Paddy Power Virgin and BetFred Casino Software Developer IGT Innovates with New Game
09/04/13 12:40 Filed in: Casino News
International Game Technology (IGT) is a popular software developer whose work can be found on well loved sites like Paddy Power Casino, Virgin Casino and BetFred Casino. Now, with the release of its brand new game, Star Trek: Against All Odds, IGT is looking to revolutionize online casino play with one of its most involved titles to date.
IGT's latest game takes its theme (and some video clips) from 2009's Star Trek feature film. While licensed casino games are nothing new the real hook of Star Trek: Against All Odds involves the introduction of the kind of arcade-style skill systems typically found in videogames. The addition of an innovative new bonus mode (Enterprise Defender Bonus) enhances the game with a shoot 'em up gameplay feature that sees players given 45 seconds to take down incoming missiles. Performance during this bonus round can leads to awards multiplying up to 22,500 times. Regardless of the skills they're able to display during Enterprise Defender Bonus, Against All Odds comes packed with potential earnings through lucrative nine wheel bonuses and bi-directional payouts.
A statement from IGT's Europe, Middle East and Africa Interactive Commercial Director described Star Trek: Against All Odds as a title with "engaging gameplay" that will work to "[give the game] universal appeal." Members of IGT powered sites (such as Paddy Power, Virgin and BetFred's online casino offerings) will be able to try Against All Odds for themselves in the near future.
IGT's latest game takes its theme (and some video clips) from 2009's Star Trek feature film. While licensed casino games are nothing new the real hook of Star Trek: Against All Odds involves the introduction of the kind of arcade-style skill systems typically found in videogames. The addition of an innovative new bonus mode (Enterprise Defender Bonus) enhances the game with a shoot 'em up gameplay feature that sees players given 45 seconds to take down incoming missiles. Performance during this bonus round can leads to awards multiplying up to 22,500 times. Regardless of the skills they're able to display during Enterprise Defender Bonus, Against All Odds comes packed with potential earnings through lucrative nine wheel bonuses and bi-directional payouts.
A statement from IGT's Europe, Middle East and Africa Interactive Commercial Director described Star Trek: Against All Odds as a title with "engaging gameplay" that will work to "[give the game] universal appeal." Members of IGT powered sites (such as Paddy Power, Virgin and BetFred's online casino offerings) will be able to try Against All Odds for themselves in the near future.
Ladbrokes Poker Reveals Monthly Promo Line-Up
09/04/13 12:40 Filed in: Poker
Ladbrokes Poker has prepared a full month of exciting promotional offers for fans of its site. From freerolls to qualifiers, Ladbrokes is making the coming weeks well worth the attention of eager online poker players.
The bulk of Ladbrokes' big November promotional schedule is made up of the poker site's Points Grab freeroll series. Points Grab comes with a £10,000 guarantee and is set to take place each Sunday evening. Every Ladbrokes member with at least 50 poker points in their account are eligible for freeroll qualification and can enter into these proving rounds until the second last week of November. Aside from Points Grab, the site is also offering eight races awarding a total of €20,000 in cash prizes and the Poker Casino Bankroll Surge promo. The $20,000 Bankroll Surge final will be pre-empted with a series of qualifiers throughout November and December. Players who have spent/won a minimum of $200 in a given week will be eligible for entry to the qualifying rounds while those who have used the same amount of money over a two week period will have two special opportunities to compete in qualifiers as well. Ladbrokes Poker members who spend/win at least $10,000 throughout all of November will also be invited to compete in a bonus "high roller tournament" set to take place on Saturday, 1st December.
Online poker players have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks and should head over to Ladbrokes Poker now to get started in taking advantage of the site's promotional offers.
The bulk of Ladbrokes' big November promotional schedule is made up of the poker site's Points Grab freeroll series. Points Grab comes with a £10,000 guarantee and is set to take place each Sunday evening. Every Ladbrokes member with at least 50 poker points in their account are eligible for freeroll qualification and can enter into these proving rounds until the second last week of November. Aside from Points Grab, the site is also offering eight races awarding a total of €20,000 in cash prizes and the Poker Casino Bankroll Surge promo. The $20,000 Bankroll Surge final will be pre-empted with a series of qualifiers throughout November and December. Players who have spent/won a minimum of $200 in a given week will be eligible for entry to the qualifying rounds while those who have used the same amount of money over a two week period will have two special opportunities to compete in qualifiers as well. Ladbrokes Poker members who spend/win at least $10,000 throughout all of November will also be invited to compete in a bonus "high roller tournament" set to take place on Saturday, 1st December.
