UIGEA Compliance Deadline Nears

Last week Wachovia Bank customers received a small hand note in their October statements. The hand note stated:

You acknowledge and agree that "restricted transactions" as defined in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 and Regulation GG issued there under are prohibited from being processed through your Account or any relationship between you and the Bank. In the event we identify a suspected transaction, we may block or otherwise prevent or prohibit such transaction and further we may close the Account or end the relationship.

If you play online poker and were not aware that your methods of depositing and withdrawing money from your online accounts is in jeopardy, You Should Be. December 1st, 2009 is the deadline for Banks to come into full compliance with the UIGEA of 2006. The PPA is working relentlessly yet maybe futilely with a petition that will delay compliance for a year.

The Following was filed 8/21/09
Source quotes from Poker News writer Mathew Kredell

Notes sent out by banks in August serve as a warning about the overblocking that could be coming in December when the penalties established by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act go into effect in the United States.

California Bank & Trust sent out a similar note stating that it "will not process transactions derived from Internet bets or wagers."

The problem is that banks will have every right to overblock to make sure they comply with the UIGEA.

The following was filled 10/12/09
Source quotes from Poker News writer Mathew Kredell

With the date of compliance for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act less than two months away and legislation to push back enforcement failing to make progress in Congress, the Poker Players Alliance is trying a new method to delay the deadline.

The PPA filed a petition with U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner asking for the date of compliance, which is Dec. 1, to be extended one year under the Administrative Procedure Act. This may seem like a desperate move -- and it is the time to get desperate -- but the PPA recruited powerful allies to make a strong push that should at least get Geithner's attention.

Cool Sportsbook Promo - NFL Suicide Pool

This is my first time ever playing in an NFL suicide pool. The boys over at Poker Affiliate Listings in conjunction with Sportsbook.com put together a very cool NFL suicide pool. Not only is this fun to play, but there is a $3,000 prize pool up for grabs! We started with over 100 players and we're through half the field going in to week 4.

How a suicide pool works is like this. Each week you pick 1 team. If that team wins you advance, if that team pulls a Detroit, you're out. You can only pick each team 1 time through the season.

My strategy is to pick the shittiest of the good teams who is matched up with the worst of the bad teams. Funny thing is, I am yet to pick the team that plays against the Lions, whilst most of the league is just picking whomever they face. Those guys got burnt last week when Stafford took them to their first victory this season over the Browns I believe? I don't really keep up with football to be honest so not sure but they finally won one.

I've still got many horses left to pick and even snuck in a win picking the Raiders over the chiefs last week, oh word ballsy!

So, whats the point of this non poker gossip information? Just to tell you that if you haven't played in a promo like a NFL suicide pool then it's hella fun. Arm youself with a current Sportsbook promo code and get your account set up. There are half season and mini suicide pools springing up to play all throughout this NFL season. Sportsbook.com is one of our favorite places to play as they accept CC's for deposit like it's no ones business, accept USA and Canadian players and have the juiciest damn Sunday poker tables in the world. It has to be all the fish who are betting sports killing some time at the NL tables because they are thick and swarming.

PokerStars $5k Glitch - FREE SNG's

Oh my... it turns out that someone found out that if you accept a rematch challenge from someone while playing sit n go's at PokerStars.com, while having an account balance of $0.00, then PokerStars will just let you play it for free anyway. The boys at 2+2 are all fired up and it will be interesting to see exactly how PokerStars handles the situation.

Here's a guy who is either awesome, running like god or figured out the rematch glich... i'd bet.



Now, we're not one to judge, but this dudes chart means he is either on the most awesome run of $5,000 sng's against the top players on the internet or he is taking advantage of the glitch.

You can see more about it from the affiliates point of view here and the thread here at P5's where players brought it up.

PokerStars.com Makes Good

The initial reports coming out of the poker forums is that PokerStars is making the right decisions and doing the right thing. It's no suprise to us as we've been encouraging you download pokerstars for years. We'll keep up to date and see what shakes out in the forums in the coming few days.

PokerStars also announced a new bonus code for a 100% match up to $600, matching that of rival FullTiltPoker.com (feeling the heat maybe?). If for some reason you don't already have an account at PokerStars you can get the the full 100% to $600 but if not you can still take advantage of a 50% reload bonus to $300.

Use PokerStars marketing code "kickasspoker.com" and new deposit code "stars600" to get your bonus. Use deposit code "WCOOP" to get the reload.

