Phil Laak OK After Major ATV Accident

August 9, 2010

Phil “The Unibomber” Laak, pro poker player, was involved in an unfortunate ATV accident last week and as a result was hospitalized. Laak and fellow poker players, David Wells, Brian Rast, Antonio Esfandiari, and Alec Torelli, along with other friends, were on their way to a camping trip in Oregon when Laak lost control of his ATV. Though the injuries are minor, they included lacerations to his right eye and broken bones.

Esfandiari, who was with Laak in the hospital, told sources, “We were following Dave and Tony on the ATVs and we were keeping up very well. We went over a sand dune, but there was a drop hidden behind it. It could have happened to either of us, honestly. Phil tried to jump off in mid-air, but he ended up landing on his bike. His elbow is broken and his wrist is all jacked up. His eye is also really messed up. Had it been one millimeter off, he’d probably be blind.”

Despite the upset though, Laak still found time to update his Twitter page @ RealPhilLaak. On August 5th: “Atv accident, massive arm injury and lacerations to eye in oregon. Life is good.” Then later that evening, he posted, “Stitches forthcoming. Could have been worse I’m lucky to be in one piece.”

Laak still remains in good spirits. Esfandiari says “he is handling it all very well.” He went on to explain that Laak “was even cracking jokes with the police and paramedics who were on the scene. He wants to fly home tonight [Friday], but they aren’t sure if they will let him. We might have to drive.”

According to his Twitter page @ RealPhilLaak, he did make it home and is now in the arms of his girlfriend Jennifer Tilly. His last post on August 7th read: “Jennifer is the best. Cuddling w her is better for the pain then even my perkocet pain medicine.”

He posted this pic on Twitter:

phil laak

WSOP Main Event Airs on ESPN Tuesday Night

August 9, 2010

ESPN will begin airing the 2010 Main Event tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. ET. As usual, Lon McEachern and Norman Chad will co-host the event. This week features Mike “The Mouth” Matusow, 2010 Poker Players Champion and 2010 November Nine member Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, 2003 world champion of poker Chris Moneymaker, 2004 world champion of poker Greg Raymer, and many more.

Also expect to see Annette Obrestad, former main event champ Dan Harrington and Erick Lindgren, 2008 Player of the Year, not to mention the 7,000+ additional players who gave it a try at the 2010 WSOP this year.

Each week thereafter on Tuesdays starting at 8:00 p.m. ET until 10:00 p.m. ET, you can catch more 2010 WSOP Main Event action leading up to the November Nine finalists who will reunite at the Rio All-Suites on November 6th to vie it out for the title of world champion of poker and take home $9 million in poker winnings.

2010 World Series Main Event highlights can also be seen in the same time slot on ESPN HD and ESPN Mobile TV channels. Episodes will re-air later that same morning from 1:00 a.m. ET until 4:00 a.m. ET on ESPN 2 and ESPN 2 HD channels.

Episode 1 will feature Day 1A and Day 1B. Episode 2 will air on August 17th and will feature Day 1C and Day 1D. The remainder of the Main Event will air on Tuesdays between August 24th and October 5th from 9:00 p.m. ET until 11:00 p.m. ET. On October 12th, Day 7 of the Main Event will air from 9:30 p.m. ET until 11:30 p.m. ET, and the remainder of the Main Event will air between October 19th and November 9th between 9:00 p.m. ET and 11:00 p.m. ET.

WSOP and Harrah’s Free Online Poker Platform Up and Running

August 9, 2010

About one month ago WSOP launched its online poker site, free for US residents. To advertise the big event, Harrah’s has introduced a PR campaign that included an advertisement in the USA Today. Americans can also expect to see television commercials on ESPN during WSOP broadcasts advertising the new online poker platform.

So while Harrah’s has officially stepped foot in the online poker market in the US, it’s only “play money” that’s at stake for now. Although the play chips are not worth any value, Communications Director for WSOP, Seth Palansky, says that prizes such as WSOP 2011 seats and exclusive vacations at Harrah’s Las Vegas properties will be introduced sooner than later.

Palansky says, “This was the next logical step for us. We’ve seen a very good response, with a lot of folks downloading the game.”

