September 2012
888 Gaming Network Announces Record-Breaking Payouts
As shown in 888 Holdings’ new total payout record, there’s good reason for the immense popularity of the company’s network of online poker, casino and sportbooking services. 888, demonstrating just how much it’s been able to pay out to its members, has just announced record-breaking cash prize figures awarded to its players throughout September.
888 Holdings currently owns the 888Casino.com, 888Sport.com and 888Poker.com domains, all well-received by the company’s legions of fans. In providing press with last month’s prize payout figures, 888 has revealed that, through only 30 days, it rewarded 43,000 fans with some $356 million in cash. This staggering amount was the largest yet awarded by 888 Holdings (and is the company’s highest monthly record since 2008) and sets a new record that competing online casinos, poker networks and sportsbooking services will have a hard time matching anytime soon.
With such a large amount of cash being paid out now looks like a good time to register an account at any of the 888 websites. 888.com’s Senior Vice-President, Itai Pazner, told press that the company considered their $356 million month a demonstration of “the real life-changing potential of 888.com’s games” and congratulated “all [888’s] September winners on their good fortune.”
888 Holdings currently owns the 888Casino.com, 888Sport.com and 888Poker.com domains, all well-received by the company’s legions of fans. In providing press with last month’s prize payout figures, 888 has revealed that, through only 30 days, it rewarded 43,000 fans with some $356 million in cash. This staggering amount was the largest yet awarded by 888 Holdings (and is the company’s highest monthly record since 2008) and sets a new record that competing online casinos, poker networks and sportsbooking services will have a hard time matching anytime soon.
With such a large amount of cash being paid out now looks like a good time to register an account at any of the 888 websites. 888.com’s Senior Vice-President, Itai Pazner, told press that the company considered their $356 million month a demonstration of “the real life-changing potential of 888.com’s games” and congratulated “all [888’s] September winners on their good fortune.”
888.com Casino Debuts New Live Dealer Tables
Internet gambling is getting more and more immersive every day, site improvements from providers like 888.com offering their users increasingly fantastic gameplay options. The latest update to the 888 network includes fifty live dealers, all ready to host live table games through Evolution Gaming studios.
The new live dealer feature takes the form of a dedicated online casino hosted by 888 and comes as the result of a recent deal between the online gambling network and Evolution Gaming, a company based out of Riga, Latvia. Evolution has worked with 888 to create a fully realized live casino where players can take advantage of the human elements of a physical table from the comfort of their own home. 888's live dealer casino launched with full service for members who wish to play casino favourites including five different blackjack tables and one roulette table. Of the six new tables, 888 has set aside one for high-stakes VIP players. Evolution has helped to make 888 players feel at home by decorating its studio with branded carpeting, wall panelling and lighting.
888's Head of Casino, Erez Sadan, told press that his company is "one of the first operators to explore the potential of an Evolution dedicated table." He went on to explain that having full control over the business deal with Evolution allows 888 to exercise "full control over branding" and the ability to "maximize player time and loyalty through regular promotions." Live dealer tables are available now at 888.com.
The new live dealer feature takes the form of a dedicated online casino hosted by 888 and comes as the result of a recent deal between the online gambling network and Evolution Gaming, a company based out of Riga, Latvia. Evolution has worked with 888 to create a fully realized live casino where players can take advantage of the human elements of a physical table from the comfort of their own home. 888's live dealer casino launched with full service for members who wish to play casino favourites including five different blackjack tables and one roulette table. Of the six new tables, 888 has set aside one for high-stakes VIP players. Evolution has helped to make 888 players feel at home by decorating its studio with branded carpeting, wall panelling and lighting.
888's Head of Casino, Erez Sadan, told press that his company is "one of the first operators to explore the potential of an Evolution dedicated table." He went on to explain that having full control over the business deal with Evolution allows 888 to exercise "full control over branding" and the ability to "maximize player time and loyalty through regular promotions." Live dealer tables are available now at 888.com.
Paddy Power and 888 Share Strong Earnings Reports for First Half of 2012
18/09/12 10:03 Filed in: Casino | General News
While the global economy may not be at its strongest, online gaming networks Paddy Power and 888 have just shared figures that demonstrate that they're remaining unaffected by the recession. Reports from the two companies show that their earnings in the first half of 2012 increased, demonstrating a sunny future for two of online gaming's most popular brands.
888.com's 2012 has been a good one, its key financial indicators showing a 21% increase in revenue alongside boosts in other important areas. A 2% decline in 888's bingo revenue has done little to slow the company down. Brian Mattingley, 888's CEO, was happy to discuss his business' favourable first half of the year. Mattingley said that much of the success comes from a "tremendous increase in customer numbers" and credited "improvements in [888's] product offering." Paddy Power posted similarly positive figures for the first half of 2012, reporting a (pre-tax) profit increase of 21%, growth in the Australian market, a 50% increase in customer acquisition and a 41% growth in active customers. Paddy Power's CEO, Patrick Kennedy, stated that the company's 2012 success was due to a strong focus on "[promoting] our brand, products and Money-Back Specials."
Mattingley said that 2012's earnings — "the highest revenues in the history of 888" — will be directed toward increasing investment in the United States and Spain while also improving 888's mobile and desktop software. Paddy Power's Kennedy described plans to continue focus on business expansion after its successful launch in Italy this year.
888.com's 2012 has been a good one, its key financial indicators showing a 21% increase in revenue alongside boosts in other important areas. A 2% decline in 888's bingo revenue has done little to slow the company down. Brian Mattingley, 888's CEO, was happy to discuss his business' favourable first half of the year. Mattingley said that much of the success comes from a "tremendous increase in customer numbers" and credited "improvements in [888's] product offering." Paddy Power posted similarly positive figures for the first half of 2012, reporting a (pre-tax) profit increase of 21%, growth in the Australian market, a 50% increase in customer acquisition and a 41% growth in active customers. Paddy Power's CEO, Patrick Kennedy, stated that the company's 2012 success was due to a strong focus on "[promoting] our brand, products and Money-Back Specials."
