February 2011
Bodog Network Begins to Phase Out Data Gathering
15/02/11 15:47 Filed in: Poker | Bodog Poker
Online poker network, Bodog, has announced its plans to begin blocking data gathering services from accessing its network. The decision is meant to put more of the site’s focus toward casual poker players by stopping the kind of data logging that mainly serves to enhance the game of professional, money-driven players.
Bodog’s move to block data gatherers was decided upon as part of a plan to bring the fun back into internet games for recreational poker players. Data gatherers like PokerDB, Shark Scope and Poker Site Scout will, now, no longer be able to create records of player activity, meaning that professional “sharks” cannot easily predict the playing style or behaviour of their opponents. The blocking systems have been implemented alongside a new lobby system with a revised interface and a more user-friendly layout. Bodog next plans to halt operator information sites from accessing its members’ play history as part of a continued effort to ensure that new and recreational players feel safe in sitting down at online tables in their spare time.
Bodog’s effort to stamp out data gatherers is likely to help the site appeal to a broader demographic in the future. Bodog Europe’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrik Selin, told press that he believes data gatherer portals are a threat to the continued existence of online poker and stand only to stop prospective players from trying out internet gaming services.
Bodog’s move to block data gatherers was decided upon as part of a plan to bring the fun back into internet games for recreational poker players. Data gatherers like PokerDB, Shark Scope and Poker Site Scout will, now, no longer be able to create records of player activity, meaning that professional “sharks” cannot easily predict the playing style or behaviour of their opponents. The blocking systems have been implemented alongside a new lobby system with a revised interface and a more user-friendly layout. Bodog next plans to halt operator information sites from accessing its members’ play history as part of a continued effort to ensure that new and recreational players feel safe in sitting down at online tables in their spare time.
Bodog’s effort to stamp out data gatherers is likely to help the site appeal to a broader demographic in the future. Bodog Europe’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrik Selin, told press that he believes data gatherer portals are a threat to the continued existence of online poker and stand only to stop prospective players from trying out internet gaming services.
Mansion Poker Adds New Selection of Free Play Options
15/02/11 15:47 Filed in: Poker | Mansion Poker
Poker fans on the fence about bringing their time and money to Mansion Poker will now have a few new opportunities to take the site out for a spin before fully committing themselves. Mansion Poker has revealed a number of new free-to-play options that help to give newcomers a chance to see the merits of their service without spending anything to do so.
In order to get started, players only need to sign up for an account and download the Mansion Poker client software. They’re then provided with full access to the new, free play games recently added to the site. These include a number of new freeroll tournaments and deposit bonuses like in its $25 Bankroll Builder Freeroll (which is made available twice daily) and a full first deposit matching bonus (up to $500). Mansion Poker also gives new members (that have made a cash deposit) two complementary entries into its New Depositors $2,500 Freeroll (which is scheduled twice monthly) and access to its weekly Depositors $250 Freeroll. All of these great freerolls are offered alongside Mansion Poker’s regular $200,000 Guaranteed Prize tournaments, satellites, progressive jackpot sit-and-go games and double point weekend Happy Hour games.
New free play options should help to boost Mansion Poker’s popularity as more poker fans are given an opportunity to enjoy a trial of its impressive Playtech software and player loyalty rewards (through the Club Mansion Loyalty Programme and Club Mansion Shop).
In order to get started, players only need to sign up for an account and download the Mansion Poker client software. They’re then provided with full access to the new, free play games recently added to the site. These include a number of new freeroll tournaments and deposit bonuses like in its $25 Bankroll Builder Freeroll (which is made available twice daily) and a full first deposit matching bonus (up to $500). Mansion Poker also gives new members (that have made a cash deposit) two complementary entries into its New Depositors $2,500 Freeroll (which is scheduled twice monthly) and access to its weekly Depositors $250 Freeroll. All of these great freerolls are offered alongside Mansion Poker’s regular $200,000 Guaranteed Prize tournaments, satellites, progressive jackpot sit-and-go games and double point weekend Happy Hour games.
New free play options should help to boost Mansion Poker’s popularity as more poker fans are given an opportunity to enjoy a trial of its impressive Playtech software and player loyalty rewards (through the Club Mansion Loyalty Programme and Club Mansion Shop).