Ivey Makes WSOP 2009 Final Table

Man talk about a boon to poker! I bet ESPN is jizzing in their pants with the boon to poker that is sure to be Phil Ivey making the final table of the World Series. In our previous post we talked about Ivey and Esfandiari crushing the WSOP, well Ivey has made the November 9... the 9 final table members who now have to wait until November to finish the tournament.

Who Benefits from Phil Ivey Making the Final Table
Man, this list could get long, lets see:

• Phil Ivey - while I'm sure the money is nice he's going to get seriously paid for his sponsorship opportunities. We're talking Tiger Woods effect here


• Full Tilt - Man oh man these guys have to be jizzing in their pants with their #1 star making the final table in the World Series


• ESPN - Phil Ivey or Jerry Yang... who do you want to watch?


• Harrahs and the WSOP Brand - if the hype was effective last year then this year the wait for the final table is going to be huuuuuge


• Online Poker - probably not quite the moneymaker effect but this has the potential to bring tons of players back to the online poker tables, specifically FullTilt.com where the Phil is one of the original professional players representing Full Tilt


• Online Poker Affiliates - yes more players interested in poker means more people searching for poker


• Online Poker Bloggers - we need something to blabble about


• Poker Players - this is so good for the game that we are going to see a resurgence in poker


• The PPA - see, poker is a skill game, we told you... biznitches... ok the PPA wouldn't really talk like that but you get the idea.

Here's our personal thank you Phil Ivey.

Thank you!

Here's to the prop betting!

Ivey and Esfandiari Crushing WSOP

With the field whittled down to only 64 players, poker superstar Phil Ivey and Antonio Esfandiari, aka 'the magician' are near the top of the chip stacks and primed for a final table run.

Nothing would be more exciting for poker than to have Phil Ivey and Esfandiari at the final table of this years WSOP. As poker fans and poker as an industry, this would be another great boost that could propel thousands of new poker players into the fray of poker as well as bringing back tons of fish who have been fleeced for their money back in the day.

Phil Ivey is one of the sponsoring pro's of Fulltiltpoker.com and I'm sure they would like nothing more than for one of their own to take down the biggest poker tournament of the year. Talk about a huge boost of marketing power to their budget. And who could forget the UB commercials featuring Antonio shirtless and then jumping into a pool and loosing his shorts.

If those two make the final table, it will be BIG for poker. It could be really big. Personally I think it would make the more recreational poker players play more, maybe re-deposit at one of their favorite online poker sites that they busted out of earlier rather than bring throngs of brand new players to the tables like Chris Moneymaker did when he won in 03.

Regardless, I'm sure ESPN, Harrahs and the whole of the poker world is holding their breath that these guys make the final table.

We can hope, and with Ivey and Esfandiari's talent it looks like a strong possibility.

Jeff Lisandro Steals His 3rd WSOP Bracelet

A couple of weeks ago, we reported that Jeff Lisandro had clinched his second WSOP bracelet at a Seven Card Stud event. Well, the guy is continuing to light up the tables. He took down his third bracelet at the $10k Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo event, walking away with over $430,000 in prize money.



























Along with Phil Ivey and Brock Parker, Lisandro is a multiple braclet winner for the 2009 WSOP.

Frankly, had he not won the $10k Stud event, we're fairly certain he would have walked with the bracelet anyway.
























"Seriously, if you win, I'm just going to take the bracelet from you out in the parking lot."

In all seriousness, good show, Jeff.


The durrrr Challenge Gets Exciting... Finally

Just last week, we were saying how mind-numbingly tedious the "durrrr Challenge" had become. We would rather have listened to the guy on the right tell us bad jokes all night...

















Well, the durrrr Challenge heated up a few days ago. At one point, Tom "durrrr" Dwan was up over $700,000 on Patrik Antonius. It took 4,253 hands and 15 hours, but he did it.














Geez, have we mentioned how white he is?

Anyway, as of today, he's up a half million for the year. That may not seem like a lot for a guy who's used to nosebleed stakes. But, keep in mind he was down $4 million at one point.























Now, if we can only have a few more bouts like the recent one between he and Antonius, we might actually start caring about the durrrr Challenge again.


Doyle Brunson Fights For His 11th Bracelet

Doyle "The Boss" Brunson is practically a staple of the WSOP.
























"What did you call me?"

With 10 bracelets under his belt, he's hoping to take down his 11th this Saturday. To date, Hellmuth holds the record with 11 bracelets.























