It's a happy poker player at Addy's in Manassas.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Free T-shirts
We ave some t-shirts we are giving away every now and again. The t-shirts come from http://www.boogster.com/
Here our poker waitress is modelling the shirt for us.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Ultimate WSOP Prize Package
Red, White, and Blue Poker League is offerring players a chance to win the Ultimate World Series of Poker prize package worth $12,500.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Tropicana Casino in takeover bid from Columbia Entertainment
PHOENIX, May 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/The Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City has announced it has received a takeover offer from Columbia Entertainment, the operator of several hotels including the Las Vegas Westin.
Aztar Corporation (NYSE: AZR) announced today that it has received an offer from Wimar Tahoe Corporation d/b/a Columbia Entertainment, the gaming affiliate of Columbia Sussex Corporation, to acquire Aztar in a merger transaction in which the holders of Aztar common stock would receive $53.00 per share in cash and the holders of Aztar's Series B preferred stock would receive a commensurate payment dictated by the terms of their securities. Columbia Sussex operates nearly 70 hotels and casinos around the country, including the Las Vegas Westin, resorts in the Grand Cayman Islands, and in New York state, hotels in Rochester and on Long Island.
Columbia Entertainment's offer stated that its offer will remain open until 12:00 noon (New York City time) on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 and reserved the right to revoke its offer in the event that Aztar's Board of Directors does not determine its offer to be a superior proposal under Aztar's merger agreement with Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. and notify Pinnacle of such determination by 10:00 p.m. (New York City time) onThursday, May 11, 2006.
The offer included a signed merger agreement and contemplates a substantial deposit, payable to Aztar in certain circumstances (including failure to obtain regulatory approvals), in the event that an executed merger agreement, if any, is terminated. The proposed merger agreement also provides for an increase in the purchase price at the rate of $0.00871 per share of Aztar common stock (and a commensurate increase per share of Aztar preferred stock) per day beginning six months after the signing of the merger agreement. Columbia Entertainment also provided a signed financing commitment letter.
Aztar's Board met tonight to preliminarily consider the offer by Columbia Entertainment and will continue to consider such offer. In considering the offer, Aztar's Board will take into account all relevant factors, including all regulatory matters, the likelihood that a transaction with Columbia Entertainment would actually be consummated and the anticipated timing of closing. Aztar cautions that there can be no assurance that Aztar's Board will determine that the offer from Columbia Entertainment constitutes a superior proposal under Aztar's merger agreement with Pinnacle.
Aztar's Board is not making any recommendation at this time with respect to the Columbia Entertainment offer, and there can be no assurance that Aztar's Board will approve any transaction with Columbia Entertainment or that a transaction will result.
As announced on May 5, 2006, Pinnacle and Aztar are party to an amended merger agreement, under which Pinnacle would acquire all of the outstandingcommon shares of Aztar for $51.00 per share, consisting of $47.00 in cash and $4.00 in Pinnacle common stock, subject to adjustment.
About Aztar Corporation
Aztar is a publicly traded company that operates Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Tropicana Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ramada Express Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, Casino Aztar in Caruthersville, Missouri, and Casino Aztar in Evansville, Indiana.
Monday, May 08, 2006
New AGA Survey Offers In-Depth Profile of U.S. Internet Gamblers
Report Also Reveals Significant Growth Across Entire Industry
WASHINGTON, May 8 /PRNewswire/
The typical U.S. Internet gambler is under 40, college-educated, male and more affluent than his fellow citizens, according to results of a new survey of online gamblers included in the American Gaming Association's (AGA) 2006 State of the States: The AGA Survey of Casino Entertainment. The report also includes comprehensive economic impact data on the U.S. commercial casino industry, which indicate the industry in 2005 generated more than $30 billion in gross gaming revenues for the first time ever.
According to the poll of Internet gamblers, conducted by Peter D. HartResearch Associates, Inc., fully 70 percent of respondents started gambling online within the past two years, indicating the growing popularity of this activity. And while Internet gamblers in the U.S. say they enjoy online gambling for its convenience, more than half (55 percent) believe online gaming companies find ways to cheat, and 46 percent believe their fellow players cheat. The survey also revealed a great deal of confusion about the legality of online gambling, with a mere 19 percent of respondents realizing - - or willing to admit -- that the activity currently is illegal in the U.S.