PokerStars Reveals Brand New Live Poker Series — the Eureka Poker Tour
PokerStars has enjoyed incredible success with its sponsorship and creation of live and online poker events and now, with its announcement of a brand new tour — the Eureka Poker Tour (EPT — it looks to continue this focus of its business.
The Eureka Poker Tour will begin in Prague, Czech Republic on 16 March. The EPT Prague stop will take place over four days of tournaments and feature a main prize pool that is estimated at roughly €250,000. Further stops of the EPT will include locations in countries including Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Slovenia, demonstrating a focus on Eastern Europe that should help to provide popularity in a region of the continent that lacks similar events. Buy-ins to the EPT will start from as low as €800 and fields for each of the tour’s events will be limited to roughly 500 players. PokerStars has confirmed that each leg will be comprised of several tournaments that include a full range of side events.
Online qualifiers (with buy-ins from as low as €2) have also been announced that will give PokerStars members a chance to gain access to any of the EPT’s stops. The Eureka Poker Tour begins at the Card Casino in Prague before moving on to Nova Gorica in Slovenia (11 May), Varna’s Golden Sands in Bulgaria (22 June), an unspecified venue in Croatia (7 September) and a leg in Romania at an as-of-yet unscheduled time and place.
Visit PokerStars For the best online Poker experience now
The Eureka Poker Tour will begin in Prague, Czech Republic on 16 March. The EPT Prague stop will take place over four days of tournaments and feature a main prize pool that is estimated at roughly €250,000. Further stops of the EPT will include locations in countries including Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Slovenia, demonstrating a focus on Eastern Europe that should help to provide popularity in a region of the continent that lacks similar events. Buy-ins to the EPT will start from as low as €800 and fields for each of the tour’s events will be limited to roughly 500 players. PokerStars has confirmed that each leg will be comprised of several tournaments that include a full range of side events.
Online qualifiers (with buy-ins from as low as €2) have also been announced that will give PokerStars members a chance to gain access to any of the EPT’s stops. The Eureka Poker Tour begins at the Card Casino in Prague before moving on to Nova Gorica in Slovenia (11 May), Varna’s Golden Sands in Bulgaria (22 June), an unspecified venue in Croatia (7 September) and a leg in Romania at an as-of-yet unscheduled time and place.
Visit PokerStars For the best online Poker experience now
Doyle’s Room Moves from Cake Network to Rival, Yatahay Poker Network
Doyle’s Room is one of the most successful online poker sites currently operating and its position as a member of the Cake Network is important to the latter company. Now Doyle’s Room has decided to move its business to one of Cake’s major rivals, the Yahatay Poker Network, giving a boost to Yahatay’s reputation.
The decision to move from Cake Network to Yatahay Poker Network was made by Doyle’s Room in order to offer the poker site’s members a better experience with deeper levels of customization. Doyle’s Room has already started to give its players new features that has been made possible by taking advantage of Yahatay’s exclusive software. Site members only need to launch their game client as usual and download an automatically prompted update to migrate their accounts to Yahatay Poker Network. They will then be able to experience Doyle’s Room’s new direction and begin enjoying a more robust software offering as they play.
Cake Network has been struck a serious blow as Doyle’s Room leaves the network for Yahatay but the move is sure to improve the playing experience for members of the site. Doyle Brunson, the legendary poker player and website namesake, spoke to press of his excitement to be the newest member of Yahatay and give members the ability to enjoy better promotions, customer service (like the return of chat and telephone support options) and software features.
The decision to move from Cake Network to Yatahay Poker Network was made by Doyle’s Room in order to offer the poker site’s members a better experience with deeper levels of customization. Doyle’s Room has already started to give its players new features that has been made possible by taking advantage of Yahatay’s exclusive software. Site members only need to launch their game client as usual and download an automatically prompted update to migrate their accounts to Yahatay Poker Network. They will then be able to experience Doyle’s Room’s new direction and begin enjoying a more robust software offering as they play.
Cake Network has been struck a serious blow as Doyle’s Room leaves the network for Yahatay but the move is sure to improve the playing experience for members of the site. Doyle Brunson, the legendary poker player and website namesake, spoke to press of his excitement to be the newest member of Yahatay and give members the ability to enjoy better promotions, customer service (like the return of chat and telephone support options) and software features.