But, Brunson's aiming to join him at the top of the poker heap. He hasn't won a major bracelet for a few years, but we're definitely rooting for him. C'mon, how can you not like this guy?


























And Speaking Of Phil Hellmuth...

The self-described Poker Brat was hoping to widen the gap between he and Brunson (and Johnny Chan) by locking in his 12th WSOP bracelet. He wanted to take it down at the $2k Limit Hold'em event this past Saturday.
















Alas, it was not to be. We're sure Phil is pretty disappointed since his crown may soon be at stake.


























Update On The U.S. Poker Seizures

The recent poker asset seizures that we told you about have definitely taken their toll. Poker Stars saw their traffic decline 7%. Full Tilt Poker was able to get a few replacement payment processors up and running, so they seem to be doing fine.

Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker may be on the federal prosecutors' radar soon. But, a lot of folks are switching from checks to bank wires, which seems to be working for now.




















Another week, another wrap. To recap...

1. Jeff Lisandro shows the poker world who the real stud is.
2. The durrrr Challenge shows a brief spark of excitement (and Dwan still needs a tan).
3. Good 'ole Doyle Brunson is battling for his 11th bracelet on Saturday (Go, Brunson!).
4. Phil Hellmuth lets a 12th bracelet slip through his fingers.
5. U.S. federal prosecutors haven't touched wires... yet.

As always, bringing you the poker news that's fit to print.

See you next time...

The Mystery Of The Bouncing Checks... SOLVED!

Last week, the news broke that checks from Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars were bouncing higher than Clonie Gowen's hopes for a FullTilt payout. We blamed the incident on good 'ole Phil Hellmuth because he always looks like he's up to something shifty.

























We're happy to say (sort of) that Hellmuth had nothing to do with the mess. The real story is that federal prosecutors swept down and froze the accounts of the payment processors.

















Boooo! Incidentally, some legal experts are calling foul. A law professor in California says, "It's very aggressive, and I think it's a gamble on the part of the prosecutors."

So, while this guy is fighting for us in Congress...






















... the feds are rattling their sabers. It's still not clear where this mess is going to head. But, we'll keep you posted.


2009 WSOP Updates

Things are still cookin' over at the WSOP and there's no shortage of exciting tidbits to report.

First up... the incredibly alert Johnny Chan.

























We're pretty sure those bottles weren't filled with water.

In any case, those of you keeping score will know that Chan has 10 WSOP bracelets to his name. He's one behind Hellmuth and as of yesterday, was looking to tie him at the top. We're still waiting to hear whether he's done it or not.


Next up... Archie "The Greek" Karas.

If you don't know Archie, you don't know poker lore.























To say he's had a few ups and downs would definitely be an understatement. We'll let you discover the sordid tale of his life for yourself. We mention him because he was at the WSOP gunning for his first bracelet. Sadly, he didn't get it, but we're rooting for him next year. Keep your spirits up, Archie.























Next up... Roland de Wolfe

Yesterday, de Wolfe became the second player to take down the Triple Crown of Poker award. We're not talking about the second player at the 2009 WSOP. We're talking the second player in the history of people wearing crowns.

You're given the Triple Crown after you win the WSOP, EPT, and WPT. Another feather in de Wolfe's cap is the fact that he did it by winning his first WSOP bracelet. Nice goin', Roland!





















Hmmm... he's not actually looking at the camera, is he?


And ending the WSOP news on a high note... Phil Ivey

Phil has already locked down two bracelets for the 2009 WSOP, including his seventh overall.

























That has a few people wondering if he's going to catch Hellmuth one of these days.

Rumor has it that Phil gets bored at the tournaments pretty quickly. To liven things up, he's been making bets with the other players regarding how many bracelets he can take home.

















Oh, we'd say he has a few more left in him. Go get 'em, Ivey.


The Slowest Poker Tournament In The World

After 786 hands, it looks like Tom Dwan has fought his way back to breaking even.


























Frankly, as poker tournaments go, this is like watching paint dry. But, we're here to report the news, not make it.


Another week, another wrap. To recap...

1. The Department Of Justice is playing dirty with online poker players.
2. Johnny Chan needs to lay of the "water."
3. Archie Karas misses his shot at a WSOP bracelet.
4. Roland de Wolfe makes history with his Triple Crown.
5. Phil Ivey cannot stop betting.
6. Tom Dwan is embroiled in the most boring poker tournament on the circuit.