Mattingley said that 2012's earnings — "the highest revenues in the history of 888" — will be directed toward increasing investment in the United States and Spain while also improving 888's mobile and desktop software. Paddy Power's Kennedy described plans to continue focus on business expansion after its successful launch in Italy this year.
PKR.com Expands PKRTV with New Comedy Videos
17/09/12 19:42 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
One of the best aspects of PKR.com comes from the online poker site’s concentration on creating great original video content. The latest announcement from PKR recognizes this, adding a brand new comedy series to the company’s YouTube-based PKRTV.
The light-hearted show stars Ashley Hames and other poker fans attempting to keep a straight face while being distracted in extreme ways. In homage to the difficulty of maintaining a neutral “poker face” while under immense pressure, the PKRTV program features Hames and crew doing their best to remain unfazed by splashes of water, slaps and, most notably, being pelted with the components of a full English breakfast. The new comedy episodes join PKRTV’s regular line-up of videos, bringing some laughs to the channel’s existing body of interviews with poker professionals and video captures from the high-profile online games and big wins played out through the PKR.com website. Expanding on PKRTV is part of a larger push toward making PKR.com an ideal home for poker fans of all types. Along with electronic versions of PKR’s Stacked magazine, PKRTV is meant to help create and foster a community of live and online players who can discuss their love of the game with others through a single multimedia network.
A statement from PKR.com described the company’s ongoing efforts toward striking the right “balance between online and live play”, a process wherein PKR hopes to provide quality entertainment for “everyone in the community.” PKRTV is available through PKR.com’s YouTube channel of the same name.
The light-hearted show stars Ashley Hames and other poker fans attempting to keep a straight face while being distracted in extreme ways. In homage to the difficulty of maintaining a neutral “poker face” while under immense pressure, the PKRTV program features Hames and crew doing their best to remain unfazed by splashes of water, slaps and, most notably, being pelted with the components of a full English breakfast. The new comedy episodes join PKRTV’s regular line-up of videos, bringing some laughs to the channel’s existing body of interviews with poker professionals and video captures from the high-profile online games and big wins played out through the PKR.com website. Expanding on PKRTV is part of a larger push toward making PKR.com an ideal home for poker fans of all types. Along with electronic versions of PKR’s Stacked magazine, PKRTV is meant to help create and foster a community of live and online players who can discuss their love of the game with others through a single multimedia network.
A statement from PKR.com described the company’s ongoing efforts toward striking the right “balance between online and live play”, a process wherein PKR hopes to provide quality entertainment for “everyone in the community.” PKRTV is available through PKR.com’s YouTube channel of the same name.
PokerStars Announces Full Tilt Poker Purchase
17/09/12 19:42 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
The long period of legal and financial trouble that has plagued Full Tilt Poker has finally reached a definite conclusion with the online poker network’s buyout by none other than former competitor, PokerStars. An agreement between PokerStars and the United States Department of Justice has just been finalized, meaning that Full Tilt Poker will once again open for international business and, most importantly, be able to reimburse members still waiting to access money from their locked accounts.
PokerStars have agreed to pay a total of $547 million over the next three years in order to assume complete ownership of Full Tilt Poker. For many the best aspect of this news involves the fact that any money frozen in Full Tilt members’ accounts will soon be paid back as part of the buyout. PokerStars announced that “outstanding balances owing to all non-US customers, an amount totaling $184 million” will be made available “with no restrictions on withdrawals within 90 days of completing this transaction.” With player reimbursements settled, PokerStars will get to work on re-launching Full Tilt Poker under a new, independent management team.
PokerStars’ Chairman, Mark Scheinberg, told press that his company is “delighted [to] have been able to put this matter behind us” and described how the acquisition “strengthens PokerStars.com [while bringing] relief to FullTiltPoker.com players who have been waiting over twelve months for repayment.”
PokerStars have agreed to pay a total of $547 million over the next three years in order to assume complete ownership of Full Tilt Poker. For many the best aspect of this news involves the fact that any money frozen in Full Tilt members’ accounts will soon be paid back as part of the buyout. PokerStars announced that “outstanding balances owing to all non-US customers, an amount totaling $184 million” will be made available “with no restrictions on withdrawals within 90 days of completing this transaction.” With player reimbursements settled, PokerStars will get to work on re-launching Full Tilt Poker under a new, independent management team.
PokerStars’ Chairman, Mark Scheinberg, told press that his company is “delighted [to] have been able to put this matter behind us” and described how the acquisition “strengthens PokerStars.com [while bringing] relief to FullTiltPoker.com players who have been waiting over twelve months for repayment.”
Sky Poker Offers Up Extra Poker Prizes and Grand Final Seats
17/09/12 19:42 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
Poker competitors who either can’t afford or haven’t found a good time to enter into the upcoming Sky Poker Tour are getting another chance from the popular online poker network. Alongside plenty of extra prizes, Sky Poker is now offering up opportunities to win a seat into the finale of its tournament series through a brand new promo series.
The promotion in question, Jackpot Boost, will give skilled players the ability to prove themselves through Sky Poker’s 8pm tournaments. Competitors who win one of these regular tournaments will be entered into a mini-tournament (beginning 15 minutes later). If they manage to win both of these events they’ll be awarded with a seat into the Sky Poker Tour Grand Final. Vying for the seat has, historically, been well worth a full evening of tough competition. Sky member ‘alan1506’, competing in a similar promo earlier this year, managed to win £3,415 in prize money along with £6,800 (for an impressive £10,620 total). This year Sky Poker will also be increasing their prize pool with an additional £1,000 in cash and a running jackpot that resets to £5,000 each time its hit.
