy-in.

For further details, please visit: www.bluffeurope.com/pokeracademy

BEAU RIVAGE HOSTS THE SPRING BREAK POKER CLASSIC

2009-02-23T13:58:00.000-08:00

BEAU RIVAGE HOSTS THE SPRING BREAK POKER CLASSIC
$2,500 Buy-In Main Event Brings Top Players to Biloxi for First Tournament in 2009 Series

BILOXI, Miss. – Feb. 20, 2009 – Poker action returns to MGM MIRAGE’s Beau Rivage in Biloxi with the Spring Break Poker Classic March 27-April 13. Twenty-two tournament events will be spread out over eighteen action-filled days with buy-ins from $200 up to $2,500 for the Spring Break Poker Classic Championship Event on April 8. In addition, there will be daily No-Limit Hold’em Tournaments, $270 + $30 Mega Satellites and Single Table Satellites, with buy-ins ranging from $45-$450, every day, and $175 buy-in + $25 entry fee Nightly Tournaments.

“The Spring Break Poker Classic is one of five major poker events we host at our MGM MIRAGE Mississippi resorts each year and the first in the series at Beau Rivage” said George P. Corchis, Jr., president and chief operating officer of MGM MIRAGE’s Mississippi Operations, which includes Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. “In addition to the prize money, the winner of the Spring Break Poker Championship Event ($2,500 buy-in +$100 entry fee) will win a $5,150 seat in the Gulf Coast Poker Championship Main Event scheduled to take place at Beau Rivage in September 2009.”

In addition to No-Limit Hold’em tournaments, other events in the Spring Break Poker Classic include Omaha 8/B; Pot Limit Omaha with Rebuys; Stud 8 or Better; Six Handed No-Limit Hold’em and HOSE. The popular Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS) No-Limit Texas Hold’em Tournament ($300 buy in + $40 entry fee) will take place on Sunday, April 5 at 11 a.m. The final event of the Spring Break Poker Classic, a No-Limit Hold’em charity tournament ($100 buy-in + $25 entry fee) benefitting the Mississippi Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Non-Violence, will take place on Easter Sunday, April 12 at noon.

Spring Break Poker Classic registration begins at 6 p.m. on March 27 and is open from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Room rates for players participating in the Spring Break Poker Classic are $79 weekday and $99 weekend. For room reservations or more information, please contact Donna at 228.386.7254. Blind structures and other details can be found on-line at www.beaurivage.com.

“MGM MIRAGE Mississippi’s five high-stakes poker tournaments provide an opportunity for poker enthusiasts of all levels to compete in a variety of events at both Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Gold Strike in Tunica,” said Ken Lambert, Jr., MGM MIRAGE Mississippi regional director of poker operations. “The tournaments grow in buy-ins and lead up to January’s World Poker Tour Southern Poker Championship and a chance to win a $25,500 seat in the WPT World Championship at Bellagio in April 2010.”

MGM MIRAGE MISSISSIPPI - POKER TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

March 5-16 Spring Poker Classic (Gold Strike) – $2,500 Main Event Buy-In
March 27-April 13 Spring Break Poker Classic (Beau Rivage) - $2,500 Main Event Buy-In
July 24-August 10 World Poker Open (Gold Strike) - $5,000 Main Event Buy-In
Sept. 3-14 Gulf Coast Poker Championship (Beau Rivage) $5,000 Main Event Buy-In
January 2010 Southern Poker Championship- $10,000 Main Event Buy-In

With high ceilings and an open floor plan, Beau Rivage’s smoke-free poker room is one of the most spacious and comfortable in the South. Located past a striking onyx and marble entryway, the poker room’s 16 tables are accentuated by luxurious leather-paneled walls. The room offers a variety of popular games including Texas Hold’em, 7-Card Stud and Omaha High Low Split, and a high stakes area where No-Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha encourage players to go all in. Dedicated amenities include personal safety deposit boxes, knowledgeable staff available 24 hours a day, tableside food and beverage service, daily tournaments and free lessons upon request.

ABOUT BEAU RIVAGE:
Casual elegance is redefined at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM MIRAGE’s destination resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Named one of the top 100 hotels in the continental United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure, Beau Rivage blends world-class amenities with world-famous Southern hospitality. Featuring 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites; 11 restaurants; four nightclubs and bars; a 1,550-seat theatre; an upscale shopping promenade; a world-class spa & salon; and Fallen Oak, a new Tom Fazio designed championship golf course; Beau Rivage offers the finest destination resort experience in the Southeast. For more information or to make reservations, call (888) 56-ROOMS or visit www.beaurivage.com.

Bluff Europe Gives Away €4,000 VIP Irish Open Package

2009-02-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

February 20, 2009 (London, UK) - Market leading poker magazine Bluff Europe is giving away a seat in the Main Event of Europe’s oldest and best loved poker festival, the Irish Open, through its “Card Gang” series of tournaments.

Players can register for the tournament, which costs €1 to enter and kicks off next Monday *23rd Feb at 8.05pm GMT), at www.bluffeurope.com/cardgang to play for their shot at poker glory. Sponsors Paddy Power have also added an extra €1,000 into the prize pool to give players that extra bit of value. Last year, Bluff columnist Neil Channing won over €800,000 for his first-place finish.

Editor in Chief of Bluff Europe Michael Caselli said, “The Irish Open has a lot of history and its unique in that there’s an amazing spirit of fun and friendliness that surrounds it. We’re thrilled to be able to give one of out readers the chance to compete in such an event, and who knows? They just might be the next Neil Channing.”

Bluff Europe Magazine Gives Away Seats to the Irish Open

2009-02-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

The “Card Gang” Irish Open Invitational this Monday, February 23

February 16, 2009 (London, UK) - Bluff Europe will be giving away a seat to the Irish Open next Monday (Feb 23rd) as the popular poker mag continues its successful “Card Gang” series of tournaments. Unlike previous freeroll events in the series, the Card Gang Irish Open Invitational will be a €1 rebuy tournament but, with the €4,000 Irish Open package up for grabs, plus an extra €1,000 in prize money added by the sponsor for the top 50 places, this is a tournament with some real value for the poker player.

The Irish Open is Europe’s oldest and most prestigious tournaments, and widely regarded as the friendliest stop on the European circuit. Last year, Bluff Europe columnist Neil “Bad Beat” Channing took home a hefty €800,000 for his first-place finish last year.

“Not only is this a tournament with massive, massive value for the poker player, but it’s also an opportunity for one player to share in the prestige of Europe’s best loved tournaments and have a shot a huge prize,” commented Philip Coneller, Editor of Bluff Europe.

To play, simply visit www.bluffeurope.com/cardgang and follow the simple on screen instructions.

The 2009 Canadian Open Poker Championships to be Held May 13-17 in Calgary

2009-02-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(MARKET WIRE)--Feb 9, 2009 -- The Canadian Poker Tour, owned and operated by HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc. (Other OTC:HDUP.PK - News), is proud to announce details of the 2009 Canadian Open Poker Championships. The event will be held May 13-17th, 2009 at the new Stampede Casino in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A total of 5 events will take place and will again this year feature a $5000 buy in Heads Up Main Event. Last year international professional poker players from around the world played in what has been branded the best structured heads up event in the world. "If only the NBC Invitational or World Series of Poker formats were half this good," commented 2005 WSOP Main event winner Joe Hachem. The Main Event will feature 128 players playing best 2 out of 3 with $10,000 in starting chips and 20 minute blinds.

In 2008, pros and celebrities such as Jennifer Tilly, Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Brad Booth and winner Huckleberry Seed all came to participate in one of Canada's premier televised poker events and this year is shaping up to be bigger and better. "The Canadian Open rocks!" stated poker pro Phil Laak known around the world as "The Unibomber", "I can't wait to come back."

With a total estimated prize pool of over $1,000,000 for the series of events, Calgary will be the centre of the poker universe during this week that is also known for its big money cash games running around the clock. Known for hosting its spectacular parties at major events, the Canadian Poker Tour will be announcing details of "The Ultimate Player's Party" to be held the night of Wednesday May 13 when brackets will be drawn for the main event.

As an officially sanctioned Canadian Poker Tour event, money winners in all 5 tournaments will earn valuable player points towards the CPT's Player's Point Championships to be held at the end of the year, crowning Canada's premier poker player. For more details please refer to www.canadianpokertour.tv or find out more in the February/March issue of Canadian Poker Player Magazine.

Registration for all events will be available next week through www.ticketmaster.ca or call the Stampede Poker room at 403-514-7058 directly. Satellite tournaments will be held daily until the event and details on online satellite qualifying will be announced later this week. For additional information please contact the Canadian Poker Tour offices at 403-269-9039.

Event Outline

Monday, May 11th - Main Event Satellites.
$65 Buy-in ($55+$10) @ 12pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for 7pm
satellite.
$550 Buy-in ($520+$30) @ 7pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for
Heads-up Main Event.

Tuesday, May 12th - Main Event Satellites.
$65 Buy-in ($55+$10) @ 12pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for 7pm
satellite.
$550 Buy-in ($520+$30) @ 7pm. 1 for every 10 players will qualify for
Heads-up Main Event.

Wednesday, May 13th - Event #1 - No Limit Hold'em - One day event @ 12pm.
$550 Buy-in ($500+$50) - 5000 in starting chips.

Thursday, May 14th - 29th - Event #2 - Main Event Heads-up Championship.
$5000 Buy-in ($4600+$400) - Maximum 128 players
Best 2 out of 3 match play. 10,000 in starting chips for each game.
---Bracket Drawing - Wednesday, May 13th. 10pm @ C.P.T. Ultimate Players
Party.

Friday, May 15th - Event #3 - Pot Limit Omaha - One day event @ 4pm.
$200 buy-in with $100 re-buys and $100 optional add-on.

Saturday, May 16th - Event #4 - No Limit Hold'em - One day event @ 2pm.
$1100 Buy-in ($1000+$100) - 10000 in starting chips.

Sunday, May 17th - Event #5 - No Limit Hold'em - One day event @ 12pm.
$550 Buy-in ($500+$50) - 5000 in starting chips.About HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc.

HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc. is a global media and entertainment company engaged in the creation of branded entertainment through the development, production and marketing of televised programming based on poker and other entertainment themes. For more information see the Company's website http://www.headsupentertainment.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this release, words such as "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "projected," "planned," forecasted" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are, by their very nature, not guarantees of HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc.'s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Due to the risks and uncertainties, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:
HeadsUp Entertainment International Inc.
Investor Relations
(403) 269-9039
Website: http://www.headsupentertainment.com

Local Favourite Neil Arce Wins 2009 Asian Poker Tour Philippines

2009-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Six Day Manila Poker Extravaganza Draws to a Close

Manila, Philippines – 2nd February 2009 – 25-year-old Neil Arce sent the local crowd wild with delight by taking down the 2009 Asian Poker Tour Philippines http://www.asianpt.com/ at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila. Arce conquered a field of 262 runners representing over 40 countries to scoop the first prize of US$185,000. The runner-up was Steve ‘joonhee’ Yea from South Korea who also finished second at the 2008 Asian Poker Tour Macau in August 2008. Leading Tournament Director Matt Savage oversaw the action in the $2500 + $200 Main Event which had a total prize pool of US$635,500 with 27 places being paid.

“This is just great,” said Arce, who is a well known figure on the Filipino poker circuit through running the Metro Card Club in Manila. “I always felt it would come down to me and Steve. For me the key to winning the tournament was position. I was so lucky that Steve was sat on my right – if he was on my left it would have been a completely different final table. I played with Steve all day yesterday when he was on a charge and kept out of his way. I knew that to get anywhere at the final table I had to keep applying pressure and my game plan worked perfectly.”

Arce had been chip leader after Day 1A and had even guaranteed Asian Poker Tour CEO Chris Parker before the event got underway that he would emerge victorious in the tournament. He was third in chips at the final table and faced some formidable opponents including the impressive Yea and internationally respected professionals Liz Lieu and Asian Poker Tour Macau 2008 finalist Kasey Castle. The key hand came just after the talkative Arce had taken the chip lead from Yea. He showed willingness over a series of hands to up the pre -flop aggression. On the final hand, he made what had become a standard open for him of 100,000. Steve Yea re-raised to 300,000. Arce moved all in and Yea called in a shot. Arce held Ks Qs with Yea Ad Kh leaving Arce as 3 -1 underdog. The flop came 4s 6c 7h and Yea was two cards away from a massive double up. Then the turn came the Qh and the partisan crowd exploded. The river came 6h which was of no use to Yea and the 2009 Asian Poker Tour Philippines had itself a very popular champion! After two consecutive Asian Poker Tour runner-up spots and a dominating performance over the last few days Yea could only say, “next time I will do it,” as he was commiserated by his tight knit group of supporters. Live reporting, prize payouts and hand specific details of the event can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/ and http://www.pokernews.com/live-reporting/

First out on the nine seat final table was Kim Tae Hyung from South Korea, followed by Finland’s Vesa Leikos. Glamorous US pro Liz Lieu went seventh, followed by fellow American Ron Kluber and Japan’s Susumu Toge. Cicurel Didiwe from the Seychelles finished fourth and US pro Kasey Castle in third. When it got heads-up Yea held the chip lead with 1,572,000 to Arce’s 1,048,000. Notable cashes in the event include 12thplace for Nam Le and 13th place for his fellow member of The Poker Pack Steve Sung. Australia’s Michael Pedley finished 10th and Matchroom Sport Director Eddie Hearn cashed in 16th.

Chris Parker CEO of the Asian Poker Tour said: “We would like to congratulate Neil on his fantastic win and thank all the players for making the 2009 Asian Poker Philippines such a successful event. We’d also like to thank all our partners for making this all happen, including the regulator PAGCOR.”

“There were some tired eyes after the FHM/DafaPoker party but the atmosphere around the final table was buzzing. Neil’s win is fantastic for poker in the Philippines – we hope that it strengthens the appeal of the game even further.”

Amongst those who were in the hunt for the title included Nam Le, Quinn Do, David ‘Chino’ Rheem, Steve Sung and Kwang Soo Lee – all members of the Asian Poker Tour’s elite team of ambassadors - The Poker Pack - who are currently in storming form on the international live circuit. They joined a field that also included 2008 Asian Poker Tour Philippines winner David Saab, 2009 Aussie Millions Highroller event winner David Steicke, Michael Pedley, 2009 PartyPoker.com Irish Poker Championship winner Rory Rees Brennan, Brian Huang, Ivan Tan, Andrew Scott and 1990 WSOP Main Event winner Mansour Matloubi. The Philippines was strongly represented in the field including WSOP bracelet winner Toto Leonidas. There were big contingents from South Korea and Japan, with 2008 Asian Poker Tour Philippines runner up Chris Roh and Yea leading the charge for South Korea and representatives from JBetPoker, Team J3PT and the Japan Poker League making up a formidable Japanese contingent that included Yasuhiro Waki and Yoshei Watanabe.

The Asian Poker Tour Philippines is drawing to a close and has been running since the 27th January. Amongst the side event winners are Henrik Eklund of Sweden who took down the PKR Headhunter tournament and Francis Uy of Manila who emerged victorious in the Ray Ban Invitational. Tommy Le followed his recent impressive Aussie Millions cash by taking down the 13 Card Tournament side event at 2009 Asian Poker Tour Philippines.

Quinn Do, a member of the Poker Pack was on the final table of the DafaPoker Pot-Limit Omaha Hi tournament and gave 50% of his winnings to charity. A special Filipino Celebrity Charity Event also took place and was won by ‘The Playgirls’ who won 100,000 pesos for charity. Over 200,000 pesos in total went to various local charities. The FHM/DafaPoker Player’s Party took place on the Saturday night and the famous Asian Poker Tour hospitality resulted in a massive poolside party hosted by FHM cover models that went on well into the night. Down in the poker room there was a 13 card tournament.

Coverage of this year’s Main Event will be televised and distributed internationally later in the year.

The Asian Poker Tour is supported by the iPoker Network, Titan, DafaPoker, PKR, PartyPoker, JBet Poker, Everest Poker, Microgaming Network, 888, 32 Red Poker, National Poker League and the Japanese Poker League . Full details can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/

ABOUT ASIANLOGIC (ALOG)

AsianLogic is a leading online and land-based gaming company focusing on the Asia-Pacific markets. The Company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: ALOG). AsianLogic owns and operates eight online casino brands and two online poker rooms as well as land-based sportsbook operations through its MegaSportsWorld brand. It is a specialist in Asia-specific games such as Mahjong, Cho-Da-Di, Do-Di-Zhu and 13 Card Poker. The Company owns and operates the Asian Poker Tour. The Company also maintains a corporate advisory team specialising in the gaming sector which is an active investor in gaming-related businesses as well as providing consultancy and analytical services. AsianLogic enjoys strong commercial relationships with leading gaming providers including Playtech, ID Games and LVS. Founded as ESL in 2002, AsianLogic employs over 300 employees, the majority of whom are based in the Philippines.

World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. AsianLogic and the Asian Poker Tour is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.

For more information and hi-resolution photos, please contact:

Warren Lush
+34656236600
warrenl@partygaming.com

Bluff Online Poker Challenge, Ultimate Battle to find World's Greatest Online Poker Player

2009-02-01T05:52:00.000-08:00

Bluff Magazine and Lock Poker announced an innovative new poker challenge to prove who truly is the best online tournament player. The winner of the challenge will be featured on the cover of an upcoming Bluff Magazine.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February 1, 2009 -- Bluff Magazine and Lock Poker announced an innovative new poker challenge to prove who truly is the best online tournament player. The competition will bring together the biggest and best online poker players. Each player starts with $200 and has 30 days to build the biggest bankroll possible. The winner will be featured on the cover of an upcoming Bluff Magazine.

The challenge begins March 1st and takes place exclusively at Lock Poker (www.lockpoker.com). The list of confirmed players include Eric "Rizen" Lynch, Jeff "Yellowsub" Williams, Garrett "GBecks" Beckman, Phil "USCphildo" Collins, Brett "Bhanks11" Hanks and Maria Ho. No re-buys or redeposits will be allowed, only SNGs and MTTs - cash games are prohibited. Players will have to stand up to the challenge. 30 days to prove your position, be passionate, know the game and own it.

Bluff will provide all participants with a Flip video camera to video blog on the Bluff site. Players will be uploading new video posts on a daily basis.

Visit www.lockpoker.com/challenge for complete challenge details and coverage.

Lock Poker will also be running a contest beginning February 1st-28th to give away one seat in the BOPC in March. In order to win the wild card invite you have to be the Frequent Player Points leader for the month of February. Visit www.lockpoker.com for more details.

Bluff and Lock Poker continues to be at the forefront of the poker industry leading with innovation. The Bluff Poker Challenge will help bring the best and biggest online poker stars to the mainstream.

Christina Lindley to Play in Harrah’s Tunica World Series of Poker Circuit Event

2009-01-30T06:06:00.000-08:00

Actress, Model, Professional Poker Player / Blogger, and Former Tennessean Christina Lindley to Play in Harrah’s Tunica World Series of Poker Circuit Event

TUNICA, MS - January 23, 2009 – Fresh from filming “Best Damn Poker Show 2” on ESPN actress, model, poker player / blogger, and former Nashville, Tennessee resident is making her way to Tunica, Mississippi to compete in the World Series of Poker Circuit Event at Harrah’s Tunica. Lindley will meet and greet fans and sign autographs Saturday, January 31, 2009 from noon to 2 p.m.

At the early age of fourteen, Christina got her first big break when a photographer discovered her at a mall in Georgia. He entered her in the Seventeen Magazine/JCPenney Cover Model Contest and Christina was one of the finalists. She appeared in her first layout in Seventeen Magazine followed by YM. Since then she appeared in countless national and international magazines including: “Maxim,” “Stuff,” :FHM,” “Celebrity Interview in Playboy,” “Fitness RX,” “Muscle And Fitness,” “TV Direkt,” “Olympian News,” “Ironman Magazine,” Boss,” “Muscular Development,” “MuscleMag,” “In Touch Weekly,” “People,” and “Star Magazine.”

Her national campaigns for print, commercial, and endorsements have included: Penta water, Vizio Flat screen Televisions, Pantene Pro-V, Strut, BSN, Bodybuilding.com, Lasvegasdirect.com, movietickets.com, and several others.

Once she found success in the modeling and fitness industry, naturally, the road led west. Christina packed up and moved to Hollywood intent on pursuing a career as an actress in film and television.

No stranger to hard work, she hit the ground running immediately engrossing herself in training with the best acting coaches in Hollywood including: Howard Fine, Larry Moss, and Eric Morris. She also began honing her comedic chops at the world famous Groundlings in Los Angeles. The Groundlings is the famous launching pad for the likes of Phil Hartman, Will Ferrell, and countless other SNL Alum.

