Authors’ Note: On this fifth article of our 12 part series on customer centric gaming floors, we will be able to examine the worth of availability and queueing mathematics, and the way they are often applied to the slot floor. Please note these articles are supposed to stimulate thought and that we're using some deliberately provocative metaphors and examples which have to be inquisitive about a grain of salt.

It’s no secret that slot players are sometimes willing to attend to play their favorite game. What's more of an unknown is how long will they wait before they walk clear of the slot?

In the trendy casino, determining the common wait time for specific games is a vital factor for operators trying to optimize slot floor performance. At the surface, this can seem an easy equation to unravel; in actuality, it requires availability and queuing theory—a level of mathematics well past standard optimization metrics.

The availability theory we explore below relies on well-proven manufacturing models adapted to the gaming world. This approach will develop the intuition and mathematical formulas required to drive this crucial analysis.  Finally we introduce preference filters into the combination to return up with a real determination of ways long the most efficient customers must wait to play their favorite games.

OPTIMIZATION METRICS PRIMER

In part two of this series, we described the significance of the player perspective. To take a look at the gaming machine from the player perspective, we wanted to seem into metrics which can be felt by the player. Players don't sit at their game and consider the hold percentage or the theoretical win per day of the sport. Instead players live within the gaming experience—feeling how much they win or lose, they alter their betting behavior in keeping with the end result of the games; they usually feel the impact of a game they would like to play being occupied by another player or players. To optimize the games, we want data that may see into the gaming experience and optimize it. This approach may be very different to optimizing the end result of the game—to clarify this, we describe two other forms of metric: optimization and outcome.

Optimization metrics: These are metrics that measure effects the players can observe. In our previous articles, we've explored how occupancy and the price of the sport play including game speed are the important thing optimization metrics. The following article we dig deeper right into a new and more predictive roughly math—the math around queueing theory. In short, we wish to optimize the supply of games to players; for example, we wish to ensure that high-value players can typically find the sport they want, within the location they might wish to play it. While the maths is complex, the effects are remarkable in that it allows us to drive the yield of the sport. In summary, we now have a brand new class of metrics called availability, and this class of metrics tells us if a game is accessible at any point in time.

Outcome metrics: These are metrics that the players don't observe. For example, the theoretical win per unit per day at the gaming machine, that is a normal from quite a few different players. Quite simply, players don't experience the spending of different players. Another outcome metric is the slot floor hold percentage, or what's often incorrectly termed the “price” of our games.

AVAILABILITY ACTIONS

Game availability is central to the user experience and optimization of that have. Imagine a floor where we relate customer preference for a particular game and the chance of that game being available after they want to play it. To grasp the facility of availability modeling, let’s consider the next eight optimization questions:

Should I'VE a ten pack or a 12 pack of games on this area? The form and selection of games is obviously important, but something as fine grained because the value of a ten pack of slots versus a 12 pack of slots is tricky to peer analytically. When checked out using availability, the direct value of availability to players will also be calculated.

In a mixed bank should I run two of any game? As we will be able to show below, the probability of finding a game you favor is massively increased while you move from one game to 2. Armed with this knowledge, the gaming floor can now be optimized to supply high preference games where needed. Furthermore, we will back into the provision models using hypothesis testing; in other words, change the ground and measure the modeled versus actual outcome of the gaming optimization decisions.

Are there any games which are substitutes for a well-liked game?One solution for a game availability issue is to usher in substitutes, which gives a low-cost way of finding games that act as “drawcards” for other games.

How many games should I'VE at the floor? Optimization will help operators determine the perfect choice of games there must be at the slot floor. For example, a floor could have 1,000 games, but operates optimally with 950. These small changes balance the selection of games with the capital/depreciation and running costs of these games.

Can I close off areas of the gaming floor at certain times of the day?This is a critical question on the subject of reducing staff, power and other operating costs. The trick is to try this in some way that also ensures availability of the precise gaming experience in a special area of the ground. Consider the instance of a room where there exist players who've a robust preference for that room—closing that room will directly impact this player group.

How does a jackpot impact the provision of a game? On a contemporary gaming floor, there are levers that may be pulled to regulate the provision. For example, adjusting the jackpot behavior changes the occupancy and so it may be modified to maximise yield.

Are players waiting in line to play this game?Oftentimes customers will play a game with a lineof sight to the slot they would like to play. The provision of a game gives a view into the chance that players are waiting.

How does the provision invert to foretell demand? The inverse of availability combined with game presence gives us a metric that may be representative of demand. Game demand is a measure of its attractiveness and offers critical insight into the need of adding or removing games from the floor.

PICK YOUR POISSON

These eight optimization questions illustrate how the supply metrics of a game opens the door to a brand new approach for customer centric gaming floor management. There are various mathematical approaches to calculate availability, starting from simulation models to varied statistical techniques. One powerful method relies at the Poisson distribution.  This technique is advantageous since a small amount of key metrics can provide accurate predictions.

The Poisson distribution is known as after by Siméon Denis Poisson and gives a remarkably simple mathematical model that determines the probability of quite a lot of events occurring in a selected time period. This easy distribution have been applied in powerful how you can understand wait times in queues. For our purposes, we will be able to explore the chance that a customer’s preferred game is unavailable after they wish to play it. On this example, there are two separate calculations to consider—customer play a particular machine and the possibility that this machine is available.

Example question: Given a machine is occupied, what's the likelihood that a player desirous to play this machine finds the machine occupied between the hour of 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday over a six month period?

Example assumptions: The Poisson distribution requires a collection of assumptions; the next is an outline of ways these assumptions are met within the context of the instance question:

• The development of finding the occupied machine can occur greater than once within the hour.

• Each player finding the occupied machine is independent of different players finding the similar machine.

• During time between 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, the velocity of the development is the same.

• Two events cannot occur at the exact same instant.

• The probability of an event in an interval is proportional to the length of the time we're examining.

• The standard with which that if these conditions are true determines the applicability of the Poisson distribution.

IN ALL PROBABILITY

Given players can find the occupied game within the time between 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm and that it will occur plenty of times, the common selection of events in an interval is designated λ(lambda). Lambda is the velocity at which individuals find the occupied game, often known as the velocity parameter. The development of finding the sport occupied has a percentage chance of happening, and the formula for determining this percentage is shown in Figure 1: Poisson Distribution.

To explore the ability of this formula, let’s consider the instance of the individual finding the occupied game 2.5 times per hour (λ = 2.5). This case is simplified to turn how the maths may also be applied and, like any models, the standard of the input data and the way it meets the assumptions determines the accuracy of the consequences. That being said, we will be able to see that the Poisson distribution gives fascinating insight into the player experience, and it might probably show the impact that an occupied game will have at the player gaming experience. What's remarkable is that the information to calculate that is available, and that it opens the door to optimization of the gaming floor according to the supply of games.

