2BA
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Latest *Communication* from FullTilt via FTPDOUG
Source is 2+2.
To our customers:
We acknowledge that our lack of communication reflects poorly on us, and rightfully so. We have been too optimistic in estimating how long it would take to sort through the issues we have faced since Black Friday. And as frustrating as the delays have been for us, we recognize that it cannot compare to the frustration you have been feeling.
We further recognize that our lack of communication has led to much speculation and many unsubstantiated rumors, which have often been contradictory. With this message, we hope to clear up as much confusion as we can, while at the same time keeping in mind the constraints imposed on us as a result of the cases brought in the Southern District of New York.
The most pressing questions:
1. When will the US players be paid?
We still do not have a specific timeframe for this. There has been, and remains, no bigger priority than getting US players paid as soon as possible, and we have been working around the clock to get this done.
2. Is FTP bankrupt?
No. FTP's worldwide business is healthy and, although we've had some short-term challenges, it is operating as normal.
From: http://www.gamblingcontrol.org/userf...2020110516.pdf
"The AGCC’s investigation into the affairs of it licensee Vantage Limited, trading as Full Tilt.com, is ongoing; initial investigations indicate no reason to believe that player fund transactions are fundamentally threatened by any consequence of the US authorities' actions. Delays caused by these actions are in the process of resolution, with normal service now being restored for non-US players. We understand that progress in respect of US player fund repatriation is anticipated and will be the subject of a separate statement from Full Tilt in due course. The Commission will remain engaged in this process."
3. What is the company doing to speed up payouts to the US players?
We are raising capital to ensure that the US players are paid out in full as quickly as possible.
It is important to remember that Full Tilt Poker has always paid out our players, even in the face of previous legal obstacles or factors not in our control, such as payment processor defaults and prior actions by the US government which resulted in US player funds being seized.
In all of these previous instances, Full Tilt Poker has covered these losses and intends to do the same again.
4. Why are the Full Tilt Pros remaining silent?
It is not their choice. But they are constrained by the pending legal actions.
As a final note, we understand -- and have always understood -- the effect that our brief statements have had not only on our customers, but also on our reputation. It has not been easy to stay silent and watch the damage being done to our company brand and personal reputations, but we need to be mindful of the complicated and serious legal issues raised in the pending cases.
We acknowledge that our lack of communication reflects poorly on us, and rightfully so. We have been too optimistic in estimating how long it would take to sort through the issues we have faced since Black Friday. And as frustrating as the delays have been for us, we recognize that it cannot compare to the frustration you have been feeling.
We further recognize that our lack of communication has led to much speculation and many unsubstantiated rumors, which have often been contradictory. With this message, we hope to clear up as much confusion as we can, while at the same time keeping in mind the constraints imposed on us as a result of the cases brought in the Southern District of New York.
The most pressing questions:
1. When will the US players be paid?
We still do not have a specific timeframe for this. There has been, and remains, no bigger priority than getting US players paid as soon as possible, and we have been working around the clock to get this done.
2. Is FTP bankrupt?
No. FTP's worldwide business is healthy and, although we've had some short-term challenges, it is operating as normal.
From: http://www.gamblingcontrol.org/userf...2020110516.pdf
"The AGCC’s investigation into the affairs of it licensee Vantage Limited, trading as Full Tilt.com, is ongoing; initial investigations indicate no reason to believe that player fund transactions are fundamentally threatened by any consequence of the US authorities' actions. Delays caused by these actions are in the process of resolution, with normal service now being restored for non-US players. We understand that progress in respect of US player fund repatriation is anticipated and will be the subject of a separate statement from Full Tilt in due course. The Commission will remain engaged in this process."
3. What is the company doing to speed up payouts to the US players?
We are raising capital to ensure that the US players are paid out in full as quickly as possible.
It is important to remember that Full Tilt Poker has always paid out our players, even in the face of previous legal obstacles or factors not in our control, such as payment processor defaults and prior actions by the US government which resulted in US player funds being seized.
In all of these previous instances, Full Tilt Poker has covered these losses and intends to do the same again.