In the short time since her arrival in LA, she has extensive film and television credits to her name. She just wrapped on three projects that will be released in 2008: A guest starring role on the all improv non-scripted "Head Case" on STARZ! Network starring Alexandra Wentworth, and she costars alongside the likes of Tom Cavanaugh in the first ever Lifetime miniseries produced by Emmy award Winning producer Stanley Brooks called "The Capture of the Green River Killer", as well as cameo in the feature film "Playboys" starring Trever Moore and Zach Creggor.

Her past film and television credits include: a costarring role in the 20th Century Fox film "The Marine" starring John Cena and Kelly Carlson, a national promo for the NFL and NBC promoting the FLEX SCHEDULE, "Campus Ladies" for Oxygen and famed “Curb your Enthusiasm” director Robert B. Weide, HBO's “Entourage,” appearing in the second season on MTV's popular tv show "Wild N'Out" with Nick Cannon as a "Wild N'Out" girl, GRB Entertainment's "Princes of Malibu". A guest star on Bravo's “Blowout,” Spike TV's “Video Game Awards” assisting Snoop Dogg in giving geeks there cheat codes, SPIKE TV's guide to dating for men called "The Playbook.” “Undiscovered” starring Ashley Simpson (The Hot Chick), Carrie Fischer (Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle) and Kip Perdue (Thirteen), as well as a Nick Cassavettes film (he directed “John Q and The Notebook”) called “Alpha Dogs,” featuring Bruce Willis (The Whole Ten Yards), Justin Timberlake (Longshot), and Sharon Stone (Catwoman).

A native of the South, Christina grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended high school in Nashville, Tennessee.

Christina currently resides in Los Angeles, and is a contributing writer to several national fitness magazines.

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment through operating subsidiaries. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada over 70 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions, and now owns or manages casinos on four continents. The company’s properties operate primarily under the Harrah’s, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names; Harrah’s also owns the London Clubs International family of casinos. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. More information about Harrah's is available at www.harrahs.com

Contact: Patrick Collins 662-357-6924, pcollins1@harrahs.com

The 2009 Asian Poker Tour Philippines Main Event Underway

2009-01-30T05:57:00.000-08:00

30 January 2009 (Manila, Philippines) – The 2009 Asian Poker Tour Philippines Main Event is underway and runs until the 1st February at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila. Tournament Director Matt Savage has just announced that the $2500 + $200 Main Event has 262 runners with a total prize pool of US$635,500. First place will take home US$185,000 with 27 places being paid. 27th will get more than double their buy-in back. Live reporting and further details of the event can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/ and http://www.pokernews.com/live-reporting/

Amongst those in the hunt for the title include Nam Le, Quinn Do, David ‘Chino’ Rheem, Steve Sung and Kwang Soo Lee – all members of the Asian Poker Tour’s elite team of ambassadors - The Poker Pack - who are currently in storming form on the international live circuit. They join a field that also includes 2008 Asian Poker Tour Philippines winner David Saab, Liz Lieu, Kasey Castle, 2009 Aussie Millions Highroller event winner David Steicke, Michael Pedley, 2009 PartyPoker.com Irish Poker Championship winner Rory Rees Brennan, Brian Huang, Ivan Tan, Andrew Scott and 1990 WSOP Main Event winner Mansour Matloubi.

The Philippines is strongly represented in the field and are led by WSOP bracelet winner Toto Leonidas with William Te Jr and Ramil Tandoc fancied to run well by the Filipino poker community. There are big contingents from South Korea and Japan, with 2008 Asian Poker Tour Philippines runner up Chris Roh and 2008 Asian Poker Tour Macau runner-up Joon Hee Yeah leading the charge for South Korea and representatives from JBetPoker, Team J3PT and the Japan Poker League making up a formidable Japanese contingent that includes Yasuhiro Waki and Yoshei Watanabe.

Chris Parker, CEO of the Asian Poker Tour said: “We’re very pleased with the field and turnout which features players from all over the world. There are so many that are returning to play again after experiencing last year’s event. We’d like to thank all the players for coming to Manila and hope they all enjoy the famous Asian Poker Tour hospitality.”

The Asian Poker Tour Philippines has been running since the 27th January and is a six day festival of poker with extremely lively side action, with sit and gos and cash games running day and night. Amongst the side event winners so far are Henrik Eklund of Sweden who took down the PKR Headhunter tournament and Francis Uy of Manila who emerged victorious in the Ray Ban Invitational. A special Filipino Celebrity Charity Event has also taken place and was won by ‘The Playgirls’ who won 100,000 pesos for charity. Over 200,000 pesos in total went to various local charities.

The FHM/DafaPoker Player’s Party takes place on Saturday at 19.30 and promises to be ‘tastefully wild,’ with FHM cover models the hostesses. After the party, the Asian Poker Tour and FHM have hired party buses to take players around Manila’s hotspots. DafaPoker is the official partner of the Asian Poker Tour in presenting the Pot-Limit Omaha Hi tournament – a first for a major Asian Tour. The game is scheduled to take place at 14.00 on the 31st January. The buy-in for this tournament will be $185 + $15. On the same day at 19.00 there will also be a hugely anticipated 13 card tournament featuring a $460 +$40 buy-in. Other highlights include the world’s first GREED tournament.

Coverage of this year’s Main Event will be televised and distributed internationally later in the year.

The Asian Poker Tour is supported by the iPoker Network, Titan, Dafa Poker, PKR, PartyPoker, JBet Poker, Everest Poker, Microgaming Network, 888, 32 Red Poker, National Poker League and the Japanese Poker League. Full details can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/

Bluff Europe’s $5,000 Card Gang Freeroll Kicks Off Today!

2009-01-28T04:07:00.000-08:00

Sign up to play for $5,000

January 29, 2009 (London, UK) Sign up for your free shot at a $5,000 prize pool with Bluff Europe’s exclusive $5,000 Card Gang Freeroll. The freeroll, which is brought to you in association with 32Red.com, kicks off today (Thursday 29th January at 20.00 GMT) and is open to everyone. Simply visit www.bluffeurope.com/cardgang to get detailed information on how to download the software, plus the all important password for the tournament, as well as a special 100% sign-up bonus for those who wish to deposit at 32Red.com after the freeroll.

Bluff Europe’s editor-in-chief Michael Caselli thinks the tournament will be just as successful as its predecessors. “These “Card Gang” promotions are proving madly popular and this is another excellent opportunity for readers to win themselves some free money – which we all know poker players love doing!”

Visit www.bluffeurope.com/cardgang

Four-month break intact for World Series of Poker tournament

2009-01-25T19:42:00.000-08:00

Four-month break intact for World Series of Poker tournament

LAS VEGAS — Organizers of the World Series of Poker plan to keep a four-month break intact for their no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event starting in July, and are adding a one-time US$40,000 buy-in tournament at the start of the series to commemorate its 40th anniversary.

The break, which began last year, delayed the final table of the world's richest poker tournament to allow ESPN television broadcasts to air without viewers knowing the winner. The tournament field whittled from 6,844 players to nine in July, and the remaining players didn't meet again until November, when Peter Eastgate became the youngest winner and won $9.15 million.

Tournament and cable network officials said ratings went up 50 per cent for last year's final table, which aired the same day play finished.

Dennis Phillips, a trucking account manager from Cottage Hills, Ill., who won $4.5 million for finishing third in the main event last year, said that while he thought the break was a good thing, he thought 117 days was an extremely long time.

"I was hoping they could cut it down," Phillips told The Associated Press on Sunday. "I think it would help - it just seemed like it went on forever. I was ready for the final table probably 60 days after the break."

Phil Hellmuth, an 11-time gold bracelet winner at the series, said most players think the main event's break is good for the game, allowing for more buildup to a winner and creating a bigger spectacle when the final nine players finally square off.

The World Series of Poker, starting May 27 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, will have 57 gold bracelet events, up from 55 last year. The main event starts July 3 and a winner will be crowned Nov. 10.

The special $40,000 no-limit Hold 'em tournament is the first series tournament to be held after a $500 tournament for casino employees only.

Hellmuth said Sunday that the high price tag of the event - only a $50,000 rotating-game H.O.R.S.E. tournament costs more to enter - could make players feel like it rivals the main event in terms of prestige.

"Given my druthers, I'd like to see that be a $25,000 buy in, but for the 40th anniversary, 40 seems OK," Hellmuth said.

Last year, the main event and H.O.R.S.E. events were considered the most coveted tournaments. Higher buy-in prices mean fewer players will be able to enter, making it more likely that recognizable pros like Hellmuth and others will make up the final table. Poker professional Scotty Nguyen, who won the main event in 1998, took home nearly $2 million for winning the H.O.R.S.E. tournament last year.

The series is also offering what it calls a "stimulus special," a $1,000 buy-in event during the first weekend that it hopes will attract a record crowd for a non-main event tournament.

Gone from the series are five re-buy events, in which players were allowed to buy themselves back into the tournament after they got knocked out.

"I think that's a mistake," Hellmuth said.

Hellmuth said he likes re-buy tournaments not because he likes to spend money to stay in a tournament, but because opponents assume they will have to and therefore don't play as well as they should.

He said that players like himself and Johnny Chan, a two-time world champion in 1987 and 1988, need only one buy-in to do well in re-buy tournaments.

"I don't think you can buy a bracelet," he said.

Playing Online Poker Can Earn Students Extra Cash

2009-01-23T04:59:00.000-08:00

Become a Campus Rep at College Poker and earn extra cash simply by recruiting online poker players.

Gibraltar (PRWEB) January 23, 2009 -- College Poker is an online poker room that is looking for Campus Reps to sign up new players. Each new player that is recruited and plays at College Poker will earn the Campus Rep a $5 bounty.

To qualify as a Campus Poker Rep players need to load the free poker software onto their computer, register valid contact details, participate in at least one tournament in the College Poker Series and then start recruiting. Each new player that they get to sign up and play will earn them $5.

As an added incentive between February 2009 and May 2009 Campus Reps who qualify for the monthly "Rewards Rumble" will be able to play for a $1,000 Rep bonus reward.

All interested parties must please send a Campus Rep application to campusreps@collegepoker.com with an explanation of why we should choose you before signing up to this initiative.

About Carmen Media

College Poker is an initiative brought to you by Cool Hand Poker and is part of the Carmen Media Group.

The Carmen Media Group is a global gaming and entertainment group which was incorporated in Gibraltar and formed in 2002 out of the Demmy Group of companies. Its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd is licensed from Gibraltar to operate casinos and multiplayer poker in the online domain.

Carmen Media owns many of the world's oldest and most respected online gaming sites including The Gaming Club Online Casino (founded 1995), Jackpot City Online Casino, River Belle Online Casino (founded 1997) and Lucky Nugget Online Casino, as well as Cool Hand Poker.

