Thursday, December 20, 2007

Online Slots Company Launches Fundraising Site for African Aid Project

Slotland.com invites the public to contribute to the Malawi school it‘s funded for two years

Here's something we don't see everyday -- an online gambling company with a big heart!

Slotland.com has launched a website to raise additional funds for the school and community center they built in Malawi and to bring hope to other nearby villages. While the popular slots and video poker site will continue to fund the center, the new website (http://www.help-malawi-children-charity.org/) has been created to enable the public to make personal donations.

Education is the key to ending the cycle of poverty and ignorance in Malawi, one of the poorest nations on earth, ravaged by AIDS. The school’s opening ceremonies last October began a new era of hope for one impoverished village.

Two years ago, when a small group of dedicated aid workers approached Slotland.com for a donation, the company -- known for its generous philanthropy -- couldn’t say no. In fact, they committed to providing all construction funding and to supporting the center until it is self-sufficient.

The story of how the Project Team brought a whole village together to build the Umodzi-Mbame School is told on the new fundraising website: http://www.help-malawi-children-charity.org/. The site also explains how donations will be used to assist neighbouring villages that have started similar projects on their own. Donations toward current and new projects can be made on the site through secure PayPal payment processing.

“We’ve been reporting the progress of the project to our players for two years,” said Slotland’s Martin Smith. “So many people have told us how proud they are of what we’re doing that we provided this fundraising website to give them an opportunity to get more involved and to make personal donations.”

The Project Team in Africa has registered a non-profit organization called boNGO Worldwide which is committed to assisting communities develop self-sustaining projects. boNGO is an acronym for “Based On Need-driven Grassroots Ownership”.

“We’ve found that projects initiated by locals rather than outside agencies have the best chance to involve the entire community and succeed,” explains the boNGO Project Team leader. “Faced with increasing numbers of children orphaned by AIDS, the people of nearby Kantimbanye built several orphanages without assistance. What we’ve done is help them build a maize mill which will provide an ongoing income to support their work.”


boNGO’s diligent work has already changed the lives of hundreds of children but there are many more that need food, education and hope. All contributions are gratefully received and, since there are no administrative costs thanks to Slotland.com, every penny goes directly to the Project Team in Malawi.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

New Spider-Man and Fantastic Four Games at Cryptologic Casinos

CryptoLogic Limited has launched two star-studded Internet casino slot games on its award-winning platform: the eagerly anticipated Spider-Man and the legendary Fantastic Four.

Based on the renowned Marvel Super Heroes, the games are now available at CryptoLogic online casinos including InterCasino.com.

“CryptoLogic’s new Spider-Man and Fantastic Four games are the latest examples of our industry-leading innovation, and our partnerships with the world’s biggest gaming and entertainment brands,” said Javaid Aziz, CryptoLogic’s President and CEO. “Bringing these legendary Super Heroes to the world’s best Internet casinos reflects CryptoLogic’s commitment to help every customer build a loyal player base through both high-impact games and high-profile brands.”

For the first time, players will be transported into Spider-Man’s New York City realm to foil bad guys and rescue victims from danger. With three unique feature sequences and big payouts — up to 5,000 times a line bet — rewards are around every corner. Players can earn up to 15 additional rounds of play and double prize values when the web-slinger achieves his ultimate mission: defeating Venom and saving Mary Jane.

The Fantastic Four create a new level of excitement as they take on a spectacular adventure against the villainous Dr. Doom. Watch Mr. Fantastic test the limits of his flexibility, the Invisible Woman storm onto the reels, the Human Torch burst into flames and the Thing send shockwaves with his powerful blows. With a chance to win 5,000 times a player’s bet and up to 15 free game spins, the only difficulty will be deciding which character to play.

“These celebrated Marvel Super Heroes have finally taken their place at the world’s top Internet casinos – powered by CryptoLogic,” said Justin Thouin, CryptoLogic’s Vice President, Product Management and Business Development.

Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four join CryptoLogic’s roster of wildly popular Marvel-branded slot games, including the Hulk, Daredevil, Blade, The Punisher, Thor, X-Men, Silver Surfer, Elektra, Iron Man and Ghost Rider. Available exclusively to WagerLogic licensees, these games bring players big-screen excitement, stunning graphics and their favourite Marvel characters — along with the chance to win huge cash prizes.

CryptoLogic has earned top honours for its world-class Internet software, including the Top Casino Software award from Online Gambling Magazine in each of the last two years. The award, based on the votes of readers, players and website visitors, is widely considered the industry’s top honour.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

BackgammonMasters.com Adds Multi-currency Cashier for International Customers

Backgammon, Perudo and Blackjack players can now deposit and withdraw in most major currencies at BackgammonMasters.com. Withdrawals and deposits are easily made by international customers in their own currencies through credit card and other approved online payment methods (PayPal, Neteller, MoneyBookers, Click and Buy and UKash) avoiding exchange rates and commissions normally taken by online banking providers.

The feature was recently added in response to the growing number of international players. BackgammonMasters takes customer feedback seriously and has responded quickly by facilitating their needs. International players at BackgammonMasters using the All-in-One game Lobby can play popular games including Backgammon, Perudo, Poker and the recently launched 21 blackjack with real money play accepted in multiple currencies.

BackgammonMasters also launched a live support feature last month which allows players to send in their feedback, and so far the results have been positive. In an effort to provide the highest quality gaming platform BackgammonMasters plans to add more popular games and additional transaction options, as well as more multi-language support so that players from around the world can partake in online gaming.

The new Multi-Currency Transactions cashier is available for all four games including the newly added real money 21 Blackjack games. To find out more about 21 Blackjack and the new Multi-Currency cashier click visit www.BackgammonMasters.com.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Online and Mobile Slots Player Survey Contradicts Stereotypes

Not high rollers, slots players want maximum entertainment from their gambling dollars
Are slots players all a bunch of little old ladies that only bet a penny at a time? How loyal are they to a favourite machine? Do players like slots just because they're easy to play? Or are big jackpots what make online slots so popular? Slotland.com’s survey of online and mobile slot machine players has now concluded and the results confirm some assumptions and dispute some stereotypes.

The survey conducted through the summer and fall shows that not all slots players are old and they’re not all women. Most online and mobile slots players aren’t particularly high rollers, preferring to deposit small amounts and play it as long as they can. They want – and get -- many hours of entertainment for their gambling dollars. However, they play the game more strategically than many might think and aren’t afraid to place maximum bets when the time is right.

Survey responses also show:
  • Two-thirds like slots because they're easy to play but the other third is primarily drawn to the possibility of winning big jackpots on small wagers.
  • Most play only on their computer but 20% said they had at least tried the mobile games.
    Although most don't play on their phone or PDA much or ever, most acknowledged the convenience of mobile games.
  • Most are regulars from Slotland.com and have played there a year or more. 25% joined just to enter the contest.
  • Nearly all play exclusively or mostly at home, not at work.
  • Although most don't wager large amounts -- 78% said they'd never bet more than $100 -- more than half said they'd had wins over $1000.
  • Almost unanimously agree (84%) that the way to win at slots is to stick with a machine that feels lucky.
  • A third play video poker as well as slots.
  • Half have at least tried online poker but only a few play online poker often.
  • All place max bets when the time is right while a third always bet the maximum.
  • Only a third knew that Slotland's African school project is in Malawi.
  • Only a third have visited Vegas.
  • Many only play online but most (60%) also play slots in casinos at least once in awhile.
  • Slots are not a ladies-only game at all -- half of respondents were men.
  • Mostly middle-aged and older but some (16%) under 30 as well.