Online poker players have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks and should head over to Ladbrokes Poker now to get started in taking advantage of the site's promotional offers.
Full Tilt Poker Requires Members to Continue Waiting for Refunds
09/04/13 12:40 Filed in: Poker
Full Tilt Poker's recent re-launch has gone fairly well, the site returning to business with plenty of exciting gameplay promotions and a stable software offering. Despite this level of success the many American members of the site still awaiting refunded money are likely disappointed to find that their funds are still unavailable.
The latest news from Full Tilt Poker comes through the political advocacy group, Poker Players Alliance (PPA). The PPA's Executive Director, John Pappas, recently met with representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice and ZwillGen PLLC legal counsels, Ken Dreifach and Marc Zwillinger. The PPA came to the Department of Justice with the issues most important to Full Tilt players, raising concerns regarding full refunds of account balances (both real money and loyalty point totals) still unpaid from before Full Tilt's Black Friday shutdown. While the PPA described its "thoughts on these matters" as "well received", it also mentioned that "it was clear from our discussion that no decisions have been made at the Department of Justice regarding [player repayment]" and that the goal of actually returning these funds is likely still "a long way away."
The Full Tilt Poker members who have been awaiting the return of their bankroll and loyalty points are likely frustrated with the slow process of receiving their frozen funds, but the PPA's agitations are still providing the best hope for a speedy resolution. For now, the Poker Players Alliance promises the many online poker players counting on their work that it will "remain vigilant" and "do everything it can to help get the process moving."
The latest news from Full Tilt Poker comes through the political advocacy group, Poker Players Alliance (PPA). The PPA's Executive Director, John Pappas, recently met with representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice and ZwillGen PLLC legal counsels, Ken Dreifach and Marc Zwillinger. The PPA came to the Department of Justice with the issues most important to Full Tilt players, raising concerns regarding full refunds of account balances (both real money and loyalty point totals) still unpaid from before Full Tilt's Black Friday shutdown. While the PPA described its "thoughts on these matters" as "well received", it also mentioned that "it was clear from our discussion that no decisions have been made at the Department of Justice regarding [player repayment]" and that the goal of actually returning these funds is likely still "a long way away."
The Full Tilt Poker members who have been awaiting the return of their bankroll and loyalty points are likely frustrated with the slow process of receiving their frozen funds, but the PPA's agitations are still providing the best hope for a speedy resolution. For now, the Poker Players Alliance promises the many online poker players counting on their work that it will "remain vigilant" and "do everything it can to help get the process moving."
PKR.com Provides Players with Even More Software Updates
09/04/13 12:40 Filed in: Poker
PKR.com has received plenty of accolades for its fantastic 3D poker software. Now, with the announcement of yet another substantial software update, the online poker network looks to continue providing its members with one of the most immersive gaming experiences available.
The last PKR.com software update saw the site adding the ability for players to buy virtual cocktails for themselves and their fellow competitors. Following in the same vein as those features, PKR is expanding its offering with digital food, new drinks and more. The addition of new beverages (such as Mexican beer, vodka tonics and lemonade) are joined by foods like cookies, pizza and sushi. Most interestingly, PKR.com has added collectable "lucky items" (like horseshoes and toys) and a number of new avatar animations. These animations play out while the player's avatar eats or drinks, but also allow competitors to perform new chip tricks that add a bit of flash to table play. Lastly — and as usual for most PKR software updates — avatar clothing and accessory options have also been expanded, providing even greater customization options.
A statement from PKR.com's Chief Operating Officer, Leon Walters, discussed the new additions, explaining that the "goal at PKR.com has always been to deliver an engaging and entertaining experience." Walters said that the expanded drinks options, virtual food and avatar expressions will "take PKR.com to the next level of immersion."
The last PKR.com software update saw the site adding the ability for players to buy virtual cocktails for themselves and their fellow competitors. Following in the same vein as those features, PKR is expanding its offering with digital food, new drinks and more. The addition of new beverages (such as Mexican beer, vodka tonics and lemonade) are joined by foods like cookies, pizza and sushi. Most interestingly, PKR.com has added collectable "lucky items" (like horseshoes and toys) and a number of new avatar animations. These animations play out while the player's avatar eats or drinks, but also allow competitors to perform new chip tricks that add a bit of flash to table play. Lastly — and as usual for most PKR software updates — avatar clothing and accessory options have also been expanded, providing even greater customization options.