Carmen Media products and online gaming brands are promoted through the industry leading gaming affiliate program ReferBack, thereby affording its partners opportunities to market English, French, Italian, German and Spanish products.

The Carmen Media Group is incorporated and based in Gibraltar. Its products are operated by its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd under a license issued by the Government of Gibraltar, and all of its flagship casino brands have been awarded the eCOGRA seal of approval.

For more information on Carmen Media, please visit http://www.carmenmedia.com.

Manila Is A Poker And Party Paradise!

2009-01-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

Countdown is on to Asian Poker Tour Philippines

22nd January 2009 (Manila, Philippines) – The countdown is on to the keenly anticipated Asian Poker Tour Philippines, which gets underway on the 27th January and runs until the 1st February at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila. The highlight is the $2500 + $200 No Limit Hold’em Main Event, which runs from the 29th January – 1st February. The latest news sees the confirmation of an FHM sponsored party, a celebrity event and a PKR sponsored bounty tournament.

Parties on the Asian Poker Tour in Manila and Macau last year have taken on legendary status and have even won an award! One highlight for this year’s event is definitely the FHM/DafaPoker Player’s Party, which starts at 19.30 on the 31st January and promises to be ‘tastefully wild,’ with FHM planning to send plenty of their cover models. After the party, the Asian Poker Tour and FHM have hired party buses to take players around Manila’s hotspots. At 20.00 on the 27th January, the Asian Poker Tour Celebrity Challenge, presented by Ray Ban, FHM and JBet, also promises to be lively. 20 celebrities will take part and the Asian Poker Tour and sponsors will be donating a minimum of 200,000 pesos to the charities of the celebrities’ choice. More details are to follow on this event but expect a twist to proceedings!

The Asian Poker Tour is also delighted to introduce the PKR Headhunter Tournament to the fantastic range of side action at the event. Getting underway at 19.30 on the 28th January the $250 + $20 tournament will feature members of The Poker Pack as bounties including Nam Le, David ‘Chino’ Rheem, Quinn Do, Steve Sung and Kwang Soo Lee. A recent online bounty tournament featuring members of The Poker Pack, who are currently on a phenomenal run on the world circuit, broke all records on next generation site PKR.

DafaPoker is the official partner of the Asian Poker Tour in presenting the Pot-Limit Omaha Hi tournament – a first for a major Asian Tour. The game is scheduled to take place at 14.00 on the 31st January. The buy-in for this tournament will be $185 + $15. On the same day at 19.00 there will also be a hugely anticipated 13 card tournament featuring a $460 +$40 buy-in. Other highlights include the world’s first GREED tournament and a huge range of cash games, sit and gos and satellites into the Main Event. Registration for the Main Event starts on the 27th January with welcome ceremony cocktails on the evening of the 28th January.

Chris Parker, CEO of the Asian Poker Tour said: “The excitement is building as the clock ticks down to the Asian Poker Tour Philippines. Manila is one of the most fun cities in the world and the event will reflect this. We are delighted with our package of famous parties and the range of side action around our prestigious Main Event. This is one experience not to miss!”

Last year’s Asian Poker Tour Philippines winner was Australia’s David Saab, who scooped first place and $280,000. Coverage of this year’s Main Event will be televised and distributed internationally later in the year. Overseeing the action will be leading tournament director Matt Savage.

The Asian Poker Tour is supported by the iPoker Network, Titan, Dafa Poker, PKR, PartyPoker, Everest, 888, JBet Poker, 32 Red Poker, Microgaming Network and Everleaf Network. Full details can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/

For more information please contact:
Melissa Ross
Lyceum Media for Asian Poker Tour
Melissa@lyceummedia.com

About the Asian Poker Tour
The Asian Poker Tour (APT) was recently acquired by AsianLogic (AIM:ALOG). After holding two successful tournaments in 2008, the APT plans to hold at least four major events in 2009. Each tournament is set to attract live players as well as internet players who will qualify via online satellites. For more information, log on to the official web site at www.asianpt.com.

About AsianLogic
AsianLogic is a leading online and land-based gaming company focusing on the Asia-Pacific markets. The Company operates eight online casino brands and four online poker rooms as well as land-based sportsbook operations through its MegaSportsWorld brand. It is a specialist in Asia-specific games such as Mahjong, Cho-Da-Di, Do-Di-Zhu and 13 Card Poker. The company owns and operates the Asian Poker Tour.

World Poker Tour Boot Camp Adds New Stops in 2009

2009-01-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

World Poker Tour Boot Camp Adds New Stops in 2009

New York, Chicago, San Jose, Dallas & Orlando Added to Las Vegas and Atlantic City

SUNRISE, FL - Entering its fifth year of educating poker players throughout the country, the World Poker Tour Boot Camp has announced its 2009 schedule with some new and interesting stops along the way. WPT Boot Camp is breaking its own mold of teaching Boot Camps only at casino properties.

"Since the beginning, we've exclusively been in Las Vegas, Foxwoods, Atlantic City, Gulfport and other casino towns," explained WPT Boot Camp Founder, Ron Rubens. "We're now bringing our Boot Camps to our clients rather than making our clients come to us."

With the release of their 2009 schedule, potential boot campers will find Camps in New York, Chicago, San Jose, Dallas and Orlando, along with usual stops in casino towns like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. The Camps offer poker training sessions designed to teach players how to make money playing poker. Whether it's cash games or tournaments, live or on-line, WPT Boot Camp teaches a game plan for winning. They are taught in hands-on interactive workshops by professional poker players. These Pros are carefully selected for their success in poker, teaching ability, desire to share, and passion for the game.

"I get emails from past students daily who are making serious income from poker since taking their Boot Camps. A number of them have left their jobs and become professional poker players and are now living their dream," says Rubens.

WPT Boot Camp class sizes are strictly limited and are almost always sold out weeks to a month or so in advance. For information or to book a seat, call 866-WPT-BOOT (866-978-2668) or visit www.wptbootcamp.com.

ABOUT THE WPT BOOT CAMP

Founded in 2004, the WPT Boot Camp has now hosted over 130 Boot Camps with over 6,000alumni. The most popular and most frequently offered Boot Camps are the two-day Tournament camps. They also offer a two-day Cash strategy camp, a Three Day Champions Event and a week-long Caribbean camp where over $225,000 in prizes and entry fees are awarded. Prospective boot campers can book a seat or get more information by calling 866-WPT-BOOT (866-978-2668) or by visiting www.wptbootcamp.com.

Carbon Poker Bad Beat Jackpot Smashes $1,000,000 - Biggest Ever!

2009-01-21T04:43:00.000-08:00

Carbon Poker will soon be proud to lay claim to the biggest ever Bad Beat Jackpot. The Jackpot, which has just broken the 7 figure mark - $1,000,000, has not only brought a marked increase in action to the Carbon Poker card room and the Merge Gaming Network, but is only days away from breaking the record and becoming the biggest ever Bad Beat Jackpot.

Dublin, Ireland (PRWEB) January 21, 2009 -- Carbon Poker will soon be proud to lay claim to the biggest ever Bad Beat Jackpot. The Jackpot, which has just broken the 7 figure mark - $1,000,000, has not only brought a marked increase in action to the Carbon Poker card room and the Merge Gaming Network, but is only days away from breaking the record and becoming the biggest ever Bad Beat Jackpot.

The listed Bad Beat tables, which range from $.50/$1 to $5/$10 at the high end, are constantly full around the clock Players have been flocking to play at Carbon Poker as we are offering the lowest qualifying hand as well as the largest prize pool at any card room ever, this is an industry first.

It's a very exciting time at Carbon Poker, a lot is happening, the players love it and they are tuning in to what we are doing

"The listed Bad Beat tables, which range from $.50/$1 to $5/$10 at the high end, are constantly full around the clock," commented Jay Manning, a Carbon spokesman. "Players have been flocking to play at Carbon Poker as we are offering the lowest qualifying hand as well as the largest prize pool at any card room ever, this is an industry first."

The Bad Beat Jackpot, first introduced by Carbon Poker in mid 2008, and which has yet to pay out since its introduction, is seeded by $0.50 from every pot on all listed Bad Beat tables and pays out when a hand of quad 7's or better is busted. Currently, this is the lowest qualifying hand for a bad beat in the online industry.

The Bad Beat Jackpot isn't the only thing happening at Carbon Poker, with the highly anticipated 4.5 version of their gaming platform to be launched next month. The new software, which features an advanced mini mode and table customizer also coincides with the release of the new VIP program that will incorporate a brand new online store. "It's a very exciting time at Carbon Poker, a lot is happening, the players love it and they are tuning in to what we are doing," stated Manning.

See the live jackpot at: www.carbonpoker.com

About Carbon Poker:
Carbon Poker is the fresh new face in the online poker world, growing rapidly and sporting a stylish look, Carbon Poker is an online poker room dedicated to providing users with the best possible online gaming experience. Carbon Poker accepts players worldwide and is focused on catering to all player groups through active promotions, game variety, quality software and security.

ChipMeUp and Asian Poker Tour’s Poker Pack Announce Collaboration

2009-01-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2009 (London, UK) -- Leading poker staking website, www.chipmeup.pokernews.com, is pleased to announce a collaboration with The Asian Poker Tour’s (APT) Poker Pack at the 2009 Aussie Millions. The collaboration between leading poker staking website, ChipMeUp and The Asian Poker Tour’s (APT) Poker Pack will see the five world-class pros put up a piece of their play at the 2009 Aussie Millions for the public to invest in.

The Asian Poker Tour is highly regarded as the biggest and most coveted tour in Asia with two successful stops under their belt in 2008 and an expanded tour in 2009. They have recently hand selected a team of talented individuals of Asian origin – dubbed The Poker Pack – who are ambassadors for the brand and share among themselves total live tournament winnings of over $22 Million. This premiere team is made up of Nam Le, JC Tran, David ‘Chino’ Rheem, Kwang Soo Lee, Steve Sung and Quinn Do.

ChipMeUp is a website that allows players to buy/sell shares of themselves at some of the world’s biggest live and online poker events. Subscription is free with only a small fee charged for players wanting to put up a percentage of their play.

Each Asian Poker Tour Poker Pack pro will put up 5 per cent of themselves in the 2009 Aussie Millions Main Event that will feature a guaranteed AUD2 Million first prize. The Poker Pack members will be donating all funds received from their 5% sale to the Shane Warne Foundation (http://www.tswf.com.au). Unlike other charities, the Shane Warne Foundation does not directly work with the children; rather they distribute monies raised to established charities that provide essential help and services to children. The Foundation accepts submissions from Charities that are in dire need for facilities such as equipment, emergency transport; or services such as therapy, counseling, life saving operations, specialist care, housing – the list is endless.