The Sky Poker Grand Final will take place at Nottingham, England’s Dusk Till Dawn on 8th and 9th September, 2012. The event comes with a massive £75,000 prize pool and a shot at gaining recognition in one of the year’s most exciting live events.
The promotion in question, Jackpot Boost, will give skilled players the ability to prove themselves through Sky Poker’s 8pm tournaments. Competitors who win one of these regular tournaments will be entered into a mini-tournament (beginning 15 minutes later). If they manage to win both of these events they’ll be awarded with a seat into the Sky Poker Tour Grand Final. Vying for the seat has, historically, been well worth a full evening of tough competition. Sky member ‘alan1506’, competing in a similar promo earlier this year, managed to win £3,415 in prize money along with £6,800 (for an impressive £10,620 total). This year Sky Poker will also be increasing their prize pool with an additional £1,000 in cash and a running jackpot that resets to £5,000 each time its hit.
The Sky Poker Grand Final will take place at Nottingham, England’s Dusk Till Dawn on 8th and 9th September, 2012. The event comes with a massive £75,000 prize pool and a shot at gaining recognition in one of the year’s most exciting live events.
PartyPoker Drops High Stakes Cash Games from Website Line-Up
17/09/12 19:41 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
It’s rare that an online gaming network removes rather than adds to its line-up of gameplay options, but that’s exactly what renowned poker site PartyPoker has just announced. Players who enjoy participating in high stakes competition will be disappointed to hear that this style of poker will no longer be offered at the site.
As mentioned above, PartyPoker has decided to drop a wide range of high stakes cash games from its network. The high stakes games in question include all no limit hold ‘em bouts played for amounts of $10/$20 or higher and limit competitions with stakes set at $30/$60 and above. Curious PartyPoker members and industry observers have speculated on the decision to remove these games, the consensus being that the move is meant to keep players engaged in competitions for longer periods of time without running through their bankrolls too quickly. Within the revised stakes levels, the richest cash games are now limited to $5/$10 no limit hold ‘em and Omaha tables.
A statement from PartyPoker described the decision to remove high stakes games as a way for the network to “make improvements to [its] poker ecology” and a move made to benefit its “players’ best interests.” The press release went on to state how PartyPoker “believes this change will improve the action at our tables and the poker room as a whole.” Only time will tell whether players agree that the dropped games constitute a genuine improvement to the PartyPoker experience or simply limit playing options.
As mentioned above, PartyPoker has decided to drop a wide range of high stakes cash games from its network. The high stakes games in question include all no limit hold ‘em bouts played for amounts of $10/$20 or higher and limit competitions with stakes set at $30/$60 and above. Curious PartyPoker members and industry observers have speculated on the decision to remove these games, the consensus being that the move is meant to keep players engaged in competitions for longer periods of time without running through their bankrolls too quickly. Within the revised stakes levels, the richest cash games are now limited to $5/$10 no limit hold ‘em and Omaha tables.
A statement from PartyPoker described the decision to remove high stakes games as a way for the network to “make improvements to [its] poker ecology” and a move made to benefit its “players’ best interests.” The press release went on to state how PartyPoker “believes this change will improve the action at our tables and the poker room as a whole.” Only time will tell whether players agree that the dropped games constitute a genuine improvement to the PartyPoker experience or simply limit playing options.
PKR.com Unveils Software Update and New Site Features
17/09/12 19:41 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
PKR.com, never content to rest on its laurels, has just announced yet another software update. The latest revision of the online poker network not only improves on the existing interface, but also improves the user experience by adding new features.
The latest PKR.com facelift has, as always, been designed to provide players with the most immersive virtual poker option on the internet. The latest improvements bring practical, game-focused updates like a reiterated multi-tabling system that allows players to more easily rearrange, resize and reformat up to nine currently open windows. Alongside this is the introduction of a beta quickplay feature. The trial version of PKR.com’s quickplay looks to make getting into a favourite style of poker game as quick as possible while also allowing players to try out a hand replay tool where past hands can be recorded and/or posted to YouTube. In a further extension of its detailed avatar system, PKR has now added a “virtual drinks” feature where player points can be used to buy pints of beer, shots of liquor and other cocktail for themselves or friends. The last piece of the update sees PKR adding a “luxury yacht” to its line-up of table environments.
PKR.com’s Chief Operating Officer, Leon Walters, told press that players “who enjoy a more social poker experience will love the ability to buy drinks” while “hardcore multi-tablers will appreciate the new multiple windows feature” and “hand replay tool.” Members of the PKR.com network are able to hop onto their site of choice now to try out the new software features for themselves.
The latest PKR.com facelift has, as always, been designed to provide players with the most immersive virtual poker option on the internet. The latest improvements bring practical, game-focused updates like a reiterated multi-tabling system that allows players to more easily rearrange, resize and reformat up to nine currently open windows. Alongside this is the introduction of a beta quickplay feature. The trial version of PKR.com’s quickplay looks to make getting into a favourite style of poker game as quick as possible while also allowing players to try out a hand replay tool where past hands can be recorded and/or posted to YouTube. In a further extension of its detailed avatar system, PKR has now added a “virtual drinks” feature where player points can be used to buy pints of beer, shots of liquor and other cocktail for themselves or friends. The last piece of the update sees PKR adding a “luxury yacht” to its line-up of table environments.
PKR.com’s Chief Operating Officer, Leon Walters, told press that players “who enjoy a more social poker experience will love the ability to buy drinks” while “hardcore multi-tablers will appreciate the new multiple windows feature” and “hand replay tool.” Members of the PKR.com network are able to hop onto their site of choice now to try out the new software features for themselves.
PokerStars Announces Schedule for 2012 World Championships of Online Poker
17/09/12 18:35 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
The eleventh edition of PokerStars’ World Championships of Online Poker (WCOOP) is fast approaching and now the online poker network has announced the schedule for its beloved tournament series.
