The settlement states that Scheinberg agreement to resolve this dispute and forfeits to the United States the sum of $50 million (the “Forfeited Funds”), as full and final resolution of any and all claims by the United States.

The consent order of forfeiture also releases the possibility of admission of wrongdoing, culpability, liability or guilt on behalf of Mark Scheinberg or any of his respective agents or employees past or present.

It was also made clear that Scheinberg’s consent of forfeiture was not a part of the settlement resolved with Pokerstars and the DoJ from July 2012 and that the CEO is barred from making claims against the United States or any of its agents or employees that probable cause was not sufficient in regards to the forfeit the Forfeited Funds.

The Kings Bill

The news of the “King’s Bill” has been getting quite a bit of attention as it proposes to states or Native American tribes the right to opt-out of a federal system and keep their own internal gaming practices plus allowing online lotteries for U.S. states.

The Internet Gambling Regulation, Enforcement and Consumer Protection Act of 2013 claims that “Absent Federal limitations and enforcement, State regulation of Internet gambling, including consumer safeguards, could vary widely from State to State, and States could have difficulty enforcing Internet gambling restrictions within their borders, especially against out-of-State operators.”

In regards to the “King’s Bill” Sen. Harry Reid thinks that the bill that authorizes everything, weakens any chance of a strong online poker bill revival and doubts King’s bill would pass.

“I felt for several months now that I don’t see any movement on this,” Reid said. “I don’t see anything happening.”

Ohio Looks to Online Poker?

Internet cafes ban pending, a decline of over 5% combined from April in land based casinos, a revenue decrease as outlined by the Ohio Casino Control Commission reports revenue from its four casinos reached $72 million for the month of May. This significant decrease from the previous month may result in the state missing its projected gambling revenue for the year by some $350 million.

Ohio’s expected revenue from land-based gambling operations is used to meet budget regulations and with the state’s racetracks are also failing to reach the winner’s circle with regard to annual revenue projections could mean the possibility of poker regulation for the state.

WSOP Up to Date Results

• Jonathan Taylor Wins Event #14: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em ($454,424)
• Tom Schneider Wins Event #15: $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. ($258,960)
• Mark Radoja, Winner of Event #16: $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em ($331,190)!
• Athanasios Polychronopoulos, Winner of Event #17: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em ($518,755)
• Taylor Paur Wins Event #18: $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em ($340,260)
• Davidi Kitai Wins Second Career Bracelet in Event #19: $5,000 Pot-Limit Hold’em ($224,560)

Perspective’s Weekly update for June 3rd has J Todd taking a look at New Jersey’s newest consultant, as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement hires Mario Galea, former Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authorities, LGA Chairman. Plus industry news from Holland, WSOP and more.

However, in recent statements it seems that their intention and go to plan is to now enter both states with licensing in Nevada to operate Internet poker websites with MGM Resorts International and Boyd Gaming Corporation.

Suggestions as to why the company has switched gears is due to the fact of a 17 percent decline in earnings for 2012 and upon projected profits for 2013. bwin.party is hoping to capitalize on the potential that both states have to offer as well as splitting potential online gaming market with Caesars Entertainment Corp which owns four of the 12 casinos in Atlantic City and is planning to launch a World Series of Poker branded website in New Jersey.

In recent news about the World Series of Poker, the opening event attracted a history making number of entrants smashes records with 6,344 entries and $8.56 million prize pool. Events have been underway all week long, last we reported were the conclusion of the first three events.

This week the conclusion of ten events saw,

• John Beauprez Winning Event #4: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em (Six Handed) ($324,764)!
• Event #5 – Mike Gorodinsky Wins Omaha/Seven-Card Stud Hi-Low 8-or-Better ($216,988)!
• Event #6 – Benny Chen, $1,500 “Millionaire Maker” No-Limit Hold’em ($1,198,780)
• Event #7 saw Matt Waxman go heads up against Eric Baldwin in a No-Limit Hold’em that won Waxman is first First Gold Bracelet.
• Winner of Event #8 goes to Michael Malm, $2,500 Eight-Game Mix ($225,104)!
• Event #9 – Won by Cliff Josephy, $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout ($299,486)/
• Event 10 – and the winner is Brent Wheeler, #10: $1,500 Limit Hold’em ($191,605)
• Event #11 – Levi Berger, Winner of the $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Six Handed (473,019)!
• Event #12 Lev Rofman Wins Event #12: $1,500 Pot-Limit Hold’em ($166,136)
• Event #13 Proved lucky for poker veteran Mike Matusow, Wins 4th WSOP Bracelet & $266,503 First-Place Prize in Event #13: $5,000 Seven-Card Stud Hi-Low