CHIPMEUP members, hktom and coughshamen who managed to snap up shares in The Poker Pack, have also joined the charity drive and will donate winnings from their purchased shares. To buy a piece of The Poker Pack, visit ChipMeUp, find the player you wish to stake and simply transfer the funds

Obama Urged To Reform UIGEA

2009-01-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

The official website of American President-Elect Barack Obama at Change.gov is asking citizens to log in and share their ideas on what policies would make for a better future.

The site’s Citizen’s Briefing Book allows members of the public to log in and post their ideas on what Obama, due to be inaugurated tomorrow afternoon as the nation’s 44th US President, should do once in office.

One such idea entitled ‘Boost America's Economy With Legal Online Poker’ has received 1,189 comments so far and almost 40,000 ‘Vote Up’ approvals. Created early last week by ‘AAHue’, the topic calls for Obama to help end the current prohibition on playing poker over the Internet once he becomes President.

“Let online poker players in the United States play legally and without fear of prosecution,” reads the idea.

“Reform the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to exempt poker, a game of skill, from the law. Boost the economy by letting American companies and American players make money and pay taxes instead of sending online poker businesses offshore. Protect online poker players by regulating the industry to ensure that no one is ever cheated.”

Most responses to the idea of allowing legalised and regulated online poker sites have been positive with numerous replies highlighting the fact that poker has been ruled a game of skill rather than chance.

“Legalise online poker, which is not ‘gambling’ but a skill game, even a sport,” wrote ‘User 66082319’.

“Online poker is clearly legal for poker players in all western democracies except America,” wrote ‘JoeF’.

“In America, you can gamble millions in a casino on a roulette wheel or slot machine but you can't play a game of skill such as poker for pennies on the Internet. This is nonsense.”

Will poker ruling open floodgates?

2009-01-18T05:57:00.000-08:00

Writing for the on-line Poker News Daily, Dan Cypra reports a Pennsylvania judge on Friday ruled that Texas Hold ’Em is a game of skill and therefore not gambling under state law.

The distinction is important and the decision, if upheld, is expected to be cited in other courtrooms in other states in the future as prosecutors and card-dealing defendants increasingly face off over what is unlawful gambling, and what is not.

That question is particularly critical under the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act approved by Congress in 2006. That controversial federal law leaves it to the states to determine the definition of unlawful gambling within their borders. Most state laws already make a sharp distinction between "games of chance" and "games of skill."

If gambling must be based on chance, then games of skill can't be gambling.

However, one aspect of this debate yet to be judicially addressed is the matter of state taxation and regulation. It may not be long in these recessionary times before a state somewhere asserts that commercially operated games of skill -- like poker that contain an element of chance -- are not legal unless regulated by the state, and taxed of course.

The national debate is far from over. And the incoming administration with its famously poker-playing president, is widely expected to mount an effort to re-write or overturn the UIGEA.

And that effort may very well set a new national tone for tolerance of gambling and mark the beginning of an era of state and federal lawmaking aimed at expanding the legal boundaries of games Americans may play for money.

Bluff Europe and 32Red.com’s $5,000 Card Gang Freeroll

2009-01-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2009 (London, UK) Nothing makes a poker player’s eyes light up brighter than the promise of free money, which is why Bluff Europe (www.bluffeurope.com) has got together with 32Red.com to offer its readers the chance to compete for a $5,000 prize pool with absolutely no financial risk of their own.

The freeroll, hosted by 32Red.com, kicks off on Thursday 29th January at 20.00 GMT and is accessible by visiting www.bluffeurope.com/cardgang. This webpage contains detailed information on how to download the software, the all important password for the tournament, and a special sign-up bonus for those who wish to deposit at 32.Red.com.

Bluff Europe’s editor Philip thinks the tournament will be just as successful as its predecessors. “Our new Bluff Europe “Card Gang” promotions are proving really popular and this is another great chance for readers to win themselves some free money – which we all know poker players love doing!”

Visit www.bluffeurope.com/cardgang

Everest Poker & Casino Expand Instant Bank Transfers for Germany, Austria & Switzerland

2009-01-14T04:22:00.000-08:00

Few online poker rooms can match the accessibility and security granted to players by DIRECTebanking, and now the popular service is available to Everest Poker players in Germany, Austria & Switzerland.

Montreal, QC (PRWEB) January 14, 2009 -- Everest Poker (www.everestpoker.com) and Everest Casino (www.everestcasino.com) are pleased to announce that both online gaming properties have made the most trusted and popular online gaming payment solution, DIRECTebanking, available to select European players.

The DIRECTebanking funding option, also known as Sofortüberweisung (www.Directebanking.com), is now available to Everest customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

As a result this important move, Everest Poker will experience a huge boost to their accessibility for German, Austrian and Swiss players in a very crowded marketplace. Despite being the most popular money transferring method in the region few poker rooms offer DIRECTebanking to date.

"Any internet based business must look to break down barriers to entry for customers and this is particularly true in the ultra-competitive poker market," said Jennifer Joyce, CMO of Everest Poker. "Opening up DIRECTebanking brings a trusted solution to the region and increases our access in what is one of the largest poker communities in the world."

For further information please contact Ed Pownall:
Everest Gaming Press Office (London), on +44 7825 064776

Hollywood Poker launches loyalty story

2009-01-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

HOLLYWOOD, California -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- HollywoodPoker.com recently launched their ClubHollywoodPoker Loyalty Store, presenting members with an extensive array of over 400 items including the much anticipated 2009 HollywoodPoker Girls Calendar, exclusive HollywoodPoker Premiums, Five-Star Holiday Packages, Consumer Electronics, Poker Tables, Poker Accessories and much more. All items are available at incredible rates via the site's convenient player point exchange system.

"The best part is, on top of all that we're offering we also have fabulous on-going promotions and items that are frequently being added and updated at the ClubHollywoodPoker Loyalty Store, so there will always be something new for our members! In the spirit of keeping with HollywoodPoker's mission of satisfying members needs this is just one initiative out of the many more that will be launched in 2009!" commented HollywoodPoker spokesperson Vince Van Patten on the launch of the site's new store.

Catering to players of every demographic, the new Loyalty Store allows the site's international player base access to an abundance of items that can be easily exchanged for player points gathered at HollywoodPoker, thus enriching their online poker experience. The site, steering fast ahead of industry standards in offering members bigger and better rewards has gained a remarkable following across the globe. This in itself is a testament of their dedication to their players. More information on HollywoodPoker development, tournaments and promotions can be found at HollywoodPoker.com.

McMaster cardsharp wins $3m poker prize

2009-01-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

A 22-year-old from Richmond Hill has won a record $3 million first prize in the largest poker tournament outside Vegas.

Poorya Nazari, who recently graduated in biochemistry from McMaster University, is relatively new to professional poker but the game has been a hobby for many years.

He started in Grade 10, playing small-stakes games with friends.

His mother, speaking yesterday as her son travelled home from the Caribbean tournament, noted his skills as a mathematician: "He is very, very smart."

For several years he has played – and won considerable spending money – online at PokerStars, the largest online poker card room in the world.

This year's PokerStars Caribbean Poker Adventure tournament – with more than $12.5 million in total at stake – brought in 1,059 PokerStars players, 746 of whom had won their seats online, including Nazari.

Nazari qualified for the tournament through a $33 re-buy turbo tournament – a series of aggressive, quick-paced games with the opportunity of buying back into the tournament even after a loss – on PokerStars, after he narrowly missed qualifying last year.

Asked about his strategy before the game by PokerStars, Nazari conceded luck played a role, and added, "I'm very patient."

"I'm trying my best not thinking about the money, because it would start toying with the way I would play," he said, but adding "I haven't really thought about what I would do with the money."

During the last hand, he scraped a win out of a pair of tens, while his opponent had Queen high – both relatively dismal hands.

Immediately after the win, he told an interviewer from PokerStars: "It definitely feels unbelievable; it feels surreal." With this victory, Nazari, who has never been to Europe, has a place in the European Poker Tour Grand Final April 28 to May 3 in Monte Carlo.

Fire&Ice 2009 takes iGaming Back to Babylon

2009-01-09T04:54:00.000-08:00

Camden’s Gilgamesh Lounge to Provide Award-Winning Atmosphere for Biggest Annual iGaming Party

9 January 2009 (London, UK) – This year’s Fire&Ice party will take iGaming executives, operators, affiliates and suppliers to the decadence of ancient Babylon. The annual extravaganza produced by iGaming PR & Events specialists Lyceum Media and sponsored this year by Asian Logic, CryptoLogic, Lyceum Media, The Cake Poker Network and Bluff Europe will be held at the stylish Gilgamesh in London’s Camden Town on January 28th, between the IGE and CAP Euro iGaming conferences.

In fashionable and trendy Camden market, Gilgamesh is a testament to cool, contemporary style, perfectly fused with the exotic imagery and mystique of the Babylonian era. Its dramatic interiors has been featured in magazines for their unique hand carved furniture, their lapis lazuli inlaid 50metre bar, retractable ceiling and ornate walls of beaten bronze panels that tell the epic story of Gilgamesh.

According to their owners: “Gilgamesh was the son of a mortal King and a goddess; the king of Uruk (known in the Bible as Erech), the greatest king on Earth and the strongest super human to ever exist.”

“We had quite a challenge selecting a venue for 2009 as we needed something exclusive yet extravagant enough to create an unforgettable Fire & Ice for veterans and to amaze its newcomers,” says event producer Jodie Thind. “Gilgamesh is the perfect place to party, network and most importantly to have a fantastic evening.”

“With our 2009 sponsors on board – AsianLogic, CryptoLogic, Lyceum Media, Cake Poker Network and Bluff Europe - we promise another unforgettable night!” continues Jodie.

Guests can pick up their free invitation at IGE on January 27th & 28th from Lyceum reps or at the iGaming Business or CryptoLogic booths. Alternatively they can sign up to receive the Fire & Ice invitation at www.lyceummedia.com/fireandice

Fire&Ice Gilgamesh 2009
January 28th
9pm-3am
Gilgamesh
The Stables Market, Camden Town, Chalk Farm Road NW1 8AH

About Fire & Ice (www.lyceummedia.com/fireandice)

Lyceum Fire & Ice is the largest and most decadent social event on the iGaming entertainment calendar. It brings online gambling executives, operators, affiliates, media and suppliers together to a unique informal environment, which epitomizes an industry that is on the cutting edge of digital entertainment. Now in its eighth year, Fire&Ice is produced by London iGaming PR and events specialists Lyceum Media (www.LyceumMedia.com).