From 2nd September through until 24th September of this fall, PokerStars will be hosting a massive series comprised of some 62 games. Beginning with a $215 buy-in six-max no limit hold ‘em tournament, the 2012 WCOOP will go on to include games of stud, razz, Horse, Badugi, eight-game, Omaha and hold ‘em poker. These styles of play will be offered to competitors as knockout, shootouts, heads-up, four and six max, turbo and big ante tournaments that accommodate bankrolls of all sizes (buy-ins set at amounts as little as $109 to as large as $10,300). The series comes to a conclusion with a $5,200 buy-in Main Event with an enormous $1 million guaranteed jackpot prize. These events can be bought into directly or entered via upcoming satellite games.
A statement from PokerStars describing the 2012 WCOOP detailed last year’s event as a massive success, featuring a “bank-busting, guarantee smashing $47,120,800 in prize monies.” The statement went on to add that this year’s series is “going to be [as] sensational” as last year. PokerStars’ 2012 World Championships of Online Poker begins in September. Further prize guarantee figures will be announced as PokerStars continues to finalize the amounts on offer to WCOOP players.
From 2nd September through until 24th September of this fall, PokerStars will be hosting a massive series comprised of some 62 games. Beginning with a $215 buy-in six-max no limit hold ‘em tournament, the 2012 WCOOP will go on to include games of stud, razz, Horse, Badugi, eight-game, Omaha and hold ‘em poker. These styles of play will be offered to competitors as knockout, shootouts, heads-up, four and six max, turbo and big ante tournaments that accommodate bankrolls of all sizes (buy-ins set at amounts as little as $109 to as large as $10,300). The series comes to a conclusion with a $5,200 buy-in Main Event with an enormous $1 million guaranteed jackpot prize. These events can be bought into directly or entered via upcoming satellite games.
A statement from PokerStars describing the 2012 WCOOP detailed last year’s event as a massive success, featuring a “bank-busting, guarantee smashing $47,120,800 in prize monies.” The statement went on to add that this year’s series is “going to be [as] sensational” as last year. PokerStars’ 2012 World Championships of Online Poker begins in September. Further prize guarantee figures will be announced as PokerStars continues to finalize the amounts on offer to WCOOP players.
Sky Vegas Adds Crown Jewels Slot Game to Software Line-Up
17/09/12 18:35 Filed in: Casino | Casino News
Sky Vegas has done a fantastic job of establishing its online casino as the premier destination for players who look for variety in their gameplay. The site’s line-up of virtual slots has now grown a little bit more as Sky recently added a brand new game to its catalogue.
The latest addition to Sky Vegas comes from software developer Barcrest Games and brings even more exciting slots action to the site’s members. The new title is called Crown Jewels, a cascading slot that features five reels and a royal theme. Crown Jewels comes with a total of ten win lines and a multiplier that boosts the player’s earnings after every successful cascade is completed. Each time a win is hit on one (or several) of the lines the game evaluates the symbols in play, multiplying the total wins before Crown Jewels continues. The win multiplier continues to increase and become larger as more win multipliers are hit and the game moves forward.
Sky Vegas’ Crown Jewels press release hyped up the large jackpots up for grabs for players of the brand new slot. Sky detailed prize amounts “as much as a gigantic £250,000 jackpot” for stakes “as little as ten pence” or as large as “£250.” Crown Jewels joins Sky Vegas’ enormous catalogue of more than 200 casino games, offered alongside favourites such as King of the Aztecs and Deal or No Deal.
The latest addition to Sky Vegas comes from software developer Barcrest Games and brings even more exciting slots action to the site’s members. The new title is called Crown Jewels, a cascading slot that features five reels and a royal theme. Crown Jewels comes with a total of ten win lines and a multiplier that boosts the player’s earnings after every successful cascade is completed. Each time a win is hit on one (or several) of the lines the game evaluates the symbols in play, multiplying the total wins before Crown Jewels continues. The win multiplier continues to increase and become larger as more win multipliers are hit and the game moves forward.
Sky Vegas’ Crown Jewels press release hyped up the large jackpots up for grabs for players of the brand new slot. Sky detailed prize amounts “as much as a gigantic £250,000 jackpot” for stakes “as little as ten pence” or as large as “£250.” Crown Jewels joins Sky Vegas’ enormous catalogue of more than 200 casino games, offered alongside favourites such as King of the Aztecs and Deal or No Deal.
PokerStars Signs Tennis Pro Rafael Nadal to Sponsorship Deal
17/09/12 18:34 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
PokerStars has just completed an agreement that will now see its brand being championed by one of the most popular sports star in the world. Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal is the latest addition to PokerStars line-up of sports ambassadors, having just joined on as a member of Team SportsStars.
The 26 year old Nadal is one of the most notable tennis professionals playing the game today, having won eleven Grand Slam championships, a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics and currently being slated to play in this year’s London Games. Aside from his accomplishments in tennis Nadal also loves playing poker, a passion that informed his decision to sign onto PokerStars’ Team SportsStars. Along with other sports figures (like Fatima Moreira de Melo and Boris Becker), Nadal will be joining in online poker tournaments while helping to promote the game both in his native Spain and abroad through charity events and advertising initiatives.
Rafael Nadal released a statement that described his decision to join Team SportsStars, stating that “I love to compete” and “[am] very happy to be working with PokerStars.” PokerStars’ Chairman, Mark Scheinberg, shared the excitement, describing how his company is “proud to have Rafael as an ambassador for the bran.” Nadal will compete in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London (beginning on Friday, 27th July) and will begin appearing at PokerStars events in the near future.