A statement from PKR.com's Chief Operating Officer, Leon Walters, discussed the new additions, explaining that the "goal at PKR.com has always been to deliver an engaging and entertaining experience." Walters said that the expanded drinks options, virtual food and avatar expressions will "take PKR.com to the next level of immersion."
PKR.com Launches Oktoberfest Tournament Series Long After Oktoberfest Ends
08/04/13 19:13 Filed in: Poker
Real life Oktoberfest celebrations may have come to an end, but PKR.com is extending the holiday with the return of its Oktoberfest autumn tournament series. Set to run over the next several weeks, the series in question consists of 51 events, all contributing to a total of approximately $450,000 in prizes.
PKR.com's Oktoberfest kicked off on 27th October and is set to run until 18th November. The beginning of the tournament series saw players entering into competition with the first of the daily tournaments — ongoing events featuring low, mid and high stake varieties meant to appeal to all types of players. PKR has also provided an exciting leaderboard promotion alongside these daily events. Players who earn enough ranking points to climb the boards will gain entry to a six-handed freeroll event (set to take place after Oktoberfest concludes) that offers the incredible incentive of earning the title of Oktoberfest Champion and a $3,000 World Poker Tour National Dublin prize package. PKR has also set up $3,500 of tournament ticket prizes to be awarded to lower ranking leader board positions.
PKR.com's Card Room Manager, Neil Wright, told press that the decision to revive its Oktoberfest series for 2012 was easy, describing how the site has "always had a soft spot for this particular series." Wright went on to mention PKR's happiness with its decision to mix "old favourites [with] new and entertaining game types." Oktoberfest event buy-ins start at $1.50.
PKR.com's Oktoberfest kicked off on 27th October and is set to run until 18th November. The beginning of the tournament series saw players entering into competition with the first of the daily tournaments — ongoing events featuring low, mid and high stake varieties meant to appeal to all types of players. PKR has also provided an exciting leaderboard promotion alongside these daily events. Players who earn enough ranking points to climb the boards will gain entry to a six-handed freeroll event (set to take place after Oktoberfest concludes) that offers the incredible incentive of earning the title of Oktoberfest Champion and a $3,000 World Poker Tour National Dublin prize package. PKR has also set up $3,500 of tournament ticket prizes to be awarded to lower ranking leader board positions.
PKR.com's Card Room Manager, Neil Wright, told press that the decision to revive its Oktoberfest series for 2012 was easy, describing how the site has "always had a soft spot for this particular series." Wright went on to mention PKR's happiness with its decision to mix "old favourites [with] new and entertaining game types." Oktoberfest event buy-ins start at $1.50.
Full Tilt Poker Announces ReLaunch Date, Deal Me In Promotion
08/04/13 19:13 Filed in: Poker
Full Tilt Poker's long road toward re-opening for business is almost at an end as the site has announced its relaunch, scheduled for Tuesday, 6th November. To help celebrate its return to the online poker industry the network will be greeting its members with a new promotion.
Full Tilt's Deal Me In will be launched along with the site on 6th November and will consist of a wide range of freeroll tournaments. The total $250,000 prize pool available to competitors is also set to grow daily as the promotion goes forward, enticing competitors with increasingly lucrative games. Alongside these freerolls, Full Tilt will be hosting a series of ten $10,000 events on 11th November and an additional promo that temporarily allows loyalty points to be used toward event entry. Site members who buy Full Tilt Online Poker Series (FTOPS) and/or Steps Tournaments ring game or daily/weekly tournament tickets will be able to enjoy discounted buy-ins to fantastic events. If that wasn't enough, the newly re-opened Full Tilt will offer double loyalty points games in order to help players earn their way toward discount tournament entry.
A statement from Full Tilt Poker describing the re-launch and Deal Me In promotion discussed the full range of special offers while also outlining the basics of the upcoming FTOPS XXI Satellite Frenzy, an event that will provide "hundreds of bonus entries to FTOPS XXI events worth more than $300,000." Interested players should keep their eyes on the site in the weeks to come for more details on the satellite series.