PKR.com Takes Home the 2011 Online Poker Operator of the Year Award
PKR.com has always been a popular choice for online poker players due to its bustling player activity, regular promotions and excellent software and now, for the second consecutive year, it has been awarded the title of Online Poker Operator of the Year. The 2011 Online Poker Operator of the Year award is responsible for providing acclaim for sites that have demonstrated excellence in their operations throughout the year, celebrating platforms that provide optimal customer experiences.
The International Gaming Awards (IGA), managed by Clever Duck Ltd, hosts an annual award ceremony that selects the best online gaming platforms. The award for Online Poker Operator of the Year was given to PKR.com, the renowned 3D poker site, for PKR’s second time. It received recognition from the IGA on the basis of its consistently “engaging and immersive poker experience”. The global economic downturn has made it difficult for many online poker operators and such recognition is sure to help keep PKR profitable.
The IGA’s also provided awards for some of 2011’s other most notable online gaming companies. Foxy Bingo picked up the title of Best Online Bingo Operator while awards were also provided in categories that include Best Casino Operator (divided by region), Customer Experience of the Year, Eco Friendly Company, Socially Responsible Casino Operator of the Year and more.
Visit PKR.com For the best online Poker experience now
The International Gaming Awards (IGA), managed by Clever Duck Ltd, hosts an annual award ceremony that selects the best online gaming platforms. The award for Online Poker Operator of the Year was given to PKR.com, the renowned 3D poker site, for PKR’s second time. It received recognition from the IGA on the basis of its consistently “engaging and immersive poker experience”. The global economic downturn has made it difficult for many online poker operators and such recognition is sure to help keep PKR profitable.
The IGA’s also provided awards for some of 2011’s other most notable online gaming companies. Foxy Bingo picked up the title of Best Online Bingo Operator while awards were also provided in categories that include Best Casino Operator (divided by region), Customer Experience of the Year, Eco Friendly Company, Socially Responsible Casino Operator of the Year and more.
Visit PKR.com For the best online Poker experience now
PKR.com Begins to Offer 2011 Asian Poker Tour Satellites
PKR.com is giving its players yet another reason to anticipate the upcoming 2011 Asian Poker Tour (APT) through a set of recently revealed satellites. The PKR satellites are designed to give online hopefuls an opportunity to try their luck at winning free seats to the APT’s Philippines leg — and maybe even jumpstart a career in the competitive field of professional level poker.
PKR.com will be offering its 2011 APT satellites (beginning on Monday, 17th January) as a weekly site feature. Each Monday evening, PKR members will be able to log onto the site to compete in satellite tournaments that give the winners the opportunity to test their skills against some of the best known professionals in the world. The Philippines stop of the 2011 APT (that the satellite provides a seat for) will run for five days beginning on 30th March. Satellite buy-ins range from as inexpensive as $2.28 or as much as £215.
In previous years PKR.com gave one of its members the chance of a lifetime by awarding him with seats that would go on to establish him as a major force in the world of professional poker. Last year Adrien ‘Zlatan35’ Allain entered into a $6 satellite, managed to beat out all of his competitors and eventually take home a $390,000 prize and the honour of becoming a member of Team PKR Pro.
Visit PKR.com For the best online Poker experience now
PKR.com will be offering its 2011 APT satellites (beginning on Monday, 17th January) as a weekly site feature. Each Monday evening, PKR members will be able to log onto the site to compete in satellite tournaments that give the winners the opportunity to test their skills against some of the best known professionals in the world. The Philippines stop of the 2011 APT (that the satellite provides a seat for) will run for five days beginning on 30th March. Satellite buy-ins range from as inexpensive as $2.28 or as much as £215.
In previous years PKR.com gave one of its members the chance of a lifetime by awarding him with seats that would go on to establish him as a major force in the world of professional poker. Last year Adrien ‘Zlatan35’ Allain entered into a $6 satellite, managed to beat out all of his competitors and eventually take home a $390,000 prize and the honour of becoming a member of Team PKR Pro.
Visit PKR.com For the best online Poker experience now
PokerStars Reveals the Identity of ‘Isildur1’, Signs New Team PokerStars Pro Members
For some time now, ‘Isildur1’ has been a mysterious presence in the professional poker world, winning events and defeating major competitors in heads-up games without ever revealing his real identity. After he signed to Team PokerStars Pro last month and played a recent, live game, however, PokerStars finally lifted the veil and published his true name along with news of its most recent Team acquisitions.