Harrah’s partner is Dragonfish, real-money online poker company operating in the UK. Rep. Barney Frank’s poker bill stirred up a ruckus recently indicating that regulated US online poker might actually be a possibility again. Harrah’s wants to be on the forefront of the game plan if such regulation does ultimately pass, though Palansky does not imply this has anything to do with their actions, but rather their focus is on brand building.

“We watch these things closely, but it doesn’t affect how we operate on a day-to-day basis,” says Palansky. “We have enough opportunities to seize and deal with currently that we don’t have to worry what may or may not happen.”

The bill still has a long way to go if it is to ever be passed and ultimately implemented.

According to Palansky, WSOP launched a social networking poker app a few weeks ago. “We’ve had video games in the past. We’ve had a very successful WSOP mobile game that’s in the market now, and has done really well. Now, you can play through Facebook. This and [the play-money poker software on wsop.com] both basically have the same intent—a brand-building World Series of Poker official online game.”

PartyGaming to Merge with bwin

August 3, 2010

It’s now official; PartyGaming and bwin have confirmed they plan to merge. I this merger goes as planned, these two companies will form the world’s biggest online gambling conglomerate to be publicly traded. The $1.76 billion deal will break down with 48.4% of shares owned by PartyGaming shareholders, and the remaining 51.6% owned by bwin shareholders.

With bwin’s successful sportsbook and PartyGaming’s thriving casino and poker platforms, the two companies are believed to complement each other well to serve together as a strong brand.

Incorporated in Gibraltar, the new company will be co-run by CEO of bwin, Norbert Teufelberger and CEO of PartyGaming, Jim Ryan. However, the merger must be approved by 75% of both PartyGaming and bwin shareholders during 2011 first quarter shareholders meetings. Once approved, all assets and liabilities of bwin will be transferred to PartyGaming, and the new corporation will be incorporated in Gibraltar. bwin will then be removed from the Vienna Stock Exchange, and shares of the new combined company will be open for trade on London’s FTSE.

Teufelberger announced the merger in a statement that included the following: “The business combination makes great strategic, operational and financial sense.” He went on to explain, “We will be in pole position to capitalize on the wealth of opportunities that will flow from the continued evolution and expansion of the global online gaming industry.”

Ryan also made a statement: “With market-leading positions in poker, sports betting, casino and games (in particular bingo), the enlarged Group will have a winning formula to exploit the growing gaming market, supported by a strong balance sheet, significant cash flow generation and a highly experienced management team.”

This merger would in fact create a power brand that could possibly exert enough force within the industry to redefine online gambling as we know it today—for the better.

Headway Made in the Fight For Legalized Online Poker in the US

July 30, 2010

It’s been a long time coming, but Congress finally returned a positive vote on an online gambling regulation bill that went through on Thursday. Barney Frank’s bill was supported by Democrats in the House Financial Services Committee where the vote turned out 34 to 4 in favor of the bill. While this is only just a start, it paves the way for the future of regulated and licensed online poker activity in the US.

Attached to the bill were 14 amendments that would outline the laws of online gambling, should the bill be passed in the future. Most of these amendments work together to prevent addictive behaviors and credit gambling. One amendment actually requires online poker sites to implement technology, allowing players to put a cap on losses. Another provision implies the importance of the random number generator, making sure that the RNG is used and on the up and up. The need for a government study is also included in the bill which will study the problems with gambling under the influence. Also, licensing would be given based on the fact that the majority of staff workers in an online gambling corporation must be employed in the US and all gambling sites receiving licensure would have to be located in the US. Another surprising provision states that credit cards would no longer be used to make deposits. And finally, not very surprising, sportsbetting is a big no-no, with the exception of course of pari mutual racing.

While this is one small step for the US online poker activists, there is opposition to the bill even among proponents of online poker. This bill as it stands, if passed, would ultimately shut out the majority of online gambling brands who dominate the US online poker force. This would in turn open the gates for the big name land-based casinos like Harrah’s to move in and take over.

Time will tell…

British Poker Pro James Dempsey Picked Up By Full Tilt

July 27, 2010

Full Tilt’s Red Pros list has a new inductee. James Dempsey, the British sensation who took the 2010 WSOP by storm this year with more than $1 million in online winnings and winner of the Pocket Fives Triple Crown, now holds the title of Full Tilt Red Pro, one of the most distinguished titles in online poker. He joins fellow WSOP bracelet winners from Britain, Praz Bansi and Richard Ashby.