4. Why are the Full Tilt Pros remaining silent?
It is not their choice. But they are constrained by the pending legal actions.
As a final note, we understand -- and have always understood -- the effect that our brief statements have had not only on our customers, but also on our reputation. It has not been easy to stay silent and watch the damage being done to our company brand and personal reputations, but we need to be mindful of the complicated and serious legal issues raised in the pending cases.
Again, still think we will get paid, maybe some time in 2012 is probably about right. I heard a rumor that they were trying to shop part of the company around, but I don't see any potential investor wanting to do anything with the current operations, given the damage sustained from this fiasco. However, buying out the company with the intent of rebranding and leveraging the good things like the software and patents they have on Rush poker, may be an interesting option for somebody with deep pockets to consider.
2BA
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
$10,000 WSOP BUYIN GIVEAWAY
Daniel 'Jungleman' Cates is giving away a 10K seat to the WSOP ME to one of his twitter followers.
2BA
Monday, May 23, 2011
And the Hits just keep on coming.....
More indictments, this time from Maryland Homeland Security.
- Bookmaker.com
- Truepoker.com
- Doylesroom.com
- Beted.com
- Betehorse.com
- Betgrandesports.com
- Goldbnarchcasino.com
- Funtimebingo.com
- 2Betdsi.com
I'm sure more to come.
2BA
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Anyone Surprised?
Erik Seidel Defeats Erick Lindgren in Super High Roller
I'm happy for Erik, he is truly 'the man'! In the midst of all the FullTilt drama, his ability to stay focus is pretty amazing. And he's not hiding, or staying away either. You got to give him props.....and really speaks volumes about who he really is.
In other somewhat positive news, I got my final rakeback payment from FT, although it's still stuck on the site, it has been credited to my account. I also read that they will be or have started converting points and tickets to cash, but I have not received anything myself as of this writing.
2BA
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tony G Tweets on FullTilt Payouts
Howards' house for sale seems to be in line with what the G is saying here. Tony is obviously a very vocal and opinionated character, but I do believe he's got a beat on this issue. If he's right on, then Team Full Tilt's exposure is pretty clear.
2BA
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Shocked and Outraged!
Many years ago, I met a guy who's favorite line was to say that he 'was shocked and outraged' by whatever the current issue of the day was. He overused it to no end, basically rendering it meaningless, but I use to get a good laugh every time. You know the type, big, loud, overtly flamboyant, never shuts up, loves to hear himself talk, etc, etc.
Every once in a while, when a situation comes up which is truly fitting, I will also go into that 'shock and outraged' mode. I was actually reading some of the posts on 2+2, when this thought came to mind.
Funny that it took me a month + to self acknowledge that it's truly how I felt. I don't think I was alone in thinking what a great site FullTilt poker was to play on. I really really liked the site for many reasons. Pokerstars on the other hand, was a site I played on, had pretty good results, but it was always a vacation from Fulltilt.
Tilt did alot to create a great atmosphere for it's players. They did alot of promotion and were not cheap about it. But like any great salesman, the facade they created, masked problems and issues behind the scenes. They were good at it, and were seemingly getting away with it....but was not to last forever.
It is like what happens to criminals that get away with their crimes for years and years....we've all seen it, eventually time catches up with them. They get snug and conceited and comfortable, and then it all comes crumbling down. Just look at the Onyx cup as an example of where they were heading.
So at least for me, there is nothing FullTilt will ever be able to do, to get my business back, short of sending me a big check as an apology. But that will never happen.....I mean, I'll be happy if they just give back the money they owe to their U.S. players. FWIW, I think they will, but don't hold your breath. WSOP is a couple of weeks away, and many players were counting on getting their rolls to play. So if they haven't return the monies by then, it will create another shit storm on top what's already piled up.
It's ironic that as good as they were as selling themselves, they were equally as bad at the PR handling of this situation.
One other thing about the sponsored pro's. You know that was another pretty nice marketing gimmick....'play and chat with the pros'......the stable of which had grown dramatically. We don't know what was happening behind the scenes, but at the end of it all, I suspect we will find that these pro's were just employee's. I've seen comments by many on forums and the podcasts who would love to hold them accountable, but I don't see it that way at all.
