Recent Events Affecting the Possible Future of Online Poker
Massachusetts Casino Bill Effectively Legalizes Online Poker in the State
Online poker was effectively legalized in Massachusetts following the removal of a provision in a bill approving licenses for casinos in the state. The deleted provision would have penalized any person who receives or transmits a wager using any telecommunications device, including the Internet. The modification of House Bill 4591 was seen as a victory by the Poker Players Alliance, a grassroots lobbying group, many of whose 25, 000 members reportedly called and emailed legislators to express their feelings about the bill.
HB 4591, which still needs to hurdle the Senate, would license two casinos and allow 750 slot machines to be installed at racetracks, to generate revenue for the commonwealth. The bill, however, is seen to easily pass in the upper house. The PPA is also lobbying for the passage of House Bill 4069, which specifically defines poker as a game of skill and effectively prevents it from being lumped in among games of chance and casino games in the future.
Full Tilt Poker Allegedly Being Investigated by New York Grand Jury
An online poker room is reportedly under investigation by a grand jury convened in New York for potential violations of US gaming laws as well as alleged money laundering activities. The investigation allegedly covers not just gaming site Full Tilt Poker, but poker professionals Howard Lederer and Chris Ferguson, who are part of the site's official team.
Industry insiders see the reports as an attempt by the Justice Department to make an example of Full Tilt, one of the few online gaming sites that still accept cash players from the US in the wake of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which would prohibit US financial institutions from sending money to Internet gaming sites; the Act is set to go into effect on June 1, 2010. Full Tilt is registered in Alderney, which is part of the Channel Islands.
Online Poker Sites Draw Heat in Australia Over Alleged Deals with Sports Figures
A pair of online poker sites became the subject of harsh criticism in Australia in the wake of alleged deals they made with prominent sports stars and teams. Cricketer Shane Warne, who is sponsored by 888poker, came under fire for reportedly offering an $8 free poker bankroll to his fans in a tweet. In the wake of criticism from Australian church leaders, who said that Warne's offer could be a negative influence on his younger fans, the sports star's agent claimed Warne did not know about the tweet.
In a related development, Australia's National Rugby League pulled out of a proposed sponsorship deal with Full Tilt Poker after receiving advice from the government. While the sponsorship agreement is dead, the NRL said they continued to maintain a relationship with Full Tilt Poker's .net site, which provides information on how to play, as well as profiles of the players that make up its official team. Under the provisions of Australia's Interactive Gambling Act of 2001, it is illegal to advertise Internet gambling; the ban covers all forms of media.
Party Gaming Inks Deal with AB Groupe for Online Poker Service
Online poker group Party Gaming has inked a deal with one of France's top broadcasters to provide a white label online poker service. Pay TV service AB Groupe will launch the new service, called Lucky Jeux, once the necessary licensing has been acquired. Lucky Jeux joins PMY and Party Poker as part of Party Gaming's French poker network. The deal with AB Groupe marks Party Gaming's second B2B deal in France following its supply contract with horse racing monopoly Pari-Mutuel Urbain in late March.
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