As always, bringing you the poker news that's fit to print.

See you next week...

Full Tilt Poker And PokerStars Bouncing Checks?!

Say it ain't so!

A couple of weeks ago, folks began noticing their Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars checks were bouncing. Making matters worse, Instant eChecks (the company that processes deposits and withdrawals for a ton of poker players) was down.

The rumors are flyin' and FullTilt.com and PokerStars haven't released any official comments yet. We're certain they'll get the mess sorted out soon. Most folks seem to be blaming the US Attorney General’s office. But, if you're a conspiracy nut, blame it on this guy...

























For the record, Hellmuth's probably not involved. We just enjoy pinning stuff on him.

Okay, let's get this party started with some WSOP updates...


Phil Ivey Scores A Sixth Bracelet

We're a little behind in getting this news to you.

Our man Phil Ivey sat down at a $2,500 NL Deuce-to-Seven game at the WSOP. Even though he went to the final table a few chips short, he managed to claw his way to a sixth bracelet.


























We're not sure what's going on with the cat, but our hats are off to Phil. Good show. Slightly creepy picture, but good show.


Lisandro Lights Up The Tables

Jeffrey "The Iceman" Lisandro took the $1,500 Seven Card Stud event yesterday, claiming his second WSOP bracelet in the process. For those of you with short memories, Lisandro took the same event back in 2007. The year before, he went deep in the Main Event (17th), but had a minor "disagreement" with Prahlad Friedman along the way.

Quick note to Friedman: this is not the man you want to mess with...

























Seriously, we'd actually be afraid to win against him.

In any case, congrats to Lisandro. We're looking forward to seeing him at WSOP 2010.


Negreanu Misses His Fifth Bracelet

We we're definitely pulling for Daniel and wanted to see him win his fifth WSOP bracelet. Alas, the cards were not kind. He was doing pretty well for awhile in a $2,500 Limit Hold'em heads up with Brock "t_soprano" Parker. In the end, Parker got the best of him.

Of course, KidPoker's always a good sport.

























Even though he barely missed his bracelet, Negreanu's been collecting a few dollars at the tournament. Four events, four cashes. It may not be "Tom Dwan" money, but $200,000+ can buy a few beers.


durrrr Sprints Back In May

Despite having a phenomenal 2008, Tom "durrrr" Dwan dug himself into a pretty deep hole this year (pink ostrich hat notwithstanding).

























He was literally down millions of dollars. (cough, cough)

Lo and behold, May turned out to be his month. Dwan swiped just over $2 million in profit and started June down less than $650,000.















Nice going, Tom. You're too young to go broke (but definitely lose the hat).


Another week, another wrap. To recap...

1. Something fishy is going on with Full Tilt and PokerStars (and we're not ruling Hellmuth out).
2. Jeffrey Lisandro could work as a capo for the Gambini family. Just kidding, Jeff (don't hurt us).
3. Daniel Negreanu just missed his fifth WSOP bracelet, but he ain't starvin'.
4. Tom Dwan is climbing his way back into the red.

As always, bringing you the poker news that's fit to print.

See you next week...

The KickAssPoker 2009 WSOP Edition

It's time to take a brief sabbatical from the usual shenanigans erupting throughout the poker world. The 2009 World Series of Poker has officially launched. It seems like the entire poker community has dropped what they're doing to watch or participate.

No emotional outbursts from Phil Hellmuth.

No boxing matches between Hansen and Jorgensen.

We can't even find a good reason to post a shot of Vanessa Rousso in a bikini.

So, let's shift attention over to the WSOP. Here's a recap of what's been happening in the tournament...


Jack Binion Gets His Due

For those of you who don't know Jack Binion, he's the guy that gave us the WSOP in the first place.


















40 years ago, Binion created the WSOP. Today, it's arguably the juggernaut of professional poker tournaments. As WSOP President, Jeffrey Pollack said yesterday before Binion kicked off Event #4, "Jack, on behalf of everyone here, thank you. Thank you for the World Series of Poker... You wrote the song, Jack. We merely cover it."

Nicely said. Our hats are off.


Lunkin Who?!

One of the big surprises so far is the upset by Vitaly Lunkin during Event #2, a $40K NL holdem tourney. He vaulted past Tom Dwan, Phil Gaffond, Phil Ivey, and Doyle Brunson himself to clinch a $1,800,000 purse. Surely, Lunkin is wondering how he'll spend the cash...

