Now a WSOP bracelet winner for the $1500 Pot Limit Hold ‘em event, Dempsey, a.k.a. “Flushy” a.k.a. “The Doctor,” says, “I couldn’t be more excited. This is a such a dream of mine. I’ve worked very hard for this over the years and to have won a bracelet and now this – it’s just fantastic.”

His first appearance as Full Tilt Red Pro will be at the Full Tilt Poker Million that will air later in the month in the UK on Sky Sports.

In addition to a bracelet, this year at the WSOP, Dempsey cashed four times, one of which included a second place finish to Sam Farha at the $10K Omaha Hi/Lo event.

Dempsey first came onto the scene back in 2005. Over the years he steadily made a name for himself with a string of impressive wins and cashes. When not playing poker, Dempsey enjoys golf and semi-pro bocce. He’s also dabbled in staking players Brent Horner and Richard Hare, but backed off to work on his PhD.

You may have heard his name in the past involving a controversy between Dempsey and Julian Thew regarding who purchased the last stake of Simon Trumper in the $10K PLO WSOP event. Dempsey got the percentage, but not without payback. Thew paid Dempsey’s roommate to shave Dempsey’s head while he was asleep, and he did.

2010 WSOP Main Event Officially Underway

July 6, 2010

As of 12:05 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2010, the 41st annual World Series of Poker Main Event is officially underway. 2004 World Champion Greg “Fossilman” Raymor cut the ribbon so to speak in the opening ceremony bellowing through a microphone to more than a thousand fans in the crowd, “This is what you are all playing for – the gold bracelet! This is what you all came here for!” he continued holding up his own gold bracelet, “And now, let’s play some poker! Shuffle up and deal!”

Players come from around the world speaking diverse languages with various levels of education from just about every possible profession to congregate at the World Series of Poker each year with the shared dream that this year might be their year to win. And for someone, that dream is sure to come true as it has for past champions Joe Cada, Joe Hachem, and Chris Moneymaker.

The WSOP Main Event starting day is broken into four days to accommodate the hoards of people who participate in the series. Day 1A saw more than 1,100 people including poker pros and champions such as Bobby “the Owl” Baldwin, Chris Moneymaker, Greg “Fossilman” Raymer, Billy Baxter, T.J. Cloutier, Thor Hansen, Mike Matusow, Erik Seidel, Barry Shulman, David Sklansky, and Dewey Tomko.

The World Series of Poker also attracts Hollywood stars and celebrity athletes to the game. Day 1A also hosted tables which included actor and comedian Ray Romano, two-time Olympic gold medalist Marcus Hellner of Sweden, Dallas Maverick Shawn Marion, and four-time Olympic medalist including two gold medals Petter Northug of Norway played today.

Players have the option of choosing which starting day they prefer, and it is expected that starting days 1B, 1C, and 1D will have a larger turnout than starting day 1A.

Players who survive the 1A first round in the Main Event will move on to day 2A held on July 9th.

David Williams is Latest Poker Pro at PokerStars

July 5, 2010

The world’s largest online poker site, PokerStars, has just signed David Williams as their latest poker pro. David Williams’ managing agency, Poker Royalty, confirmed that he has become part of the PokerStars family.

Williams recently parted ways with Bodog Poker after he took down the final table at the World Poker Tour Championship at the Bellagio. The win marked his fourth WPT final table, and it’s rumored that Williams wasn’t satisfied with the bonus which Bodog awarded him for the win.

Williams’ poker career gained recognition after his second place finish at the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event. He pocketed more than $3.5 million for finishing runner-up to Greg Raymer. Williams then went on to land a seat at the final table of the World Poker Tour Bay 101 event winning $280,000 in addition to his win of a World Series of Poker bracelet at the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud tournament at the 2006 World Series of Poker. Williams followed up his bracelet win with a runner-up title in the $5k No Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball tournament for another $250,000. To date, Williams has won almost $8 million dollars in live tournament play.

David Williams has been featured in televised tournaments including the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, NBC’s “Poker After Dark,” GSN’s “High Stakes Poker,” and the PokerStars-backed “Big Game.”