Team FullTilt is another story, and I think most have always seen them as part owners of the company. But even if they were, we don't know what kind of voting and or say they had on the operations. I think I will reserve any judgement, until or if that ever comes to fruition.
I got an email from the CEO of Black Chip Poker, because I had signed up, but not deposited. Black Chip is on the Merge network. Dusty Schmidt aka Leatherass, has a pretty nice deal if you decide to put money on Merge. Lessons/Books/Rakeback, alot of incentives, and there are other skins of Merge which are also offering, and apparently successfully signing up U.S. players, as their numbers have been on the rise.
But as I sent in my reply to Scott Brown (BC CEO), I really hate the software. It's horrible. The usability is horrendous, and it's leaps and bounds behind what most players are use to from Tilt and Stars.
Now there will be die hards that are jonesing for real action poker, and they may put up with the crappy software.... But I will not.....seems silly maybe, but the 'experience' is part of the allure of playing for me.
Anyway, I'm not sure how much longer I'll keep the blog alive, since my poker playing is ziltch, and going out and playing live will be very infrequent. I am toying with the idea of heading out to the WSOP, but I have a bunch of personal and business commitments, that are making those chances slim...but will post if I do, and maybe I can finally meet some of you guys in our little corner of the poker blog world.
2BA
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Doyle Brunson says bye bye to Doyle's Room
The legendary poker pro and dear friend of this website, Doyle Brunson, has left DoylesRoom.com, Gambling911.com can report exclusively.
Brunson issued this statement Friday afternoon.
“Reluctantly, I have decided to terminate my endorsement contract with Doylesroom.com. It pains me to leave at this time. I have aspirations of reentering the online poker business when the United States Government passes legislation, that officially legalize online poker sites. Doylesroom management has decided to continue to serve U.S. customers. Although they believe they have the right to market the name Doylesroom and to use my name and likeness for a period of time, I have asked them not to. Good luck-Shuffle up and deal.”
2BA
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
WSOP.com TO STREAM 55 GOLD BRACELET FINAL TABLES ONLINE
Fly On The Wall Video Offers Most Comprehensive WSOP Coverage Ever
LAS VEGAS (May 11, 2011) – After announcing just last week the more than doubling of television coverage of the 42nd Annual World Series of Poker® on ESPN, the WSOP today continues with additive coverage of poker’s largest event, with the announcement that poker enthusiasts around the globe will be able to watch the final table action of 55 gold bracelet events live (on a five-minute delay) via the Internet. Jack Link’s Beef Jerky will be the Presenting Sponsor of this coverage.
WSOP.com will be the exclusive home to the streaming, which will include two-camera coverage and audio via the tournament’s final table announcer.
A wide overhead shot of the entire table and its participants along with a flop camera will provide the visual sightlines, while audio from the event’s tournament announcer will describe the betting action as it occurs.
This is the first time in the history of the WSOP that all 58 gold bracelet events will receive some sort of video coverage. (ESPN3 is streaming the $25K Heads Up, $50K Poker Players Championship and the Main Event).
The WSOP.com coverage will not involve any hole card coverage. It will be delayed 5 minutes per gaming regulations, and be commentary-free (outside the announcer providing betting action). In essence, the coverage will allow those unable to witness the action in person, the ability to watch the event in similar fashion to spectators on-site.
“We are proud to provide video of the culminating action to a worldwide audience in real time,” said WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart. “This online initiative will complement our spectacular television package on ESPN and deliver even more of this year’s WSOP to fans who want the most immediate coverage possible.”
On most days, two final tables will be streamed. The typical start times for these will be 2:30 or 3:00 PM Pacific time. The streams will last until the event concludes, and no video will be shown during the standard breaks in action. Beginning June 1 and running through July 7, there will be at least one stream a day except for June 2, June 7 and July 4-6, where no final tables are scheduled to be contested. All times and dates are subject to change without notice.