"Even though our member companies currently aren't involved in the online gaming market, and the overall percentage of Americans who gamble online is relatively small, there's no doubt this issue has captured the attention of the media, members of Congress and the American public," said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA. "We strive to make each year's State of the States report the most comprehensive information resource not only on the current state of our industry, but the most significant emerging trends in gaming, so it was important that we take alook at this growing phenomenon."
In addition to the online polling results, the AGA's 2006 State of theStates survey includes detailed data on the economic impact of the U.S. commercial casino industry at the national and state level. The data show that the industry continued to exhibit strong growth in 2005, despite the tremendous challenges brought by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last fall.
Last year, the 455 commercial casinos in 11 states generated $30.29 billion in gross gaming revenue, representing an increase of nearly 5 percent over 2004 revenue totals. Individual gaming markets also witnessed landmark success, with Las Vegas revenues surpassing $6 billion and Atlantic City revenues climbing above $5 billion for the first time.
Survey data also indicate the industry continued to be an important source of employment in the areas where it operates, providing more than 354,000 employees with wages totaling more than $12.6 billion, including benefits and tips. The industry also continued to be a major source of tax revenues, contributing $4.92 billion to state and local governments in2005, an increase of just fewer than 5 percent from 2004 totals.
State of the States also includes a detailed look at the growing economic impact of racetrack casinos, or racinos. In 2005, the 29 operational racetrack casinos in nine states generated $3.12 billion in gross gaming revenue, a more than 9 percent increase over 2004 figures. Racinos employed 17,000 people in 2005 and distributed $1.28 billion indirect gaming taxes to state and local governments.
"This year's survey confirms that the U.S. commercial casino industry has continued to grow despite the significant obstacles of the past year, and has become an integral component of America's entertainment culture," Fahrenkopf said. "With reconstruction along the Mississippi Gulf Coast continuing at a rapid pace and new gaming markets expected to come online later this year, we look forward to even greater success this year."
This year's survey once again features a special section devoted to poker. The data indicate that the poker boom that started in 2004 is still going strong, with nearly one in five American adults (18 percent) again reporting they played poker last year. The opportunity to spend time with friends and family, followed by the skill and strategy involved in the game, are the top reasons people play poker, according to results of a national poll conducted by Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. Poker revenues also continued to surge in 2005. In Nevada and New Jersey, the only commercial casino states that track poker revenue, U.S. casino visitors spent more than $207 million on organized poker last year, anamazing 37 percent increase over 2004 totals.
Survey results also indicate overall acceptability of casino gambling remains high, with nearly 80 percent of respondents saying it is acceptable for themselves or others. According to the poll, Americans also continue tooverwhelmingly view gambling as a question of personal choice (83 percent), and nearly three-quarters (72 percent) see casinos as a valuable part of acommunity's entertainment and tourism options.
The 2006 State of the States includes additional information tools andresources such as a pocket guide to key national and state economicstatistics and a glossary of often-confusing gaming terms.
To obtain a full copy of the 2006 State of the States, log on to http://www.americangaming.org/.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the national trade association for the commercial casino industry. In addition to representing the interests of its members on federal legislative and regulatory issues, the AGA serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-related issues of public concern.
WASHINGTON, May 8 /PRNewswire/
The typical U.S. Internet gambler is under 40, college-educated, male and more affluent than his fellow citizens, according to results of a new survey of online gamblers included in the American Gaming Association's (AGA) 2006 State of the States: The AGA Survey of Casino Entertainment. The report also includes comprehensive economic impact data on the U.S. commercial casino industry, which indicate the industry in 2005 generated more than $30 billion in gross gaming revenues for the first time ever.
According to the poll of Internet gamblers, conducted by Peter D. HartResearch Associates, Inc., fully 70 percent of respondents started gambling online within the past two years, indicating the growing popularity of this activity. And while Internet gamblers in the U.S. say they enjoy online gambling for its convenience, more than half (55 percent) believe online gaming companies find ways to cheat, and 46 percent believe their fellow players cheat. The survey also revealed a great deal of confusion about the legality of online gambling, with a mere 19 percent of respondents realizing - - or willing to admit -- that the activity currently is illegal in the U.S.
