New Online Poker Film coming?...

I’ve often said in the past that I’m surprised nobody in Hollywood has done anything to cover the online poker world.  Whether it be a reality show or a movie, I’m quite surprised that there’s been nothing produced on the subject since so many people play online poker, and it’s a really interesting concept.

Well somebody must have read my mind because I just recently read where an online poker movie is currently in the works.  What’s really cool about this is that Leonardo DiCaprio is said to not only be starring in the film, but he’s also producing it.  But don’t expect Leo to be the same dramatic, flashy character he was in Rounders because he is rumored to be an addicted online poker player who does his rounding from home this time.

In addition to DiCaprio playing Internet poker and having a problem with gambling there will also be plenty about the online casinos themselves in the plot.  Since much of the online poker world seems to revolve around Costa Rica, this movie is supposed to deal with the businesses that operate there (although I’m sure fictional names will be attached).

Unfortunately, an abundance of info on this movie is not out there and these are the only rumors I’ve heard about this proposed online poker movie.  However, from what I have already read, this movie definitely sounds like it will be right down my alley as well as something which will interest poker players everywhere.

My only problem with this movie is that Leo and the rest of the people involved could possibly try and make the poker industry look bad in the process.  Any negative publicity aimed at online poker right now would be pretty damaging to the movement to get the UIGEA lifted.

Government freezes $30 in Online Poker M...

Ever since the UIGEA was unjustly signed into effect by President George W. Bush, there has been a huge debate sparked over whether or not Internet poker is truly legal.  Of course since this is such a gray area that many people continue to play online poker without incident.   However, there has been a major incident recently that has people wondering all over again if it’s safe to play online poker.

The Poker Players Alliance recently let it be known that the state of New York issued four banks to freeze accounts that use online payment processors.  The accounts that were frozen belong to 27,000 players who’ve been using online poker websites that operate offshore.

The reason given by authorities for the freezing of these 27,000 accounts is that they contain $30 million in money that has been involved in illegal money laundering and gambling offenses.  So basically, even if these players really need the money in their accounts, they’ll have to wait until the state of New York has cleared these banks to release the money.

I think this whole mess is really unfortunate because we have been hearing for so long that the UIGEA will be lifted soon, and how other countries are leaning on the US to relinquish their online gambling restrictions.  Instead, what we see here is another blow dealt to the freedom of poker players everywhere.

I understand that the government still thinks they’re right in this situation, but it seems like events such as this are coming from out of nowhere.  There was no warning that this would happen which leads me to wonder if other states are going to follow suit.  All I can say is that I’m definitely worried about my poker money now.

Ohio Online Poker Legend wins First Brac...

Every year the World Series of Poker provides some great stories with my favorite so far being Thang Luu’s repeat victory in the Event #2 Omaha Hi/Lo event.  Luu was able to make history by becoming the first person ever to win the exact same WSOP event two years in a row.  The only way to make this story better is if he could come back next year and pull off the seemingly impossible three-peat.

Thang Luu’s story aside though, I recently saw another story which really caught my interest in the thrilling Event #13 victory by Ohio online poker legend Keven “Stamdogg” Stammen.  Stammen, who lives in the sticks of Western Ohio, has been crushing online poker for years now in the unassuming towns of Coldwater and Celina.

Throughout this area called Mercer County, where binge drinking, high school sports, beer league softball, and weekly church visits dominate people’s lives, Stamdogg is definitely a star.  However, his online poker accomplishments have yet to really translate into major success at the WSOP…..at least until now.

Stammen was able to cruise into the final day of play sitting 4th in chips out of 20 players, and was looking at a solid cash no matter what happened.  But with noted live players such as Roland de Wolfe and Phil Ivey still left in the field, Stam had a tough road ahead of him to win the tournament.

Incredibly though, it was Stammen and WSOP rookie Angel Guillen going head-to-head for the half million dollar prize and gold bracelet in the end.  Heads-up play didn’t go so incredibly for Guillen though as Stammen was able to destroy him and pocket $506,786 for the victory.

Either way Guillen came out a victor too since his first WSOP cash was a big one at $312,800 which also makes for a great story.  But the better story will by far be Keven Stammen going back to Western Ohio in his traditional straight-billed hat and white, long-sleeved dress shirt as a hero.

WSOP already off to a Hot Start...

When the UIGEA was enacted in 2006, people began to wonder if poker would continue to decline into virtual obscurity.  And declining numbers across the board in both live and online poker suggested that maybe the game was going downhill fast.  Fortunately, the 2008 WSOP came and proved that poker is more alive than ever since it not only set records for the most cash involved at over $180,000, but it also set attendance records too with over 50,000 people playing.

The rise of the 2008 WSOP has led many to speculate that this year’s WSOP could be even bigger and, so far, this prediction might come true.  That’s because the first 9 events of the WSOP sold out which is something that has never happened in the history of the event.  In fact, the last 5 events had excellent attendance too which might mean that the $180 million mark could be going down this year as well.

Seeing as how the WSOP is selling out so many events, it has me wondering if the people in charge of the WSOP will be scrambling to accommodate extra players in later events this year.  So far every event has a cap since there is only so much space and only so many workers available for the tournaments.  But, seeing as how Harrah’s Entertainment is a business, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them trying to get as many people as they can into the later events.

Even if this doesn’t happen, I’m sure that event organizers will do what they can next year to accommodate as many people as possible.  After all, the WSOP is a growing event, and those that run it will want to make sure there is even more space so it can reach its full potential.

The Importance of having a Good Poker En...

It’s often been suggested to school students that they make sure their studying environment is as clean as possible.  This means keeping one’s desk clean by making sure no trash, papers, non-important books, or anything else is laying on the desk that would clutter it up.  In addition to this, it is also suggested that students avoid watching TV, chatting on instant messenger services, or talking on their phones while studying.

Unfortunately, nobody ever seems to preach the same stuff to poker players as they just kind of do what they want.  Few people ever think about the importance of setting up a good poker environment even though it is definitely crucial to do so.   The better your poker playing environment is, the more your play will improve.

And the first thing you want to do when setting up your poker environment is make sure your playing area is cleared off.  Just like a studying area, you don’t want a bunch of stuff laying where you’re going to be playing because it’s not only defeating from a mental aspect, but it’s also just plain distracting.

And speaking of distractions, you’ll want to avoid anything at all that might keep you from focusing on the game at hand.  Poker involves a lot of mental concentration, and you can’t play up to the best of your abilities when you’re on the phone, texting people you know, watching TV, etc.

One last thing you should do to ensure a quality poker environment is make sure you have everything ready before beginning play.  If you always get up in the middle of games to get snacks then make sure they’re sitting by you instead.  And if you’re not comfortable at the start of play, make sure you’re set up comfortably before playing any further.  Follow these suggestions and you should have a very nice poker environment!