Full Tilt's Deal Me In will be launched along with the site on 6th November and will consist of a wide range of freeroll tournaments. The total $250,000 prize pool available to competitors is also set to grow daily as the promotion goes forward, enticing competitors with increasingly lucrative games. Alongside these freerolls, Full Tilt will be hosting a series of ten $10,000 events on 11th November and an additional promo that temporarily allows loyalty points to be used toward event entry. Site members who buy Full Tilt Online Poker Series (FTOPS) and/or Steps Tournaments ring game or daily/weekly tournament tickets will be able to enjoy discounted buy-ins to fantastic events. If that wasn't enough, the newly re-opened Full Tilt will offer double loyalty points games in order to help players earn their way toward discount tournament entry.
A statement from Full Tilt Poker describing the re-launch and Deal Me In promotion discussed the full range of special offers while also outlining the basics of the upcoming FTOPS XXI Satellite Frenzy, an event that will provide "hundreds of bonus entries to FTOPS XXI events worth more than $300,000." Interested players should keep their eyes on the site in the weeks to come for more details on the satellite series.
Sky Poker Opens Up New Priority Club Loyalty Program
08/04/13 19:12 Filed in: Poker
Serious online poker players are being given a better way to enjoy their favourite game through Sky Poker. The launch of its new loyalty program, Priority Club, is meant to provide the site's most devoted fans with bonus rewards and a better way to get into games.
Sky Poker's Priority Club gives, like its name suggests, priority access to the network's most active competitors. Club members receive a wide array of special privileges, including the ability to buy-in directly to upcoming tournaments like the Sky Poker Tour Events and receive exclusive invitations to freerolls, competitions and other promotional events. These players will also enjoy access to Cash for Points bonuses before other Sky players and will be paid out on the first business day of every month. Maintaining Priority Club membership for more than three months provides improved Cash for Points rates as well.
Gaining membership to Priority Club is simple, Sky Poker allowing all players who have earned a minimum of 10,000 poker points in a given month (for three months) to enroll in the Club. Taking advantage of Priority Club benefits is made easy, too. Sky Poker automatically calculates its members' poker point total and sends out notification emails at the beginning of each month that let them know about the special events they've become eligible for. Players only need to set their accounts to "contactable" status or speak to account managers to take make sure they get the most out of their Priority Club accounts.
Sky Poker's Priority Club gives, like its name suggests, priority access to the network's most active competitors. Club members receive a wide array of special privileges, including the ability to buy-in directly to upcoming tournaments like the Sky Poker Tour Events and receive exclusive invitations to freerolls, competitions and other promotional events. These players will also enjoy access to Cash for Points bonuses before other Sky players and will be paid out on the first business day of every month. Maintaining Priority Club membership for more than three months provides improved Cash for Points rates as well.
Gaining membership to Priority Club is simple, Sky Poker allowing all players who have earned a minimum of 10,000 poker points in a given month (for three months) to enroll in the Club. Taking advantage of Priority Club benefits is made easy, too. Sky Poker automatically calculates its members' poker point total and sends out notification emails at the beginning of each month that let them know about the special events they've become eligible for. Players only need to set their accounts to "contactable" status or speak to account managers to take make sure they get the most out of their Priority Club accounts.
Full Tilt Poker Signs Blom and Dwan to Its Team of Professional Players
08/04/13 19:12 Filed in: Poker
When Full Tilt Poker re-signed Gus Hansen to its team of poker professionals it served as an indicator of the previously troubled site's financial and legal health. Now, with its sponsorship of former member Tom 'durrrr' Dwan and Pokerstars veteran Viktor 'ilsildur1' Blom, Full Tilt is demonstrating just how far it's come since the Black Friday legal scandals that nearly ended the company.
One of the best ways for Full Tilt Poker to show the online poker world that it's back on its feet is signing on poker pros as brand ambassadors. With the site kicking off real money play again later next month it has started preparing for its return with a pair of new sponsorships. The 26 year old Dwan and 23 year old Blom return/come to Full Tilt with impressive legacies, Dwan previously taking part in high-stakes games through the site's Durrrr Challenge and Blom having made a name for himself via huge wins at events like the 2010 World Series of Poker Europe and PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.
In a press release detailing the sponsorships Tom 'durrrr' Dwan said that he was "very excited that Full Tilt Poker is re-launching" and was "excited to be a part of it." Viktor 'ilsildur1' Blom expressed similar sentiments, saying that playing as a regular member of the Full Tilt network was "where I made my name and enjoyed some of my greatest victories" and that joining the site in an official capacity was a perfect fit for his career.
