Category: Online Poker

Sports Interaction Poker Insider’s Tournament Nightly Freeroll Qualifiers

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Sports Interaction Poker holds a monthly tournament called the Insider’s Tournament at which the top winner gets a seat in a $5K Added Tournament and the top 20 finishers get a cash prize.

Where the event gets its name of Insider’s Tournament is from the prizes that go out to the top 10 finishers: each player’s choice of one of over a dozen different poker insider’s books, including Doyle Brunson’s Super System I and II and Dan Harrington’s Harrington on No Limit Hold’em Strategy Volumes 1, 2 and 3.

Sports Interaction Poker is running daily freeroll qualifiers into this monthly event, every night starting at 9 pm EST. The top 10 finishers at each of these freerolls will win seats in that month’s Insider’s Tournament.

The end-of-month Insider’s Tournament is a freezeout event with no re-buys and no add-ons.

Sports Interaction Poker is also running its Two for the Money promotion throughout this month, with the first qualifying week and the weekly tournament just finishing up, and three more coming up ahead.

In the Two for the Money promotion, players are encouraged to multi-table by winning entries into a weekly $2K Kamikaze tournament for playing in at least 300 raked hands across two or more tables simultaneously over the course of a week. You can accumulate those hands over multiple sessions, but you must be sitting in at a minimum of two tables at the same time in each session.

With week 1 of May’s Two for the Money promo already wrapping up, week 2 runs May 8 – 14 with its Kamikaze final on the 17th, week 3 runs May 15 – 21 with its Kamikaze final on the 24th and week 4 runs May 22 – 28 with its Kamikaze final on the 31st.

Absolute Poker, UB and Pokerstars Offices Raided by Police

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According to our sources in Costa Rica and several web reports from @KevMath and  @TaoPauly we’ve learned that the Costa Rican offices of Pokerstars, Absolute Poker and UB were raided earlier today by the OIJ, which is similar to the FBI in the U.S.. Police also raided several homes that are linked to the owners of Absolute Poker and UB.

Pokerstars VIP Manager Steve posted this on 2+2 a couple of hours ago,  “PokerStars continues to operate the world’s largest poker room, business as usual. It is true that the OIJ is currently at the PokerStars Costa Rican office and has sent employees home temporarily, but employees will be able to return in a few hours. PokerStars expects the office to return to business as usual in short order as this action was most likely taken as a response to problems experienced by other local companies in the same industry.” He’s of course referring to Absolute Poker and UB. Police left the Pokerstars offices shortly after arriving. Pokerstars is based on the Isle of Man and only have a small support staff in Costa Rica

Absolute Poker and UB seem to be the main focus of today’s raids of the OIJ. The Absolute Poker and UB employees went to the “Ministry of Work” fearing they wouldn’t be paid by Absolute Poker/UB COO Paul Leggett. Most of today’s action seems to have been spurned on by this and Costa Rica’s very strict labor laws.

We’ll stay on top of this story and continue to bring you the latest.

Climb Carbon Poker’s Super Money Tree

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All this May, Carbon Poker players will have a special opportunity to pick up money like picking fruit off a tree. It’s called the Super Money Tree promotion and it gives each Carbon Poker player the chance to build their bankroll, one hand at a time.

In the Super Money Tree promotion, players earn VIP points everytime they play a hand of online poker at one of Carbon Poker’s cash game tables or tournaments. Both Sit and Go tournaments and Multi-Table Tournaments qualify. The more points you earn, the bigger your rewards.

The Super Money Tree is an improvement over Carbon Poker’s previous Money Tree promotions based on player feedback. Now you can win bonus cash for your best 10 days of VIP points earnings, not just your best single day. Also, you need only earn 100 VIP points within a single 24-hour period during the month to qualify for your first cash reward.

For up to five days in which you earned at least 100 VIP points per day, Carbon Poker will give you $1 for every 75 points. If you earn at least 175 VIP points per day for at least 10 days then you get $1 for every 55 points earned on your best 10 qualifiying days. If you earn 250 points or more per day for at least 20 days of the month then you get $1 for every 25 points earned on the best 10 of those qualifying days.

In order to have your VIP points count towards bonus cash in the Super Money Tree promotion you first need to opt-in by going to your Player Admin screen, browsing to the Money Tree page and clicking the “Activate” button.