PokerStars, in an announcement of its newest signings, revealed that ‘Isildur1’ is actually a 20 year-old Swedish man named Viktor Blom. As Blom arrived to play at the recent PokerStars.com Caribbean Adventure $10,000 Buy-In Main Event he was immediately identified as the mysterious ‘Isildur1’. PokerStars later confirmed. Not to be overshadowed by Blom’s big reveal, PokerStars also announced that recent World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event winner, Jonathan Duhamel, has been added to the Team PokerStars Pro roster. 23 year-old Duhamel hails from Quebec, Canada and joined the Team alongside Blom after his incredible WSOP performance caught the site’s eye. Duhamel took home roughly $8.9 million after beating out America’s John Racener, becoming the first Canadian to win the event in WSOP history.
Both Jonathan Duhamel and Viktor Blom are serious forces to be reckoned with and their signing is sure to add to the success of Team PokerStars Pro as the season continues. It’s been a big week for PokerStars and the excitement looks to continue as Blom and Duhamel, two of the most promising young players in poker, begin to play games under the website’s sponsorship.
Visit PokerStars For the best online Poker experience now
PokerStars, in an announcement of its newest signings, revealed that ‘Isildur1’ is actually a 20 year-old Swedish man named Viktor Blom. As Blom arrived to play at the recent PokerStars.com Caribbean Adventure $10,000 Buy-In Main Event he was immediately identified as the mysterious ‘Isildur1’. PokerStars later confirmed. Not to be overshadowed by Blom’s big reveal, PokerStars also announced that recent World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event winner, Jonathan Duhamel, has been added to the Team PokerStars Pro roster. 23 year-old Duhamel hails from Quebec, Canada and joined the Team alongside Blom after his incredible WSOP performance caught the site’s eye. Duhamel took home roughly $8.9 million after beating out America’s John Racener, becoming the first Canadian to win the event in WSOP history.
Both Jonathan Duhamel and Viktor Blom are serious forces to be reckoned with and their signing is sure to add to the success of Team PokerStars Pro as the season continues. It’s been a big week for PokerStars and the excitement looks to continue as Blom and Duhamel, two of the most promising young players in poker, begin to play games under the website’s sponsorship.
Visit PokerStars For the best online Poker experience now
Greg ‘Fossilman’ Raymer Announces Departure from Team PokerStars Pro
Team PokerStars Pro is the home of some of the poker world’s finest players but now, with the departure of Greg ‘Fossilman’ Raymer, the site’s collection of professionals has lost one of its best.
Raymer, a 46 year-old American, recently announced his decision to leave PokerStars’ sponsorship on a poker forum, surprising many industry observers and fans. He was one of the founding members of the popular website’s team of pros and has achieved more than $6.8 million in live earnings throughout his career. One of his most recent victories saw Raymer finishing third out of 201 competitors at the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP) and finishing the series with $774,927 in earnings. Trouble became apparent when Greg Raymer’s profile was found missing from the PokerStars team site. He later made a forum thread announcing his departure and went on to confirm his split through a Twitter post. Fellow poker pro, Kathy Liebert, has alleged that Raymer’s decision came about after PokerStars offered to renew his existing contract but with a lower rate (as part of an overall move to reduce spending on sponsorship deals for Team PokerStars Pro).
Greg Raymer is a former lawyer that became a successful poker player after he competed in the 2001 WSOP’s $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo Split event. Three years later he attended the World Series of Poker again, taking down David Williams in the main event and bringing home approximately five million dollars.
Visit PokerStars For the best online Poker experience now
Raymer, a 46 year-old American, recently announced his decision to leave PokerStars’ sponsorship on a poker forum, surprising many industry observers and fans. He was one of the founding members of the popular website’s team of pros and has achieved more than $6.8 million in live earnings throughout his career. One of his most recent victories saw Raymer finishing third out of 201 competitors at the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP) and finishing the series with $774,927 in earnings. Trouble became apparent when Greg Raymer’s profile was found missing from the PokerStars team site. He later made a forum thread announcing his departure and went on to confirm his split through a Twitter post. Fellow poker pro, Kathy Liebert, has alleged that Raymer’s decision came about after PokerStars offered to renew his existing contract but with a lower rate (as part of an overall move to reduce spending on sponsorship deals for Team PokerStars Pro).