One of the best ways for Full Tilt Poker to show the online poker world that it's back on its feet is signing on poker pros as brand ambassadors. With the site kicking off real money play again later next month it has started preparing for its return with a pair of new sponsorships. The 26 year old Dwan and 23 year old Blom return/come to Full Tilt with impressive legacies, Dwan previously taking part in high-stakes games through the site's Durrrr Challenge and Blom having made a name for himself via huge wins at events like the 2010 World Series of Poker Europe and PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.
In a press release detailing the sponsorships Tom 'durrrr' Dwan said that he was "very excited that Full Tilt Poker is re-launching" and was "excited to be a part of it." Viktor 'ilsildur1' Blom expressed similar sentiments, saying that playing as a regular member of the Full Tilt network was "where I made my name and enjoyed some of my greatest victories" and that joining the site in an official capacity was a perfect fit for his career.
Ladbrokes Bingo Reveals New Promotional Offers
11/02/13 09:33 Filed in: Bingo | Bingo News
Ladbrokes Bingo is one of the gaming industry's most popular online bingo destinations and now, with the start of a new series of promotional offers, it looks to capture even more attention. These recently unveiled offers have been launched in celebration of Ladbrokes' bingo network's sixth birthday and provide something worthwhile for players of all types.
The most exciting of Ladbrokes Bingo's fresh set of promos — and the one likely to garner the largest share of attention — is the massive sign-up bonus currently on offer for new players. The usual welcome reward has been bumped up to an enormous 500 percent, allowing first time deposits of at least £10 to be matched with £50 of special bonuses. To help keep these new members interested, Ladbrokes is also providing extra Laddie's Reward Loyalty Points, handed out for one Loyalty Point for every £1 used in buying bingo tickets. This October also marks a good time to sign up to Ladbrokes Bingo, welcome bonuses aside. Throughout the entire month, Ladbrokes will run regular events like Wednesday's Penny-Tastic (which provides several hours of penny stakes bingo) and FreakEnds, a promotion that gives players some of their lost wagers back so they can get to the tables.
A statement from Ladbrokes Bingo boasted that "we know our stuff when it comes to bingo." The great array of promotional offers currently available at the site go some way toward backing up that statement.
The most exciting of Ladbrokes Bingo's fresh set of promos — and the one likely to garner the largest share of attention — is the massive sign-up bonus currently on offer for new players. The usual welcome reward has been bumped up to an enormous 500 percent, allowing first time deposits of at least £10 to be matched with £50 of special bonuses. To help keep these new members interested, Ladbrokes is also providing extra Laddie's Reward Loyalty Points, handed out for one Loyalty Point for every £1 used in buying bingo tickets. This October also marks a good time to sign up to Ladbrokes Bingo, welcome bonuses aside. Throughout the entire month, Ladbrokes will run regular events like Wednesday's Penny-Tastic (which provides several hours of penny stakes bingo) and FreakEnds, a promotion that gives players some of their lost wagers back so they can get to the tables.
A statement from Ladbrokes Bingo boasted that "we know our stuff when it comes to bingo." The great array of promotional offers currently available at the site go some way toward backing up that statement.
Paddy Power Poker Outlines Student Masters 2013 and Offers Freerolls
11/02/13 09:33 Filed in: Poker | Poker Events
Players interested in taking part in next spring's Student Masters 2013 tournament series are now being given a shot at entering without having to break the bank. Paddy Power Poker, always eager to promote Irish events, will be offering freerolls that reward winners with entry to the Dublin-based series.
From the end of this October through to the last Sunday of February, 2013, Paddy Power Poker will be offering weekly freeroll tournaments that give both the winners and runner-ups a seat at the main event of Student Masters 2013. Competitors who finish between 3rd and 11th place will also receive tokens for an additional weekly satellite that awards a seat. If that wasn't enough, Mondays will see Paddy providing €5.50 buy-in no limit hold 'em re-buy satellites and Wednesday €1.10 re-buy feeder freezouts with main event seats up for grabs. Direct buy-ins to the main event are set at €110 and are only available to players over 18 years old who hold an applicable student I.D. card. Aside from the bragging rights and cash prizes available to Student Masters' players, a main event seat at 2013 Irish Open will also be given to winners, complements of Paddy Power Poker.