And to round out this edition of the Dirty Stack recap we catch up with J Todd as he discusses the new consultant hired by the state of New Jersey to help with regulations for their online gambling business. Plus find out who blame for the failure of federal online gambling legislation in the U.S.?

As a representative for Ultimate Poker owned by the UFC and a division of the Ultimate Gaming company, Esfandiari proved to be a good face for the online poker room speaking intelligently and candidly on the success thus far of Nevada’s first legal online poker site.

After all, the headlines read on a daily basis, “Its Not a Question of if Online Poker Will Be in Your State, It’s When!” States like New Jersey and Nevada are at the forefront of these headlines in their charge to projecting just what type of budget they can prepare for. For example Governor Chris Christie is projecting a $180 million tax take from gambling.

Its also been reported the that “troublesome twelve” casinos in Atlantic City reported a first quarter profit of $41.4m in 2013 thus far, I’m sure PokerStars would argue part of that profit was due to its $11 million investment into the failed partnership deal with the Atlantic Club Casino; who posted a Q1 operating loss and still was $5m in the red.

Despite some setbacks New Jersey continues to move forward, this week hiring Mario Galea, former head of Malta’s Lotteries and Gaming Authority, as the state’s official consultant on online gambling regulations. Galea will assist in the implementing of any proposed regulations governing online gambling activities.

Earlier this week New Jersey announced plans to publish a draft of proposed Internet gambling regulations in the New Jersey Register on June 3. Some analysts believe this will give the state the upper hand getting more players down the shore and more importantly logging online as they push to offer online bets by the end of the year.

New Jersey definitely seems to be heading in the right direction with its plans of legislation of online gambling, even having the lead over Nevada, who only offers poker. New Jersey will have the advantage in online gambling, offering all the games currently in its 12 casinos.

John Kempf, managing director of RBC Capital Markets, estimated Internet gambling could be a $500-million-to-$600-million-a-year market for New Jersey.

As far as PokerStars, I don’t believe they are out of the equation, with an overwhelming 54% share in the global online poker market, you can expect something to happen soon.

Pokerstars is keeping good on that promise by winning a temporary restraining order preventing Colony Capital, owners of Atlantic Club Casino, from proceeding with putting an end to the expired casino deal.

PokerStars‘ time was up last month after already investing over $11 million of their own cash to help preserve over 2,000 jobs with a promise of $40 million additional support. But the support from the poker room didn’t stop the failing ACC from pulling out from the deal.

PokerStars’ claim of a breach in their agreement won the temporary restraining order against, but the Atlantic Club casino struck back with a lawsuit of their own stating,

“This action involves a sophisticated party’s attempt to avoid the consequences of an unambiguous provision in a contract that it executed after extensive negotiations and with the advice of counsel.”

However, Colony Capital is building the case around the fact the after the plaintiffs made their initial filings with the Commission and the DGE, significant information emerged publicly that Plaintiffs’ principals were associated with serious criminal activities more extensive and unresolved than previously disclosed.”

The Atlantic Club Casino further stated in regards to the already $11 million that Stars has invested, “that’s a risk they took for the opportunity of being at the forefront of online gaming
in New Jersey.”

But we all know that Stars will not fold on this case as the online poker room has fired back with the following statement, “It would be a catastrophic result for the Atlantic Club if the temporary restraining order is not vacated and the request for a preliminary injunction is not denied. As it currently stands, Plaintiffs – who have breached the Agreement – have been granted a unilateral, exclusive option to purchase The Atlantic Club and seek to extend that grant for many months in the face of serious doubt that they will ever obtain regulatory approval in New Jersey.”

As they say in the opera, “This Aint Over Til the Fat Lady Sings!”