"Even though our member companies currently aren't involved in the online gaming market, and the overall percentage of Americans who gamble online is relatively small, there's no doubt this issue has captured the attention of the media, members of Congress and the American public," said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA. "We strive to make each year's State of the States report the most comprehensive information resource not only on the current state of our industry, but the most significant emerging trends in gaming, so it was important that we take alook at this growing phenomenon."
In addition to the online polling results, the AGA's 2006 State of theStates survey includes detailed data on the economic impact of the U.S. commercial casino industry at the national and state level. The data show that the industry continued to exhibit strong growth in 2005, despite the tremendous challenges brought by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last fall.
Last year, the 455 commercial casinos in 11 states generated $30.29 billion in gross gaming revenue, representing an increase of nearly 5 percent over 2004 revenue totals. Individual gaming markets also witnessed landmark success, with Las Vegas revenues surpassing $6 billion and Atlantic City revenues climbing above $5 billion for the first time.
Survey data also indicate the industry continued to be an important source of employment in the areas where it operates, providing more than 354,000 employees with wages totaling more than $12.6 billion, including benefits and tips. The industry also continued to be a major source of tax revenues, contributing $4.92 billion to state and local governments in2005, an increase of just fewer than 5 percent from 2004 totals.
State of the States also includes a detailed look at the growing economic impact of racetrack casinos, or racinos. In 2005, the 29 operational racetrack casinos in nine states generated $3.12 billion in gross gaming revenue, a more than 9 percent increase over 2004 figures. Racinos employed 17,000 people in 2005 and distributed $1.28 billion indirect gaming taxes to state and local governments.
"This year's survey confirms that the U.S. commercial casino industry has continued to grow despite the significant obstacles of the past year, and has become an integral component of America's entertainment culture," Fahrenkopf said. "With reconstruction along the Mississippi Gulf Coast continuing at a rapid pace and new gaming markets expected to come online later this year, we look forward to even greater success this year."
This year's survey once again features a special section devoted to poker. The data indicate that the poker boom that started in 2004 is still going strong, with nearly one in five American adults (18 percent) again reporting they played poker last year. The opportunity to spend time with friends and family, followed by the skill and strategy involved in the game, are the top reasons people play poker, according to results of a national poll conducted by Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. Poker revenues also continued to surge in 2005. In Nevada and New Jersey, the only commercial casino states that track poker revenue, U.S. casino visitors spent more than $207 million on organized poker last year, anamazing 37 percent increase over 2004 totals.
Survey results also indicate overall acceptability of casino gambling remains high, with nearly 80 percent of respondents saying it is acceptable for themselves or others. According to the poll, Americans also continue tooverwhelmingly view gambling as a question of personal choice (83 percent), and nearly three-quarters (72 percent) see casinos as a valuable part of acommunity's entertainment and tourism options.
The 2006 State of the States includes additional information tools andresources such as a pocket guide to key national and state economicstatistics and a glossary of often-confusing gaming terms.
To obtain a full copy of the 2006 State of the States, log on to http://www.americangaming.org/.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the national trade association for the commercial casino industry. In addition to representing the interests of its members on federal legislative and regulatory issues, the AGA serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-related issues of public concern.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Integrated Button Timers Impove Home Games
Two different button timers are available for Texas Hold'em Poker Tournaments, one frm 3zilla and one from PJCC. The "ButtonTimer™ from 3zilla will benefit home poker games. The company, 3zilla LLC, announced today the introduction of what it claims to be the first of-its-kind Texas Hold Em patent pending original invention for the poker tournament arena -- the ButtonTimer™, an authentic casino dealer button with an integrated timer.
Interestingly, this "first of-its-kind" item is very similar to the Poker Dealer Button exclusively sold by PJCC for some time now. But the 3zilla product does have better styling than the PJCC product. An all in one dealer button and timer is a must for any Texas hold'em home game! Great for a casual home game.The PJCC button functions as both a dealer button, and more importantly, a timer to let you know when to raise the blinds. The built in timer can be programmed in increments of 5 minutes, all the way up to 90 minutes. An alarm goes off to let you know that time has expired. Just press "PAUSE" to stop the alarm, and then press "REPLAY" to start the timer again at its predetermined time.
This will allow for a faster and more professional game setting at a nominal cost. The PJCC timer is slightly larger than a normal dealer button, fitting easily into your standard poker chip case. On the back of the dealer button/timer is printed the "Poker Hand Ranks", an added bonus for beginning players.