However, to take these calculations to the following level, a distinct more or less math called queuing theory is wanted. Indeed, given this illustration of ways the maths of availability can also be calculated, we have to dig into way more sophisticated models to make this idea directly applicable to gaming and to plot gaming specific models that operators can apply to their casino floor. Queuing theory is usual in lots of business areas, retail checkout models are an example, and it's been proven in all kinds of applications. Using these calculations, critical questions similar to the impact of adding an extra game or the possibility of finding a customer’s game occupied can also be explored. These models are extremely powerful and in future parts to this series we will be able to cover the best way to create and apply them. sM&M

Read More... [Source: Slots]

The Hilton Casino in Atlantic City missed its July mortgage payment, becoming the most recent New Jersey gambling venue to come across severe economic problems.

Papers filed with gaming regulators show that the Hilton Casino Resort in Atlantic City didn't make its mortgage payment in July. Casino operators told the brand new Jersey Casino Control Commission that it's trying to negotiate new terms with its mortgage lenders.

The mortgage loan amounts to $349 million. Hilton executives told the Jersey regulators that the "severe impact of the present economic conditions" ended in the corporate being unable to make its scheduled payment.

The Hilton becomes just the newest Atlantic City casino to stand a mixture of big debt payments and drastically declining earnings. Trump Entertainment already took its three casinos out of business earlier this year, and Resorts Atlantic City have been in negotiations to show its casino over to lenders in exchange for mortgage debt.

CEO Nicholas Ribis stated that casino operations would continue uninterrupted, as has occurred at other troubled casinos while management attempts to flee from financial maelstroms.

Regulators said no disciplinary action is anticipated, although the commission will closely watch the placement for further developments.

Atlantic City casinos was hit by a mixture of accelerating competition and recessionary effects leaving revenues plummeting by double-digit percentages on a monthly basis.

Published on August 24, 2009 by PrestonLewis

Read More... [Source: Atlantic City Casino News]

Watch cards-up coverage of the FPS Monaco Main Event final table on EPT Live by clicking here. Time stamps of the updates below reflect the one-hour delay.

Click here for live updates from Levels 29-32, in which they played down from seven players to three.

9:58pm: Sebastian Supper wins (€177,000); Manuel Martinez runner-up (€107,500)

The third hand of heads-up play saw Manuel Martinez toss away 8♠4♥ from the button. Then at the next one Supper all over again announced he was pushing all in, with only the 4♠ tantalizing showing at the card graphics.

Again Martinez checked out his cards, and without much hesitation called the shove.

Martinez: A♣9♥Supper: 4♠4♦

Supper had a made hand this time, but after the 7♦9♣2♦ came at the flop Martinez had made a greater one for the instant with a couple of nines.

The Q♦ then came at the turn, causing both players to smile -- for various reasons -- as Supper had picked up the diamond flush draw and plenty of more outs.

Then came the river... the J♦!

Just like that it was over! Martinez finished second for a pleasant prize of €107,500, while Supper wins the €177,000 first prize and FPS Monaco Main Event trophy.

Manuel Martinez - 2nd place

Back shortly to recap today's exciting final day.

9:52pm: Martinez earns a snappy double-up

Manuel Martinez folded the primary heads-up hand from the button after picking up 8♥7♦. At the next Sebastian Supper announced he was raising all in, and Martinez called.

Supper: 6♠4♠Martinez: K♦Q♠

The flop came 3♠3♥9♠, giving Supper a flush draw, then the turn brought the J♦. With a ton of outs still available for Supper, the K♣ wasn't one in all them and Martinez doubled as much as 5.89 million. Supper still has 18.335 million.

Heads-up play

9:48pm: Play resumes

The winner's trophy have been brought out and placed between Sebastian Supper and Manuel Martinez, and their heads-up battle has commenced.

9:42 pm: Updated chip counts to begin heads-up play

Players are taking a brief break before heads-up play will begin. Sebastian Supper can have a few 7-to-1 chip advantage when play resumes.

Sebastian Supper (Germany) -- 21,090,000Manuel Martinez (Spain) -- 3,135,000

9:40 pm: Gilles Silbernagel eliminated in 3rd place (€75,400)

Gilles Silbernagel had the button, and after checking his cards -- A♠K♣ -- paused a few beats before moving all in for 1,895,000. It folded to Sebastian Supper within the big blind who had Q♣9♣, and after thinking a moment he made the call.

The flop came 2♣2♠Q♦ to hit Supper's hand, and Silbernagel immediately stood from his chair. The turn was the 5♠ and Silbernagel hung his head for a moment before looking as much as see the river -- the 9♠.

Silbernagel shook the opposite two players' hands and departed with a third-place finish.

Gilles Silbernagel - 3rd place

9:33pm: Supper draws better straight, takes lead

Sebastian Supper raised to 750,000 from the small blind holding 9♦5♥, and Gilles Silbernagel -- his hole cards unknown -- called from the large blind.

The flop came 3♣6♥4♠, and Supper fired a continuation bet of one million. Silbernagel thought a moment, then called the bet. The turn then brought the 7♣, creating a straight for Supper. Supper again acted quickly, betting 2 million. Silbernagel suddenly announced he was all in, and Supper called immediately.

Silbernagel: K♠5♠Supper: 9♦5♥

Both players had turned straights, because it turned out. The dealer then produced the river...

The 8♥!

"I didn't even know...!" said Supper with a large smile, noting he hadn't even realized he was freerolling to the easier straight. Meanwhile Silbernagel looked somewhat shaken, having suddenly gone from the leader to the quick stack.

Supper is now the overpowering chip leader.

Sebastian Supper (Germany) -- 18,260,000Manuel Martinez (Spain) -- 4,240,000Gilles Silbernagel (France) -- 2,125,000

Sebastian Supper

9:27pm: A COUPLE OF small ones

After Sebastian Supper won another couple of small pots, a hand arose that saw Manuel Martinez limp in from the small blind with K♣7♦ and Supper check from the massive blind with a 3♠ and an obscured second card.

The flop came Q♦K♥7♥ and both checked, then after the 3♣ turn Supper checked, Martinez bet 400,000, and Supper folded.

9:21pm: Supper shoves, collects

In the primary hand back, Gilles Silbernagel raised to 625,000 from the button with a K♠ and one unknown hole card, and it folded to Sebastian Supper who shoved all in from the large blind with 6♥6♣, earning a fold from Silbernagel and the primary post-dinner pot.

9:20pm: Level 35 begins (150,000/300,000/40,000)

Players are back of their seats and play has resumed with another hefty increase of both the blinds and the antes. Leader Gilles Silbernagel begins this level with almost 42 big blinds, Sebastian Supper has just below 23 big blinds, and Manuel Martinez has just below 15 big blinds.

8:29pm: Dinner break

They've reached the tip of Level 34, and the 3 remaining players at the moment are taking a 45-minute dinner break. Or Supper break, in case you prefer.

