14 February 2007 GPWA Times Newsletter

Pokerbandits.ca admits to hoax
The operators of pokerbandits.ca, whose operators claimed on Monday that the Web site had been shut down by the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI and the Canadian government, admitted those claims were a hoax on Tuesday night. Casino City first exposed the hoax Monday after discovering the site's WHOIS info was false and receiving confirmation from both U.S. and Canadian authorities that they had not shut the site down.

Don't count on that poker skill game exemption
American Gaming Association President Frank Fahrenkopf says that if online poker players are confident they can persuade Congress to pass a law that would define poker as a game of skill, they're sadly mistaken. The poker players, online poker rooms and poker publishers hope that the recent changes in congressional leadership will prompt legislators to reverse the impact of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. But Fahrenkopf says the climate on Capitol Hill is not favorable for any pro-Internet gambling legislation. "They don't have a chance in hell," Fahrenkopf said.

Absolute Poker releases Instant Play
Absolute Poker announced this week the release of a Java version of their online poker product called Instant Play -- easy, accessible and immediate for all poker players. Instant Play enables Absolute Poker players to log in and play using the same username, password and balance anywhere and on any PC or Mac. Players on vacation or working from remote locations can now fully participate wherever and whenever they choose. "Travelers, remote players and Mac users are largely underserved in this market and we've taken the necessary steps to accommodate them," said David Clainer, senior vice president for Absolute Poker.

Tonygpoker.com no longer accepting U.S. play
Tonygpoker.com is no longer accepting real-money play from U.S. customers because none of their e-wallet services will process U.S. transactions, according statement on its Web site Monday. The only way to withdraw fund is to send money to Tony G directly, then wait until the Web site's support staff transfers your money to an account at Full Tilt Poker, Poker Stars, or Ultimate Bet, according to a letter being e-mailed to all of Tony G Poker's American account holders.

ePassporte a viable, but slow e-wallet option
Signing up for a new ePassporte account and gaining access to deposited funds takes approximately three weeks, according to a Casino City test. A Casino City reporter began the sign-up process on January 17, the day NETeller officially stopped accepting U.S. player transactions. Deposited money became available for use exactly 21 days later.


The surf is always up for Oren, who enjoys riding big waves and watching basketball when he's not working as an affiliate manager for CPAYs.
Read the interview