In contrast and to its credit, the 3zilla ButtonTimer™ has the same look, feel, and size of dealer buttons used in casinos today. Of course, it comes with one significant difference, it has a built-inprogrammable timer which keeps track of the time and alerts the players during tournament play when time has elapsed. The invention combines two poker accessories into one to be used during poker tournament play.
The poker industry as a whole has been named the fastest growing sport in the world. Television specials such as the World Series of Poker, theWorld Poker Tour, and Celebrity Poker Showdown have popularized the game, namely Texas Hold Em, to millions of new people. As a result, the number of poker games in casinos, online, and in homes has also grown rapidly resulting in record sales for poker chips and poker tournament accessories. Testing of the ButtonTimer™ throughout poker communities in Southern California has already generated significant interest and hundreds of pre-orders.
The ButtonTimer™ inventor states, "For many years now, my friends and I have held weekly poker games every Friday evening. During one of our many games, I noticed what a convenience it would be if the dealer button could serve as a timer to keep track of the rounds. Being a life long enthusiast, I put myself in the position of the poker player, did my due diligence, and came out with a well thought out design for the market. It's simple and easy touse and we believe you will soon see the ButtonTimer™ in every professional and amateur Texas Hold Em tournament." For more information or to purchase the ButtonTimer™, please visit http://www.buttontimer.com/.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Casino goes over the edge with latest marketing stunt
Online Casino GoldenPalace.com has become famous for over-the-top advertising ideas, but now it looks as if it's taken their reputation literally. Eleven cars decked out in GoldenPalace.com signage were driven over a cliff in Missouri with the Pope, Virgin Mary, Moses, a Rabbi, a midget Elvis, and Michael Jackson looking on.GoldenPalace.com originally won the Cliff-Diving eBay auction for $2500 to send only one car off the cliff. Local media were already all over the event, but in typical GoldenPalace.com fashion of making things bigger and wilder, the number of cars was upped to eleven for a total of $25,000 spent. If 1000 spectators showed up to the event, the casino promised to give another $10,000 to Lafayette House, a local charity whose primary focus are mental health and substance abuse services.
The look-alike characters on hand for the event, including the Virgin Mary and Pope, are a mock tribute to the wild and outrageous marketing events that have thrust GoldenPalace.com into the spotlight over the last few years. EBay purchases like the Virgin Mary Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $28,000, and Pope Benedict XVI's former VW Golf for approximately $250,000, have made headlines for the casino all over the world.
Setting the standard in marketing creativity, GoldenPalace.com has devised some of the most exciting and outrageous advertising campaigns in the past few years. Items such as the Virgin Mary Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Britney Spears' Pregnancy Test, and William Shatner's Kidney Stone have garnered extensive worldwide media attention for the casino. GoldenPalace.com has also used their items and marketing reach to raise awareness and over $1,000,000 for various charities worldwide.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
WPT Enterprises, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2006 Financial Results
LOS ANGELES, May 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
WPT Enterprises, Inc.(Nasdaq: WPTE) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended April 2, 2006. Business highlights for the quarter included deliveryof six episodes of Season IV of the World Poker Tour(R) (WPT) television series, one episode of Season I of the Professional Poker Tour(TM) (PPT) television series, continued expansion of the WPT television show internationally, and further contribution from the Company's online gaming division, WPTonline.com.
Financial Results.
Revenues for the first quarter of 2006 were $6.5million, compared to $4.1 million in the same period in 2005, a 57% increase. The increase was primarily a result of the delivery in the first quarter of six episodes of Season IV of the WPT television series versus the delivery of five episodes of Season III in the same period in 2005, and the delivery of one episode of Season I of the PPT television series in thefirst quarter versus no episodes of the PPT delivered in the same period in 2005. The Company reported net earnings for the quarter of $3.6 million, or$0.17 per fully diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million, or $0.08 per share (without dilution), in the 2005 period. Net earnings in the first quarter of 2006 includes a realized pre-tax capital gain of $5.7 million associated with the sale of a portion of the Company's PokerTek investment, and reflects $1.6 million in share-based compensation expense recognized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting StandardsNo. 123 (SFAS No.123R) adopted in the first quarter.