Here are the present counts, with Silbernagel having gone from being right down to a half-dozen big blinds to the leader after that sequence of huge hands:

Gilles Silbernagel (France) -- 12,470,000Sebastian Supper (Germany) -- 6,865,000Manuel Martinez (Spain) -- 4,470,000

8:16pm: Silbernagel increases lead

Following a Manuel Martinez raise from the button with a 6♥ and an unknown second card, Silbernagel called from the massive blind with 5♥4♦.

The flop came 4♥4♠A♦ and Silbernagel checked. Martinez fired 400,000, and Silbernagel quickly check-raised to one million. Martinez called. The turn was the 3♣ and within an instant Silbernagel said he was all in.

Martinez -- his stack of about 5.4 million about half what Silbernagel had -- thought a beat then let his hand go.

8:10pm: Updated chip counts

Gilles Silbernagel (France) -- 12,200,000Manuel Martinez (Spain) -- 7,225,000Sebastian Supper (Germany) -- 5,200,000

8:08pm: Silbernagel doubles through Martinez

Gilles Silbernagel raised to 620,000 from the small blind with J♥J♦, and Manuel Martinez looked all the way down to see 4♥4♠ within the big blind. He thought a moment, then announced he was reraising all in, and Silbernagel called instantly.

Silbernagel was the only in peril for 6,055,000 total, but after the 2♦T♦5♥Q♦T♠ board he was the brand new leader with about 12.2 million while Martinez slipped back to about 7.2 million.

8:02pm: Limp-shove from Silbernagel

Gilles Silbernagel limped in from the small blind with 7♥7♦, and Manuel Martinez raised to 600,000 with A♦6♦ from the massive blind. Silbernagel then instantly shoved all in for 5,095,000 total, and Martinez considered a half-minute before folding.

7:46pm: Supper triples up with pocket tens

Manuel Martinez limped in from the button with A♥5♥, and Sebastian Supper raised all in for his last 1.12 million from the small blind with T♥T♣. Gilles Silbernagel then just called the reraise from the massive blind with 6♦6♣.

Martinez and Silbernagel checked down the 4♣K♠7♦5♠J♦ board, and that meant a triple-up for Supper.

Manuel Martinez (Spain) -- 14,715,000Gilles Silbernagel (France) -- 6,460,000Sebastian Supper (Germany) -- 3,450,000

Sebastian Supper

7:32pm: Level 34 begins (120,000/240,000/30,000)

7:28pm: Another straight sends Silbernagel near lead

Manuel Martinez raised to 400,000 from the button with 9♣5♣ and Gilles Silbernagel called with 8♥7♥ from the large blind.

The flop came 9♦T♣5♦, giving Silbernagel a straight draw and Martinez two pair, and after checking Silbernagel quickly called of venture of 500,000 from Martinez.

The turn was the J♥, giving Silbernagel his straight, and he checked over again. Martinez bet 1.3 million this time, and Silbernagel check-raised all in for 4.475 million total. Martinez got a count, and thought for some time as Silbernagel held his scarf up over his mouth.

Finally Martinez called, and wasn't pleased when the cards were revealed. The river was the K♣, and Silbernagel won the hand.

Gilbernagel is sort of despite Martinez for the chip lead:

Manuel Martinez (Spain) -- 11,785,000Gilles Silbernagel (France) -- 10,940,000Sebastian Supper (Germany) -- 1,900,000

Gilles Silbernagel wins a large one

7:14pm: Straight for Silbernagel pays off versus Supper

Sebastian Supper limped in from the small blind with T♠6♠ and Gilles Silbernagel checked from the massive blind with 4♣3♥, then the 6♦7♦5♣ flop hit the latter's hand hard, giving Silbernagel a straght. When checked to Silbernagel chose to bet 400,000, and Supper called. The turn was the J♣ and Supper checked again. Silbernagel bet all on this time -- for 2.36 million -- and Supper called immediately.

The river K♦ was regardless of as Silbernagel already had the hand locked up, and he's suddenly as much as 6 million while Supper is right down to about 2.7 million.

7:00pm: Silbernagel doubles

Gilles Silbernagel open-raised all in for 1,265,000 -- just over six big blinds -- from the small blind with K♠9♥ and Manuel Martinez called from the massive blind with J♥5♥.

The board came okay for Silbernagel -- 7♦Q♦T♠K♥3♦ -- and he doubled through.

Martinez still leads comfortably with 15.6 million, while Silbernagel is as much as 2.6 million and Supper is in between with about 6.4 million.

Gilles Silbernagel

6:57pm: Updated chip counts

Manuel Martinez (Spain) -- 16,680,000Sebastian Supper (Germany) -- 6,390,000Gilles Silbernagel (France) -- 1,555,000

6:56pm: Martinez three-bets, collects

Sebastian Supper raised to 400,000 from the button with K♣8♣, Gilles Silbernagel called from the small blind with J♣9♦, then Manuel Martinez three-bet to fifteen. million with A♥6♥. Either one of the others folded.

6:54pm: Silbernagel treads softly with treys

Manuel Martinez raised to 400,000 with Q♦6♠ from the button and Gilles Silbernagel just called with 3♣3♦ within the big blind, leaving himself just 2 million behind. The pair then checked down the J♥A♣Q♠ flop and 9♥ turn. The river was the 7♦, Silbernagel checked, Martinez tossed out 300,000, and Silbernagel folded his pair.

6:49pm: Silbernagel stops and goes

From the massive blind Gilles Silbernagel just called a preflop open by Sebastian Supper from the small blind, with Supper's cards unknown and Silbernagel holding 8♠6♠. The flop came T♣J♥9♦, and when checked to Silbernagel shoved and Supper stepped aside.

Gilles Silbernagel

6:45pm: Kings versus kings

Sebastian Supper picked up K♦K♣ at the button and raised to 400,000, then it folded to Manuel Martinez within the big blind who looked all the way down to see... K♥K♠! He three-bet to 1.1 million, then Supper pushed all in for just over 7 million and Martinez called.

The short-stacked Gilles Silbernagel needed to just like the situation so much before the cards were tabled, and he was surely still hoping for something unusual to happen once they were. However the board came 9♥9♠A♣T♠T♦, and the pot was split.

6:35pm: Silbernagel in shove-mode

Not long after play resumed, Gilles Silbernagel open-raised all in for 2,075,000 from the button with A♣J♦, and after thinking a little while Sebastian Supper folded from the massive blind with A♦5♥.

Just a couple of hands later, Silbernagel picked up 8♠8♣ within the small blind and pushed in again, and got no action.

6:29pm: Level 33 begins (100,000/200,000/30,000)

Players are back and Level 33 is underway, with both the blinds and antes increasing again. Listed below are the stacks to start out the level:

Manuel Martinez (Spain) -- 14,645,000Sebastian Supper (Germany) -- 7,875,000Gilles Silbernagel (France) -- 2,105,000

And here's what's left up top for these three:

1st: €177,0002nd: €107,5003rd: €75,400

The FPS Monaco Main Event has reached three-handed

To get all of the latest news, chip counts and payouts, make sure you download the EPT App on both Android or IOS.

