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...