"We are pleased with the progress we made in the first quarter. We continue to aggressively build the World Poker Tour brand, and during the quarter delivered the first episode of our new show, the Professional PokerTour, an extension of WPT poker branded entertainment," said Steve Lipscomb, President and CEO of WPT Enterprises. "In addition, we delivered six episodes of Season IV of the World Poker Tour, which continues to be well received. We also further strengthened the international distribution of our show, and are now licensed to broadcast in more than 150 countries and territories. Our online gaming business is moving forward, albeit a bitmore slowly than we had hoped as we address some technology issues, but we are pleased with the progress we are making in improving the website'stechnology platform. We are excited about WPTE's prospects in 2006, and are confident in our ability to continue to successfully execute our strategic plan."
Domestic television license revenues were $3.0 million in the firstquarter of 2006, an increase from $2.0 million in the first quarter of2005. The increase was due to the delivery of more television episodes during the quarter compared to the prior year period. International television licensing revenues increased to $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 from $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2005. The increase was due to having a greater number of international television distribution agreements in place during the quarter than in the prior year. Product licensing revenues decreased to $0.7 million in the first quarterof 2006 compared to $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2005. The decrease was due, in part, to lower license revenues from our lottery game partner, MDI, which were partially offset by increased mobile gaming sales from Hands-On Mobile (formerly Mforma). Online gaming, the Company's newest division, generated revenues of $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Cost of revenues decreased to $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2006 from $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2005. The decrease was primarily due to lower recognized PPT production costs, as the Company began capitalizing these costs in the first quarter of 2006 versus previously expensing them. During the quarter, cost of revenues associated with the PPT was $0.1 million compared to $1.4 million in the prior year quarter. Cost of revenues associated with the WPT series was $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $1.5 million in the first quarter of2005. Additionally, cost of revenues in the first quarter of 2006 included approximately $0.2 million of non-cash compensation expenses related to consultant stock options compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2005, due primarily to changes in the Company's stock price.
Overall gross margins were 63% in the first quarter of 2006 compared to22% in the first quarter of 2005. Domestic television licensing margins were 44% in the first quarter compared to negative 60% in the same periodof 2005, primarily due to the expensing of PPT production costs in 2005. Increased revenues from international television distribution and the Company's online gaming operations helped contribute to the higher overall gross margins in 2006. Selling and administrative expenses increased to$5.1 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $2.8 million in thefirst quarter of 2005. The increase was primarily due to an additional $1.5 million of share-based compensation expense resulting from the implementation of SFAS No. 123R, with the remaining difference due to increased headcount and legal fees incurred during the first quarter of2006 associated with development, growth and regulatory compliance costs. For the balance of 2006, excluding future stock grants, the Company expects charges for share-based compensation under SFAS No. 123R to beapproximately $0.7 million each quarter.
At April 2, 2006, the Company had no debt, and total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments available of approximately $39.6million.
Revenues for the second quarter of 2006 are expected to be in the range of $10.5 - $11.0 million. The Company expects to deliver the final ten episodes of Season IV of the WPT and nine episodes of Season I of the PPTin the second quarter of 2006. Additionally, the Company expects to deliver the first four episodes of Season V of the WPT and the remaining fourteen episodes of Season I of the PPT during the second half of 2006. Margins forthe PPT will be higher in 2006 than in subsequent years as certainproduction costs have already been expensed. The Company expects to continue to maintain the current level of sales and marketing expenses related to its online gaming website, WPTonline.com, until it transitions to an improved technology platform.
PPT Business Update.
On May 1, 2006, the Travel Channel (TRV) notified the Company that it had chosen to not exercise its option for Season II and subsequent seasons of the PPT. The PPT's first season, which includes 24 two- hour episodes, has already been filmed and is scheduled to air on TRV beginning in July 2006. The Company will immediately begin discussions to find a new broadcast partner for the PPT going forward.
About WPT Enterprises, Inc.