Martin Harris is Freelance Contributor to the PokerStars Blog.

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: France Poker Series]

^

Bunker Bob is back!

As we mentioned last week, the ninth World Cup of Poker will play out this year, now with a heads-up format. Everyone has an opportunity to play for their country, an effort that would land them within the live finals on the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.

During the primary weekend, 72 different countries fought the primary two of 4 qualifying matches. Keeping an eye on the numbers is a Herculean task. Fortunately, we have now our own in-house Hercules within the type of the aforementioned Bunker Bob, a gentlemen who cloisters himself in a double-reinforced bunker with an immense golden abacus. The person can crunch numbers better than anyone I've ever met.

We've spent the past day interpreting his notes. That is our greatest translation:

***

World Cup of Poker: Week 1 update

Group 1: Canada went into the crowd as a hot favourite, with Argentina expected to pose the primary threat, but it was tiny Honduras that came good within the first qualifying match. 'LUISRO23' overcame Canadian 'alma53' to fasten up 113 points for the small Central American nation. Argentina provided either one of the beaten semi-finalists, locking up 33.72 points and depriving the opposite teams within the group of a top four spot.

The second match went to form however with an all Canadian final. Actually all but one of the crucial top 8 spots were occupied by Canadian players, forcing some of the other teams to accept money scores. It was '2xMaGiCx2' that ultimately claimed the 126.32 points. Argentina again locked up a semi-final place for a score of 35.28. Defending champions Peru are currently being affected by just 12.22 points.

Contenders: Canada (182.52 pts), Honduras (119.04 pts) & Argentina (69 pts)

Team Peru struggling to defend its World Cup title

Group 2: Things are much tighter within the second Americas group. Mexico got off to the very best start on Saturday, with 'Josman27' taking the win and 88.4 points. 'Estacion Aga' from Uruguay took 45.76 points for the runner-up spot. Brazil kept in contact with the leaders by taking the remainder spots within the top 4 for 24.64 points.
The second match saw Venezuela rise to the highest with 'Chechegami' earning 88.03 points for the win. This time Brazil took second place and Colombia snatched a semi-final finish to maintain them in contention. Mexico could only add another 11.23 points for 1 / 4 final cash, but it surely was enough to position them on top going into the second one 1/2 qualifying.

Contenders: Mexico (99.63 pts), Venezuela (92.25 pts), Brazil (70.27 pts), Uruguay (49.97 pts) & Colombia (25.97 pts)

Group 3: The primary of the ecu groups saw probably the most dominating performance of the primary half qualifying, with pre-match favourites Germany taking down both matches. Saturday saw 'gottzeus' secure 201.2 points, then compatriot 'bowling-ffo' won the Sunday match for 187.77 points.

However an enormous performance from Greece will keep interest alive next weekend. The relatively small poker nation took second place in both matches to present them a shot at qualifying for the Bahamas next weekend. Belarus may also feel they're in with a possibility after reaching the semi-finals in both matches.

Contenders: Germany (388.97 pts), Greece (204.57 pts), Belarus (125.01 pts) & Poland (94.84 pts)

Group 4: On paper this group should come all the way down to a competition between Ukraine and the UK, but on the halfway stage both face an uphill battle to qualify. The primary qualifying match was won by Croatia, with 'Patrick Dash' taking the 185.1 points on offer after victory over Bulgaria's 'MAHRK'.

Hungary then stepped as much as take match 2, with 'SlyderS1' defeating Denmark's 'Calkulating' for 164.66 points. Combined with a semi-final finish the former day, the end result was enough to look Hungary move to the highest of the crowd. This time the united kingdom and Ukraine were capable of secure spots within the semi-finals, thus giving them an opportunity to fight back next weekend.

Contenders: Hungary (220.04 pts), Croatia (210.48 pts), Bulgaria (117.68 pts), Denmark 88.36 (pts), Ukraine (77.75 pts) & the united kingdom (77.75 pts)

Group 5: The qualifying matches of group 5 were the only biggest tournaments within the first round of qualifying with well over 1,200 participants in each. The rationale? The crowd contains the mighty Russian playerbase. Within the new WCP format there's strength in numbers, but up to now the advantage is yet to inform. Within the first match 'TOMMYWOG' of eire battled singlehandedly for his country from the round of 32 onwards, eventually securing a 245 point win over Russia's 'VIPERstar.ru'.

The second match saw 'FAustuxXP' of Lithuania defeat a trio of Russian players within the last four to earn 210.24 points for his country. Israel added a quarter-final finish to their semi-final appearance the day gone by to maintain them in quest of qualification. Russia remain the favourite, but a large upset may well be at the cards.

Contenders: Ireland (248.69 pts), Russia (239.94 pts), Lithuania (223.14 pts) & Israel (112.75 pts)

Group 6: Match 1 in group 6 witnessed the one final 4 whitewash by a single nation, with Romania taking the entire semi-final spots. Ultimately 'Rapid4Ever' closed out the tourney for a 169 point gain. Serbia, Belgium and the Netherlands all needed to accept quarter-final places worth 26.1 points each.

The second qualifying match went the way in which of Belgium, as 'JacktShipper' defeated Serbia's 'Ljuti Gusar' for the 149.68 point top prize. Probably the most group's underdogs, Cyprus, picked up 44.64 points for a semi-final appearance, while Romania added 23.06 points for certainly one of their three quarter-finalists. The Netherlands began the crowd as one of the most favourites but will now struggle to qualify after failing to make the highest 32 places within the second match.

Contenders: Romania (192.06 pts), Belgium (175.78 pts), Serbia (100.5 pts) & Cyprus (46.32pts)

Group 7: Taiwan got off to a super start in group 7 with 'shaqssmm' defeating compatriot 'S.rainy' for 77.57 points. Players from Japan and the Philippines both earned 21.63 points for his or her countries by reaching the semi-finals.

In match 2, 'Ihou' of Japan took victory from New Zealand's 'edmuldrock' and 66.25 points - enough to secure a small lead going into the second one week of qualifying. The Philippines this time provided both losing semi-finalists, keeping them well in contention of qualifying.

Contenders: Japan (87.88 pts), Taiwan (80.75 pts), New Zealand (44.33 pts) & Philippines (40.18 pts)

Group 8: The overall group within the competition contains the mysterious yet dangerous Remainder of the arena (RoW) team, and so they got off to an unbelievable start with 'FreddyEagle' from Iceland securing them maximum points in match 1, earning RoW 77.5 points. Australia's 'kungfukarlos' scored 40.3 points for finishing runner-up.