Greg Raymer is a former lawyer that became a successful poker player after he competed in the 2001 WSOP’s $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo Split event. Three years later he attended the World Series of Poker again, taking down David Williams in the main event and bringing home approximately five million dollars.
Visit PokerStars For the best online Poker experience now
Everest Poker Launches The One, a Brand New Land-Based Tournament
Everest Poker is looking to give poker players another shot at making their name and taking home some serious money through a brand new tournament series. The upcoming, land-based event has been named “The One” and will kick off this spring at one of Europe’s most beautiful and prestigious venues.
The One will take place in Monte Carlo over three days in late April, providing a number of fantastic tournaments for players to try their hand at. Everest Poker will feature a guaranteed one million euro prize pool and a €5,300 buy-in Main Event that is sure to draw the attention of dedicated competitors. Side events currently scheduled include a €25,000 No-Limit Hold’Em, €500 No-Limit Hold’Em Turbo and €1,000 Buy-In No-Limit Hold’em tournament. Everest has opened up direct buy-ins and has also launched online qualifiers (including a number of satellite freerolls) through its website. Plenty of talented amateurs will be able to attend The One through these qualifiers and Everest Poker is working hard to bring even more into the fold through prize packages (valued at €6,600) that will give lucky winners a trip to Monte Carlo along with accommodation, Main Event buy-in and airfare.
Everest Poker plans to instate The One as an annual event and hopes that it will go on to become an integral part of the yearly poker season. The tournament series takes place at Monte Carlo’s Salle Des Palmiers casino from 21st to 24th April, 2011.
The One will take place in Monte Carlo over three days in late April, providing a number of fantastic tournaments for players to try their hand at. Everest Poker will feature a guaranteed one million euro prize pool and a €5,300 buy-in Main Event that is sure to draw the attention of dedicated competitors. Side events currently scheduled include a €25,000 No-Limit Hold’Em, €500 No-Limit Hold’Em Turbo and €1,000 Buy-In No-Limit Hold’em tournament. Everest has opened up direct buy-ins and has also launched online qualifiers (including a number of satellite freerolls) through its website. Plenty of talented amateurs will be able to attend The One through these qualifiers and Everest Poker is working hard to bring even more into the fold through prize packages (valued at €6,600) that will give lucky winners a trip to Monte Carlo along with accommodation, Main Event buy-in and airfare.
Everest Poker plans to instate The One as an annual event and hopes that it will go on to become an integral part of the yearly poker season. The tournament series takes place at Monte Carlo’s Salle Des Palmiers casino from 21st to 24th April, 2011.
Paddy Power Poker Offers More Chances to Win Irish Open Seats
With the Irish Open coming up in only a few short months Paddy Power Poker is looking to give its members a few more chances to get in on the action. Ireland’s foremost online gaming network has just announced additional satellites that offer poker players a shot at winning a seat to the Open and a chance at making a name for themselves at the venerable series.
Paddy Power Poker has opened up a new set of games that give even the smallest bankroll holders a chance at competing at the 2011 Irish Open Main Event. Entry to the online satellites starts at only €2.20 and is available through the recently launched daily events (with re-buys set at €4.40). Each of these online tournaments guarantees spots into the upcoming Cheap Seats Grand Final, an event that will take place at the end of January and provide the lucky winners with Irish Open seats valued at €3,500. Paddy Power has also scheduled further Cheap Seats events to take place every Wednesday until 6 April.
Serious players have never had a better opportunity to take a shot at breaking into the competitive world of poker than with the full range of satellite games currently on offer at Paddy Power Poker. The Irish Open is scheduled for 22-25 April and will be held at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel.
Paddy Power Poker has opened up a new set of games that give even the smallest bankroll holders a chance at competing at the 2011 Irish Open Main Event. Entry to the online satellites starts at only €2.20 and is available through the recently launched daily events (with re-buys set at €4.40). Each of these online tournaments guarantees spots into the upcoming Cheap Seats Grand Final, an event that will take place at the end of January and provide the lucky winners with Irish Open seats valued at €3,500. Paddy Power has also scheduled further Cheap Seats events to take place every Wednesday until 6 April.
Serious players have never had a better opportunity to take a shot at breaking into the competitive world of poker than with the full range of satellite games currently on offer at Paddy Power Poker. The Irish Open is scheduled for 22-25 April and will be held at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel.