About AsianLogic (ALOG) (www.asianlogic.com)

AsianLogic (AIM: ALOG) is a leading online and land-based gaming company focused on the Asia-Pacific markets. Listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, it operates several online casino and online poker brands and is engaged in the development, operations and marketing of peer-to-peer gaming, Asian-themed games, and sports betting. The Company also owns the Asian Poker Tour, a premier live poker tournament.

The Company also maintains a corporate advisory team specialising in the gaming sector which is an active investor in gaming-related businesses as well as providing consultancy and analytical services. It enjoys strong commercial relationships with leading gaming providers including Playtech and LVS.

About CryptoLogic (www.cryptologic.com)

Known for integrity and innovation, CryptoLogic Limited is a world-leading, blue-chip public developer and supplier of Internet gaming software. WagerLogic Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CryptoLogic, is responsible for the licensing of CryptoLogic software and services to licensees that offer their games around the world to non-U.S. based players.

About The Cake Poker Network (www.cakepokernetwork.net)

The Cake Poker Network caters to a select group of partners; ones that uphold its company values and that require a more tailored service rather than a standard “out of the box” solution. Whether you are looking to add poker to your existing site or upgrade your current poker offering, the Cake Poker Network will position you to succeed by providing a wide range of customizable services and solutions to fit your requirements. Your success is ensured by their Flexibility, Liquidity and Integrity. Their philosophy towards you is simple: Offer world class solutions to world class partners.

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO AND WORLD POKER TOUR HOST SOUTHERN POKER CHAMPIONSHIP

2009-01-07T12:20:00.001-08:00

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO AND WORLD POKER TOUR HOST SOUTHERN POKER CHAMPIONSHIP

$10,000 Buy-In Televised Event Brings Top Players to Biloxi

BILOXI, Miss. – Dec. 12, 2008 – High-stakes celebrity poker action returns to Beau Rivage as WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: WPTE) and MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) announce the Southern Poker Championship. The Mississippi Gulf Coast largest poker event begins Jan. 2 and culminates with the World Poker Tour Main Event Jan. 14-17. In addition to an anticipated $1 million first place prize, the winner of the Championship Event will receive a bracelet and a $25,000 seat in the WPT World Championship at Bellagio in April 2009.

“This year’s Southern Poker Championship is our second time at the beautiful Beau Rivage in Biloxi,” said Founder, President and CEO of the WPT Steve Lipscomb. “MGM and the WPT are great partners. When we host a World Poker Tour televised event together it is tough to beat. Add Biloxi’s Southern hospitality and remarkable determination (evidence by its recovery after Katrina) and you’ll understand why we are thrilled to be back at the Beau.”

“We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with WPT,” said George P. Corchis, Jr., president and chief operating officer of MGM MIRAGE’s Mississippi Operations, which includes Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. “This year, our January WPT poker event will move to Beau Rivage and by all accounts, this Southern poker tradition will only get bigger and better.”

Fifteen tournament events will be spread out over sixteen action-filled days with buy-ins from $300 up to $10,000 for the WPT Championship Event. In addition, there will be daily No-Limit Hold’em Tournaments, $500 buy-in +$40 entry fee Mega Satellites for the Championship Event every afternoon, and $175 buy-in + $25 entry fee Second Chance Tournaments each night.

The featured event for the Jan. 11 weekend will be the $5,000 Omaha Pot Limit Championship. One of the largest Omaha Championships in the world, it will draw the who's who of poker. This $5,000 Championship originated in 2005 at MGM MIRAGE sister property Gold Strike in Tunica and has become one of the main draws for major poker tournaments everywhere. The kick off the exciting poker action, Beau Rivage will host a free media-only tournament and an exclusive players’ cocktail reception on Jan. 10.

Women from across the country will come to Beau Rivage to play in the popular Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS) No-Limit Texas Hold’em Tournament on Jan. 10. The tournament has a $300 buy in + $40 entry fee.

“Beau Rivage is proud to bring back the biggest and only televised poker event on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said Ken Lambert, Jr., Beau Rivage director of poker operations. “The players have really responded to the combination of Southern charm and hospitality at Beau Rivage, as well as the Gulf Coast’s mild winter temperatures.”

World Poker Tour Season VII will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net (FSN) starting January 2009 as part of the Sunday Night Sports Block. With high ceilings and an open floor plan, Beau Rivage’s smoke-free poker room is one of the most spacious and comfortable in the South. Located past a striking onyx and marble entryway, the poker room’s 16 tables are accentuated by luxurious leather-paneled walls. The room offers a variety of popular games including Texas Hold’em, 7-Card Stud and Omaha High Low Split, and a high stakes area where No-Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha encourage players to go all in. Dedicated amenities include personal safety deposit boxes, knowledgeable staff available 24 hours a day, tableside food and beverage service, daily tournaments and free lessons upon request.

HIGH RESOLUTION ARTWORK IS AVAILABLE AT www.beaurivage.com or www.worldpokertour.com.

ABOUT BEAU RIVAGE:
Casual elegance is redefined at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM MIRAGE’s destination resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Named one of the top 100 hotels in the continental United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure, Beau Rivage blends world-class amenities with world-famous Southern hospitality. Featuring 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites; 11 restaurants; four nightclubs and bars; a 1,550-seat theatre; an upscale shopping promenade; a world-class spa & salon; and Fallen Oak, a new Tom Fazio designed championship golf course; Beau Rivage offers the finest destination resort experience in the Southeast. For more information or to make reservations, call (888) 56-ROOMS or visit www.beaurivage.com.

ABOUT WPTE:
WPT Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WPTE) is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. WPTE has led innovation in the sport of poker since 2003, when it ignited the global poker boom with the creation of the World Poker Tour® (WPT) television show. Based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments, WPT is now broadcast globally and will premiere its all-new seventh season on Fox Sports Net’s national sports network in the United States in 2009. WPTE also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. Additionally, WPTE owns and operates WPT China, a multi-media company based in Beijing specializing in television production, online and mobile games supporting the WPT China National Traktor Poker Tour™. WPTE has a 10-year exclusive partnership with the China Leisure Sports Administrative Center to market and build the sport of poker in China. WPTE also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, www.worldpokertour.com. (WPTEG)

# # #

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Cracchiolo-Spain, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, 228-386-7134, mcracchiolo@beaurivage.com
Kimberly Burghart, WPT Enterprises, Inc., 323.682.2595, kburghart@worldpokertour.com

CanAffco announces Reefer Poker as host of $5,000 Online Forum Challenge Freeroll January 10th

2009-01-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

CanAffco announces Reefer Poker as host of $5,000 Online Forum Challenge Freeroll January 10th

Vancouver – January 5, 2009 – The Canadian Affiliate Management Company – CanAffco.com – and online poker site ReeferPoker.com announced today that the U.S. player-friendly poker site will host one of the largest forum Challenge events in recent history, the Online Forum Challenge’s "Really Really Big $5,000 Freeroll”

The tournament is free for all players and forums alike. Online poker players will compete for thousands of dollars – and bragging rights for their favorite forums – at the next Online Forum Challenge on Saturday, January 10, 2009. Sponsored by Reefer Poker, players will win their share of $5,000 in cash and prizes for themselves and their favorite online poker forum in a huge inter-forum challenge tournament. $2,000 in prizes will be awarded to the forums with the best performing players.

“Some of the very best online poker players use poker forums to improve their game,” said Jim “KrazyKanuck” Worth of Reefer Poker. “I am very excited to play in this tournament and see who the best player from the best forum is.”

”To be eligible for these events players must first be registered at Reefer Poker. Players must then pre-register at www.OnlineForumChallenge.com by 3:00pm EST on Thursday January 8th. Complete tournament details, including prizes and registration, are available at www.OnlineForumChallenge.com.

Online Forum Challenge owner, Jason “Wolf” Rosenberg said, “As the premier facilitator of multi-forum events, we are very happy to be working with Reefer Poker and CanAffco again. We are excited to see which players and forums will win their share of $7,000 in cash and prizes.

In related news, the Bad Beat Jackpot on Reefer Poker is continues to reach new highs, with the jackpot now surpassing $860,000. In an industry first, Reefer Poker affiliates are set to earn a piece of this huge Bad Beat Jackpot!

“The Bad Beat Jackpot is smoking hot”, exclaimed Reefer Pokers’ Poker Room Manager Dave Ishere. “At Reefer Poker we want to award the affiliate(s) that send the jackpot winners to us with a slice of this action!”

It's simple! If a Reefer Poker player is tagged to an affiliate account and wins a portion of the Bad Beat Jackpot, then that affiliate will earn a percentage of that amount! With the "loser" of the hand set to earn over $300,000, this would mean a one percent, $3,000 bonus to them direct from Reefer Poker. This does not come out of the player's winnings.

With an average of 8 players on their Bad Beat tables, there are 8 chances for an affiliate to have one of their players win a portion of this jackpot, and that means 8 chances for them to win as well.

“This is a great tool to help affiliates promote and convert their members,” said Gian Perroni, President of CanAffco. “It’s a novel promotion, and one that is long overdue. It makes sense to me to ensure that affiliates can be recognized for their contribution in this way.”

Affiliates can register their new affiliate account instantly by visiting http://www.CanAffco.com and registering, or by visiting http://reeferpartners.com.

For information and media enquiries please contact:

Gian Perroni

Canadian Affiliate Management Company

Email: gian@canaffco.com

Canada 1-604-947-2553

UK 011-44 (0) 20 8114 9366

Fax 1-604-608-9038

About Reefer Poker

Reefer Poker is a member of the Merge Gaming network. Reefer Poker offers a selection of poker tournaments and cash games 24/7, and provides its’ players and affiliates with a trusted place to enjoy poker for free, or real money. Reefer Poker is pleased to accept players from every country except Australia, and every U.S. state except Kentucky.

About The Online Forum Challenge

Online Forum Challenge is operated by Global Gaming Events. OFC was launched early 2006 and is the premier facilitator of multi-forum events. With over $300.000 in cash and prizes awarded so far, OFC brings value added tournaments to new players and depositors, while allowing affiliates to promote an operator with their own affiliate links. Currently, OFC brings thousands of players and hundreds of affiliates to any operator where tournaments are hosted. All inquiries should be addressed to support@globalgamingevents.com.