The second match appears to have gone well for China, though it's going to yet still be good for the RoW team. 'raiden kan' from Macao took the win for 65.13 points, however the points could legitimately count for either China or RoW. The player was contacted to determine which team should enjoy the points. If it goes the way in which of China, then RoW can still breath easily, as 'MMx200070' from Turkmenistan has guaranteed a minimum of a 2nd place finish and 36.15 points. Australia scored a semi-final finish to stick within touch of the crowd leaders.

Contenders (provisional): RoW (113.65 pts), China (68.85 pts), Australia (59.58 pts) & Kazakhstan (30.13 pts)

A special mention should visit Albania, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Indonesia and Vietnam, all of whom are trying to find their first points within the competition. Qualification for the finals now looks unlikely for these teams, but pride can also be restored with a profit next weekend's final qualifying tournaments!

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: World Cup of Poker]

^

The countdown has come to an end. The primary of June has finally come! Our plane to Las Vegas is waiting on the gates of Brussels airport able to take us to town of sins. At 6:30 within the morning we begin packing our luggage. Although we didn't catch numerous sleep, we're not really as edgy as we normally are when leaving for an extended trip within the early morning.

We arrive on the Airport at about 8:45, well in time. Our flight only leaves at 10:55 so we've always on this planet to get some food and relax a little. At that moment we get our first beat of the time off. the entire planes departing that morning, our flight is the one one who has a two hour delay. To bypass getting tilted we choose to upgrade to business class. It is just $500 each to get the upgrade, and for this kind of long flight, $500 is easily worth it. So within the airport, we wait, and wait, and wait, and wait. Christophe goes KO within the VIP lounge after which finally at 12:15 we will visit the departure gate. Flying business class is pretty cool. It was actually the primary time we did it on an extended distance flight, and to be honest, it tastes like more. The chairs are almost as comfortable as beds and also you get served really well. The stewardess asks you if you would like a drink every five minutes, you get eatable food they usually laugh with every joke you're making. Travelling in style, we like.

We have a scheduled stop in Chicago where we need to stay up for 4.5 hours to get our connecting flight to Vegas due to the previous delays. And 4.5 hours at an airport, again, is a horny damn very long time. Great point we discover a spot where we will charge our laptops. So on some very uncomfortable, almost human-unworthy iron seats, we watch "The Sopranos" and the clock ticks time away slightly faster.

Then finally it is time. Our plane is able to take off. We enter, take our seat, pass out and get up when the plane hits the bottom. That is it. We arrive in Sin City. Now we get a second bad beat: Sybe our friend who's coming to select us up from the airport has a car accident at 5 miles/hour. Nothing severe, but still the police, ambulance or even fire workers come to the scene where it happened to verify he can't get to the airport to pick out us up. Not a large deal, we just take a taxi, give the motive force the address and we're on our approach to the home. Oh wait, bummer, the taxi driver isn't accustomed to the address.

So he starts messing around along with his GPS system that he is apparently using for the first actual time. This guy is even worse with electronics than our own dad, "Bobbybusto". It's pretty tilting that the last a part of the trip gets prolonged so annoyingly, but after some detours, driving in circles for $30, the motive force sees the sunshine and boom, ee arrive on the house!

The house we're staying at is astounding. It has seven bedrooms that every one have their very own bathroom. It has a large kitchen and a pleasant lounge with a knight guarding where. Within the basement we now have a chill & relax room with pool table, poker table and a house cinema. Outside we've a large pool, a Jacuzzi and a guest house.

Our house

A nice thing to notice to boot is that the home comes with a crazy hummer-style limousine named "The Kong" that drives us to the Rio where the WSOP tournaments are played every day.

Riding in style

The next day Matthias - alias "Action-Jackson" - jumps into a $1,600 Deep Stack on the Venetian seeking to opt for success at the first actual days of the trip. This does not really determine. Five hours after sitting down, he busts, gets back up and decides to hit the money tables. The cashgames in Las Vegas are super-juicy. It's just like the PokerStars cash game lobby. You'll be able to make a choice from hundreds of games looking for a money table. The cashgames go rather well the primary couple of days. Matthias crushes the $10-20 games even taking shots at $10-20-40 within the Belaggio that is an enormous game.

Unfortunately he gets unlucky in a large pot to Masa Kagawa, the wealthy Japanese businessman and high stakes player. This forces him to transport backtrack in stakes and come again to the grind. For the time being Christophe could be very successful on the deep $2-5 games. Not seeming in a position to have a losing session, he's now up a ton and shortly moving as much as $5-10.

But being a poker player is not just about going strong in cashgames. Like any the opposite thousands of poker players coming to Las Vegas for the sector Series of Poker, we register in multiple WSOP events, in addition to Venetian Deep Stack tournaments in an effort to reach the top glory, winning a tournament and even better, winning a bracelet!

At the Rio

The poker gods aren't really helping this primary week. Everytime we're in stackin' chips mode, the pot for the chiplead goes the opposite direction. But there may be light on the end of the tunnel. Matt finishes in 94th place within the $1500 WSOP Triple Chance and today is creating a deep run within the $2,500 Venetian Deepstack. Will he outlast all the field and opt for king?

Read all about it by following us on twitter: @Crispokers and @mattionfire

Or follow us on our Facebook Page.

See you guys next week!

Read More... [Source: PokerStars Poker Blog :: Tournaments]

The Macau Poker Cup celebrates a quarter-century this week with MPC25 already steamrolling its way into the record books. The 17-day festival has just eclipsed the halfway point and now it is time for the distinguished HK$12,000 Red Dragon Main Event.

Officially commencing on Sunday with Day 1A the Red Dragon boasts a HK$6,000,000 guarantee and can have big shoes to fill after the roaring success of MPC24. The last iteration of the series saw a record-breaking 1,075 entrants, earning the title of the biggest freezeout tournament ever within the Asia-Pacific.

When all was said and done it was Malaysia's Ying Lin Chua who overcame the mammoth field and a difficult final table (including Tom Alner and Wayne Zhang) to attain himself HK$1,904,000 after a three-handed deal. And as though that wasn't enough, Chua also became the proud new owner of the best-looking trophy in poker.

Reigning champion Ying Lin Chua

Time will tell if the Red Dragon record may also be broken again this week but organizers have high expectations after the infant Dragon event just crushed a record of its own. The largest field previously for the child Dragon was seen in August last year with 353 runners in attendance. This week a whopping 575 entrants pulled up seats to generate a prize pool of HK$3,513,825 and dwarf the HK$1,000,000 guarantee. With the infant Dragon blowing expectations out of the water, here's hoping the Red Dragon Main Event follows suit.

"The Baby Dragon result has far exceeded what we expected and we already had high expectation initially" said APPT President Mark Blake.

Among what's gearing as much as be a packed house, the standard of the sphere may also be anything but lacklustre. The Team PokerStars contingent has already made itself known this week, with Celina Lin and Chen-an Lin returning to Day 2 of the child Dragon today.