“I’m proud to say we know our customers pretty well,” said John Lancelet of Slotland.com “So I wasn’t too surprised by most of the results. I must admit though, I thought more of our players were older – interesting to see how popular such a traditional game is becoming with younger people these days, especially now that they can bet on slots on their mobile phones.”

Survey participants were given an opportunity to enter a free contest. A random draw awarded player “SQUIZZER” a $500 bonus deposit to their Slotland.com account.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Virtual Golf Game Offers More Ways to Win Real Cash Prizes with Latest Game Features

Groove Games Limited has added several new features to UTour Golf, the free, full-featured online golfing experience where players can challenge other virtual golfers for real cash prizes.

The new features include increased challenge options where players can utilize handicap play. This feature allows players to offer or request strokes, in order to make the games fair and challenging for both regardless of the players skill rating. The new one-hole challenge mode offers a quick, one-hole game for players and opponents and combined with the new entry fee options, it is now possible to put up to $100 on the line for just one hole.

Personalized play has also been introduced as players can now invite up to eight of their friends to an exclusive tournament with customizable game options; including course played, number of holes and entry fee. A score based Driving Range game also rewards players for their tee shot accuracy.

Michael Haines, Managing Director, Groove Games Limited said “handicapping has been introduced to increase liquidity. Whilst skill ranking systems segment the audience, handicapping levels the playing field so anyone can challenge anyone.”

He continued, “We are marketing to the gambling audience – a move that spans our target across the player interested in casual game play on 18 holes to the person who is looking for the rush of high stakes with as little as one hole. Combine this with strategy and top it up with some risk, the handicap play spices things up for the true thrill seeking sports enthusiast.”


Player Created Tournaments and Stats Tracking are just a couple of initiatives which have been undertaken to build the community and social networking aspects of UTour Golf giving players the tools to engage with each other and shape the way they play.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

IntertopsPoker Sponsors Richest Online Forum Challenge Tournament Yet

Host doubles prize money, adds World Poker Open prize package to cash prize
Intertops presents the
ONLINE FORUM CHALLENGE
November 24 & 25
Pre-Registration: OnlineForumChallenge.com
More than a thousand online poker players will compete for a prize pool to top more than $10,000 – and bragging rights for their favourite poker community – at the next Online Forum Challenge (http://www.onlineforumchallenge.com/) on November 24 and 25. Sponsored by IntertopsPoker (www.Intertopspoker.com), players can win cash and prizes for themselves– including a satellite seat at the World Poker Open in Tunica – and represent their favourite online poker forum in a huge inter-forum challenge tournament.

“For many serious online poker players, their online poker community is a second home,” said Michl Posch of Intertops. “A little rivalry between forums really builds a community so we’re happy to get involved by donating great prizes.”

Online Forum Challenge Owner, Jason “Wolf” Rosenberg said, “As the premier facilitator of multi-forum events, we are very happy to be working with Intertops. We look forward to seeing who the big winner will be.”

Day One of the tournament is a free roll with a $2,000 cash prize from Intertops and $500 in forum prizes. Day Two is a $5 + $.50 buy-in with $2,000 added to the buy-ins at stake, as well as two bonus prizes. Intertops will be depositing $200 a month to the winner’s account for a full year. They will also pay the winner’s way to the World Poker Open in Tunica, MS next January where they’ll have a chance to win a $10,000 buy-in for the WPT Main Event.

Freeroll
November 24, 3:00 pm EST
Prize Pool: $2,000 PLUS $500 in forum prizes

$5 + $.50 Buy-in
November 25, 3:00 pm EST
Prize Pool: $2,000 added to buy-ins + $2,400 Intertops Poker Payday + satellite seat at the World Poker Open in Tunica.
The World Poker Open prize package includes a seat at the World Poker Open “$1,000 + $60 Super Satellite” at MGM’s Gold Strike Casino Resort next January, as well as travel expenses.

Players must pre-register at OnlineForumChallenge.com. To be eligible for these events, players must first be registered at IntertopsPoker.com. Tournament details, including prizes and registration, are available at OnlineForumChallenge.com.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Video Poker Game Pays Out Third $100K+ Jackpot

Slotland Player wins $100,317 Progressive jackpot Playing Striking 7s


Slotland.com’s favourite video poker game has been hit once again for a major jackpot. Striking 7s, which is available on both the web and mobile game platforms, has paid out three major jackpots. This time it was a $100,000 jackpot won by player “SWTGEORGIA”.

All of Slotland’s fourteen slot machine and video poker games are tied to the same progressive jackpot. There have been major wins on Magic, Booster and Golden 8 this year but the jackpot has been hit playing Striking 7s more than any other slot machine or video poker game on the site. COWGYRLHOST won $155,917 last year. Then CHEWEMUP won $97K this spring, also on Striking 7s. And now SWTGEORGIA has won $100K on the same game.

Striking 7s is a video poker game, with a unique Doubling Feature. It has been one of the most popular games on the community’s web site since the day it was introduced. After a win, Striking 7s players are offered the option to “Double or Collect”. If they choose to try and double their winnings, another five cards are dealt and the player has one chance to pick the hidden high card.

A mobile version was launched in January making Striking 7s one of six real-money games that Slotland players can play on either their computer or their phone. Slotland’s mobile game players use the same account that they play with online and can deposit and withdraw from their mobile phone just as they would online. The last player to win a large jackpot playing on their phone was OLYMPIAGOLD who won $163 playing the mobile version of Lucky Stars in early 2006.

Recent Slotland.com progressive jackpot winners:

COWGYRLGHOST $155,917 (€109,510) Striking 7s
OLYMPIAGOLD $163,114 (€115,160 Lucky Stars (Mobile)
CHEWEMUP $97,170 (€68,530) Striking 7s
IRINGION $116,828 (€81,960) Wild Heart
JAMKAT2 $113,418 (€89,067) Treasure Box
TOPNOTCHED $179,166 (€126,470) Golden 8
NEWMAN32 $165, 318 (€119,610) Booster
7736492 $146,761 (€105,840) Magic
SWTGEORGIA $100,317 (€70,650) Striking 7s

Slotland.com’s progressive jackpot is already back up to over $68,000(€47,000).

Monday, October 29, 2007

Last Month’s Million Dollar Free Roll Winner Ready to Take All Challengers at Sunday’s 2nd Monthly Final

Plenty of Chances to Win Free Seat Through Free Rolls and Cash Buy-ins This Week

The second of PlayersOnly.com’s monthly Million Dollar Free Roll finals happens this weekend. Players can win their way to Sunday’s poker tournament by winning one of the qualifying free rolls or cash satellites scheduled for throughout this week or by direct buy-in ($50). Sunday’s champion will walk away $75,000 richer but last month’s winner is determined to make it two in a row. Because of the way PlayersOnly.com has structured payouts to spread the $100,000 prize pool around the final table, two runners-up will each get $10,000 and be among thirty cash prizewinners.

Awarding a total of $1,000,000 over the next ten months, this is the popular online poker room’s biggest tournament series ever.