As the latest Poker Pro sign to PokerStars, David Williams joins a team of pros which includes Joe Cada, Greg Raymer, Vanessa Rousso, Joe Hachem, Chris Moneymaker, Peter Eastgate, Barry Greenstein, and PokerStars’ top gun, Daniel Negreanu.

Part of Williams’ duties as part of Team PokerStars will be to don tons of PokerStars gear, represent the brand at live poker events around the world, and play the tables online at PokerStars.com against PokerStars players.

The British Have Invaded the 2010 WSOP

June 29, 2010

With Brit James Dempsey at the helm, the British have invaded the 2010 WSOP. Having won five bracelets thus far, the United Kingdom is tied with Canada with the most bracelet wins of any other country outside the US during the 2010 World Series of Poker. The five British bracelet winners include Praz Bansi, James Dempsey, Richard Ashby, Mike Ellis, and Steve Jelinek.

Praz Bansi was the first Brit to win first place with the 2010 WSOP $1,500 No Limit Hold’em worth $515k. To date, Bansi has won two WSOP bracelets, has eight cashes, and more than $1.4 million in WSOP earnings.

James Dempsey followed suit winning the 2010 WSOP $1,500 Pot Limit Hold’em worth $197K. Dempsey almost stole the show with another win finishing second place in the $10K Omaha Hi-Lo Split-8 or Better World Championship winning more than $301K. During his professional career, Dempsey has claimed one WSOP bracelet, four cashes, and more than $522k in WSOP earnings.

Richard Ashby joined the British spotlight with his 2010 WSOP win in the $1,500 Seven Card Stud worth a $140K win. He was a major contender in the $10K HORSE World Championship as well, but came away with second place and $378K instead. Quite the cash game specialist, Ashby has nabbed one WSOP bracelet, 11 cashes, and more than $604K in WSOP earnings.

Mike Ellis has had a modestly successful stint so far in the World Series of Poker. He just recently joined the Brit bracelet ranks with a steal of a win in the 2010 WSOP $1,500 No Limit Hold ’em event earning him the coveted gold bracelet and $581K. Ellis has earned one WSOP bracelet, six cashes, and $626K in WSOP earnings since 2008.

Dark horse Steve Jelinek took down a final table that included Phil Hellmuth and John Gottlieb in the 2010 WSOP $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo Split-8 or Better event. Not only did he take the gold bracelet, but he pocketed a quarter million dollars as well. Jelinek has won one WSOP bracelet, four cashes, and close to $300K in WSOP earnings since 2005.

Other Brits to watch out for during the 2010 World Series of Poker are Neil “Sensei” Channing, Sam Trickett, and Chris Bjorn.

Mizrachi on the Up and Up

June 28, 2010

It was surprising to everyone when the poker world learned that Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi allegedly owed the tax man an estimated $340,000 in unpaid taxes when his estimated poker winnings to date equate to about $6.7 million. Mizrachi’s financial woes have plagued him and his family for the last several months and flooded the media with the shocking news. Not to worry, however. The Grinder is on the up and up thanks to the 2010 World Series of Poker.

To settle the alleged unpaid income tax bill, Mizrachi reportedly had to sell his Hollywood, Florida home as well as his not-so-humble-abode in Miramar, Florida. Mizrachi claims that poor accounting is to blame for his financial woes. “They were doing a bad job,” he said, “I’m working on settling the liens.”

Not only is he settling the liens, but Mizrachi is living up to his nickname having clenched the first place win at the 2010 WSOP Poker Players Championship in May. At only the second event of the 2010 World Series of Poker, Michael Mizrachi won the gold bracelet and $1.6 million in cash. The best part about the win was he got to play the final table with his brother Robert, and he won his first-ever WSOP bracelet.

Commenting on the big win, Mizrachi’s wife Lily said, “It was such a big deal. It was the only thing he was missing. Winning a WSOP event was his dream, and he came so close last year in pot-limit Omaha, especially since Robert won the year before. He was really discouraged to not win that and keep it in the family.”

Mizrachi went on to win 6th place in the 2010 WSOP 7-card Stud World Championship worth $69,000; 8th place in the Limit Hold ’em World Championship worth $50,000; and a worthy 26th place in a mixed event worth only $6,300. Looks like he can pay his debts now and won’t have to worry anymore.

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