Team PokerStars Pro Celina Lin at MPC24

For now though the principle spotlight will be at the imminent Red Dragon. The tournament includes three Day 1 flights with the general table beginning on Friday. We'll even have High Roller coverage at the days following the crowning of our Red Dragon champion so you should definitely keep a watch out for that.

Red Dragon Day 1A begins Sunday at 2pm local time and if you wish to get entangled via social media use the Twitter hashtag #MPC25. We are hoping you'll be able to join us!

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: Asia Pacific Poker Tour]

International Game Technology PLC will demonstrate an entire spectrum of gaming solutions on the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Sept. 26-29 on the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. IGT’s combination of nearly 400 games, cabinets, systems and solutions within the company’s sprawling G2E booth 3659 will capture the spirit of its G2E 2016 theme, “Innovation at Play.”

“At G2E 2016, IGT will reveal a limiteless portfolio of gaming innovations that embody our disciplined way to product design and development.  This show will represent our firm commitment to providing our customers with essentially the most compelling casino entertainment across multiple categories and platforms,” said Renato Ascoli, IGT CEO North America gaming & interactive (DoubleDown Casino).  “We have introduced a bunch of latest technologies in order for IGT is bringing forward essentially the most innovative products that the gaming industry has ever seen.”

IGT will expand its Premium portfolio with the introduction of latest cabinets and greater than two dozen new Premium game themes. 

•    G2E would be the world debut for IGT’s CrystalCurve ULTRA cabinet.  The towering hardware solution includes a 32-inch, curved landscape touchscreen display that may be topped with a 50-inch, curved portrait display. Both displays host pristine visuals via Ultra HD, 4K resolution graphics. The cupboard includes an embedded camera that provides players the chance to include their images into gameplay.  The CrystalCurve ULTRA cabinet could also be equipped with intelligent lighting and is paired with an ergonomic multi-media sound chair. Marquee titles to launch at the CrystalCurve ULTRA cabinet include: The Ellen DeGeneres Show Sharing the affection Video Slots and THE GOONIES Video Slots. Both titles are rich in thematic content and utilize the cabinet’s embedded camera technology.  

•    IGT will reveal its CrystalDual + Stepper cabinet and its new content library. The CrystalDual + Stepper cabinet combines the mechanical reels from the S3000 cabinet with a 40-inch upper LCD screen, and its top box can also be paired with custom facades to make the hardware stand out on a casino floor.  The CrystalDual+ Stepper cabinet will debut with game themes akin to Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Slots, The best way to Marry a Millionaire Slots, and IGT heritage themes Top Dollar Premium Slots and Megabucks Double Gold Slots.

•    IGT will celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Wheel of Fortune slots with the introduction of recent game themes on quite a lot of hardware solutions. IGT will reveal the Wheel of Fortune Double Times Pay 3x4x5x 3D game at the AXXIS 3D cabinet. Following the success of the Company’s first Wheel of Fortune 3D title, this new game features TRUE 3D Reels technology and utilizes the mathematics and symbol set of the classic Double Times Pay 3x4x5x game. IGT will even introduce Wheel of Fortune Gold Spin Double Diamond Slots on IGT’s new large format mechanical reel MEGATOWER cabinet.  Building at the international success of the S3000 cabinet, the MEGATOWER cabinet incorporates scaled-up versions of design elements from the S3000 cabinet comparable to wide mechanical reels, intelligent lighting and a dynamic player panel with dual bash buttons.  Other marquee Wheel of Fortune slots titles in IGT’s G2E portfolio include: Wheel of Fortune Gold Spin Triple Red Hot 7s at the CrystalWheel Stepper cabinet; and Wheel of Fortune Wheel Across America – California Coast multi-level progressive at the CrystalWheel cabinet. 

•    IGT will continue to expand its library of TRUE 3D titles, giving players much more options for glasses-free 3D entertainment. At G2E IGT will introduce the ZUMA 3D game featuring seven “must-hit by” progressives; the Jurassic World 3D game filled with gripping cinematic 3D content, the Treasures of Olympus 3D game inspired by the legacy title ICARUS THE JOURNEY®, and the BAYWATCH 3D game which brings a few of TV’s most iconic beach scenes to life in a 3D gaming environment.

•    Several of father culture’s hottest themes will make their strategy to the tradeshow floor on IGT’s CrystalCore cabinet. Boasting stunning visuals on its 42” vertical touchscreen display, the CrystalCore cabinet will bring to life slot themes equivalent to Charlie’s Angels Video Slots and Rubik’s Slots. IGT will even reveal SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS Video Slots and a brand new theme for the omni-channel Powerbucks game family, Arctic Gems Slots.  

IGT will reveal its latest developments within the skill-based gaming segment with varied experiences designed to entice a broad range of players. 

•       IGT will demonstrate its new Lucky’s Quest omni-channel skill-based game. Available for play on mobile and at the CrystalCore cabinet, Lucky’s Quest is a for-wager, casual-style game that includes a map-based progression narrative starring a dragon named Lucky. In Lucky’s Quest, players can unlock characters, win credits and advance to new levels in line with performance within the title’s symbol-matching game.  A player’s progress inside the game can also be transferred from mobile device to EGM, and back, taking into account a continuing player experience across devices and channels.  Players from across both channels can compete in real time for progressive payouts.

•       IGT will expand its Video Reel Edge (VRE) family by introducing the Little Fish Big Fish, Beasties’ Bonanza, and Cleopatra Pinball games. Each of those games is housed at the CrystalCore cabinet and offers players the choice to interact in either a free games bonus event, or a skill-based bonus event where player performance influences the bonus reward.  Additionally, IGT is showcasing its Texas Tea Pinball game with Tournament Mode for enhanced operator marketing, and player acquisition opportunities.

From content to cabinets to tournament technology, the company’s disciplined technique to game design and development can be evident within its Core Video G2E portfolio. 

•    IGT will deliver new titles for the CrystalDual cabinet that reflect the company’s commitment to bringing only the most efficient Core titles forward to its customers.  Hallmark in-booth titles at the CrystalDual cabinet include Valley of Gold featuring a “must-hit by” mystery progressive, the sea Magic game that includes a “Bubble Boost”, that's activated with an ante wager, and the light-hearted Keystone Kops games Pie Patrol, Pilfering Pooch and Shuffle Scuffle.

•    Making its first G2E appearance, IGT’s CrystalSlant cabinet is a compact, upright hardware solution that is available in two versions - one with a 27-inch top box and one with a 32-inch top box. The CrystalSlant cabinet is backed by a rich pipeline of latest and heritage themes created at the Ascent platform. IGT will reveal new CrystalSlant cabinet titles corresponding to the Rainbow Goddess, Volatile and Glacier Hammer games. 

•    IGT will introduce Spin-Splosion!, the most recent product to enroll in the TournXtreme automated tournament solution family.  The Spin-Splosion! solution is a video reel tournament solution for the CrystalDual cabinet that may be fueled by Tournament Manager 5.0. It enables operators to efficiently host single or multi-site tournaments, while offering players a fun, upbeat carnival-themed tournament experience with real-time leaderboards and ongoing activity that inspires engagement. 