PlayersOnly.com Million Dollar Free Roll Tournament
Monthly Final: Sunday, September 30th at 9:00 pm ET
Daily Qualifiers: All this week
www.playersonly.com/1million


“I love the extra excitement of a tournament – a chance to win big cash without a huge risk,” said one player who was pleasantly surprised when he won his seat at this Sunday’s final in a free roll tournament last week. “I don’t really expect to take first place but since there’s cash prizes for the top thirty I’m thinking I could be in the money!”

“They haven’t seen the last of me yet!” said last month’s champion who won $75,000 in the September tournament. Having already qualified for this Sunday’s second monthly final he’s confidant going in. “There’s a million bucks up for grabs here and I’m ready to take it all!”

Players can win a seat at the monthly finals at free rolls held every day, twice a day. There are also three cash satellites with buy-ins as low as $2 where players can a free seat. Those that want to avoid the crowds at the qualifying games can buy-in directly for $50. There will be special opportunities for Gold Chip players and a further 25 seats at the final table will be awarded in a unique Deposit Bonus Lottery.

Each monthly Million Dollar Free Roll Final will distribute a $100,000 prize pool as follows:

1st Place $75,000
2nd Place $10,000
3rd Place $10,000
4th Place $2,500
5th Place $1,000
6th – 10th Place $500
11th – 20th Place $300
21st – 30th Place $100

Players that think they can beat last month’s winner and take the $75,000 prize this weekend can find information and schedules at www.playersonly.com/1million.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Dragon's Den Awards Largest Investment Ever to Online Gambling Website

BBC’s reality investment program Dragons’ Den has made an investment in online gaming site GamingAlerts.com. On Monday night, Emmie Matthews and Ed Stevens, founders of the site, recieved a £200,000 investment for their gaming site; marking the single largest amount ever awarded on the immesely popular program. Watch the video clip on BBC.

The Dragons’ Den panellists are famous for striking fear into the hearts of the hopefuls who turn up asking for investment. But Dragon Theo Paphitis was so impressed with their project he agreed to invest all the money on his own.

According to Matthews, Paphitis was excited about his investment because: “Theo knows the current and future value of online gaming and sees it as a major growth industry. He invested because of our years of experience in gaming, and because of our track record of success. In fact, Mrs Paphitis plays online bingo all the time so Theo understood the value of the company and its large consumer appeal.”

The winning concept of Gaming Alerts is to deliver up-to-date offers, advice and bonuses direct to the desktop of online gamblers from major online casinos, online poker rooms, online bingo sites and online sportsbooks.

Users select their interests, and Gaming Alerts tailors the best odds, bonuses, free bets and freeroll poker tournaments that fit the player’s exact criteria. This tailored-content solution is a convienience for users and a hugely valuable media outlet for online gaming sites.

Dragon, Theo Paphitis said “I am delighted to be working with the Gaming Alerts team, I think the whole concept of proactively alerting users to the best bonuses and offers is truly revolutionary and Ed and Emmie have really brought the idea to life, I am looking forward to working with them and realising the potential of the company.”

The founders have an exclusive agreement with technology supplier Skinkers, the market leaders in desktop communication, who are also the suppliers to the BBC and Sky News alerts services.

Stevens said “Gaming Alerts makes money the same way moneysupermarket.com or confused.com does – by referring customers or users from our site to operators in exchange for commissions.”

Paphitis has built his fortune on turning businesses into successes. He has transformed Ryman, Contessa, La Senza and Partners the Stationers into successful and profitable retail companies. He now heads up a 350-store chain a group turnover approaching 250m. Theo’s style and knowledge is part of the reason why Dragons’ Den has been such a huge ratings hit since its launch in 2005.

Tila Tequila Celebrates Her Birthday With New Look for Her Casino and New Single

It's MySpace Queen Tila Tequila's birthday tomorrow. maybe that explains the total makeover she's given to her online casino! Tila is throwing a birthday party slash CD release party in Vegas tomorrow. I can't make it myself but I did check out those the updated TilaCasino.com and TilaPoker.com sites and I did buy the new single on iTunes!

The poker and casino site now offers enhanced navigation, faster loading time, sexier playing features and a direct link to Tila’s News and Blogs. TilaCasion.com will be the best place for poker and casino fans to have fun and play with the most popular games available. At Tila’s site, the games are live and so are the dealers – they’ll hand out your chips and cards live through video. The casino hosts great tournaments with huge jackpots and poker players can compete at whatever level they prefer.

“Tila has been totally hands on with the site’s new design and we all think it looks pretty damn good as well: It has Tila’s magic touch – she really is quite the business woman and certainly knows what she wants,” said Jeff Mann of ESL, the company managing Tila's online casino for her.

Tila’s more popular than ever right now as her brand-new TV show “A Shot At Love With Tila Tequila” premiered on MTV in the US and Canada this month. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "A Shot at Love…" scored big with 1.8 million viewers and ranking No. 1 in its time period across all of cable in the network's target demo of persons 18-34, averaging a 2.0 rating.”

With her worldwide following of millions and extraordinary rise to fame over the past couple of years, Tila’s TV show is set to become the latest reality TV ratings smash hit for MTV and send her fame soaring even higher. “A Shot At Love With Tila Tequila” has 16 guys and 16 girls compete to win Tila’s heart as our bisexual heroine gradually whittles down the field of contestants until she chooses the one for her. The show has already created a stir in the mainstream media, with news channels such as CNN debating whether the show is too risque, under headlines such as “Too Raunchy or Just Entertainment?”

If you're in Las Vegas tomorrow check Tila's MySpace blog for birthday party info.



Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Online Poker Site Disqualifies WCOOP Winner

Online poker site PokerStars.com has released a statement after weeks of rumour and debate disqualifying the original winner of its World Championship Of Online Poker (WCOOP) Main Event.

The Kahnawake-licensed site said that, following a two-week investigation that ended on October 1, it had acted on allegations of irregularities in the activities of 'TheV0id', who won over a million dollars at the recent WCOOP, and stripped the player of their winnings. It stated that the remaining players would be moved up one spot and collect the appropriate winnings.

"The investigation into the WCOOP Main Event has now been concluded," read the statement from PokerStars.com. "We have determined, based on the totality of evidence, that the tournament winner, TheV0id, was in breach of the Poker Stars Terms of Service. In the interests of game integrity, TheV0id has been disqualified from first place."

"All other WCOOP Main Event prize winners in addition to the player who originally bubbled in 415th place will, therefore, advance one place in the prize pool. The necessary financial adjustments to reflect the revised tournament places will be made within the next 24 hours. Please note that we are unable to release further details of this investigation, for reasons of confidentiality and privacy."

TheV0id became the winner of the Main Event after a 22-hour battle with second-placed ka$ino. However, soon after the win, accusations of irregularities arose, questioning the validity of the win. These centred on the use of two accounts set up by an alleged well-known and successful professional poker player who was thought to have used an account ostensibly set up for someone else on several leading poker forums after his own account was eliminated.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Affiliates Say Intertops.com has the Fastest Paying Affiliate Program


Intertops Nominated for "Best Sportsbook Affiliate Program" CAP Award

The First online betting site is the first to pay its affiliates according to a report in the October issue of CAP Magazine. The world’s leading publication for gambling affiliates has listed Intertops.com as the fastest paying casino affiliate program. The magazine, published by CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com, reports that a webmaster poll showed "getting paid quickly and reliably" is affiliates’ number one criteria for judging affiliate programs. The same story reported that Intertops paid their affiliates faster than nineteen other programs mentioned.