Lock Poker Set to Become Largest US Online Poker Site

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Lock PokerIn the matter of just three weeks Lock Poker has become a giant in the online poker arena. It’s estimated that they have already signed roughly 20% of US online poker players that were affected by Black Friday.  They have gone from an irrelevant online poker site to the biggest thanks to the US Government and an aggressive marketing plan.

As Lock Poker spokesperson recently said in an interview,  “Someone around the office commented today that it was like Lock Poker executives hitting the lottery, but it’s more along the lines of them winning every lottery drawing held in the United States so far this year.”

“Overnight this company has gone from an unknown to a household name like Sony or Coca Cola, and they haven’t spent a single penny in advertising dollars to do it. It may be the greatest business success story ever…and there’s been some big ones in our time.”

The main reasons for their rapid growth can be attributed to a massive 200% up to $1200 first deposit bonus as well as unique promotions like the Battle of the Ronin and the Bluff Pro Challenge.

Lock Poker has also been busy signing up the world’s best young poker pros like Jose”Girah” Macedo, Eric Lynch, Brett Jungblut, Wesley “Aumnicient” Clark and John “Reraz0r” Law.

Lock Poker is on the Merge Poker Network and is 100% Mac Compatible. For more information read our Lock Poker Review.

Battle of the Ronin at Lock Poker Now for $500K & WSOP Seat

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Lock Poker is currently running a promotion called the Battle of Ronin in which $500,000 in cash prizes are up for grabs, along with seats in the 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event.

The full name of this competition is the Battle of the Ronin Rake Chase, which sheds a bit more light on its structure. This is a rake race, meaning that throughout the month of May, Lock Poker will track the number of VIP points you earn and award you prizes as you surpass certain milestones. Prizes are cumulative, so as you climb higher through the points levels, earning ever-greater prizes, you get to keep all the prizes you won previously on the way there. You get your first prize of $1.50 after earning just 100 VIP points.

There are more than 1,400 individual prizes up for grabs worth $500K total. There are 35 levels in all and each player can earn $45,000 cash for him or herself by clearing all 35 levels.

The great thing about this kind of race is that you’re racing only yourself and the clock for these prizes. Every player will get the prizes associated with each level as they surpass the milestone for that level.

In addition, you will also be competing with all other Lock Poker players for a coveted seat in the 2011 WSOP Main Event, a prize worth over $10,000 for an event with a first prize of $10 million. Only one of those prizes will be awarded, and it will go to the player who has earned the most VIP points between the start of May 1 and the end of May 31, 2011.

 

Blanca Games Inc Issues Statement on Restructuring

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Absolute Poker and UB to Focus on Non-U.S. Business
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda (May 5, 2011) — Blanca Games Inc. (“Blanca”), operator of online poker rooms Absolute Poker and UB, issued the following statement today:

As previously stated, Absolute Poker and UB ceased their U.S.-facing operations due to recent legal developments in the United States. The company is currently restructuring and is focusing its resources on consolidating its non-U.S., rest-of-the-world operation and software business. In order to have a more efficient and successful future business, an immediate need to downsize and streamline operations significantly at both online poker rooms has been required.  Absolute Poker and UB continue to operate their non-U.S.-facing business.

This decision comes after considerable review and analysis of the impact that ‘Black Friday’ has had on the business as a whole. The workforce has been liquidated, and the process of rehiring approximately 20% of staff in key positions has commenced. All affected employees have been informed of this necessary restructure.

A company spokesperson said: ”We regret that we have been compelled to take these actions.  We have worked tirelessly to create a truly amazing company that is filled with extraordinary people. We have always been and still remain fully committed to our employees and players. At the same time, we are confident that this restructuring will strengthen the company and its future.”

The Company spokesperson also addressed erroneous reports that Blanca has filed for bankruptcy. The apparent confusion over this issue stems from the fact that Blanca recently informed a debt holder, Madeira Fjord, that it was terminating debt payments to, and its relationship with them.  As a result, Madeira Fjord apparently filed a notice of bankruptcy in Norway. This notice has no negative impact upon Blanca, the operating company, or its brands.  As stated previously, Absolute Poker and UB continue to operate their non-U.S. facing business around the world.