IGT’s long-standing leadership within the mechanical reel segment may be bolstered by the introduction of recent hardware and content.

•    IGT will reveal its first large format mechanical reel hardware solution, the S3000 XL cabinet. The colossal cabinet is a scaled-up version of the company’s S3000 cabinet, features three oversized 9-inch mechanical reels, and is designed to be compatible with the vast S3000 cabinet content library. 

•    IGT’s booth will feature new titles for the internationally successful S3000 cabinet. The brand new content utilizes one of the crucial previously untapped functionality of the cupboard and can represent a mixture of volatility levels for three-reel and five-reel games. IGT will highlight new S3000 cabinet themes reminiscent of the It’s Raining Cash, Double Diamond Silver Anniversary, Super Silver 7s and Multipliers on Fire games.

IGT’s systems area will take care of mobile technologies that may complement and augment existing casino management systems and streamline the player experience.

•    IGT will demonstrate its Cardless Connect mobile systems technology. Cardless Connect technology may also be embedded into to a casino’s mobile app, enabling players to initiate patron loyalty sessions using their mobile devices, and seamlessly transfer funds from their existing player accounts -- eliminating the desire for physical loyalty club cards and TITO tickets.

•    IGT will highlight several of its new mobile systems solutions that enable operators to quickly and efficiently reply to quite a few customer and EGM events in real time. Mobile Notifier enables operators to set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and offers event notifications akin to a big cage withdrawal.  Mobile Dashboard allows operators to have a comprehensive real-time overview of progress toward KPIs, and Mobile Voucher Redemption facilitates a unbroken redemption experience for the player.  The xompany’s Interactive gaming capabilities may be demonstrated through a sequence of recent cross-channel innovations that span sports betting, slots, poker and bingo. 

•    IGT will showcase its Interactive capabilities throughout the Company’s Triple Play offering. IGT’s Triple Play solution uses one platform to deliver new content, including in-house and certified brands, to Play-for-Fun, Real Money gaming and PlaySpot (formerly IGT OnPremise) software users.  By implementing IGT’s Triple Play solution, operators have access to the most recent social features and enhanced marketing capabilities. IGT’s Cardless Connect systems solution can also be embedded right into a property’s PlaySpot software deployment, enabling players to enjoy slots, place sports bets, and wager on live table games on their collection of mobile devices, without the desire for a physical loyalty card, TITO tickets nor trips to the casino cashier.

•    IGT will introduce several new features to its Interactive Poker and Interactive Bingo product offerings including a Wheel of Fortune bingo room and Poker Challenges, an exclusive fast-play mobile tournament game. 

IGT will extend its leadership in video poker by introducing new play mechanics and enhanced versions of the Company’s classic video poker titles.

•    G2E attendees can also be a few of the first to play new IGT video poker titles akin to Ultimate X Bonus Streak, Super Triple Play Jackpots and IGT’s Multi Race Keno games, which mixes Keno with traditional multi-hand game mechanics. 

In addition, IGT’s booth will host a chain of specialty gaming products:

•    Leveraging its recently expanded Electronic Table Games (ETG) IP portfolio, IGT will display its Dynasty ETG cabinets and working tables for live baccarat and roulette.

•    IGT may even feature a chain of specialty gaming products akin to Class II games, Video Lottery Terminals (VLT) and Amusement with Prize (AWP) games.

For more information, visit IGT.com 

Read More... [Source: Featured Products]

Tessanne Chin, the season five winner of the preferred talent show, The Voice, will perform at G2E as a part of the international premiere of IGT’s new game, The Voice Video Slots. Individual performances are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at IGT’s booth #3659, on the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), Sands Expo Convention Center.              IGT’s The Voice Video Slots transports players to center stage of the preferred TV singing audition show. The sport highlights famous songs, video footage, and a logo set that includes likenesses of Voice judges Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, and Ricky Martin. The theme displays the Show’s iconic rotating chairs and Chair Choice Button for an immersive gaming experience. The Voice Slots is housed at the IGT CrystalCurve ULTRA cabinet featuring an embedded camera so players can incorporate their image into gameplay.

Read More... [Source: Gaming Industry News]

Seat 1, Shuaiyang Qiu (China) - 2,840,000

China's Shuaiyang Qui starts the overall table as chip leader within the Red Dragon event. A merchant by trade, Qui tells us he's been playing poker for 2 years now, and initially improved his skills by watching training videos. Amazingly Qui has no live cashes to his name yet but he's already changed that with this final table appearance.

Qui says his hero is Tian Hao and he attributes luck to the explanation why he's made it this far within the tournament. He says he has enjoyed the well-organized MPC event this week along side the good service staff.

Seat 2, Daniel Hyongin Lee (USA) - 1,780,000

Daniel Hyongin Lee hails from Seoul in South Korea and considers his occupation a certified poker player. He's been playing for nearly a decade and says he learned "the hard way" grinding cash games. Lee informs us that his best result up to now was a 2nd place finish on the Venetian in Las Vegas.

His most memorable pot of the tournament was when a miracle two outer landed at the river to peer him stay alive. Lee bumped into pocket aces preflop holding queen nine and located trips at the end. He says his friends are his heroes and attributes his Red Dragon success to having dreams. When he's clear of the poker table Lee enjoys drinking, reading and sleeping.

Seat 3, Jack Zi Yang Salter (UK) - 1,755,000

London's Jack Zi Yang Salter is a prominent poker pro who has played the sport for ten years now. He tells us he started by giving action and seeking to learn from his mistakes and now he plays all stakes multi-table tournaments. When asked about his greatest tournament result Salter instead looked forward, saying hopefully he'll navigate his way throughout the final table and raise the Red Dragon trophy.

Salter's poker hero is Huidong Gu and he has particularly enjoyed the large celebrations from players on the table here in Macau. On top of that he praised the friendly players and staff before mentioning he was happy that the tournament payed 12% of the sphere. When Salter isn't playing poker he are available travelling or spending time with friends.

Seat 4, Benjamin Hamnet (USA) - 2,225,000

Benjamin Hamnet is a writer who resides in Pittsburgh, USA. He has played poker for 11 years and primary began with drinking buddies. Hamnet has already achieved success at the felt previously - his best result coming when he shipped the WPT Borgata in 2012.

Hamnet has particularly enjoyed the live music and food in Macau this week and says that luck was liable for him making the general table. He's partial to travel outside of poker and says that his hero is his mom.

Seat 5, Liang Song (China) - 1,220,000

China's Liang Song has only played poker for 2 years and got his start in games with friends. Nowadays he are available frequenting the net circuit but says his best result was 5th in an APPT Macau side event.