"This recognition from CAP Magazine shows that ‘Trust the First’ isn’t just a slogan, but something we really mean," said Michl Posch of Intertops.com.
Back in 1996, Intertops was the first sportsbook ever to offer online betting. It wasn’t long before they offered online casino games and online poker as well. The Intertops affiliate partner program has been renowned in the industry since 1999 and established its reputation for quick payment from the beginning. The program pays lifetime commission for all products that are offered by Intertops.com: sportsbook, casino, poker and games.

"Intertops sets the bar very high," said Posch. "In a business where partners rarely meet, trust is a key to success. We’re happy about the outstanding reputation that Intertops has earned among affiliates."

In January, Casino Affiliate Programs will again recognize leaders in the online gambling business when they present the "Cappy Awards" at a glamorous awards night during January’s CAP Euro conference in London. Intertops has been nominated by affiliates in the "Best Sportsbetting Affiliate Program" category. Webmasters can vote for Intertops at http://www.capawards.com/.

“The nomination of Intertops for Sports Betting Affiliate Program of the Year and being named the fastest paying program in this issue of CAP Magazine comes as no surprise. These guys are great," said Lou Fabiano, founder of Casino Affiliate Programs. "Affiliates love cash flow and fast payments as they allow them to buy more domains, build more sites and run more ads. This means more players and more income each month! Hats off to Intertops for helping affiliates to maximize their revenues.”

Real Money Blackjack Now Available at Popular Online Backgammon Community

Popular demand and the huge success of their Play Money BlackJack have prompted BackgammonMasters.com to quickly unveil the real money version of the classic game in their All-in-One Game Lobby.

BackgammonMasters BlackJack game tables seat up to 5 players simultaneously all playing against the dealer. The 3D graphics and avatars offer a dimension to the game that outwardly enriches the experience of playing online blackjack. For newbies, BackgammonMasters offers Play Money Mode and a special View Mode where players can sit in on real money games and observe before placing a bet. Also, BackgammonMasters offers countless BlackJack Articles for those looking to learn more about online BlackJack and get tips on playing BlackJack 21.

With each game added to the Game Lobby, which now offers Backgammon, Poker, Perudo and BlackJack in one download and one software, traffic increases so that players can log in at anytime and select from tables filled with participants from all over the world. The rooms are also a-buzz with real time chat that is so prevalent in these community games. Language does not seem to be a barrier to these folks, and though the software is offered in over 10 languages, players easily find common ground and engage in talk about their favorite games with BlackJack enthusiasts around the globe. The current Backgammon Download is available at http://www.backgammonmasters.com/.

Accessing all four games because of their centralization in one game lobby, but more than that, players can participate in these real money games using one wallet (one account). The cashier interface is revolutionary and unique in the sense that it can handle players who choose to play four different types of games at the same time.

BackgammonMasters.com is celebrating the launch with tournaments, bonuses and prizes to be given away generously. For more information about the Blackjack game and Blackjack Rules visit: http://www.BackgammonMasters.com/blackjack-articles.html.

For further online backgammon news and information about BackgammonMasters.com’s new 21 blackjack game see http://www.gammonish.com/blackjack.html.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Skill-based Slot Machine Now Available for Mobile

Treasure Box, a game of strategy similar to video poker, designed for new generation of players


Slot machine players that enjoy games requiring skill and strategy love Slotland’s popular Treasure Box and now they can play the multi-line slot machine on their mobile phones and PDAs. The new mobile version of the Treasure Box online slot machine is the sixth real-money game available on Slotland.com’s WAP site. This month, Slotland.com is giving players $20 just to try it.

Slotland.com has 13 games online and Treasure Box has always been one of the most popular, especially with more experienced players. It is the only slot machine that allows players to hold the reels after each spin in order to affect the result and get the best potential return. Treasure Box is a unique style of slot machine similar to multi hand video poker games. Players are presented with four sets of three reels. When the lever is pulled, the bottom reel set spins. Players can hold the result on any or all the reels. Each payline with a bet on it can win. By examining the pay table, players can learn to make the decisions that will yield the highest potential return on each spin.

Mobile games are introducing new players to traditional games like slot machines and video poker.

“Our mobile games are increasingly popular, that’s for sure,” said Slotland’s John Lancelet. “But it’s not just our regular players that are switching to the mobile games. It’s people with cool mobile phones looking for something fun to do with them.”

The Online and Mobile Slots Player Survey that Slotland.com conducted this summer showed that although most survey respondents were long-term players at Slotland.com only 20% of them played the mobile versions of their favourite games much or at all.

Apparently it’s a whole new generation of games players that’s discovering traditional games – and a fun new way to play with their phone. The new Treasure Box for mobile will appeal to players that enjoy games of skill and strategy.

A graphical tour of Slotland.com’s new mobile slot machine, Treasure Box, is available at www.slotland.com/mobile. Mobile phone users can install and play the new game by going to wap.slotland.com in their phone’s browser.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Extreme Poker Sydney a Real Cliff Hanger

Hugo Asenjo Wins and Walks -- Losers Take 90m Vertical Drop

Following 35 knot winds yesterday, there were clear skies yet blustery conditions today as Sydney played host to the fourth International tournament of Extreme Poker suspended over the cliffs of North Head, Manly opposite the Harbour Bridge. Perched on a platform, six players faced a 90 meter vertical drop if they lost their chips. But it was only Hugo Asenjo from Sydney that was permitted to walk off the platform on to solid land as he took the title of Extreme Poker Champion.

Extreme Poker’s ‘Cliff Hanger’ is not for the feint hearted! It’s all about playing poker under extreme conditions - that was hard for Mathew Horton who was first to loose all chips and to take the 90m plunge to the rocks and ocean below. Soon to follow was Cameron Stewart from Melbourne and Matt ‘The Rat’ Delbridge whose family emigrated from Cornwall, England. Donna Conlan, the only female in the game was holding on to her position but was soon literally dropped from the table leaving just Andrew Cha Cha and Hugo Asenjo. Hugo had a massive lead with 90% of the chips. Andrew Cha Cha fought back valiantly but after three hands he was dealt a vicious blow and had to take the ultimate leap.

Hugo Asenjo’s winning hand of two pairs (Jacks & Nines) will see him participate in the Extreme Poker Underwater Final 2007, joining other players from around the world. The game will take place on the Ocean Floor in the Caribbean in November. “I’m surprised and ecstatic to win, the fear of having to jump off the platform kept me going with grit and determination – and it worked… now for my next challenge I need to learn to scuba dive and get myself a passport!”

Peter Marcus, Founder of Extreme Poker has taken the tournament to the Caribbean, the Arctic Circle and over the Nevada Desert, but today Australia upped the ante “Sydney, has been the most extreme game yet, and exactly what I had expected from a country that invented extreme sports. We’re definitely coming back next year… we just need to find the challenge… and would love ideas from the public which can be registered at http://www.extremepoker.com/.”

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Unique Card Prediction Game, FourCast, New from Slotland.com

Slotland presents FourCast, a unique card prediction game with exponential payouts

It’s not a slot machine. It’s not video poker. FourCast, the new game at Slotland.com, combines the thrills of cards and the quick, easy play of spinning slots in an exciting new game that challenges players’ psychic powers.