About the Canadian Affiliate Management Company

CanAffco provides a full range of marketing services for their clients, and is proud to represent Reefer Poker, DublinBet, Blackjack.com, Unibet, Cool Hand Poker and many other brands. CanAffco represents both merchants and affiliates, providing them with a common place to meet and conduct business, and access tools and information to help them with their businesses. CanAffco strives to ensure strong working relationships built on mutual respect and trust. The company is based in Vancouver, Canada, and was launched in early 2007. The President of CanAffco is Mr. Gian Perroni, a respected and frequent speaker at gaming and other international conferences, and an experienced marketing professional.

ProRakeback launches new design and referral program

2008-12-31T02:06:00.001-08:00

LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- ProRakeback.org is a leading poker rakeback provider and they have recently launched a brand new website design as well as announcing details of a market-leading rakeback referral program which promises to pay 9% commission.

With rakeback growing in popularity amongst online poker players there has been a great demand to allow existing players already getting their monthly rake back to refer friends and earn an extra referral commission in return.

The owner of ProRakeback stated, "Many rakeback referral programs that exist today do not reward the affiliates enough for sending new players to their rakeback deals. We feel there is huge room for improvement and as such we have launched our new referral program which pays a base rate of 9% for all referrals."

Poker rakeback is a way of poker players getting back a percentage of the rake fees they pay to the poker site. A fee is taken out of most pots and can be a large as $3.00 per hand. Over several thousand hands these fees can add up to several thousand dollars which to a poker player can mean the difference between being a winning or losing player.

By signing up with a rakeback provider such as Pro Rakeback you will start receiving payments each month into your player account, these payments are an agreed percentage of the rake you paid during the previous month. Many medium to high volume players are earning rakeback in excess of $2,000 every month with no terms attached to the cash they're being paid.

Poker Tek inks cruise-line deal

2008-12-31T02:02:00.000-08:00

PokerTek Inc. has installed its PokerPro table on the Norwegian Pearl cruise ship.

The Matthews-based company recently began a 90-day trial in hopes of adding more tables on Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet of 11 ships.

Financial terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed.

PokerTek (NASDAQ:PTEK) is a software-development company that markets electronic tables where up to 10 people can play Texas Hold ’Em. The company’s PokerPro electronic system deals cards, displays them on private screens to the players and displays general information on a large screen in the center of the table. It also enables customers to set up accounts for betting and keeps statistical information on the games.

The system is designed to boost casino revenue by increasing the number of hands per hour and reducing the labor costs of poker rooms.

PokerTek also markets tables used in restaurants and bars.

Iowa Poker Players to Compete Nationally for Thousands in Prizes

2008-12-31T02:01:00.000-08:00

DES MOINES, IA - Starting this January, Iowa poker players will have a chance to win thousands in cash and prizes. The Heartland Poker League will be offered four days per week in Iowa at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Meskwaki Bingo and Casino in Tama and Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood.

The Heartland Poker League allows players to compete in poker tournaments at their local casino for prizes such as vacations, electronics, gift cards, and seats into televised poker events such as the World Poker Tour. Buy-ins for Heartland Poker League tournaments are usually between $50 and $100.

The Iowa schedule for the Heartland Poker League for Winter Season 2009 is
as follows:

Sundays, January 4th - March 8th 2pm Diamond Jo Casino $70 buy-in
Mondays, January 12th - March 16th 7pm Prairie Meadows $110 buy-in
Tuesdays, January 6th - March 10th 7pm Diamond Jo Casino $50 buy-in
Saturdays, January 10th - March 14th 2pm Meskwaki $50 buy-in

Players can compete in one or all of the events. Players should register at the casino at least 45 minutes prior to the event. Tournaments are subject to sell-out. Tournament times and dates may change. Please visit www.heartlandpokerleague.com for the most up-to-date schedule or contact the casino.

Available prizes for 2009 include Cardplayer Cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Alaska, 42'' Flat Panel televisions, Wii game systems, and a Harley Davidson Heritage Soft tail. For a complete list of prizes and rules, please visit www.heartlandpokerleague.com.

Contact:
Mark Schlader
Heartland Poker League
1-800-380-6858

Link to American Poker News

2008-12-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

Use the link code to add a link to American Poker News on your website, MySpace or blog:

<br /><a href="http://www.americanpokernews.com" target="_blank">American Poker News</a> features the latest poker news, poker tournament updates and features on the current and up and coming stars of poker.</p>

CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com Announces Details for CAP Spring Break 2009

2008-12-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

Cancun will be the Setting of CAP’s iGaming Affiliate Marketing Retreat, Held March 21 – 28, 2009

IRVINE, CA – December 23, 2008 – CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com (“CAP”), the leading online marketing resource and community website for Internet casino affiliates, has announced details of its highly anticipated online gaming conference, CAP Spring Break 2009.

Taking place in Cancun, Mexico for a full week — from Saturday, March 21 through Saturday, March 28, 2009 — the upcoming CAP Spring Break is larger in scope and expectations than previous events. All activities and group accommodations for the conference will be based at the Paradisus Riviera Cancun Resort, a breathtaking five-star resort on the water’s edge that is available at special discounted rates to conference attendees.

“More details will come soon, but we’d like to take this early opportunity to welcome all CAP members and anyone else interested in the online gaming affiliate marketing industry to CAP Spring Break 2009, in gorgeous Cancun!” stated Lou Fabiano, founder and president of CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com. “We’ve gone all out this year and reserved perhaps the best hotel ever for a CAP event, while expanding the spring break action to a full week in the fun-filled tropics of Mexico.”

CAP Spring Break 2009 is designed to bring the unique CAP combination of high-powered networking and world-class, interactive discussion panels and speakers to a fun, relaxing, and warm environment. According to the event’s website, the conference will offer sponsored parties in the city’s hottest clubs, sponsored recreational and networking activities, the latest round of the Affiliate Series of Poker (ASOP), and much more.

“Mark your calendars now!” Mr. Fabiano added. “CAP Spring Break 2009 is just three months away. And, given how big this year’s conference is, we expect it to fill up quickly.”

As with all CAP events, CAP Spring Break is free to all CAP and PAP (PokerAffiliatePrograms.com) members and affiliates. For more details and to register, please visit http://www.capspringbreak.com.

CAP Spring Break

Casino Affiliate Programs (CAP) Spring Break is a unique, annual networking event for the online gaming affiliate industry. Each year, the top affiliates in the online casino, poker, bingo and sportsbetting industry gather with CAP Certified Partners to network, learn, and play. CAP Spring Break was created by the founders of CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com as a way for the best online gaming properties to connect with top affiliates in a fun atmosphere that promotes communication and friendship. Great things have been known to happen for everyone who attends this memorable event. Visit http://www.capspringbreak.com for more details.

About CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com

CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com (or CAP, as it's commonly known) is the largest and longest-running online gaming affiliate resource, featuring an active community forum, chat rooms, affiliate marketing tools, industry news/articles, scam alerts, and a rigorous and distinguished certification process for online casino affiliate programs. The CAP Certification Process is held in the highest regard among industry experts, and is designed to protect the integrity of affiliates and the online gaming industry as a whole. For more information, please visit http://www.casinoaffiliateprograms.com

David 'Chino' Rheem Wins Doyle Brunson Five Diamond Poker Classic

2008-12-23T05:20:00.001-08:00

The Poker Pack Dominate Prestigious Bellagio Event

22nd December 2008 (Manila, Philippines) – AsianLogic Plc, owners of The Asian Poker Tour http://www.asianpt.com would like to congratulate newly signed pro David 'Chino' Rheem on taking down first place and $1,538,730 at the WPT Doyle Brunson Five Diamond Poker Classic and Steve Sung on finishing fourth for $396,205. Chino inked a contract to join JC Tran, Nam Le, Quinn Do and Steve Sung in The Poker Pack last week. The Poker Pack is an elite team of top professionals who take part in big events on the world circuit.

Victory was sweet for Chino, who also finished seventh cashing for nearly $1.8 million at the final table of the WSOP Main Event in November.

Rheem said: "It was amazing to take this tournament down and it was great to have so many of my friends sweating me at the Bellagio and online. Winning my first WPT title is very special and finishes off a great year for me. I also have to congratulate my good buddies Steve Sung and Amnon Filipe for finishing fourth and fifth and Nam Le for making the money".

Chino fought his way through a field of 497 players over six days of tournament play but the final heads-up against Justin Young was an epic. After being dominated 14,100,000 to 8,185,000 at the start it took Rheem 151 hands to emerge with the championship. Chino had never cashed in a WPT Main Event before and certainly chose the right time to do it! Fellow member of The Poker Pack Steve Sung was the chip leader going into the final table and finished fourth cashing for $396,205 becoming the WPT's 99th millionaire in the process.

The Poker Pack was formed in the aftermath of the Asian Poker Tour event in Macau in August with JC Tran, Nam Le, Quinn Do and Steve Sung the first players to sign. Since then it has been non stop success for the newly formed group who have ripped up major events around the world. Highlights include a HK$3.7 million (US$473,915) win for Nam Le and final table for Quinn Do at a highrollers event in Macau, a huge runner's up cheque of $943,215 for Nam Le at the WPT Festa Al Lago and a brilliant win for JC Tran, who represented the Asian Poker Tour and PKR at the recent star-studded PartyPoker.com Premier League III in London. Now Chino's big win is added to the roster of consistent success. The Poker Pack recently took part in a special bounty tournament on PKR which broke all records for the next generation site.

Tom Hall CEO of AsianLogic Plc, owners of the Asian Poker Tour said: " We concluded the sponsorship deal with Chino last week and what a start he has made to life in The Poker Pack! Chino is a great guy and thoroughly deserves this big win and we'd like to congratulate him as well as Steve and Nam on cashing at the tournament."

The Poker Pack will be out in force at the Asian Poker Tour Philippines, which takes place January 27 – February 1 at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel in Manila. The main event has a $2,500 + $200 buy-in and there are lots of ways to qualify online. The Asian Poker Tour is supported by iPoker Network, Titan, Dafa Poker, PKR, PartyPoker, Everest, 888, JBet Poker, 32 Red Poker, Japan 3D Poker and Everleaf Network. Full details can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/ The Poker Pack are also heading for the Aussie Millions at the Crown Casino in Melbourne in January http://www.aussiemillions.com/schedule.

AsianLogic to Sponsor Fire&Ice 2009

2008-12-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

Lyceum Media’s annual event promises to be the best gathering for iGaming professionals and execs

18 December 2008 (London, UK) – Ground breaking Asia-Pacific gaming company AsianLogic will cap their presence at IGE in January by sponsoring Fire&Ice on January 28th. Fire&Ice, held each year between the IGE (formerly ICE) and CAP tradeshows, brings online gambling executives, operators, affiliates, media and suppliers together for a decadent evening befitting an industry which sets the standard for digital entertainment.