PokerStars

Clearly after investing over $11 million into the failing casino to help preserve over 2,000 jobs with a promise of $40 million additional support Star was expecting some leeway…

“It was the Rational Group’s expectation and understanding, based on the ongoing dealings between the parties, that the closing date would be extended to allow the transaction to be completed,” the spokesman, Eric Hollreiser, said in a statement this evening. “The Rational Group remains entirely committed to resolving this situation and to our investment in New Jersey.” 

Although rival operators are set against PokerStars entry into the US Gaming, the poker room insist that this will deter their commitment on gaining entry into the NJ gaming market.

There is not further word however if Stars will try and renegotiate its deal with the Atlantic City Casino.

Michael Frawley, Atlantic Club’s chief operating officer, said the casino “remains committed to the aggressive pursuit of the opportunities presented by online gaming,” which was signed into law in February and may be up and running by the end of the year.

“In the interim, our intentions are to maintain our year over year market share gains through our unique brand positioning as ‘the best deal in Atlantic City,’” he said. “The Atlantic Club’s 2013 revenue and net revenue trends are proof positive that customers are rediscovering us and our popularity is higher than ever.”

Sounds like this is not the end of PokerStar and Atlantic City Club Casino as there seems to be some unanswered questions looming about.

California is considering a proposed measure set fourth to legalize intra-state online poker, Senate Bill 678 would authorize the operation of Internet poker Web sites within the borders of this state.

The bill will require the California Gambling Control Commission to establish a regulatory framework for the license of eligible entities and the operation of internet poker web sites.

“The Gambling Control Act provides for the license of certain individuals and establishments that conduct controlled games as defined and for the regulation of these gambling activities by the California Gambling Control Commission,” reads the introduction of Senate Bill 678.

“The Department of Justice has related investigatory and enforcement duties under the act. Any violation of these provisions is punishable as a misdemeanor as specified.

“This bill would authorize the operation of Internet poker websites within the borders of this state. The bill would require the Commission to establish a regulatory framework for the license of eligible entities and the operation of Internet poker websites within the borders of the state.”

Chris Ferguson, former World Series of Poker champion and originating founder of Full Tilt Poker, FTP is currently owned by The Rational Group, has come to settlement terms with federal prosecutors. Ferguson has agreed to forfeit millions he acquired as a principal founder, the eight-page settlement was signed by Tuesday from the infamous Black Friday civil lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department in September 2011. Ferguson along with fellow poker player Howard Lederer and other Full Tilt owners were accused of allegedly defrauding online customers out of $443.8 million.

In Nevada, the buzz is that state have beaten NJ to the punch by legalizing online gambling as Gov. Brian Sandoval signed legislation Thursday. Gov. Christie was slated to have supposedly been considering signing off on the amended vetoed bill from earlier this month but Nevada strategically has stepped in and made the “historic day” happen instead.

Sandoval spoke to the people stating, “Today I sign into law the framework that will usher in the next frontier of gaming in Nevada.” “This bill is critical to our state’s economy and ensures that we will continue to be the gold standard for gaming regulation.”

Following last weeks signing by Gov Sandoval, Govenor Christie slated to sign NJ’s online gambling bill by end of today, as New Jersey state Sen. Raymond Lesniak, a sponsor of the bill spoke, “There’s every reason to get this going,” as Lesniak is confident the bill will pass both chambers of the Legislature.

For now while Nevada celebrates, others are wondering how the Federal Governments reactions to the legislation following their closures of major online gambling sites in the past will play out in the near future.

Poker Tournaments

In tournament news, Vladimir Bozinovic won the WPT Baden in Austria, beating out 254 players to finally take home the winning 1st place cash prize of €185,000. The final results were as follows:

1. Vladimir Bozinovic, $271,258
2. Paul Berende, $172,695
3. Oswin Ziegelbecker, $111,587
4. Kimmo Kurko, $81,034
5. Marvin Rettenmaier, $59,496
6. Grzegorz Wyraz, $47,820

Sunday Million celebrates lucky year number seven and PokerStars wants to make it interesting by not only guaranteeing a $7 million prize pool with a guaranteed $1 million for first place, but by rewarding prizes to a very lucky someone who can guess the number of participants.