If you haven't been keeping count, this is the second WSOP bracelet that Lunkin has won. He took one down in 2008.


Daniel Negreanu Goes For A Fifth

Negreanu has been a contender since becoming the world's youngest bracelet winner in WSOP history back in 1998. He's been pushing for a fifth bracelet and hopes this year's tournament does the trick.




















Is it us or does Daniel never take good pictures? Let's try again...

























Nope. It's not us. Daniel's great on the tables, but he's not very photogenic. Still, it's hard not to like the guy, so we're hoping he locks in his fifth bracelet.


It Ain't No Thang

In the "Names That Are Fun To Say" column, Thang Luu sprinted ahead of the pack a few days ago to win a $1,500 Omaha Hi/Lo bracelet.

























It's not a fluke. Luu took that event in 2008 and barely missed winning it in 2007. You might say, it's his Thang.

His total tournament winnings haven't hit the $1,000,000 marker, yet. But, we're keeping an eye on him and think you should, too.


Online Tournaments Still Going Strong

And just in case you think that the WSOP has siphoned all of the action from the online tourneys, Bluff Magazine reports different.

























Even though PokerStars (read our PokerStars review) didn't hit their Sunday Million $1,500,000 guarantee a week ago, they came cranking back this past Sunday. Over 8,700 people entered their Sunday Million, which shot the pool to over $1.7 million.

Obviously, there's still a lot of action online if you're not in Las Vegas for the WSOP.

Another week, another wrap. To recap...

1. The 2009 WSOP has taken the stage (and the spotlight).
2. Vitaly Lunkin left a few poker stars scratching their heads.
3. Daniel Negreanu should never, ever shave his head again. Seriously, did you SEE that picture up there?
4. Thang Luu has a name that's impossible to say without smiling.
5. Bluff Magazine has some very nice covers.

As always, bringing you the poker news that's fit to print.

See you next week...

Annie Duke Attacks Joan Rivers For Charity

When Duke and Rivers squared off on the last season of Celebrity Apprentice, the two butted heads. Rivers had a few "not so nice" things to say about the good-natured Duke, including a subtle comparison between her and Hitler (yes, that Hitler).


























But, wait... there's more. Good 'ole Joan went further in saying that any money that poker players donated to charity was "blood money."

The poker world gasped and the Sucking Out On The Rivers charity poker tournament was created. The proceeds from the event will go to Refugees International, a group that helps folks who have been displaced throughout the world.

Gosh Joan, that doesn't sound like something a Nazi would do (we don't know any).

To kick off the charity event and poke a little fun, Duke is inviting over 20 Rivers impersonators. If you're in Las Vegas tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27th), drop by the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to enjoy the fun. It starts at 6:00 p.m.

Way to go Annie!


The 2009 WSOP Is Starting Tomorrow!
















Duke's charity tournament isn't the only event kicking off tomorrow. The 2009 WSOP launches! Technically, it begins on May 28th with a $40k No Limit Holdem tournament. But, there's an opening tourney for casino employees on Wednesday.

This long-anticipated affair is bound to keep a lot of us on the edges of our seats. We're looking forward to seeing a few surprises and bad beats.

If you're going to be in town, take a quick look at this list of the local Las Vegas restaurants to guide your taste buds.


durrrr Vs. Ziigmund: The Battle Heats Up

We like the $2/$4 tables. When we're really feeling aggressive, we'll hit the $10/$20 games. Well, that's not nearly spicy enough for Tom Dwan and Ilari Sahamies. They recently went for each others jugulars at $3,000/$9,000 Pot Limit Omaha.

At first, Sahamies didn't want to play (chicken). But, at Dwan's behest, he jumped on the table for an hour and came out ahead. Is it us or does Ziigmund always look as if he wants to sucker punch someone?




















In other "durrrr" news, the young poker phenom cleared over $500,000 on High Stakes Poker during one hand.

That's a drop in the bucket compared to what we're used to, but good for Dwan.
















With half a million burning a hole in his pocket, surely he can afford a mild tan (boy, he's white).

Another week, another wrap. To recap...

1. Annie Duke gets the last laugh on Joan Rivers. Actually, everyone at the event will have the last laugh after seeing the impersonators.
2. The first official event of the 2009 WSOP is kicking off Thursday.
3. Ziigmund and durrrr have more guts than most of us. (And durrrr is a lot whiter.)

As always, bringing you the poker news that's fit to print.

See you next time...