“Whenever we are involved in an Asian Poker Tour event or an industry affair such as ICE, or any marketing endeavor, we always look to deliver a highly entertaining and visually stimulating experience to our players, partners and guests. Fire&Ice is an exceptional platform to host our VIPs and we’re gearing up for what promises to be another memorable evening,” says Tom Hall, CEO of AsianLogic.

“The Cake Poker Network will be a Fire&Ice sponsor for the first time this year. Their army of Cake Poker chefs will serve up a special treat at midnight. “Last year we reserved a VIP table at Fire&Ice and this year we realized the benefit of having a slightly larger presence in front of the who’s who in the industry,” said the Cake Poker Network Team.”

“The sponsors and the industry make Fire&Ice what it is, and I’m extremely proud to have first-class brands on board again this year!” Says event producer Jodie Thind. “How do we top last year’s burlesque circus at the Hippodrome? To start, we’ve got an amazing venue and we have amazing sponsors on board. We’ll announce more details soon but this year’s event will be one you’d hate to miss…stay tuned.”

Fire& Ice is a free event for all iGaming execs and sponsorship opportunities ranging in size are still available for Fire & Ice 2009. Please contact Jodie Thind for sponsorship opportunities: Jodie@lyceummedia.com

About Fire & Ice (www.lyceummedia.com/fireandice)

Lyceum Fire & Ice is the largest and most decadent iGaming social event on the entertainment calendar. It brings online gambling executives, operators, affiliates, media and suppliers together to a unique informal event, which epitomizes an industry that is on the cutting edge of digital entertainment. Now in its eighth year Fire&Ice is produced by London iGaming PR and events specialists, Lyceum Media (www.LyceumMedia.com).

About AsianLogic (ALOG) (www.asianlogic.com)

AsianLogic (AIM: ALOG) is a leading online and land-based gaming company focused on the Asia-Pacific markets. Listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, it operates several online casino and online poker brands and is engaged in the development, operations and marketing of peer-to-peer gaming, Asian-themed games, and sports betting. The Company also owns the Asian Poker Tour, a premier live poker tournament.

The Company also maintains a corporate advisory team specialising in the gaming sector which is an active investor in gaming-related businesses as well as providing consultancy and analytical services. It enjoys strong commercial relationships with leading gaming providers including Playtech and LVS.

About The Cake Poker Network (www.cakepokernetwork.net)

The Cake Poker Network caters to a select group of partners; ones that uphold its company values and that require a more tailored service rather than a standard “out of the box” solution. Whether you are looking to add poker to your existing site or upgrade your current poker offering, the Cake Poker Network will position you to succeed by providing a wide range of customizable services and solutions to fit your requirements. Your success is ensured by their Flexibility, Liquidity and Integrity. Their philosophy towards you is simple: Offer world class solutions to world class partners.

PartyPartners Announced As Platinum Sponsor for CAP Euro London 2009

2008-12-22T05:28:00.000-08:00

“World’s Leading Listed Online Gaming Company” to be Main Sponsor for CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com’s Upcoming London Extravaganza

Irvine, CA – December 9, 2008 – CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com (“CAP”), the leading online marketing resource and community website for Internet casino affiliates, has announced that PartyGaming will be the exclusive Platinum Sponsor for CAP Euro London 2009.

To be held from January 29 to February 1 at the award-winning Novotel London, CAP Euro London is CAP’s biggest conference of the year, and has come to be known as the iGaming affiliate marketing world’s signature event.

In addition to offering CAP’s renowned brand of business networking, online marketing discussions and advice panels, and after-hours socializing, CAP Euro London will also include the highly anticipated 2009 CAP Awards — the second annual awards celebration celebrating the most successful and innovative members of the worldwide Internet gaming community.

“We’re very pleased to announce PartyPartners as the Platinum Sponsor to yet another CAP Euro event,” stated Lou Fabiano, President and Founder of CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com. “As one of the true leaders of this industry, PartyPartners’ presence is an ideal contribution to the overall spirit of excellence in gaming that CAP Euro events have come to represent.”

“PartyPartners.com and AffClub.com are delighted to again be the Platinum Sponsors at this year’s CAP Euro London Conference,” said Jon Salmon, Chief Marketing Director for PartyPartners. “Affiliates play a key role in helping to make our business a success, which is why we see CAP as a ‘must attend’ event where we can meet with existing and prospective affiliates.

“Understanding affiliates’ needs is of paramount importance to us,” continued Mr. Salmon, “and at the same time we can talk to them about marketing the best online gaming brands on the market. They include the recently launched next generation of PartyPoker.com and a growing range of movie-themed slots on PartyCasino.com, such as The Godfather, Saturday Night Fever, Top Gun, Terminator and Mission: Impossible. Our aim is to set the world’s hearts racing through great online entertainment.”

For more information on CAP Euro London, please visit http://www.capeuro.com. For more information on the CAP Awards, please visit http://www.capawards.com. For more information on PartyPartner’s affiliate marketing program, please visit http://www.casinoaffiliateprograms.com/Program/Party-Partners.php.

About CAP Euro

One of Internet gaming's most celebrated events, CAP Euro is a semi-annual trade show extravaganza organized by CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com (CAP) to bring the iGaming affiliate marketing community together in one event. Held in London, Barcelona, and Amsterdam (with the possibility of expanding to other European locations), CAP Euro events are not only the industry's premier opportunity to network and trade tips with the biggest names in the business, but also serve as the venue for the annual CAP Awards ceremony, held each January. For more information on CAP Euro, please visit www.capeuro.com. For more information on CAP Awards, go to www.capawards.com.

About CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com

CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com (or CAP, as it's commonly known) is the largest and longest-running online gaming affiliate resource, featuring an active community forum, chat rooms, affiliate marketing tools, industry news/articles, scam alerts, and a rigorous and distinguished certification process for online casino affiliate programs. The CAP Certification Process is held in the highest regard among industry experts, and is designed to protect the integrity of affiliates and the online gaming industry as a whole. For more information, please visit http://www.casinoaffiliateprograms.com.

David 'Chino' Rheem Inks Contract to Join "The Poker Pack"

2008-12-22T05:18:00.000-08:00

Two Members of Successful Asian Poker Tour Backed Team Make Final Table at the WPT Five Diamond

19th December 2008 (Manila, Philippines) – AsianLogic Plc, owners of The Asian Poker Tour (http://www.asianpt.com), would like to congratulate two members of The Poker Pack - Steve Sung and David ‘Chino’ Rheem - on making the final table at the WPT Doyle Brunson Five Diamond Classic at the Bellagio, Las Vegas. Sung signed his sponsorship deal to become a member of “The Poker Pack” alongside close friends JC Tran, Nam Le and Quinn Do back in August, while November Nine member Chino has inked his contract to join the pack this week. Sung goes to the final table as chip leader, while Rheem is third in chips. If this wasn’t enough success, fellow member of The Poker Pack Nam Le also cashed in the same event!

The Poker Pack was formed in the aftermath of the Asian Poker Tour event in Macau in August with JC Tran, Nam Le, Quinn Do and Steve Sung the first players to sign. Since then it has been non stop success for the newly formed group who have ripped up major events around the world. Highlights include a HK$3.7 million (US$473,915) win for Nam Le and final table for Quinn Do at a highrollers event in Macau, a huge runner's up cheque of $943,215 for Nam Le at the WPT Festa Al Lago and a brilliant win for JC Tran, who represented the Asian Poker Tour and PKR at the recent star-studded PartyPoker.com Premier League III in London. The Poker Pack recently took part in a special bounty tournament on PKR which broke all records for the next generation site.

Newly signed member David ‘Chino’ Rheem is one of the most respected and liked professionals on the circuit and will be taking part in the Asian Poker Tour Philippines, which takes place January 27 – February 1 with fellow members of The Poker Pack. His profile increased greatly this year after finishing on the final table at the WSOP Main Event and cashing for nearly $1.8 million after finishing seventh. At the final table he received the support of many of the professional players. He now has a total of six WSOP cashes and live circuit tournament winnings of over $2,500,000. 28-year-old Chino was born in Los Angeles but moved to Florida in the late 1990's. While living there, he took advantage of the state's 18-year-old minimum age to play poker at a casino. He cut his teeth at the Seminole Hollywood Casino, playing with the likes of Robert and Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi.

Chino said: "The opportunity to sign a deal with all my friends was too good to be true! I have a huge amount of respect for JC, Nam, Quinn and Steve and together as a team I think we are really going places. I already pretty much travel the circuit with the other members of The Poker Pack and to be formally signed up is fantastic."

Steve Sung is guaranteed to become the 99th WPT millionaire at the Five Diamond as before this prestigious tournament he had $998,357 in career WPT earnings. Sung is chip leader at the final table and is now hoping to break the $2 million mark! Sung has reached two WPT final tables, with a runner-up finish at Bay 101 (March, 2008) and a 4th-place finish at WPT Barcelona (Oct, 2007) and certainly has form at the Five Diamond. 2006 saw him finish third in a $5,000 preliminary event, and then ninth in the $15,000 main event. As well as being a force on the live circuit, Sung is a feared and respected high stakes online player recognizable by his screen name 'MuGGyLiCiOuS.' Residing in Torrance, California since he was seven years-old, Sung was born in Seoul, South Korea and started playing on the live circuit as soon as he turned 21 years-old. After high school, he began attending the University of California at San Diego to study computer engineering and economics but left college to play poker. As well as big success at the WPT and online he has cashed significantly at the WSOP for the past two years.

Tom Hall CEO of AsianLogic Plc, owners of the Asian Poker Tour said: "Chino is a great guy and magnificent player and we're really happy to welcome him into The Poker Pack. If you look at how much prize money all these guys have made in 2008 and how much they may make in 2009 it is scary! As individuals they are all well known players on the circuit - together the possibilities are endless! There are many teams in poker but these guys are a really unified unit. They travel everywhere together and enjoy each other's success. Poker is in its infancy in Asia and we're excited by what we have lined-up for The Poker Pack and what they will achieve as a group."

Next stop for The Poker Pack after the Bellagio will be the prestigious Aussie Millions at Crown Casino in Melbourne. The Poker Pack will also be out in force and playing at the Asian Poker Tour Philippines, which takes place January 27 – February 1 at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel in Manila. The main event has a $2,500 + $200 buy-in and there are lots of ways to qualify online. The Asian Poker Tour is supported by iPoker Network, Titan, Dafa Poker, PKR, PartyPoker, Everest, 888, JBet Poker, 32 Red Poker, Japan 3D Poker and Everleaf Network. Full details can be found at http://www.asianpt.com/