The 26 year old Nadal is one of the most notable tennis professionals playing the game today, having won eleven Grand Slam championships, a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics and currently being slated to play in this year’s London Games. Aside from his accomplishments in tennis Nadal also loves playing poker, a passion that informed his decision to sign onto PokerStars’ Team SportsStars. Along with other sports figures (like Fatima Moreira de Melo and Boris Becker), Nadal will be joining in online poker tournaments while helping to promote the game both in his native Spain and abroad through charity events and advertising initiatives.
Rafael Nadal released a statement that described his decision to join Team SportsStars, stating that “I love to compete” and “[am] very happy to be working with PokerStars.” PokerStars’ Chairman, Mark Scheinberg, shared the excitement, describing how his company is “proud to have Rafael as an ambassador for the bran.” Nadal will compete in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London (beginning on Friday, 27th July) and will begin appearing at PokerStars events in the near future.
Sky Poker Debuts New Poker School Feature
17/09/12 18:34 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
Fans of online poker, both novices and experienced players, can always benefit from a bit of advice on how to improve their game. Sky Poker is looking to supply this kind of help through a brand new site feature that offers guidance on poker play.
Sky Poker’s latest initiative allows interested site members to learn from a series of tutorial videos and special forums. To help provide the best possible advice Sky has hired on expert poker instructors/media personalities like Richard Orford, James Hartigan and Travis Harris to star in clips that detail a wide range of essential strategies and tactics. Each of the virtual instructors come to Sky with a wealth of experience, Orford having worked with Sky Poker in the past, Hartigan with Sky Sports, Channel 4, EuroSport and the Poker Channel and Harris coming from a career in sports journalism and broadcasting. Aside from these videos, Sky Poker has also opened up a special forum thread called “Play My Hand” (within the Sky Poker School section) that gives players the ability to ask for help with specific hands and play situations.
A statement from Sky Poker described the launch of its new poker school site additions as a great way to improve on elements of their players’ game, adding that the company’s “team of experts has a vast amount of experience and are capable of providing insightful analysis and useful guidance.”
Sky Poker’s latest initiative allows interested site members to learn from a series of tutorial videos and special forums. To help provide the best possible advice Sky has hired on expert poker instructors/media personalities like Richard Orford, James Hartigan and Travis Harris to star in clips that detail a wide range of essential strategies and tactics. Each of the virtual instructors come to Sky with a wealth of experience, Orford having worked with Sky Poker in the past, Hartigan with Sky Sports, Channel 4, EuroSport and the Poker Channel and Harris coming from a career in sports journalism and broadcasting. Aside from these videos, Sky Poker has also opened up a special forum thread called “Play My Hand” (within the Sky Poker School section) that gives players the ability to ask for help with specific hands and play situations.
A statement from Sky Poker described the launch of its new poker school site additions as a great way to improve on elements of their players’ game, adding that the company’s “team of experts has a vast amount of experience and are capable of providing insightful analysis and useful guidance.”
PokerStars Offers World Championship of Online Poker Radio Coverage
16/09/12 19:44 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
Poker fans excited for the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) will be able to keep up with every detail of the prestigious tournament with help from PokerStars. The online poker website has just announced that its PokerStars Radio will make a 2012 return, providing listeners with comprehensive coverage of the event.
This September will be dominated by news coming out from the latest edition of the popular World Championship of Online Poker. Running throughout the majority of the month, the WCOOP will see the emergence of new talent and plenty of exciting moments throughout its line-up of more than 60 games. PokerStars, in a return to its 2011 radio coverage of the event, will be bringing up to the minute reports to fans as they happen. PokerStars Radio will consist of a daily WCOOP show hosted by Joe Stapleton, Matt Broughton and Nick Wealthall. PokerStars plans to keep its audio coverage fresh by giving listeners far more than just the facts: Stapleton, Broughton and Wealthall will also provide interviews with noted poker professionals, online tournaments, live phone-in discussions, quizzes and much more.
The decision to bring back PokerStars Radio's WCOOP coverage comes from the warm reception the show was greeted with last year. Joe Stapleton told press that "poker players and fans love the format and really connect with the live interactive elements." The World Championship of Online Poker has already begun and will consist of 65 events with a $30 million total guaranteed prize pool.
This September will be dominated by news coming out from the latest edition of the popular World Championship of Online Poker. Running throughout the majority of the month, the WCOOP will see the emergence of new talent and plenty of exciting moments throughout its line-up of more than 60 games. PokerStars, in a return to its 2011 radio coverage of the event, will be bringing up to the minute reports to fans as they happen. PokerStars Radio will consist of a daily WCOOP show hosted by Joe Stapleton, Matt Broughton and Nick Wealthall. PokerStars plans to keep its audio coverage fresh by giving listeners far more than just the facts: Stapleton, Broughton and Wealthall will also provide interviews with noted poker professionals, online tournaments, live phone-in discussions, quizzes and much more.
The decision to bring back PokerStars Radio's WCOOP coverage comes from the warm reception the show was greeted with last year. Joe Stapleton told press that "poker players and fans love the format and really connect with the live interactive elements." The World Championship of Online Poker has already begun and will consist of 65 events with a $30 million total guaranteed prize pool.
William Hill Launches New Mobile Bingo App for Android Phones
16/09/12 19:44 Filed in: Bingo | Bingo News
Online bingo fans have a new way to play their favourite games now that William Hill Bingo has launched a brand new mobile application. Designed for use with Android smartphones, the app brings William Hill's bingo rooms to on-the-go players.
Most internet gambling sites and software developers opt to create mobile versions of their games for Apple's iOS operating system, leaving many Android users out in the cold. Luckily, William Hill has decided to share its line-up of virtual bingo halls with those who own smartphones running Android. The new bingo app runs on Virtue Fusion, the same software used by the desktop version of William Hill Bingo, bringing the majority of the original iteration`s features to mobiles. The Android app includes a wide array of bingo rooms, new miniature games (that can be played from within bingo rooms), chat options and the ability to buy tickets and cash out winnings. Most importantly, mobile users will be able to easily manage their accounts and enjoy William Hill's regular promotional events.