Student Masters 2013's €110 buy-in no limit hold 'em freezout will take place over two days in Dublin's Ballsbridge Hotel and Jackpot Casino on 2nd/3rd March, 2013. Paddy Power Poker has worked with the hotel to offer special rates as well, something that is sure to help the starving students its catering to with the event.
From the end of this October through to the last Sunday of February, 2013, Paddy Power Poker will be offering weekly freeroll tournaments that give both the winners and runner-ups a seat at the main event of Student Masters 2013. Competitors who finish between 3rd and 11th place will also receive tokens for an additional weekly satellite that awards a seat. If that wasn't enough, Mondays will see Paddy providing €5.50 buy-in no limit hold 'em re-buy satellites and Wednesday €1.10 re-buy feeder freezouts with main event seats up for grabs. Direct buy-ins to the main event are set at €110 and are only available to players over 18 years old who hold an applicable student I.D. card. Aside from the bragging rights and cash prizes available to Student Masters' players, a main event seat at 2013 Irish Open will also be given to winners, complements of Paddy Power Poker.
Student Masters 2013's €110 buy-in no limit hold 'em freezout will take place over two days in Dublin's Ballsbridge Hotel and Jackpot Casino on 2nd/3rd March, 2013. Paddy Power Poker has worked with the hotel to offer special rates as well, something that is sure to help the starving students its catering to with the event.
Gus Hansen Returns to Full Tilt Poker as Brand Ambassador
01/02/13 09:32 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
Since its purchase by former competitor, PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker has appeared to be overcoming its troubled past and embracing a brighter future. As a sign of its renewed place as a major player in the online poker market, the site has re-hired former brand ambassador Gus Hansen.
A year ago it would have been difficult to imagine that Full Tilt Poker would recover from its legal troubles to the point that it would once again be hiring poker professionals as sponsors again, but this is exactly what the site has recently reported. When Full Tilt re-opens for business on 6th November, allowing members to wager real money again, it will also have Denmark's Gus 'The Great Dane' Hansen helping to spread word of its resurrection. Hansen is an highly accomplished poker player, having won three World Poker Tour titles, a World Series of Poker Europe bracelet and the 2007 Aussie Millions' main event. He has also earned more than $11.2 million throughout his career and previously enjoyed sponsorship as one of Full Tilt Poker's Red Pro members. With the re-launch of his sponsor site Hansen will be returning to his old job as a brand ambassador to a website that is in dire need of a public relations boost.
Sarne Lightman, Full Tilt Poker's Marketing Head, told press that his company is "thrilled to have [Hansen] return as an ambassador" while hinting at upcoming promotions and the addition of even more professionals to Full Tilt's sponsored team. Gus Hansen himself said that he is "very excited to represent the industry's most authentic poker brand" and that returning to Full Tilt Poker "[felt] like coming home."
A year ago it would have been difficult to imagine that Full Tilt Poker would recover from its legal troubles to the point that it would once again be hiring poker professionals as sponsors again, but this is exactly what the site has recently reported. When Full Tilt re-opens for business on 6th November, allowing members to wager real money again, it will also have Denmark's Gus 'The Great Dane' Hansen helping to spread word of its resurrection. Hansen is an highly accomplished poker player, having won three World Poker Tour titles, a World Series of Poker Europe bracelet and the 2007 Aussie Millions' main event. He has also earned more than $11.2 million throughout his career and previously enjoyed sponsorship as one of Full Tilt Poker's Red Pro members. With the re-launch of his sponsor site Hansen will be returning to his old job as a brand ambassador to a website that is in dire need of a public relations boost.
Sarne Lightman, Full Tilt Poker's Marketing Head, told press that his company is "thrilled to have [Hansen] return as an ambassador" while hinting at upcoming promotions and the addition of even more professionals to Full Tilt's sponsored team. Gus Hansen himself said that he is "very excited to represent the industry's most authentic poker brand" and that returning to Full Tilt Poker "[felt] like coming home."
PokerStars Provides 2013 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Details
01/02/13 09:32 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
The 2013 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) looks to provide poker professionals and spectators alike with one of the most exciting events of the typically dull fall and winter months. With 40 events spread out over ten days this January, the upcoming PCA should give poker fans plenty to look forward to.