Visit PokerStars and find the poll where you can place your guess, if you’re one of the closest 50 guesses, PokerStars promises to give you a seat in the main event of the next Micro Millions series.

All entries have to be in by midnight Eastern Time on Friday, March 1st. Registration for the event will close at 5:30pm Eastern Time on Sunday, March 3rd – that’s when everyone know who the guesstimate winners are.

Perspective’s Weekly

Now here to chat you up even more is J Todd in this weeks episode of Perspective’s Weekly as he continues the exploration into the current gambling legislation in Mississippi, New Jersey, California and Nevada.

The amendments the Governor is seeking include a 10% to 15% increase in tax revenues, a 10 year trial period and better funding for problem gambler assistance. Christie’s comments in regards to the amendments left many hopeful, as the NJ Governor commented,

“Now is the time for our state to move forward, again leading the way for the nation, by becoming one of the first states to permit Internet gaming,” Christie wrote. “While Atlantic City’s reputation and stature as one of the premier resort destinations on the East Coast are well-chronicled, it is no secret that revenue from the region’s most important industries, gaming and tourism, has been in decline.”

How Will Online Gambling Help NJ

In recent thoughts of the devastation that overcame the state many are hoping that the state will legitimize and profits will restore a state in need of rejuvenation. Shares of Caesars Entertainment surged 32% to $13.25 in recent trading, while Boyd Gaming rose 8.4% to $7.70 after the Governor spoke last week. Analysts believe that $250 million to $1 billion in revenue annually will boost the fallen casino revenue of $5.2 billion to just over $3 billion last year.

New Jersey could join Nevada and Delaware as the only states to have legalized online poker if indeed the amendments to the online gambling bill are signed into to law by the Governor in spring.

Tournaments, the Winners Are…

Remi Castaignon, the 29 year old Frenchman and mortgage broker has propelled himself to a higher poker status as he dominated the EPT Deauville main event. Coming in with more than three times the chips as is opponents, the young, confident player from Saint-Aunix-Lengros, a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France won a €770,000 first place prize to claim his first title.

In related Pokerstars news, the International Gaming Awards honored PokerStars with the “Online Poker Operated of the Year” award. PokerStars was among 15 nominees for the distinction of the being the best global poker operator.

“This has been a year of great achievement for PokerStars, and this award is recognition of the hard work and dedication of our employees around the world who are setting the standard for quality in the industry,” said Eric Hollreiser, PokerStars Head of Corporate Communications.

Viktor “Isildur1” Blom is not sitting pretty according to HighstakesDB.com reporting the Swedish player has about $1.5 million in earnings for 2013 losing $3.6 million of the $5million winnings. However, his Full Tilt team mate Tom “durrrr” Dwan on the other hand has won over &2 million in the past 48hours at the $250/$500 PLO tables where he won over half a million dollars, including a $394k win at table Cathy yesterday afternoon in just 81 hands playing against the likes of Ben “Bttech86″ Tollerene, Phil “OMGClayAiken” Galfond and patpatpanda.

More PokerStars News

Pokerstars is rewarding you for living in the fantastical and alluring part of the world many call home, home would be Asia, Australia, and New Zealand! Players from Asia, Australia, and New Zealand are now able to partake in the ANZOPS, or better known as the “Australia & New Zealand Online Poker Series.”

Australia and New Zealand can get their hands on a share of more than $120,000 in tournament guarantees and exclusive Leader Board prizes. That’s ten events running over ten days, the ANZOPS guarantees $120,000 across all events with $7,000 available in the ANZOPS leader board.

Buy-ins start from just $5.50 and the highlight of the series will be a $50,000 guaranteed Main Event on Sunday, February 17.

And last but not least, here is a word from APCW on the latest NJ online gambling bill, industry news around the globe in the usual J Todd flair…

With that said its time to take a look back at all the awesome things that happened in this editions of CS Reports Weekly Recap of Online Gambling News, Reviews and Previews.

The Gambler’s Report

New Jersey – Change, it was the basis of the US Presidential campaign Obama set fourth as motivation and it is still the hope many have for the state of New Jersey as Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the online gambling bill passed by the New Jersey Legislature this past Thursday. If the bill had been passed, it would have made New Jersey the third state to legalize online gambling, but Christie’s reasoning is said to have been, “if it had a 10-year trial period and a higher tax rate on casinos,” I guess that is a big “well maybe?!”