For non-U.S. players, Absolute Poker and UB have increased their maximum withdrawal limits to $1000 for Visa withdrawals and $500 for all other methods.  The number of transactions being processed per day has been significantly increased as well.  Players are still restricted to one transaction per week, but we are working to return non-U.S. withdrawals to normal service levels as quickly as possible.

As confirmed earlier this week, the company’s legal counsel is in continuing discussions this week with the U.S. Attorney’s office to formalize an agreement that would facilitate the return of funds to U.S. players.

Cake Poker, Intertops Poker Bring Back Turbo Gold Cards for May

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This May, 2011 both Cake Poker and Intertops Poker are bringing back their Turbo Gold Cards promotion for another month. Gold cards are like game cards that players accumulate to earn bonus prizes. During Turbo Gold Cards months, players can earn those cards at an accelerated pace.

Gold cards are earned at cash ring game tables, based on the amount of rake taken out of each pot. A player needs only have been dealt cards in the hand to earn a gold card, even if folding out in the first round of betting.

During special Turbo Gold Cards hours each day, players will earn twice as many Gold cards as they ordinarily would. Those hours, at both Intertops Poker and Cake Poker, are 6:00 am – 8:00 am; 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm; and 8:00 pm – 10 pm GMT. That translates to 1:00 am to 3:00 am; 9:00 am to 11:00 am; and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm EST.

There are a couple of ways to redeem Gold Cards for various prizes. You can either match them to various combinations of cards a la Bingo on each respective site’s Match & Win game and earn entries into over $10,000 worth of freeroll tournaments or other prizes. Or you can put them up for auction at The Exchange, a sort of stock market for actively trading gold cards.

Remember that Gold Cards are only valid for the month in which they’re earned. That means at the start of the following month, Cake Poker and Intertops Poker wipe the table clean and start fresh with new gold cards and new Match & Win game boards for all.

Absolute Poker and UB Filing for Bankruptcy

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Earlier today the parent company, Blanca Gaming, of the Cereus Network which owns Absolute Poker and UB sent out and email to their shareholders letting them know that they will most likely be filing for bankruptcy. Absolute Poker and UB ran their operations from a four story building in Costa Rica that as of this moment is closed and empty. Everything was removed and 95% of their workforce was let go.

Since Black Friday we have not heard much of anything from either poker site even though they continued to allow US players to play. Still the Network lost 70% of it’s traffic and has become an insignificant poker network. Players still cannot withdraw and many are starting to think they never will unless the U.S. DoJ releases the frozen funds. Currently non US players are allowed to withdraw a maximum of $250 every two weeks.

Things do not look good and as a result we’ve removed Absolute Poker and UB from Holdem Poker Chat. They had a great chance to do the right thing and make up for their past mistakes but as of right now it’s not looking like they will.

Below is a copy of the email that was sent to shareholders:

Dear Madeira Fjord, AS Shareholder,

Since the last meeting of shareholders, there have been a number of developments that affect our Company.

Most importantly, Blanca Gaming has provided notice to our subsidiary Avoine that it is currently unable to make any payments toward its debt obligations. Additionally, Blanca has further advised that there will be no future payments.

Over the past 60 days, the Company has accumulated current debts in excess of $250,000 which are increasing at $100,000+ per month. These obligations are primarily legal and professional fees in Norway.

With no cash on hand and no prospects for any cash flow for the foreseeable future, the Board of Directors is required by Norwegian law to enter the bankruptcy process. The Oslo court will appoint a Receiver who will review the affairs of the Company including the assets, liabilities, and its recent transactions. After a full assessment, the Receiver will make a determination how to enforce any applicable rights, obligations, and obtain the maximum value for its assets in the best interest of the Company.

As the Receiver is a court appointed 3rd party, we can be assured that the Receiver will evaluate all relevant options including any applicable soliciting proposals from interested parties related to the assets of the Company. Funds accumulated through the Receivers’ efforts will be disbursed according to Norwegian law.

As of the date of the filing, the Board of Directors is relieved of duty, and all future matters are in the sole control of the Receiver.

Sincerely,
Madeira Fjord, AS Board of Directors

Update: Absolute Poker and UB have ceased all US operations and will focus on non US players. A company spokesperson said: “We regret that we have been compelled to take these actions.  We have worked tirelessly to create a truly amazing company that is filled with extraordinary people. We have always been and still remain fully committed to our employees and players. At the same time, we are confident that this restructuring will strengthen the company and its future.”