William Hill's Jennie Prest described the work that has gone into the creation of its mobile software as "important [in bringing] the same bingo experience from the desktop over to the mobile" while retaining "all the same features [player's] love, wherever and however they choose to play." The mobile version of William Hill Bingo is available now and provides new players with a limited £25 deposit bonus.
Most internet gambling sites and software developers opt to create mobile versions of their games for Apple's iOS operating system, leaving many Android users out in the cold. Luckily, William Hill has decided to share its line-up of virtual bingo halls with those who own smartphones running Android. The new bingo app runs on Virtue Fusion, the same software used by the desktop version of William Hill Bingo, bringing the majority of the original iteration`s features to mobiles. The Android app includes a wide array of bingo rooms, new miniature games (that can be played from within bingo rooms), chat options and the ability to buy tickets and cash out winnings. Most importantly, mobile users will be able to easily manage their accounts and enjoy William Hill's regular promotional events.
William Hill's Jennie Prest described the work that has gone into the creation of its mobile software as "important [in bringing] the same bingo experience from the desktop over to the mobile" while retaining "all the same features [player's] love, wherever and however they choose to play." The mobile version of William Hill Bingo is available now and provides new players with a limited £25 deposit bonus.
Virgin Casino Awards More than £50000 to Jackpot Winner
16/09/12 19:44 Filed in: Virgin Casino | Casino
A lucky Virgin Casino player has just received a windfall that will change her life after triggering a jackpot that awarded more than £50,000. This sum came as the result of a fortunate virtual spin and now marks one of the largest payouts in Virgin Casino's history.
The winner, known by her handle of "JJ", was awarded with the £50k award by playing on the site's well loved 100,000 Pyramid video slot. Hailing from North Yorkshire, JJ had been a Virgin Casino member for more than a year and had enjoyed "quite a few smaller wins" before her 100,000 Pyramid windfall. JJ reported that "when all five reels dropped in and the amount [began] rising" she "could not believe it." She plans to pay off her bills, buy a new car and put the rest in the bank. 100,000 Pyramid was developed by software provider International Games Technology and features fifteen paylines. Players are able to wager amounts ranging from a penny to £30 on each spin, the line multiplier allowing for fifteen opportunities at increasing the payout by up to 100,000 times the initial bet.
Virgin Casino's Warren Eloff told press that JJ's win represents "the first time that anyone has hit the top prize" on 100,000 Pyramid and that the site is "excited that the prize has gone to one [its] regular players." 100,000 Pyramid is one of the newest entries to the more than 350 games on offer from Virgin Casino.
The winner, known by her handle of "JJ", was awarded with the £50k award by playing on the site's well loved 100,000 Pyramid video slot. Hailing from North Yorkshire, JJ had been a Virgin Casino member for more than a year and had enjoyed "quite a few smaller wins" before her 100,000 Pyramid windfall. JJ reported that "when all five reels dropped in and the amount [began] rising" she "could not believe it." She plans to pay off her bills, buy a new car and put the rest in the bank. 100,000 Pyramid was developed by software provider International Games Technology and features fifteen paylines. Players are able to wager amounts ranging from a penny to £30 on each spin, the line multiplier allowing for fifteen opportunities at increasing the payout by up to 100,000 times the initial bet.
Virgin Casino's Warren Eloff told press that JJ's win represents "the first time that anyone has hit the top prize" on 100,000 Pyramid and that the site is "excited that the prize has gone to one [its] regular players." 100,000 Pyramid is one of the newest entries to the more than 350 games on offer from Virgin Casino.
PKR.com Invites Members to Enjoy a Virtual Drink
15/09/12 19:44 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
PKR.com maintains a well deserved reputation for being the most technologically progressive online poker network. With the unveiling of its latest feature, a new addition that came alongside PKR's recent software update, this commitment to innovation is set to continue.
The new feature allows PKR.com players to further simulate aspects of live poker competition through their site of choice. Virtual drinks, ready to be bought for oneself or another member, have now arrived at PKR in an effort to make the platform's 3D poker rooms more realistic than ever before. These drinks can be "purchased" in exchange for PKR points and have been carefully modeled to look and sound as authentic as possible. Pints of beer, cups of coffee in polyester cups and mojitos that are detailed enough to allow players to "hear the ice cubes clink against their glass" when their avatar takes a sip have all been added to the PKR.com bar.
PKR.com's software update press release was enthusiastic about the addition of its unorthodox new feature, calling the virtual drinks "great fun." The statement went on to describe the gameplay possibilities of ordering these fake drinks, detailing how "buying a cocktail for a guy you just destroyed in a hand can be seen as [either] a polite gesture or the ultimate insult." Virtual drinks are available now as part of PKR.com's recent software update.
The new feature allows PKR.com players to further simulate aspects of live poker competition through their site of choice. Virtual drinks, ready to be bought for oneself or another member, have now arrived at PKR in an effort to make the platform's 3D poker rooms more realistic than ever before. These drinks can be "purchased" in exchange for PKR points and have been carefully modeled to look and sound as authentic as possible. Pints of beer, cups of coffee in polyester cups and mojitos that are detailed enough to allow players to "hear the ice cubes clink against their glass" when their avatar takes a sip have all been added to the PKR.com bar.
PKR.com's software update press release was enthusiastic about the addition of its unorthodox new feature, calling the virtual drinks "great fun." The statement went on to describe the gameplay possibilities of ordering these fake drinks, detailing how "buying a cocktail for a guy you just destroyed in a hand can be seen as [either] a polite gesture or the ultimate insult." Virtual drinks are available now as part of PKR.com's recent software update.