Nevada – In other online gambling news, Gov. Brian Sandoval is pursuing to have Assembly Bill 5 approved by lawmakers within the next month, this bill would allow the offering of online poker in Nevada and the allowance as well to accept wagers from players in other states.

Sandoval’s urgency it seems is to push for the passing of the bill before New Jersey can make up their mind, keeping the state of Nevada ahead of the race to legalize online gambling.

Nevada and Delaware have passed laws legalizing online gambling, since 2011, Nevada’s existing online gambling regulations however stipulate that companies cannot accept wagers across state lines until Congress or the U.S. Department of Justice takes regulatory action. Assembly Bill 5 would get rid of that requirement and allow Sandoval to enter interstate online gambling agreements with other governors.

But Christie has other concerns as the governor says he is concerned about the social impacts as well,

“Our state cannot carelessly create a new generation of addicted gamers, sitting in their homes, using laptops or iPads, gambling away their salaries and their futures,”

Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman A.G. Burnett, who helped draft the bill, has stated, that he does not expect any conflict with federal law if the state begins entering compacts with other states, he doesn’t believe that Christie’s decision in New Jersey will hinder what they’re trying to accomplish in Nevada.

Canada – In other online gambling news, Canada wants to pass Bill C290 in order to control an estimated $10 Billion annually being wagered through illegal book making operations in Canada and an additional $4 billion wagered through offshore online sports wagering sites.

On Superbowl Sunday, a tactical raid by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit was initiated at the Markham, Ont., banquet hall, were six individuals were held in a $2.5 million in allegedly illegal gambling operation.

However reporter Jack Lakey, also known as The Fixer, believes it was all “ham-handed, Keystone Cops theatrics” in order to benefit the OLG to demonstrate a need to have government-run online gambling legalized in Ontario.

His suspicions came about when the 2,300 guests, with the exception of the six wanted for running the sports betting sites, weren’t charged with anything and free to leave, without even having to identify themselves.

Bill Rutsey, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association however, stated,

“What we now have learned is that this party was just one part of a sophisticated organized crime operation taking millions of dollars in sports wagers, the proceeds of which are used to fund other illegal operations of organized crime.” “We are now at the stage where we can talk about lost opportunities for communities across the country – such as economic development, employment, and most of all, protection of players,” added Mr. Rutsey. “Our current sports betting laws date back to the 1960s when the world was a very different place. It should be a no-brainer to amend the legislation to allow Canadians to place a bet without having to combine it with additional outcomes or seek out nefarious means.”

Still, Lackey isnt convinced making final statements of his conspiratorial beliefs that,

“No, this was a bogus bust orchestrated for TV news, to sell chumps on the idea that a heinous criminal enterprise was being shut down. We will soon hear that the best and only way to truly eradicate illegal gambling is for the province to become the online bookie, through the OLG.”

Bonuses and Prmotions

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Big Shot Shout Outs

Lets celebrate “Winning!” Here are this weeks big winners: Tobias H. won a very nice $65,585 from his casino game play of 7Sultan’s feature slot game, Avalon, Betty H. won a progressive jackpot of $34,563 playing Vegas Palms’ CashPlash and lucky player Robert R. had several wins of AU$16,338.53 playing HTML5 – Burning Desire and then again a win of AU$13,059.17 playing Gypsy Queen, and European Blackjack at 32Red.

Not to mention our featured big winners of the week The Dark Knight Pays bet365 Slot Player £2196410 Jackpot Win and Casino La Vida Breaking Payout Records On Popular Online Slots.

Well guys and dolls that’s a wrap on the weekly recap, until next time remember to “Play Smart from the Start” and read the terms and conditions as they DO apply!

Cheers!

PokerStars is on tap this morning, now I really do want a beer, as the the online operator with the most chips has “Zoomed” into its dot.fr site with the launch of its fast-fold poker variant ‘Zoom.’ The new variant available online and on its mobile app from PokerStars, is available for No Limit Hold’em at stakes up to €0.05/0.10.