Update May 5, 2011: Blanca Gaming officially filed for bankruptcy in Norway this morning.

Blanca Gaming Issues Statement

Is Lock Poker the new Pokerstars for US Players?

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It’s now been three weekends since Pokerstars shut it’s doors to players from the US and the question on everyone’s minds is what online poker site will become the new Pokerstars. The answer seems to be poker sites on the Merge Poker Network.

Merge Poker has increased it’s cash game traffic by 70% since Black Friday and ranks #10 for cash game traffic in the world and #1 in the US.

Leading the way for the Merge Network is Lock Poker because of their huge first deposit bonus and their monthly promotions. Lock Poker is also 100% Mac compatible and has a sleek black look.

Lock Poker is not the only Merge Poker skin making a splash.  Another skin, Hero Poker, (No longer Accepting US players) has signed former Pokerstars Pro Gavin Griffin as well as a few other poker pros. P5’s and Holdem Poker Chat members received a special invite from them this past weekend to play in an exclusive 15k freeroll. The CEO for Hero Poker explained why he set up the unpromoted freeroll by saying “I set this up for traumatized US players”.

The Merge network is one of the last major poker networks available to US players and there have been hundreds of thousands of new sign-ups on those sites within the past three weeks.

Other skins that we like on the network are Carbon Poker, RPM Poker and Feltstars. There are many poker sites on the Merge Poker Network but we do not recommend most of them.

You may be asking yourself, How do I decide which Merge Poker Site should I play on? Our recommendation is that you try out several of them and see which one you like the best. Download them and sit at a play money game or play in a freeroll while you get accustomed to the software. If you like the overall feel of the site then make a deposit. If you don’t like it, move on to another one and try that one out. According to out sources Merge is working hard on a major software upgrade that we’re told “Will have all the features that Pokerstars has” That upgrade is expected sometime next month.

Update: Lock Poker along with all other Merge skins have halted NEW US player accounts.

Best USA Online Poker Sites – Pokerstars and Full TIlt Poker Alternatives

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With the departure of Pokerstars and Full Tilt Poker from the US online poker landscape you may be left wondering where everyone is playing these days. A handful of poker sites have begun to stand out and make a name for themselves. We’ll break down a few today and let you know why they’re on the rise and what the best alternatives are for former Pokerstars and Full Tilt Poker players.

The Merge Poker Network is growing the fastest but you may be surprised to know that it is not their flagship site Carbon Poker that is leading the way. The rising star for the Merge network is Lock Poker due to unique promotions, an ultra sleek design and a 200% up to $1200 deposit bonus. Another Merge skin that is growing rapidly is RPM Poker. If we were to list the top Merge skins in order it would be Lock Poker, Carbon Poker and RPM Poker. Keep in mind that while all three share most of their tournaments and all the cash game tables. Each also runs their own unique promotions. These poker sites are all 100% Mac compatible.

Also on the rise is Bodog Poker. This is no surprise as Bodog is an established site with a great reputation for customer service and successful deposit methods. They not only offer a Poker room but also a full casino and sportsbook. The 110% up to $1100 deposit bonus on Bodog is great as well. If you’re primarily a cash game players, there are two things to keep in mind if you decide to play at Bodog Poker. First, their Mac version is not a full version of the software. Second, Bodog limits the amount of tables you can play.

If you’re looking for a no download instant play poker site then there is only one we can recommend and that is Luvin Poker on the Everleaf Network. Everleaf is a small network that is also growing rapidly as of late and may by the end of the year be a real contender. While there are several sites on the network we at Holdem Poker Chat only endorse Luvin Poker because we love their customer support and they offer players a nice 100% up to $1000 deposit bonus.

Last week we came across a real gem of a poker site on the Cake Poker network. Sports Interaction Poker is a cake poker skin that accepts eChecks as a deposit method. As far as we can tell they are the only online poker site serving the US that has this as a deposit option. If you’re a former Pokerstars or Full Tilt Poker players, I’m sure this is great news for you. Our top poker sites on the Cake poker network are Intertops Poker and Cake Poker.

You can find more information on all these poker sites and full reviews by visiting our USA Poker Sites page.

We’ll continue to monitor which online poker sites continue to serve the US and adjust our rankings accordingly. For now we feel that the poker sites listed above are the safest and most promising for all US poker players.