Party Poker Offers Up Satellite Tournaments for World Poker Tour Vienna Stop
15/09/12 19:43 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
Party Poker is doing its best to give its most talented members a shot at competing in one of this fall's most anticipated live events. Its latest promotion offers up a series of weekly satellite tournaments that award winners with a massive prize package featuring main event buy-in to the Vienna leg of the World Poker Tour.
Party Poker players who want to prove their talent by going up against some of the most skilled players in the industry will now have a great chance to do so, regardless of the size of their bankroll. The site's WPT Vienna promotion has already begun and is set to take place on Sunday afternoons in the weeks leading up to the event itself. The satellites can be bought into at $200 +$15 or through feeder satellites and provide each week's winner with a lavish prize package. Each of these packages is valued at $4,000 and includes hotel accommodations, spending money and entry to the WPT Vienna €1,000 Main Event. Party Poker's WPT organizers have further sweetened the deal by setting up the €1,000,000 Guaranteed €500 + €50 Freezeout Concord Million just days (and a few kilometres) away from the WPT's home at Vienna's Concord Card Casino.
Speaking to press, Party Poker described its satellite series as "a great opportunity for players to boost their bankroll" and highlighted the Concord Million as a "chance to make [their] package money go much further than it normally would." Ambitious satellite winners will enjoy a perfect opportunity to make their trip to Vienna a memorable one, packed with several days of poker play.
Party Poker players who want to prove their talent by going up against some of the most skilled players in the industry will now have a great chance to do so, regardless of the size of their bankroll. The site's WPT Vienna promotion has already begun and is set to take place on Sunday afternoons in the weeks leading up to the event itself. The satellites can be bought into at $200 +$15 or through feeder satellites and provide each week's winner with a lavish prize package. Each of these packages is valued at $4,000 and includes hotel accommodations, spending money and entry to the WPT Vienna €1,000 Main Event. Party Poker's WPT organizers have further sweetened the deal by setting up the €1,000,000 Guaranteed €500 + €50 Freezeout Concord Million just days (and a few kilometres) away from the WPT's home at Vienna's Concord Card Casino.
Speaking to press, Party Poker described its satellite series as "a great opportunity for players to boost their bankroll" and highlighted the Concord Million as a "chance to make [their] package money go much further than it normally would." Ambitious satellite winners will enjoy a perfect opportunity to make their trip to Vienna a memorable one, packed with several days of poker play.
PKR.com Provides Poker Advice Through Raise Your Game Tutorial Series
14/09/12 19:43 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
Poker — especially the Hold 'Em style most popular today — isn't a particularly difficult game to learn the rules to, but mastering it can take a lifetime. In order to help its members with this learning curve, online poker site PKR.com has just launched a new series of tutorials.
"Raise Your Game" takes the form of an ongoing collection of helpful videos, fielding information ranging from 6-max basics to in-depth ring game strategies. PKR.com has drawn on the knowledge and experience of its team of experts to create a comprehensive set of lessons that cover different areas of poker, providing invaluable tips for those who enjoy a quick table game as well as fans of high stakes tournaments. "Raise Your Game" is available alongside "How to Play", making PKR.com the ideal location for first-time poker players, seasoned veterans and everyone in between. The star power available through PKR also lends the series substantial credibility. Recent features include breakdowns of career-changing hands from the poker professionals who played them and crucial tips on how to avoid commonly encountered mistakes.
PKR told press that "Raise Your Game" was designed as the site's "way of helping more players enjoy online poker" and a great way to work on "perfecting [their] style of play." The new series is a smart move, allowing PKR.com to become an invaluable resource for players of all skill levels and a great place to kick off a new online poker account.
"Raise Your Game" takes the form of an ongoing collection of helpful videos, fielding information ranging from 6-max basics to in-depth ring game strategies. PKR.com has drawn on the knowledge and experience of its team of experts to create a comprehensive set of lessons that cover different areas of poker, providing invaluable tips for those who enjoy a quick table game as well as fans of high stakes tournaments. "Raise Your Game" is available alongside "How to Play", making PKR.com the ideal location for first-time poker players, seasoned veterans and everyone in between. The star power available through PKR also lends the series substantial credibility. Recent features include breakdowns of career-changing hands from the poker professionals who played them and crucial tips on how to avoid commonly encountered mistakes.
PKR told press that "Raise Your Game" was designed as the site's "way of helping more players enjoy online poker" and a great way to work on "perfecting [their] style of play." The new series is a smart move, allowing PKR.com to become an invaluable resource for players of all skill levels and a great place to kick off a new online poker account.
Virgin Casino Expands Mobile Games Offering
14/09/12 19:43 Filed in: Casino | Casino News
Virgin’s online gaming network wants to help its fans to enjoy a great casino experience while they’re on the go and, to accomplish this, it has just expanded its mobile offering. Virgin Mobile Casino has just gone live with its new update and already includes a number of casino favourites for players to check out.
Virgin entered into the mobile gaming market some time ago, but is now enhancing its offering with new games and technology. Virgin Mobile Casino was developed in partnership with International Game Technology (IGT) and uses remote game server (RGS) solutions to ensure smooth gameplay across Virgin’s growing catalogue of portable games. IGT recently announced that it will release roughly 20 new Virgin Mobile titles each year through the use of its RGS solutions. The platform currently features mobile iterations of popular Virgin games such as Cleopatra and Da Vinci Diamonds. Kitty Glitter, Cats, Wolf Run and Elvis: A Little More Action are set to be released in the near future.
IGT’s Emerging Businesses Executive Vice President, Robert Melendres, told press that working with Virgin was a natural choice for “[allowing] IGT’s leading content to be enjoyed by a [wide] range of players.” Simon Burridge, Virgin Games’ Chief Executive Officer, also spoke favourably of his company’s mobile partnership, stating that working with IGT helps Virgin to offer its fans the ability “to experience the entertainment they get from Virgin Mobile Casino while they are on the move.” Virgin Mobile Casino is available now and is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Google Android devices and the majority of Blackberry and Windows phones and/or tablets.