PokerStars was granted approval to introduce its “Zoom” poker product from ARJEL (l’Autorité de Régulation des Jeux En Ligne) earlier on in the month and went live late evening yesterday. “Tout arrive en France!”

Another launch celebrated yesterday was that of PlayNow.com, the Manitoba Lotteries Corp. launched its PlayNow.com site in conjunction with the British Columbia Lottery Corp. (BCLC), for Manitobans who want to try their luck at poker as well various other casino games.

“We know that Manitobans are already playing online on grey market (unregulated) sites. What we’re hoping to do is have those people play our site because of the fact that we are regulated and legal,” said Susan Olynik, vice-president of corporate communications and social responsibility with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.

Manitoba is expected to reap $1.5 million in revenue from PlayNow.com in the first operating year. That’s expected to grow to $17 million a year by 2018.

In other poker related news, in his appearance on the “Ask The Governor with Chris Christie” radio show; Gov Chris Christie stated in response to questions regarding online poker in the Garden State, that he hasn’t “made a final decision yet” but that he’s “concerned” about whether the activity will actually help Atlantic City casinos, as well as more problem gambling.

“I’m concerned that it may drive traffic away from Atlantic City — that if people can gamble in their own homes on their laptops, why are they going to go to Atlantic City? And I think it’s contrary to what we’re trying to accomplish there,” Christie said.

In other bold related statements concerning online poker, Chicco Merighi, the founder and president of Goalgaming group, spoke with eGaming Review where he stated, “There is “no chance” for anyone but PokerStars to succeed in the Spanish poker market!” His comments were in regards to his criticism of Spain and in his opinion the way in which the country has poorly managed network-based licensees.

Merighi strongly feels that “Network poker is finished in Spain” due to the fact the PokerStars has a dominating 70% market share. According to PokerScout and other sources, PokerStars, leads the market with a seven-day average player numbers of 1,860; 888 is a distant second place with approximately 500. Final count, PokerStars has a 69.3% market share, while 888Poker has 17.6% share of the market.

There is still no word if Merighi if Goalwin will leave the Ongame network.

Speaking of Spain, Rafa Nadal who plays on PokerStars.es won €152.40 first place prize after defeating 47 other players, the tennis star who joined PokerStars last June stated:

“It’s no secret that I love to compete and try my very best in everything, whether that’s tennis, golf or video games. When I discovered the game of poker, I chose to join PokerStars because they understand what it takes to be the best and associate themselves with the qualities of champions. I’m very happy to be working with them.”

Mississippi is set to reintroduce the Mississippi Lawful Internet Gambling Act of 2013 or House Bill 254, Bobby Moak, the chief sponsor of this bill is going for broke once more.

The bill’s purpose is authorize the state’s Gaming Commission to issue “permits” to existing gaming licensees at a cost of $200,000, with an annual renewal fee of $100,000. Permit holders will also be required to deposit $100,000 annually into the State General Fund and an additional $100,000 into the Mississippi Gaming Commission Fund, as well as paying a 5 per cent tax on gross gaming revenues.

“For a small state we have done pretty well in the gaming industry,” Moak said last year. “We have been viewed as somewhat of a leader because we are close to the Nevada [gaming] statutes and to some degree New Jersey. Small states like Mississippi that are really heavy in the industry need to get out in front on issues like this.”

“It is going to happen,” he added. “It is coming.”

Moving forward, PokerStars is wanting to make someone a MILLIONAIRE, as the PokerStars Sunday Million Tournament takes place every Sunday at 14:30 ET (20:30 CET) with a buy-in of $215. This weekend the event stacked up as follows:

1st place: stackarn (Sweden) – $164,701.22*
2nd place: murballz66 (Canada) – $95,992.58*
3rd place: bigdogpckt5s (Canada) – $118,154.40*
4th place: francispoker (Canada) – $134,793.79*
5th place: RovoDice (Latvia) – $122,628.10*
6th place: Vzsolt800 (Hungary) – $45,408.80
7th place: dionus77 (Netherlands) – $31,493.20
8th place: Daddddymufff (UK) – $17,577.60
9th place: Somme (Canada) – $11,352.20

For more information on ways to register and qualify for upcoming Sunday Million tournaments, visit the Sunday Million page at PokerStars today.