FourCast is a card prediction game. Four cards are dealt face down and the player predicts the suit and/or value of the next card dealt. Bets multiply exponentially each round. Third and fourth round winnings increase by 50% or 100%, respectively

“I predict not too many players will want to collect their winnings after the first round, although they can of course,” said Slotland.com Manager John Lancelet. “Knowing how much the winnings increase though, I bet they’ll want to play on!”

Apart from the famous progressive jackpot tied to all of their 14 unique slot machines, FourCast has the biggest payouts available at Slotland.com. Players that can correctly predict both the suit and value of all four cards dealt can win $122,880 on a $10 bet.

FourCast joins 13 other unique games at Slotland.com including bonus-crazy Treasure Box where players can hold the wheels after each spin, the five-payline Lucky Stars, and Booster – the only slot machine where your bet is never lost.

Many of Slotland.com’s online games are also available on mobile phones and PDAs. Striking 7s, a variation of the popular Deuces Wild video poker game, is one of the latest to be added to the WAP site.

All of Slotland.com’s web and mobile games are tied into the same progressive jackpot that has been hit for more than $150,000 twice this summer.

Slotland.com is one of the most trusted online gambling sites and has loyal players around the world, including the United States.

JackpotCapital.com Sends Contest Winners to the Jackpot Capital, Las Vegas


Online casino’s jackpot approaching a million dollars

JackpotCapital.com is sending two lucky players to the capital of casino jackpots, Las Vegas. If they’re extra lucky, they could even win a million dollar jackpot in the process. In a special free contest, JackpotCapital.com will award an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas at the end of this month but the Mid-Life Crisis jackpot, currently over $800,000, could well be hit before then.

The trip-of-a-lifetime contest is free to enter – every dollar wagered this month earns one free contest entry. The amazing prize package includes airfare and 4 days accommodation in a glamour suite at the luxurious MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, plus $1000 in spending money.

JackpotCapital.com offers over 300 exciting games, each with state-of-the art graphics and sound to provide a unique gaming experience. Not surprisingly, as the name would suggest, the most popular games at JackpotCapital.com are the large selection of games tied to the site’s huge progressive jackpots. Just like all the slot machines in Las Vegas that contribute to one big mega jackpot, everyone playing card games at like Caribbean Hold´em, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Let ‘Em Ride JackpotCapital.com, or spinning slot machines like Light Speed, It’s Good to Be Bad, Crazy Dragon or The Shark are contributing to a huge and growing progressive jackpot. This morning, the Mid-life Crisis jackpot was at $829,000 and climbing and the I.R.I.S. jackpot stood over $230,000.

The JackpotCapital.com management team have decided to keep this month’s contest rules as simple as possible. Every dollar wagered in the casino throughout October is one ticket for the prize draw. At the end of the month, the winner’s name will be drawn at random.

"The more you wager," commented JackpotCapital.com CEO Oliver Smith, "The better your chance of going to Vegas!”

JackpotCapital.com is pleased to accept players from the United States. Both new and existing players from all over the world are eligible to win this top prize. New customers are also eligible to receive a 100% Match Up Bonus on their first deposit.

Monday, October 01, 2007

Another Reason I Wish I Was in Barcelona This Week

I've already whined about all the fun stuff and interesting people I'll be missing by not going to Barcelona for the two big igaming conferences this week, EiG and CAP Euro.

Now I hear Tila Tequila is going to be there. I escorted Tila around London when she was there for the last CAP event so I know the fun I'm missing!

The MySpace, and now MTV, star arrives in Barcelona this week to meet with top online poker and casino affiliates. Tila, whose new bisexual reality TV show premiers October 9 on MTV in America, will be on hand at her TilaCasino.com booth during the CAP Euro conference to promote her online casino site to industry affiliates and insiders.

Tila will be using what can only be described as the MTV Promotional Steam Train currently in motion for her new reality show, to gain more visibility for her already successful casino/poker site. She'll be talking to the guys at the conference about her love of poker, why the casino site is an important part of her growing empire, and her future plans to grow her gaming business.

iGaming events are notorious for parties and Barcelona is known for its nightlife. Tila and her entourage will no doubt be out on the town throughout the week.

A lot has happened since the last time Tila partied in London with her affiliate partners at the launch of her Playtech-powered online casino and poker room, TilaCasino.com.

“I’d never been to London before. That was a crazy trip!” said the woman Time Magazine dubbed ‘The Madonna of MySpace’. “Poker people know how to win and how to party. I can’t wait – bring it on!”

Tila Tequila has since launched her single, “I Love U”, on iTunes and has been on the covers of Penthouse, Maxim and Black Men magazines. And her new MTV show, A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila, is very Tila. She hopes to further expand the Tila Tequila brand with this clever venture.

The LA Times states: “MTV may once have been about songs, but it has always been about spectacle, whether of the political, socially conscious, crassly consumerist or just plain sleazy variety. A Shot at Love may manage all of the above”.

See you next time Tila ;)

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Progressive Jackpot Hit Big Twice

Canadian Woman Hits $146K Jackpot Within Weeks of $165K Win

Last weekend, a Canadian woman was the second online slots player to hit Slotland.com’s progressive jackpot really big in just a few weeks. Her September 23rd jackpot of $146,761 (€105,840) follows a $165, 318 (€119,610) win by a regular player known as “Newman32” in July.

“I usually play the Booster slot because I like the way you can boost your bets. But a friend won a few dollars playing the slot machine called Magic so I decided to give it a try last Sunday,” said this week’s winner. “That machine sure lived up to its name that night, eh?”

In a recent player survey, 80% of respondents said the reason they liked slot machines over other online casino games is the jackpots. With a progressive jackpot that gets hit for $150,000 or more quite regularly, it’s no wonder jackpot-lovers flock to Slotland.com.

“I know a lot of people think slots players just like slots because they’re easy,” said John Lancelet of Slotland.com. “But the chance to win hundreds of thousands on a very minimal bet is a big part of it!”

Unlike many sites where it can take weeks for a jackpot to get back to a very large amount, Slotland’s progressive jackpot starts big thanks to a policy instituted earlier this year.

When the jackpot was hit several times within weeks of each other, Slotland started doubling the start-up amount when they reset it. Since it now re-starts at $50,000 it doesn’t take long to reach big numbers like the $163,114 win in March and the all time high jackpot of $179,166 in May.

The progressive can be played on any of the fourteen unique slot machines and video poker games on the Slotland.com web site. Six games are also available on mobile phones and PDAs. The mobile games are tied into the same progressive jackpot, so the next big winner could be at their computer or anywhere they take their mobile phone.

First Monthly Final in Million Dollar Free Roll This Sunday

Winners of Free Roll Qualifiers Compete for PlayersOnly’s Biggest Prize Pool Ever

This Sunday, players that have qualified in free rolls and cash satellites through the month will play-off for a cool $75,000 in the first Monthly Final of PlayersOnly.com’s Million Dollar Free Roll Series. In coming months the sexy, video-rich site will award one million dollars in cash prizes making this the richest poker tournament they’ve ever presented.

“Who wouldn’t want to win a million bucks!?” said PlayersOnly.com Manager David Anderson, “We’ve put a million into the prize pool but we’ve organized it so there’s lots of opportunities to win a nice piece of it.”