Song believes his most necessary moment within the Red Dragon this week was when he called an all-in for 20 big blinds with ace king and won the pot. He has thoroughly enjoyed testing his wits against such a lot of skilled players here in Macau and tells us that apart from poker his hobbies include running.

Seat 6, Jingxuan Zhu (China) - 885,000

Jingxuan Zhu is an organization owner and investor who calls Hangzhou, China home. He's been playing poker for four years and learned by watching videos and discussing hands together with his friends. Zhu's greatest tournament result was a 4th place finish in an aspect event earlier on this Macau Poker Cup.

Zhu says he can't discover a hero so the load lies with himself, and when he isn't playing poker he also loves to watch movies. This week Zhu was partial to the local cuisine and says crucial thing to bring him thus far within the tournament have been the support of his friends.

Seat 7, Tom Alner (UK) - 2,800,000

Tom Alner has just secured his seat at back-to-back Red Dragon final tables after appearing at the last one at MPC24 in March. Alner isn't any stranger to impressive leads to Macau - he even won the Red Dragon back in 2013. He'll start this final table just 40,000 behind the chip leader and finds himself in a super position to move for a second title.

While clearly skilled within the live arena it was online where Alner achieved his biggest score up to now - pocketing $375,000 in a PokerStars WCOOP event. When he is not playing poker Alner enjoys keeping fit, playing football, travelling and spending time with friends.

Seat 8, Xiao Bo Zhou (China) - 2,405,000

China's Xiao Bo Zhou is a tax analyst by trade and he has played poker for eight years now. He got his start in games with friends before moving up stakes. He tells us his best live result thus far was a 3rd place finish in an Macau Poker Event back in 2011.

Zhou's poker hero is Phil Ivey and what he's enjoyed most in regards to the Red Dragon this week have been making the proper decision and catching players when they're bluffing. Crucial hand for Zhou up to now was when he tripled up with pocket aces on Day 3. Instead of poker Zhou's hobbies include football and basketball.

Seat 9, Wenxiang Chen (China) - 1,270,000

Wenxiang Chen is from Shanghai China and works in private equity. He has only played poker for 3 years and says he learned by simply playing the sport. Chen's best finish was 48th place within the MPC21 Red Dragon and he has outdone himself with this final table appearance.

Chen's poker hero is Antonio Esfandiari and he says he has enjoyed the competitive strategy and adjusting to different player types. Chen chalks his success as much as remaining patient and calm on the table and apart from hold'em he also plays Open Face Chinese and Pineapple.

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: Asia Pacific Poker Tour]

PLAYSTUDIOS, a developer of award-winning, free-to-play casino games that provide real-world rewards, announced that it has acquired Scene53, an Israel-based game studio focusing on real-time, multi-player mobile games. The 2 companies jointly developed the most recent PLAYSTUDIOS mobile app, POP! Slots. The sport allows players to play in groups, share jackpots, and have interaction with friends as they explore virtual versions of iconic Las Vegas resorts. The initial release features MGM Grand, the Mirage, and Excalibur, with additional resorts soon to be added. POP! Slots is now available world-wide for Apple and Android mobile devices and is already earning 5-star reviews because it climbs to the highest of the app store charts.

After working with Scene53 to create and launch POP! Slots, PLAYSTUDIOS moved to obtain the corporate and establish it as an independently operated studio, PLAYSTUDIOS Israel (PSI). The Tel Aviv team will now cope with growing the POP! Slots product while pursuing new opportunities within the casual, free-to-play casino category.

Andrew Pascal, CEO of PLAYSTUDIOS, said, "Scene53 built an improbable platform for running multi-player, real-time games and hosting virtual events in a 3D setting. They used this technology to create some very promising online experiences. We quickly saw their company's potential and believed that together lets build something really great."

Yonatan Maor, founder and CEO of Scene53, said, "WE'RE big fans of PLAYSTUDIOS. Their games are beautiful and fun to play. They have got extensive knowledge of the casino industry and so they possess an excessively unique set of assets - their real world rewards platform and their exclusive rights to the most important and best resorts in Las Vegas, comparable to Bellagio, Aria, and Mandalay Bay."

Pascal continued, "WE'RE delighted to welcome Yonatan, Yossi, Ofer, Oded and the remainder of the Scene53 team to the PLAYSTUDIOS family. Their entrepreneurial spirit is clear in all that they do, and their passion is inspiring."

POP! Slots is the most recent release from PLAYSTUDIOS, and takes its place alongside the company's other top-ranked casual casino games, myVEGAS Slots, my KONAMI Slots, and Lucky Life. As with the company's other titles, it gives players real rewards from an exclusive selection of travel, leisure, and entertainment partners reminiscent of MGM Grand, Bellagio, ARIA, Royal Caribbean International, Genting UK, Resorts World, Wolfgang Puck, Cirque du Soleil, the Hippodrome, and lots of more. These rewards include complimentary hotels stays, meals, shows, free slot play, and VIP nightclub access, with new offers added regularly.

PLAYSTUDIOS currently operates within the U.S., Hong Kong, and Israel. The company's apps are currently available on iOS, Android, and Kindle mobile devices. myVEGAS Slots can be played on Facebook.

Read More... [Source: eGaming]

Circumstantial reports may indicate the united states government is preparing its first case using the UIGEA online gambling ban, involving online poker operator Full Tilt.

FBI agents have turned up in Washington state interviewing online gambling patrons of Full Tilt, one of the most largest Internet poker sites. With the looming implementation of the UIGEA, the united states government could also be preparing the primary use of the ban in a prosecution of a web based gambling operator.

Reports at the popular twoplustwo poker forum say that small-time players have received unannounced visits from FBI agents inquiring as to their transactions with Full Tilt. The agents are saying that they're not seeking to prosecute the players, but rather to assemble information on Full Tilt, indicating the building of a federal case against the web poker operator. While the forum's reasoning in keeping with the facts is solely speculative, the location seems to steer to certain logical conclusions.

The setting of the investigation in Washington is a key, because the state is one among only a few with a law against online poker. Courts have found that the UIGEA only penalizes violators of existing gambling laws, this means that online gambling operators accepting Washington residents would fall under the prohibition's purview.

Further, Washington allows prosecution against patrons of Internet gaming as a felony, a legal leverage that can help investigators coerce cooperation from reluctant gamblers. Courts investigating  Internet gambling operations in other jurisdictions have had trouble persuading participants to testify.

The UIGEA is ready to start implementation on June 1st, unless Congress acts before then to modify or repeal the law. Barney Frank is leading an effort to manage online gambling before the implementation date for the UIGEA involves pass.

However, if the U.S. does implement the web gambling ban, a prosecution of Full Tilt could prove disastrous to the poker company. Even supposing the violations is also specific to Washington and that state's law, the dep. of Justice could use that opening to create such financial and legal trouble as to force Full Tilt out of the united states gaming market.

Published on February 21, 2010 by JoshuaMcCarthy

Read More... [Source: UIGEA News]