WPT Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WPTE) is engaged in the creation ofinternationally branded entertainment and consumer products driven by thedevelopment, production, and marketing of televised programming based ongaming themes. WPTE is the creator of the World Poker Tour(R), a televisionshow based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments that airs on theTravel Channel in the United States and more than 150 markets globally.With the WPT in its fifth season, WPTE has launched a second series on theTravel Channel, the Professional Poker Tour(TM), which focuses on the playof poker's leading stars. WPTE currently licenses its brand to companies inthe business of poker equipment and instruction, apparel, publishing,electronic and wireless entertainment, DVD/home entertainment, casinogames, and giftware. The Company is also engaged in the sale of corporatesponsorships. In addition, WPTE's licensee, WagerWorks, Inc., operates aWPT-branded online gaming website, WPTonline.com, which features an onlinepoker room and an online casino with a broad selection of slots and tablegames. Although any Internet user can access WPTonline.com via the WorldWide Web, the website does not permit bets to be made from players in theU.S. and other restricted jurisdictions. For show information, tools forimproving poker play, and other WPT news, fans may log on tohttp://www.worldpokertour.com. WPT Enterprises, Inc. is a majority ownedsubsidiary of Lakes Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: LACO). Photos and mediainformation can be found online at: http://www.worldpokertour.com/media. (WPTEF)
WPT Enterprises, Inc.(Nasdaq: WPTE) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended April 2, 2006. Business highlights for the quarter included deliveryof six episodes of Season IV of the World Poker Tour(R) (WPT) television series, one episode of Season I of the Professional Poker Tour(TM) (PPT) television series, continued expansion of the WPT television show internationally, and further contribution from the Company's online gaming division, WPTonline.com.
Financial Results.
Revenues for the first quarter of 2006 were $6.5million, compared to $4.1 million in the same period in 2005, a 57% increase. The increase was primarily a result of the delivery in the first quarter of six episodes of Season IV of the WPT television series versus the delivery of five episodes of Season III in the same period in 2005, and the delivery of one episode of Season I of the PPT television series in thefirst quarter versus no episodes of the PPT delivered in the same period in 2005. The Company reported net earnings for the quarter of $3.6 million, or$0.17 per fully diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million, or $0.08 per share (without dilution), in the 2005 period. Net earnings in the first quarter of 2006 includes a realized pre-tax capital gain of $5.7 million associated with the sale of a portion of the Company's PokerTek investment, and reflects $1.6 million in share-based compensation expense recognized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting StandardsNo. 123 (SFAS No.123R) adopted in the first quarter.
"We are pleased with the progress we made in the first quarter. We continue to aggressively build the World Poker Tour brand, and during the quarter delivered the first episode of our new show, the Professional PokerTour, an extension of WPT poker branded entertainment," said Steve Lipscomb, President and CEO of WPT Enterprises. "In addition, we delivered six episodes of Season IV of the World Poker Tour, which continues to be well received. We also further strengthened the international distribution of our show, and are now licensed to broadcast in more than 150 countries and territories. Our online gaming business is moving forward, albeit a bitmore slowly than we had hoped as we address some technology issues, but we are pleased with the progress we are making in improving the website'stechnology platform. We are excited about WPTE's prospects in 2006, and are confident in our ability to continue to successfully execute our strategic plan."
Domestic television license revenues were $3.0 million in the firstquarter of 2006, an increase from $2.0 million in the first quarter of2005. The increase was due to the delivery of more television episodes during the quarter compared to the prior year period. International television licensing revenues increased to $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 from $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2005. The increase was due to having a greater number of international television distribution agreements in place during the quarter than in the prior year. Product licensing revenues decreased to $0.7 million in the first quarterof 2006 compared to $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2005. The decrease was due, in part, to lower license revenues from our lottery game partner, MDI, which were partially offset by increased mobile gaming sales from Hands-On Mobile (formerly Mforma). Online gaming, the Company's newest division, generated revenues of $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Cost of revenues decreased to $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2006 from $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2005. The decrease was primarily due to lower recognized PPT production costs, as the Company began capitalizing these costs in the first quarter of 2006 versus previously expensing them. During the quarter, cost of revenues associated with the PPT was $0.1 million compared to $1.4 million in the prior year quarter. Cost of revenues associated with the WPT series was $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $1.5 million in the first quarter of2005. Additionally, cost of revenues in the first quarter of 2006 included approximately $0.2 million of non-cash compensation expenses related to consultant stock options compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2005, due primarily to changes in the Company's stock price.
