Online Poker Finds Its Root
Wayne Allyn Root, a name long associated with the sports betting business, is entering the Internet poker space. Live Cast Media will create, support and operate at least two Wayne Allyn Root-branded poker Web sites for GWIN Inc. The first site, WARPoker.com, will target international markets--particularly in Europe and Asia--that allow real-money online poker. It will not accept play from U.S. citizens. WARPoker.net will be a non-rake model for fun and prizes only and will be available wherever it is legal.
Charity Poker Game Shut Down in Texas
Law enforcement officials in Texas this month put the clamps down on a poker seminar to be hosted by professional Phil Hellmuth. Organizers of the event were hoping to raise in excess of $200,000 for breast cancer research. Between 600 and 1,000 players were expected to attend the one-hour seminar and battle for seats to the main event at this year's World Series of Poker. The buy-in was to be $500, and proceeds would have gone to the Houston chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The organizers say they took all requested steps to comply with the law, but pulled the plug after getting pressured from state and county authorities.
Pokerzone Goes Live
Pokerzone, England's newest interactive gambling channel, hit the air last week on Sky with exclusive coverage of the Monte Carlo Millions poker tournament, sponsored by The Prima Poker Network. The tournament broadcast was followed by Pokerzone's regular live participation format, "Poker Night Live."
Casino Chips Go High-Tech
More and more casinos are infusing technology into their gaming chips as a way to increase surveillance and data monitoring. Computer chips embedded in the plastic gambling chips communicate via radio frequency with sensors placed under gaming tables. The technology gives the casino a trove of knowledge, including a player's average bet and where each high-denomination chip is at all times. The new chips are based on radio frequency identification technology--the same technology used by Wal-Mart Stores to track products from factories to warehouses and onto store shelves. The chips have been introduced at the newly opened Wynn Las Vegas and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
EnglishHarbour.com Giving Away Luxury Cars
Online casino EnglishHarbour.com has announced the start of its "Speed into Summer Sweepstakes," a promotion that gives players a chance to win a Chrysler 300C or a Ford Mustang GT. Players earn an entry for each $30 deposited into their EnglishHarbour.com accounts and can double or triple their entries in a given week by depositing more than $500.