More Bonuses and Tournament

The Irish Poker Open is the oldest No Limit Texas Hold’em poker tournament in Europe and the 2nd oldest in the world – it was first held in 1981 and only the World Series of Poker can claim a longer history. The tradition continues and Intertops will take you there!

Win a $4,000 package at Intertops and you will have the chance to put your name in the history books. To find out more visit Intertops Poker today!

And last but definitely not least, Enjoy up to £50,000 in prizes with poker at bet365!

If you’re a poker player looking for some fast paced excitement with excellent added value then make sure you check out bet365’s Jackpot Sit and Go Tournaments for your chance of winning prizes up to £50,000!

You get rewarded with a big progressive jackpot prize if you can achieve a target number of consecutive wins. This prize is on top of what you’ve already won in the individual tournaments.

There are four different Tournaments all with their own unique features including Dirty Dozen, Maui, Rio and Fort Knot.

Take a seat now and get ready to overcome your opponents.

First up, Bluff Magazine recently released a fantastic and insightful article into the scandal behind professional poker player Eric Lindgren entitled, Broken: The Erick Lindgren Story.

If you follow online poker you will know it’s not just about the skill of the game anymore, sometimes it seems that the internet plays out like a scripted reality show and in a world where hardly anything is private, personal details of anyone is readily available as with the story of Eric Lindgren.

Eric was labeled as “Everybody’s All-American”, he won two World Poker Tour (WPT) titles, one World Series of Poker bracelet, and more than seven million dollars in tournament earnings during his poker career. In 2008, he was named WSOP Player of the Year. With five total cashes, he earned $1,348,528 in prize money.

“I’ve had a gambling problem for a long time and I’ve finally got the opportunity to address it,” said Lindgren

Secrets are hard to keep secret when money is involved and Eric soon was called out by many he owed money too. What began as a dream come true for the boy from Burney, CA quickly became a nightmare spiraling down a path of self destruction. You can read more about Broken: The Erick Lindgren Story at Bluff.

Aquisitions, Business as Usual

Rational Group US Holdings, the firm behind PokerStars and entity which also owns FullTilt Poker, has filed an application with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for preliminary approval to purchase the Atlantic Club Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City for an undisclosed amount. If approved, the deal will mark the first purchase of an Atlantic City casino by an Internet gambling company.

“The [New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement] can confirm that an application requesting interim casino authorization and other relief was received from Rational Group US,” read a statement from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Numerous outlines were presented ensuring that “the acquisition of The Atlantic Club Casino Hotel will secure up to 2,000 jobs, improve the overall economic and competitive conditions of Atlantic City and it intends to improve the financial viability of the property and therefore the offerings available in Atlantic City.”

The company’s application to New Jersey regulators was first reported by The Press of Atlantic City. A purchase agreement was reached Dec. 21.

Tournaments, Promotions & More

Fifteen Million! or $15,000,000 however you read, visualize or can comprehend that staggering number you know it is astounding to say the least. That is the exact amount that will be shared in a prize pool for the 2013 Turbo Championship of Online Poker (TCOOP) running from January 17-27!

PokerStars has announced the 2013 TCOOP event where 50 events ranging from just a few dollars up to the $2,100 High Roller will take place and we hope you will join us in celebrating this fantastic tournament event.

Perhaps Gus Hansen will stop by to try and recoup his close to $1 million loss on Tuesday. According to reports from HighSTakesDB, the Dane lost the sum over more than 2,700 hands of play in a huge $1,500-$3,000 limit deuce-to-seven triple draw battle against Alex “Alexonmoon” Luneau. It is also reported that since the resurgence of FTP, Hansen has lost about $3.5 million since the site relaunched worldwide.

Online Poker and the Law

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) is now focusing on state-level legalization and regulation of the online poker industry since the US federal government failed to implement any online poker bill in 2012.

Also catch up with J. Todd as he says goodbye to 2012 and any hope of federal online poker legislation… but what does the new year hold? Also, industry news from New Jersey, California, and the United Kingdom.

Before I leave the felt on this week’s edition, just a heads up to look forward to my latest review on WPT Poker as we welcome to poker room to our approved list of online poker operators this week.