PokerStars has begun to provide more PCA 2013 details, describing the shape of the tournament series itself as well as some of the already established qualifying events. The PCA is set to kick off on 5th January, 2013 and will take place at the Atlantis in the Bahamas' Paradise Island Resort and Casino. The series will consist of a wide array of events, including daily no limit hold'em turbos, tournaments such as a $5,000 no limit hold'em six max, $1,000 Omaha eight, Horse and triple stud games. The PCA's tenth anniversary will be celebrated through ten Signature Trophy Events as well — a range of tournaments that include the $100,000 Super High Roller and PCA 2013's $10,000 Main Event.
PokerStars will also be sending some of its most skilled site members to PCA 2013 through a lengthy ten week promotional series that is set to hand out one hundred prize packages that include entry to the main event, accommodations, flight expenses and more. New mobile challenges, leaderboard races and $10 buy-in qualifying tournaments will all offer ways to win cash and/or entry to the 2013 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.
PokerStars has begun to provide more PCA 2013 details, describing the shape of the tournament series itself as well as some of the already established qualifying events. The PCA is set to kick off on 5th January, 2013 and will take place at the Atlantis in the Bahamas' Paradise Island Resort and Casino. The series will consist of a wide array of events, including daily no limit hold'em turbos, tournaments such as a $5,000 no limit hold'em six max, $1,000 Omaha eight, Horse and triple stud games. The PCA's tenth anniversary will be celebrated through ten Signature Trophy Events as well — a range of tournaments that include the $100,000 Super High Roller and PCA 2013's $10,000 Main Event.
PokerStars will also be sending some of its most skilled site members to PCA 2013 through a lengthy ten week promotional series that is set to hand out one hundred prize packages that include entry to the main event, accommodations, flight expenses and more. New mobile challenges, leaderboard races and $10 buy-in qualifying tournaments will all offer ways to win cash and/or entry to the 2013 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.
Paddy Power Poker Launches Irish Winter Festival Mega Satellite
31/01/13 14:47 Filed in: Paddy Power | Poker
One of the poker world's most exciting upcoming events is the rapidly approaching Irish Winter Festival. Paddy Power Poker wants to help get some of its most talented members to the Festival's main event by offering up a satellite tournament that provides fantastic rewards.
The 2012 Irish Winter Festival will bring some of the game's best players to Dublin in order to compete for a shot at winning cash prizes and a bit of international recognition. Paddy Power Poker members without the bankroll to pay for the main event's €1,125 direct buy-in are able to sign up for the site's upcoming Irish Winter Festival Mega Satellite to enter. A total of twenty prize packages (valued at €1,800) are available through the no limit hold 'em Mega Satellite. These packages include buy-in to the Festival's main event, four nights of accommodations in Dublin and €329 in travel money. Along with the substantial prize, satellite winners will also be entered into Paddy's Six Survivor promotion (and a chance at earning themselves a buy-in to the 2013 Irish Open). To enter, Paddy Poker players can either attempt to qualify through daily sit and go turbo and daily feeder games or pay €192 for a guaranteed spot at the virtual tables.
The 2012 Irish Winter Festival is scheduled to begin on Friday, 26th October and will take place at Dublin, Ireland's Burlington Hotel while Paddy Power Poker's Irish Winter Festival Mega Satellite is set for Sunday, 14th October.
The 2012 Irish Winter Festival will bring some of the game's best players to Dublin in order to compete for a shot at winning cash prizes and a bit of international recognition. Paddy Power Poker members without the bankroll to pay for the main event's €1,125 direct buy-in are able to sign up for the site's upcoming Irish Winter Festival Mega Satellite to enter. A total of twenty prize packages (valued at €1,800) are available through the no limit hold 'em Mega Satellite. These packages include buy-in to the Festival's main event, four nights of accommodations in Dublin and €329 in travel money. Along with the substantial prize, satellite winners will also be entered into Paddy's Six Survivor promotion (and a chance at earning themselves a buy-in to the 2013 Irish Open). To enter, Paddy Poker players can either attempt to qualify through daily sit and go turbo and daily feeder games or pay €192 for a guaranteed spot at the virtual tables.
The 2012 Irish Winter Festival is scheduled to begin on Friday, 26th October and will take place at Dublin, Ireland's Burlington Hotel while Paddy Power Poker's Irish Winter Festival Mega Satellite is set for Sunday, 14th October.
2012 World Championships of Online Poker Wraps Up
31/01/13 14:47 Filed in: Poker | Poker Events
The conclusion of the 2012 World Championships of Online Poker (WCOOP) has marked the end of one of the poker season's most buzzed-about events. As always the Championships' main event saw some of the fiercest competition, showcasing the poker world's rising talent and demonstrating the continued success of PokerStars' tournament series.