WSOP.com Streaming Schedule by Event/Date:
EVENT # | EVENT NAME | AIR DATE | TIME (PT) |
1 | $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em Final Table | June 1 | 2:30 PM |
3 | $1,500 Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better Final Table | June 3 | 2:30 PM |
4 | $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 4 | 2:30 PM |
5 | $1,500 Seven Card Stud Final Table | June 4 | 3:00 PM |
6 | $1,500 Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 5 | 2:30 PM |
7 | $10,000 Pot Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 5 | 3:00 PM |
9 | $1,500 2-7 Draw Lowball (No-Limit) Final Table | June 6 | 3:00 PM |
10 | $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Six-Handed Final Table | June 8 | 2:30 PM |
11 | $10,000 Omaha Hi-Low Split 8 or Better Final Table | June 8 | 3:00 PM |
8 | $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 9 | 2:30 PM |
12 | $1,500 Triple Chance No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 9 | 2:30 PM |
13 | $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout Final Table | June 10 | 2:30 PM |
14 | $3,000 Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 10 | 3:00 PM |
15 | $1,500 Pot-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 11 | 2:30 PM |
16 | $10,000 2-7 Draw Lowball (No-Limit) Final Table | June 11 | 3:00 PM |
17 | $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. Final Table | June 12 | 2:30 PM |
18 | $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 13 | 2:30 PM |
19 | $2,500 Limit Hold’em Six-Handed Final Table | June 13 | 3:00 PM |
20 | $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 14 | 2:30 PM |
21 | $10,000 Seven Card Stud Final Table | June 14 | 3:00 PM |
22 | $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha Final Table | June 15 | 2:30 PM |
23 | $2,500 Eight Game Mix Final Table | June 15 | 2:30 PM |
24 | $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout Final Table | June 16 | 2:30 PM |
25 | Seven Card Stud Hi-Low-8 or Better Final Table | June 16 | 3:00 PM |
26 | $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Six-Handed Final Table | June 17 | 2:30 PM |
27 | $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship Final Table | June 17 | 3:00 PM |
28 | $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 18 | 2:30 PM |
29 | $2,500 10-Game Mix Six-Handed Final Table | June 18 | 3:00 PM |
30 | $1,000 Seniors No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 19 | 2:30 PM |
31 | $3,000 Pot Limit Omaha Final Table | June 19 | 3:00 PM |
32 | $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 20 | 2:30 PM |
33 | $10,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split 8-or Better Final Table | June 20 | 3:00 PM |
34 | $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 21 | 2:30 PM |
35 | $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Six-Handed Final Table | June 22 | 2:30 PM |
36 | $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 23 | 2:30 PM |
37 | $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Final Table | June 23 | 3:00 PM |
38 | $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 24 | 2:30 PM |
39 | $2,500 Pot-Limit Hold’em/Omaha Final Table | June 24 | 3:00 PM |
40 | $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em Six-Handed Final Table | June 25 | 2:30 PM |
41 | $1,500 Limit Hold’em Shootout Final Table | June 26 | 2:30 PM |
42 | $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Final Table | June 26 | 3:00 PM |
43 | $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 27 | 2:30 PM |
44 | $2,500 Seven Card Razz Final Table | June 27 | 3:00 PM |
45 | $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 28 | 2:30 PM |
46 | $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Six-Handed Final Table | June 29 | 2:30 PM |
47 | $2,500 Omaha/Seven Card Stud Hi-Low 8-or-Better Final Table | June 29 | 3:00 PM |
48 | $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | June 30 | 2:30 PM |
49 | $2,500 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball (Limit) Final Table | June 30 | 3:00 PM |
50 | $5,000 Triple Chance No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | July 1 | 2:30 PM |
51 | $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better Final Table | July 2 | 2:30 PM |
52 | $2,500 Mixed Hold’em (Limit/No-Limit) Final Table | July 2 | 3:00 PM |
53 | $1,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | July 3 | 2:30 PM |
54 | $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | July 7 | 2:30 PM |
56 | $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table | July 7 | 2:30 PM |
57 | $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better Final Table | July 7 | 3:00 PM |
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