The payout structure for the PlayersOnly’s Million Dollar Free Roll Series divides the prize pool so that monthly winners each take away $75,000 and even second and third place players win $10,000.

There are still a few chances win a free seat in Sunday’s final, but players that don’t qualify in time for this weekend can buy-in directly or try again next month.

Free roll qualifiers continue twice a day. Those that prefer to avoid high volume free roll satellites can win their seat in the monthly finals in cash buy-in satellites held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (buy-ins as low as $2).

Players with Gold Chip loyalty points can play special qualifiers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays where the buy in is ten Gold Chips. All players also have the option of simply buying in directly at the final table for $50.

25 players will make it to the final table absolutely free, possibly without winning a single hand. For the Deposit Bonus Lottery, each deposit of $100 made with the special bonus code announced prior to each month end final will be one entry in a random draw for free seats at the final.

For tournament details including full schedule and payout structure, see: http://www.playersonly.com/1million/.

Worlds Largest Roll of the Dice





GNUF brings you the world's largest dice sliding down a big snowy hill in Greenland. You can bet for free on the result of the roll at GNUF.com/diceroll. Seven, c'mon seven!!!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

PlayersOnly Hostess Carrie Stroup in FHM This Month

But Model/Actress Not a Contender in This Sunday’s Million Dollar Free Roll Final

Carrie Stroup, the hostess at PlayersOnly.com that I had such a good time with at the WSOP in Las Vegas, is on the pages of yet another men’s magazine this month. Last month it was Playboy Magazine Babe-of-the-Month, this month it’s FHM.

The sexy and charismatic hostess of the recently re-designed PlayersOnly.com casino, sportsbook and poker room may not need to practice her smile but she says her poker game could use some work. She won’t be playing in this Sunday’s first monthly Million Dollar Free Roll Final.

“Omigod… I tried playing in one of the games they run all week where you qualify for the Sunday Final,” said the self-confessed poker newbie, “I didn’t last long. I’ll be watching the game on Sunday though – pretty exciting to see someone win $75,000!”

In their biggest tournament series ever, PlayersOnly.com will award a total of $1,000,000 over the next ten months with winners of monthly finals taking away $75,000 each. Players can win their way to the monthly finals at free rolls held twice a day, at one of three cash satellites with buy-ins as low as $2, or by direct buy-in ($50). There will be special opportunities for Gold Chip players and 25 seats at the final table will be awarded in a unique Deposit Bonus Lottery.

Stroup’s four-page spread in the October issue of FHM includes some of the raciest photos the former Miss USA has posed for as well as an interview where readers get to know the playful side of one of the prettiest faces in the online gambling world. The erotic photos for FHM Magazine were shot by Nicholas De Bruin at his L.A. studio.

“I’d done another shoot with Nicholas – he’s so good!” said Stroup. “When he asked me if I’d like to do this shoot for FHM I was thrilled.”

“But what’s my mom going to say when she sees the big headline FHM put over one of my pics?” laughed the actress/model. “‘My Sex Life is Great’ Did they have to put that?! I really should learn to watch what I say I guess. That’s just not me though.”

Don't change a thing Carrie -- love ya just the way you are!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

iGaming Parties in Barcelona Next Week

If you've been following the trail of igaming parties that I've been lucky enough to attend lately, you won't feel sorry for me when I whine about not going to Barcelona next week for EiG and CAP Euro. Lots of people I know will be there and, as usual, the parties and networking events will be the highlights. Here's one I have to turn down -- Lyceum Media's party at the beginning of EiG. And my friend Esther is doing a big party with a tropical twist on Friday the 5th: Go Tropical sponsored by Club World Casino and Rushmore Casino. There'll be body painted hostesses, exotic birds, lions, tigers... Waaaaa... Definitely not one to miss. If you're a casino affiliate contact Esther for party info.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Swede Wins Chance to Play Heads-up Against Legendary Doyle Brunson

Emanuel Karlen (“ManneKK”) from Stockholm, Sweden won the $25,000 Summer Series Free Roll Grand Finale at DoylesRoom.com on September 19th and will now face the “Godfather of Poker” Doyle Brunson in a Heads-Up match for $25,000 at DoylesRoom.com on September 30th at 6pm BST (5pm GMT). If he wins, Karlen will take the cash and receive the ultimate bragging rights for beating Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson in a heads up tournament!

Karlen said “The tournament was really fun. Early on I managed to double up with a couple of flopped sets and big slicks that held up. Things went my way. Late game was all about choosing spots carefully since the structure was pretty fast. Playing a legend like Doyle Brunson heads-up is more than I ever could have dreamed of and will be really exciting. I'm looking forward to it and I will be happy, win or lose.”

Doyle Brunson said “Congratulations to Emanuel on winning the right to take me on Heads-Up. I've seen some of our Scandinavian players in action and they are pretty good. I am looking forward to putting Emanuel to the test in the final match of the most innovative tournament series DoylesRoom.com has ever produced.”

Karlen will also be appearing on the cover of Online Poker Pro with the legendary Doyle Brunson as well as appearing in feature stories of other major poker publications.

Players at DoylesRoom can get a front row seat of the Heads-Up match by tuning in to DoylesRoom.com and watching the match over the Internet.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Final Heat in WPT North America Championship Satellites This Week at PlayersOnly.com


Winners to Play in High-Stakes Niagara Falls Tournament

PlayersOnly.com is sending tournament winners to Niagara Falls for the WPT North American Poker Championship where they’ll play for hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money.

The last in a month-long series of Super Satellites is being held on Sunday at 5:00 ET at PlayersOnly.com. Buy-in for this final WPTNA qualifier is $200 + $12 fee. Players can qualify for the Sunday event through Sit & Go and multi-table cash satellites held throughout the week.

“There were quite a lot of players -- some pretty stiff competition, especially when it got down to the last eight of us,” said last Sunday’s satellite winner. “I held my own though. Hopefully I’ll do OK in Niagara Falls!”

Last night was the final heat in the Gold Card Poker Tour Leaderboard contest, a special competition for participants in PlayersOnly’s Gold Card rewards program. Last night’s top 100 will join the top 100 from previous heats for the Gold Card Poker Tour Final September 29th when another $12K WPTNA prize package will be awarded to the ultimate winner.

“Our players love tournaments,” said PlayersOnly.com Manager David Anderson. “We gave away $25,000 in tournament prizes over the summer and we’re continuing into the fall with the WPT qualifiers and the Million Dollar Free Roll Tournament that also started this month.”

The $12,000 prize package being awarded to Super Satellite and Gold Card Poker Tour Leaderboard winners includes the $10,000 registration fee for the World Poker Tour North America Championship tournament and travel expenses for the trip to the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Canada.

For further details on the WPT North America Championship satellite tournament series please see www.playersonly.com/contest/wtp-niagara-falls/. Information on the Million Dollar Free Roll Tournament can be found at http://www.playersonly.com/1million/.

Slots Player Survey Challenges Stereotypes


Early Results Confirm Slots are Most Popular With Women But Also Show Slots Players Are Bigger Gamblers Than Some Might Think

Going in to the final weeks of the Online Slots Player Survey, early trends confirm what many would suspect about online slots players and also challenge some common assumptions. The Survey, presented by Slotland.com, asks players about their betting habits, memorable wins and strategies for winning. With mobile gambling becoming so popular, it also includes questions about playing games on mobile phones.