Virgin entered into the mobile gaming market some time ago, but is now enhancing its offering with new games and technology. Virgin Mobile Casino was developed in partnership with International Game Technology (IGT) and uses remote game server (RGS) solutions to ensure smooth gameplay across Virgin’s growing catalogue of portable games. IGT recently announced that it will release roughly 20 new Virgin Mobile titles each year through the use of its RGS solutions. The platform currently features mobile iterations of popular Virgin games such as Cleopatra and Da Vinci Diamonds. Kitty Glitter, Cats, Wolf Run and Elvis: A Little More Action are set to be released in the near future.
IGT’s Emerging Businesses Executive Vice President, Robert Melendres, told press that working with Virgin was a natural choice for “[allowing] IGT’s leading content to be enjoyed by a [wide] range of players.” Simon Burridge, Virgin Games’ Chief Executive Officer, also spoke favourably of his company’s mobile partnership, stating that working with IGT helps Virgin to offer its fans the ability “to experience the entertainment they get from Virgin Mobile Casino while they are on the move.” Virgin Mobile Casino is available now and is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Google Android devices and the majority of Blackberry and Windows phones and/or tablets.
Paddy Power Poker Launches New Oktoberfest Themed Promotion
13/09/12 19:43 Filed in: Poker | Poker News
Paddy Power Poker is already making big plans for this year’s Oktoberfest. In order to help celebrate the world famous beer festival the poker network has just launched a new promotion that will send three lucky competitors to Munich, Germany to celebrate the event in style.
Paddy Power’s Pokertoberfest has already begun and will run until 9th September. The promotion requires Paddy Power members to register for the event before they’re sorted into different competition categories based on their past performance. Players with 500 Power Points (or more) are automatically entered into the €4,500 Pokertoberfest Freeroll — an event that offers a chance at a share of €1,000 in cash and/or an Oktoberfest prize package. Paddy Power members who have participated in a grand final leaderboard and three points races will be able to compete in a freeroll that comes with €7,750 and, for the event’s winner, an Oktoberfest prize package. Players who have won two points races and a grand final leaderboard will be able to play in yet another event that comes with €6,750 and an Oktoberfest package. The three Pokertoberfest prize packages are valued at €3,500 and include a sightseeing trip through Munich (sponsored by Segway), a guided tour of the city’s best restaurants and eateries, two nights of accommodations, VIP dinners, free entry and, of course, access to one of the best Oktoberfest parties taking place at one of Munich’s nightclubs.
A statement from Paddy Power Poker described its Pokertoberfest as a great “way to banish the summer blues” and “hit Oktoberfest this autumn with some of [Paddy’s] loyal players.”
Paddy Power’s Pokertoberfest has already begun and will run until 9th September. The promotion requires Paddy Power members to register for the event before they’re sorted into different competition categories based on their past performance. Players with 500 Power Points (or more) are automatically entered into the €4,500 Pokertoberfest Freeroll — an event that offers a chance at a share of €1,000 in cash and/or an Oktoberfest prize package. Paddy Power members who have participated in a grand final leaderboard and three points races will be able to compete in a freeroll that comes with €7,750 and, for the event’s winner, an Oktoberfest prize package. Players who have won two points races and a grand final leaderboard will be able to play in yet another event that comes with €6,750 and an Oktoberfest package. The three Pokertoberfest prize packages are valued at €3,500 and include a sightseeing trip through Munich (sponsored by Segway), a guided tour of the city’s best restaurants and eateries, two nights of accommodations, VIP dinners, free entry and, of course, access to one of the best Oktoberfest parties taking place at one of Munich’s nightclubs.
A statement from Paddy Power Poker described its Pokertoberfest as a great “way to banish the summer blues” and “hit Oktoberfest this autumn with some of [Paddy’s] loyal players.”
Bodog Casino Pulls Service from Numerous European and Asian Countries
13/09/12 19:42 Filed in: Casino | Casino News
Bodog Casino players from nations spanning Europe and Asia will soon be unable to enjoy their site of choice due to an upcoming business move. The popular online gaming network, based in the United Kingdom, has just announced that it will stop offering its services to 20 nations by the end of this month.
Bodog Casino’s operator, Bodog UK, has just released a statement that detailed its plans to pull out of numerous international markets by 30th August, 2012. The effected countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Bodog members from these nations are urged to withdraw any remaining funds from their accounts by 30th August (after the cut-off date all withdrawals will have to be carried out via Bodog’s customer service) and cease depositing further amounts after the end of the month as well.
The press release issued by Bodog Casino described the company’s decision to withdraw from the aforementioned markets as an effort to “concentrate on our strengths and where we can offer the best product.” The statement went on to say that “spreading ourselves too thinly to try and cover a huge amount of smaller markets was proving logistically difficult” and that a smaller customer base would be better served by the decision to limit Bodog’s international services to a smaller number of countries.
Bodog Casino’s operator, Bodog UK, has just released a statement that detailed its plans to pull out of numerous international markets by 30th August, 2012. The effected countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Bodog members from these nations are urged to withdraw any remaining funds from their accounts by 30th August (after the cut-off date all withdrawals will have to be carried out via Bodog’s customer service) and cease depositing further amounts after the end of the month as well.
The press release issued by Bodog Casino described the company’s decision to withdraw from the aforementioned markets as an effort to “concentrate on our strengths and where we can offer the best product.” The statement went on to say that “spreading ourselves too thinly to try and cover a huge amount of smaller markets was proving logistically difficult” and that a smaller customer base would be better served by the decision to limit Bodog’s international services to a smaller number of countries.