The 2012 WCOOP main event saw a Russian player with the handle 'maratik' triumph over the table, earning a cash prize in excess of one million dollars. maratik usually favours low stakes sit and go games but, despite a modest bankroll, made his way to WCOOP 2012's $5,200 buy-in main event by using a small reserve of 40 Pokerstars loyalty points. The player entered the main event having established a six-way deal with his competitors that would guarantee him $900,907 — already an impressive sum — but finished out the event having managed to beat out nearly 2,000 competitors, taking home a staggering $1,000,907. maratik went into the final hand with a comfortable chip lead over Canada's Ryan 'TheCart3r' Carter and managed to defeat his opposition to earn the title of 2012 WCOOP main event winner. Despite his loss, TheCart3r pocketed $662,516.
A press release from PokerStars described the success of the event, detailing that 2012 saw "126,041 tournament entries as opposed to [2011's] 119,832." It also showed that the total prize pool for this year's World Championships of Online Poker topped out at $9.125 million, a substantial increase over PokerStars' $30 million guarantee and "an increase of more than seven million dollars on 2011's total."
The 2012 WCOOP main event saw a Russian player with the handle 'maratik' triumph over the table, earning a cash prize in excess of one million dollars. maratik usually favours low stakes sit and go games but, despite a modest bankroll, made his way to WCOOP 2012's $5,200 buy-in main event by using a small reserve of 40 Pokerstars loyalty points. The player entered the main event having established a six-way deal with his competitors that would guarantee him $900,907 — already an impressive sum — but finished out the event having managed to beat out nearly 2,000 competitors, taking home a staggering $1,000,907. maratik went into the final hand with a comfortable chip lead over Canada's Ryan 'TheCart3r' Carter and managed to defeat his opposition to earn the title of 2012 WCOOP main event winner. Despite his loss, TheCart3r pocketed $662,516.
A press release from PokerStars described the success of the event, detailing that 2012 saw "126,041 tournament entries as opposed to [2011's] 119,832." It also showed that the total prize pool for this year's World Championships of Online Poker topped out at $9.125 million, a substantial increase over PokerStars' $30 million guarantee and "an increase of more than seven million dollars on 2011's total."
Betfair Extends Expands Contract with Playtech
01/10/12 09:14 Filed in: Sports Betting
The backbone of every online gambling site is the software it uses to power its catalogue of games. In recent years Betfair has powered its network with solutions from Playtech, a business relationship that it intends to retain going forward.
Betfair has just announced that it will be continuing to work with well known software developer, Playtech in the coming years. The internet gaming company recently renewed its contract with the developer while also expanding on the number of services it will hire the company to provide. Betfair will now be counting on Playtech to provide not only casino software, but also new bingo software and an option to take advantage of the developer's existing online poker network. The new terms in the contract between the two businesses will allow Betfair to offer a much larger range of betting games through both its desktop and mobile site versions. While no service expansions have been announced as of yet, Betfair and Playtech have confirmed that they will work together to release a new, licensed poker product in Spain in the near future.
Ian Chuter, Betfair's Group Operations Director, told press that his company "has built a strong relationship with Playtech over a number of years" and that they were still "the logical choice for providing us with what we now need." Hinting at a service expansion, Chuter added that a wider contract with Playtech will enable Betfair to "[provide] customers with a high quality one-stop shop for all their betting needs."
Betfair has just announced that it will be continuing to work with well known software developer, Playtech in the coming years. The internet gaming company recently renewed its contract with the developer while also expanding on the number of services it will hire the company to provide. Betfair will now be counting on Playtech to provide not only casino software, but also new bingo software and an option to take advantage of the developer's existing online poker network. The new terms in the contract between the two businesses will allow Betfair to offer a much larger range of betting games through both its desktop and mobile site versions. While no service expansions have been announced as of yet, Betfair and Playtech have confirmed that they will work together to release a new, licensed poker product in Spain in the near future.
Ian Chuter, Betfair's Group Operations Director, told press that his company "has built a strong relationship with Playtech over a number of years" and that they were still "the logical choice for providing us with what we now need." Hinting at a service expansion, Chuter added that a wider contract with Playtech will enable Betfair to "[provide] customers with a high quality one-stop shop for all their betting needs."