Players that complete the Survey can enter a free contest. One player, drawn randomly, will win a $500 credit to their Slotland.com account.

One thing the survey’s early results suggest is that most slots players aren’t just playing for pennies. Although most said the highest they ever bet was $50 - $100 most respondents so far also said they occasionally or almost always like to place a maximum bet. Most said their biggest win ever was $1000.

There has been nearly unanimous agreement on how to win at slots: stick with a machine that feels lucky, no matter how tempting it is to switch games.

“We actually get a lot of correspondence from our players,” said John Lancelet of Slotland.com, “So we have a good impression of who they are. This survey confirms a lot of what we already understood but we’ve learned some interesting things about our players. For example, they seem to rely more than I thought on how they feel about a particular machine rather than specific playing strategies.”

Results so far show that video poker and solitaire are also popular with slots players while poker is not. Although some said they played the hugely popular online casino game occasionally, most didn’t play it much or at all.

Slotland’s Online Slots Survey challenges one popular myth about slots players. Slots are enjoyed by people of all ages, not just seniors as many might think. While survey respondents have ranged from their 20s to their 60s and older, most have been in their 30s.

Anyone online slots player can take the Online Slots Survey and get a chance to win $500. The Survey will remain online until Sunday, 23rd September at www.GamblingDaily.com/slots-survey.

Monday, September 17, 2007

European Teenager Wins First WSOP Europe

Europeans Dominate First World Series of Poker Outside Las Vegas

18-year old Internet phenomenon Annette Obrestad has been crowned champion of Europe after a tense heads-up battle at the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe, at the Casino at the Empire in the early hours of this morning.

The Norwegian, who goes by the name of Annette_15 on the Internet, became the youngest bracelet winner in World Series history, when she emerged victorious from a tense heads-up battle with 22-year old Englishman John Tabatabai.

“I never expected to win,” said Obrestad, who turns 19 in a day’s time. “I’m speechless. I really don’t know what to say.”

The result was a fitting end to a hugely successful tournament that had the largest concentration of elite poker players that Europe has ever seen. Yet, only Gus Hansen made a telling impression on the tournament, having sacrificed an overnight chip lead on Friday to crash out on the final table bubble.

However, the WSOPE, and particularly its winner, has made an indelible contribution to the welfare of the international game, and has also served to underline the talent that exists on this side of the Atlantic.

“In the end, the Europeans dominated here,” said WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack. “But this is the start of a new tradition for the World Series of Poker and the European and global poker communities. WSOP Europe will provide more exciting action in the years to come and we’re confident poker greats from all over the world – and across the generations – will shine here, just as they have in Las Vegas.”

Last Chance to Enter the $25K Summer FreeRoll and Go Heads-Up With Doyle Brunson

Time is running out to register with DoylesRoom.com to enter into their Summer Series Freeroll for a $25,000 cash prize. The winner will then have a chance to play Heads-Up against Doyle Brunson for an additional $25,000 taking place on September 30th.

You can enter the Summer Series Freeroll by registering with DoylesRoom.com before September 19th when the tournament is due to take place. The winner will walk away with the cash prize and automatic entry into the September 30th “heads up” match against the Godfather of Poker, Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson.

“Time is running out,” says Doyle, “so if you fancy your chances against me then register now and get playing!”

DoylesRoom.com recently launched their new-look website introducing Gemma Hiles as spokesmodel for the site. She’ll guide players through the site to make their poker experience the most enjoyable on the Internet. A new comer to the world of online poker, Gemma Hiles, as well as all players, can learn from the best poker players in the world, including Doyle Brunson, Todd Brunson & Mike Caro.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

$1 Million Free Roll Poker Tournament Series Has Begun!

Players Can Qualify Free for Ten Chances to Win

In the biggest tournament series since the re-launch of their video-rich poker room, casino and sportsbook, PlayersOnly.com has just begun its first Million Dollar Free Roll Tournament Series. A total of $1,000,000 will be awarded over the next ten months with winners of monthly finals taking away $75,000 each. Players can win their way to the monthly finals at free rolls held twice a day, at one of three cash satellites with buy-ins as low as $2, or by direct buy-in ($50). There will be special opportunities for Gold Chip players and 25 seats at the final table will be awarded in a unique Deposit Bonus Lottery.

The first monthly final will be on September 30th at 9:00 pm ET. Qualifying matches began last week.

“We’ve got a couple of poker tournaments going right now where the prizes are trips – one to the WPT Turks & Caicos and another to baseball’s World Series,” said PlayersOnly.com Brand Manager David Anderson. “But this series is for cold cash, and lots of it!”

The payout structure for PlayersOnly’s monthly tournaments divide the monthly prize pool so that the winner takes away $75,000 and even second and third place players win $10,000.
Any PlayersOnly.com player can qualify for the monthly finals for free by winning one of 14 free roll qualifiers held each and every week.

PlayersOnly.com’s tables are always busy and with this kind of money at stake they’re bound to be hopping. Those that prefer to avoid high volume free roll satellites can win their seat in the finals in cash buy-in satellites held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Players with Gold Chip loyalty points can play special qualifiers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays where the buy in is ten Gold Chips. All players also have the option of simply buying in directly at the final table for $50.

25 players will make it to the final table absolutely free, possibly without winning a single hand. For the Deposit Bonus Lottery, each deposit of $100 made with the special bonus code announced prior to each month end final will be one entry in a random draw for free seats at the final.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Europeans Win First WSOP Europe Bracelets

Two European players sponsored by Betfair.com have got the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Europe off to a flying start by becoming the first people to win a recognized WSOP bracelet outside of the US.

German player Thomas ‘Buzzer’ Bihl had the honour of making poker history yesterday when he took down the first WSOP Europe event, winning £70,875 in the H.O.R.S.E. tournament. Two-time WSOP winner Jennifer Harman from Reno, Nevada, finished in second place after relinquishing a two-to-one chip lead to Bihl, who played a quiet waiting game for most of the 13-hour final table.

Following in Bihl’s footsteps today was another Betfair-sponsored player, Italy’s Dario Alioto of Palermo who won the £5,000 buy-in Pot-Limit Omaha Championship, £234,390 in cash and the second WSOP gold bracelet ever awarded outside the United States.

The 23-year-old battled past a strong contingent of star players including Roland de Wolfe, Andy Bloch and Ted Forrest, who all cashed, to take the title in the early hours of this morning. Istvan Novak of Hungary took second place and £137,280.

The WSOP Europe £10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Main Event will kick off later today at the Casino at the Empire on Leicester Square, The Sportsman in Marble Arch, and Fifty on St James’ Street.

Friday, September 07, 2007

Doyle Brunson a True Poker Superstar

My friends Inka and Esther at Lyceum Media arranged a media meet-and-greet for Doyle Brunson in London this week. Here's some pix.

The legendary WSOP superstar was in London for the first WSOP Europe and to launch his online poker room, DoylesRoom.com, to Europeans. As always, a hush fell over the room as the iconic, stetson-wearing Brunson entered the reception area. Brunson has played in every WSOP since it began, and has an armful of gold bracelets to show for it, so it's great that he could make it to London. DoylesRoom.com is the only online poker room where you can actually play against Doyle Brunson!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Chilipoker Signs Poker Diva, Liz Lieu as Ambassador

Chilipoker.com has signed an exclusive contract with talented, astute and stylish Poker Star – Liz Lieu. Liz being an icon in the poker world brings card-playing expertise to the Chilipoker tables with style, versatility and flair.

