Tue, 03/01/2011 – 00:39 – PokerPages Staff

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie may not make a decision on the bill which could legalize online poker in the state until March 3.

It was previously thought that Christie would decide on the outcome of the legislation by February 24 as that would mark 45 days since the legislation passed the State Assembly.

Christie has four options available to him regarding the bill. He can veto it, sign it, veto it conditionally or let the time elapse which would result in legislation becoming law on March 4.

Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association Chairman, Joe Brennan Jr, provided an update on the situation late last week.

“I have heard people say they heard the governor is going to veto the bill. Our people are as close to the governor as anybody and they don’t know what he’s going to do because the governor hasn’t indicated to any party of this what he’s going to do.”

Brennan dismissed a report in the New York Post which suggested Christie would not sign the bill due to intense lobbying from the opposition to the measure.

He also confirmed that the bill could generate up to $7 billion in revenue on an annual basis and 57,000 jobs. Those figures would provide a timely boost to the Atlantic City economy.

Fri, 02/25/2011 – 03:36 – PokerPages Staff

#5 – Change in betting pattern
You cannot see your opponents’ faces online but you can watch their deeds.  A sudden change in playing pattern is a good sign of weakness; someone who has been smoothly playing several tables simultaneously will send out a message if they suddenly stall.  The reverse is also true.  Something’s up.

#4 – Virtual Tilt
Forget about the more colorful pros you have seen on the net or on TV.  If a player is ranting and bullying online, he substituting words for intimidating looks – and telling you he is a bad player.  Some will rage about they’re geniuses being thwarted by rigged software – but then, a bad workman always blames his tools.  However, keep your cool – he is just told he is playing on tilt and will probably lose.  Big-time.

#3 – Bad Behavior Bragging
This is related to #4.  Anyone who seems proud of the fact their chat has been revoked is trying to say, “I’m the daddy.”  However, he is actually saying, “It doesn’t take much to get me on tilt.”  Try complementing the winning hand politely – the bad behavior bragger will likely go into meltdown.

#2 – The Einstein Syndrome
Anyone who wishes to impart his genius-level knowledge of the game to all and sundry is again trying to say one thing (“Bow before the Master”) but actually ends up saying something totally different – “I’m compensating for being an ignoramus.”  You can usually tell, because this gold-plated advice is usually revealed in moments as disastrously wrong.

#1 – Carping and Gloating
Copper-bottomed tells, these: players who whine endlessly about their online misfortunes to a bunch of virtual strangers who do not want to know are openly declaring their feebleness as players.  Equally, if a player has to brag after a win, the chances are that he is a weak-tight player (consistent winners just don’t need to boast).

March 31 2011, Matthew Kredell

The partnership between Wynn Resorts and PokerStars announced last week sparks optimism that passing a federal online poker bill may be possible even with a Republican-controlled House of Representatives, and that this future regulated environment will be one in which poker players can thrive.

Steve Wynn, once a staunch opponent of Internet gambling, is as outspoken and influential in political circles as anyone involved in the casino business.

“It changes a lot of the dynamic here in Washington,” said John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players Alliance. “Wynn is a well-regarded executive here in Washington. He has a lot of views, not just on gaming policy but on physical policy, that particularly are regarded well by Republican lawmakers. It will be helpful to have someone like Steve Wynn engaged in debate and standing on our side so clearly.”

A website that tracks political contributions indicates that Wynn has donated nearly $600,000 to politicians and political committees in his lifetime. And, while he favors Republicans, he often supports Democratic candidates, including Senator Harry Reid.

Wynn played a leading role in transforming Las Vegas into an upscale resort location in the 1990s. Pappas said that Wynn has an exceptional lobbying team in D.C. and that the PPA has already begun to liaise with them to figure out ways to work together.

In the past, brick-and-mortar casinos have had an adversarial relationship with online poker operators. Even in versions of the Harry Reid proposal floating around at the end of last year, it seemed like the major Las Vegas casinos were trying to take over online poker while excluding operators currently serving the U.S.

That is a scary proposition for poker players because PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker rose to the top of the online poker marketplace by offering dependable service, attractive incentives, and great customer service. They treat poker players right.

If federal regulation passes, Wynn plans to launch PokerStarsWynn.com. With Wynn’s backing, it seems much more likely that PokerStars will be able to secure a license, and that is a strong sign that poker players will be able to prosper in a regulated U.S. environment.

“I don’t think Wynn would align himself with a company he views has blatantly broken U.S. law,” Pappas said. “I think he would tell Congress that it’s not in the country’s best interests to exclude anyone from the marketplace but rather to throw a big net out there and try to get as many of these sites operating and paying taxes in the U.S. as possible.”

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