According to Alexandre Dreyfus, “The partnership between Liz and Chilipoker is the perfect synergy of the aspirational poker lifestyle . Liz fits the concept perfectly. She has a flair for style and has created a unique personal image notwithstanding an aggressive and winning approach at the tables.”

Liz Lieu has secured her stance in the poker world achieving several limit and no-limit hold’em titles and earning over $600,000 in less than two years. Her most recent victory was in the LA Poker Classic last February, winning nothing less than $148,000 and a pledge to donate 20% to charity. Liz is among one of the few most feared high limit cash game player in the Bellagio and Commerce casinos. Her resume is rich of achievements and is considered to be one of the top 2 female poker players in the world.

Founder and CEO, Alexandre Dreyfus states “We are proud to have Liz Lieu as the ambassador of the Chilipoker brand and we are sure that this collaboration will further consolidate our presence in the European and the Asian Markets. We appreciate that Liz has decided to move to London to be closer to our European customer base and we are pleased to communicate to our players that Chilipoker will be organizing regular monthly exclusive tournaments with Liz Lieu. We are flying all the winners to the UK to play with Liz Live in an exclusive tournament that will be broadcasted on various channels.”

Liz Lieu confides, “I was very careful to find a site that I could work with as a true partner and one that had the same aspirations as myself. ChiliPoker is an ambitious site with exciting plans and also offers a lifestyle positioning. I was of course approached by other sites but I like the fact that with Chilipoker I will become an important face of the site. Chilipoker are also very supportive of my charity work and also a percentage of my winnings will go to my charities, which is very important to me.”

Liz lieu will be playing at the WSOPE in London on Monday the 10th of September. All poker enthusiasts will be able to tune in to follow the poker diva’s experience at the WSOP on http://www.chilipoker.com/.



“We are very proud to announce such an innovative feature on our site and give both players and guests the chance to experience the WSOP with Liz”. Chilipoker Players should keep an eye on the Chilipoker school, as the poker diva will soon be revealing some of her best kept tips and winning secrets.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

PlayersOnly Hostess is Playboy Magazine’s Babe of the Month

Carrie Stroup, PlayersOnly VIP Players and yours truly to Party at the Playboy Mansion with A-Listers Including Elizabeth Taylor, Oprah Winfrey, P Diddy, Jay Z, Magic Johnson & Tyra Banks

Carrie Stroup, host of PlayersOnly.com, is celebrating her Babe-of-the-Month spread in the September issue of Playboy Magazine by partying at the Playboy Mansion this weekend with PlayersOnly.com VIP players and a host of Hollywood celebrities. And I get to take my cameras and follow her around as she schmoozes the crowd just like I did at PlayersOnly.com's last party in Las Vegas.

“I had so much fun doing the shoot for Playboy,” said the actress, model and columnist. “I think the boys from PlayersOnly.com are going to like it. Let’s just say they see a little more of me than they see in all the video animations I did for the lobbies on the new PlayersOnly site!”

As a sponsor of the Players Toast Awards being held at the Playboy Mansion Saturday night, PlayersOnly.com has invited 15 VIP players to live it up at the world’s sexiest party venue with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Oprah Winfrey, P Diddy, Jay Z, Magic Johnson and Tyra Banks, all of whom will be receiving Players Toast Awards recognizing their extraordinary lives. Presenters expected include Brandi Williams, Coolio, Danny Bonaduce, Davetta Sherwood, Patti Labelle and Christopher Tyler. Aretha Franklin, Coolio and 2Deep will entertain the A-list crowd.

“It took me, like, five minutes to book a flight and accept this invitation!” said PocketFives.com host Cal Spears from the popular poker community’s new headquarters in Costa Rica. “Playboy Mansion – I’m all in!”

Carrie Stroup, the sexy and charismatic host of the recently re-designed PlayersOnly.com casino, sportsbook and poker room, has appeared in NBC “Scrubs”, movies “Cellular”, “Starsky and Hutch”, “The Girl Next Door”, and “Redline”. She has also appeared in the MTV pilot “Living the Dream” and hosted “VIP Parties Uncensored”. Most recently Carrie completed The Learning Channel show “Faking It”. One of the most recognized models in the world of online gambling, Carrie Stroup has worked exclusively with PlayersOnly.com and Sportsbook.com since 2006.

Carrie is a talented actress and a beautiful model. She’s also a total party girl and clearly enjoyed herself at PlayersOnly.com’s last party at the WSOP in Las Vegas. Photos and video clips from the party at the Sapphire strip club are online: www.lyceummedia.com/playersonly

PlayersOnly.com definitely knows how to throw a party – it’s also one of the busiest poker rooms online and hosts the best tournaments anywhere. PlayersOnly’s Million Dollar Free Roll Series – 10 monthly tournaments each with a $100,000 prize -- began last weekend. Saturday afternoon Fox Baseball World Series Free Roll Tournaments continue until September 22. The ultimate winner will get a trip to experience World Series baseball first hand. WPT Turks & Caicos satellites for the World Poker Tour Turks and Caicos Poker Classic also continue on Sundays.

InterCasino and InterPoker Obtain Full European Online Casino and Online Poker Licenses

The first of the offshore online gambling companies make their move to Malta

As of September 1st when the new Gambling Act came into effect in the UK, advertising of online casinos, sportsbooks and poker rooms is now permitted -- but only by companies that are licensed in the UK. It didn't take a genius to predict that many big companies currently licensed offshore in places like Antiqua and Costa Rica will move their businesses to Europe. This is all good for us online gamblers -- it means that more and more online casinos will be regulated by strict jurisdictions.

InterCasino and InterPoker have just been granted online casino gaming and online poker licenses from the government Malta. Pursuant to their licence, the companies have successfully satisfied the stringent requirements of the Maltese government to operate their online gaming business from Malta.

Recognised as blue-chip brands throughout Europe, InterCasino and InterPoker chose to relocate their servers to Malta due to the country’s progressive policy in online gaming regulation, and because of the operational advantages across Europe that an online gaming license within the EU affords. It has already been recognised by the United Kingdom that InterCasino and InterPoker’s Maltese license places these companies on a white-list of compliant operators allowed to advertise within the UK.

Besides players, the other beneficiaries of InterCasino and InterPoker’s Maltese license are the company’s affiliates and marketing partners, who will be able to continue marketing these brands across the EU. “InterCasino and Interpoker are both top quality brands that have been player favourites for years. They are a first choice brand to market, and their new license means that you’ll see a lot more of them in the future,” according to Michael Caselli, Editor-in-Chief of Europe’s #1 poker magazine, Bluff Europe.

“We are very pleased to confirm that InterCasino & InterPoker now have a full European license in the EU territory of Malta.

Following increased regulation of online gaming across the world, InterPoker and InterCasino have moved our business, servers and official license to Malta. We have done this to ensure that all our customers are able to enjoy playing at InterPoker in the full knowledge that their game play will be with the premier European gaming license jurisdiction,” said InterCasino Group Spokesman Peter Marcus.