Overall gross margins were 63% in the first quarter of 2006 compared to22% in the first quarter of 2005. Domestic television licensing margins were 44% in the first quarter compared to negative 60% in the same periodof 2005, primarily due to the expensing of PPT production costs in 2005. Increased revenues from international television distribution and the Company's online gaming operations helped contribute to the higher overall gross margins in 2006. Selling and administrative expenses increased to$5.1 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $2.8 million in thefirst quarter of 2005. The increase was primarily due to an additional $1.5 million of share-based compensation expense resulting from the implementation of SFAS No. 123R, with the remaining difference due to increased headcount and legal fees incurred during the first quarter of2006 associated with development, growth and regulatory compliance costs. For the balance of 2006, excluding future stock grants, the Company expects charges for share-based compensation under SFAS No. 123R to beapproximately $0.7 million each quarter.
At April 2, 2006, the Company had no debt, and total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments available of approximately $39.6million.
Revenues for the second quarter of 2006 are expected to be in the range of $10.5 - $11.0 million. The Company expects to deliver the final ten episodes of Season IV of the WPT and nine episodes of Season I of the PPTin the second quarter of 2006. Additionally, the Company expects to deliver the first four episodes of Season V of the WPT and the remaining fourteen episodes of Season I of the PPT during the second half of 2006. Margins forthe PPT will be higher in 2006 than in subsequent years as certainproduction costs have already been expensed. The Company expects to continue to maintain the current level of sales and marketing expenses related to its online gaming website, WPTonline.com, until it transitions to an improved technology platform.
PPT Business Update.
On May 1, 2006, the Travel Channel (TRV) notified the Company that it had chosen to not exercise its option for Season II and subsequent seasons of the PPT. The PPT's first season, which includes 24 two- hour episodes, has already been filmed and is scheduled to air on TRV beginning in July 2006. The Company will immediately begin discussions to find a new broadcast partner for the PPT going forward.
About WPT Enterprises, Inc.
WPT Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WPTE) is engaged in the creation ofinternationally branded entertainment and consumer products driven by thedevelopment, production, and marketing of televised programming based ongaming themes. WPTE is the creator of the World Poker Tour(R), a televisionshow based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments that airs on theTravel Channel in the United States and more than 150 markets globally.With the WPT in its fifth season, WPTE has launched a second series on theTravel Channel, the Professional Poker Tour(TM), which focuses on the playof poker's leading stars. WPTE currently licenses its brand to companies inthe business of poker equipment and instruction, apparel, publishing,electronic and wireless entertainment, DVD/home entertainment, casinogames, and giftware. The Company is also engaged in the sale of corporatesponsorships. In addition, WPTE's licensee, WagerWorks, Inc., operates aWPT-branded online gaming website, WPTonline.com, which features an onlinepoker room and an online casino with a broad selection of slots and tablegames. Although any Internet user can access WPTonline.com via the WorldWide Web, the website does not permit bets to be made from players in theU.S. and other restricted jurisdictions. For show information, tools forimproving poker play, and other WPT news, fans may log on tohttp://www.worldpokertour.com. WPT Enterprises, Inc. is a majority ownedsubsidiary of Lakes Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: LACO). Photos and mediainformation can be found online at: http://www.worldpokertour.com/media. (WPTEF)
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Bodog.com Teams With Brother Derek for the Kentucky Derby
Less than a week after unveiling its newest online horse racing software, digital entertainment giantBodog.com announced that it has signed an exclusive contract to sponsor Brother Derek, the current favorite for the 132nd running of the KentuckyDerby on Saturday.
In a move that marks the first partnership of its kind, Bodog.com's brand will be visible to thousands of spectators during Derby weekend at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Bodog.com will be holding onsite events and will present a $25,000 check to Brother Derek's trainer, Dan Hendricks, in support of a charity to be named by Hendricks.
"Our involvement in an event of such magnitude clearly demonstrates our desire to play a role in supporting America's racing community," says Calvin Ayre, Founder and CEO of Bodog.com, and the recent cover subject of Forbes' "Billionaires" issue. " Plenty of excitement surrounds Brother Derek. After having won the Santa Anita Derby, he's the betting favorite for the Kentucky Derby and for good reason. We anticipate one heck of a weekend."
The Brother Derek racing team is comprised of owner Cecil Peacock, trainer Dan Hendricks and jockey Alex Solis, and is managed by Florida-based Elite Consulting.
Solis, a native of Panama City, has won 20 meet riding titles, including six consecutive meet titles during 1996-97. In 2005, he earned $9,647,743 from 729 mounts, good for 14th place nationally. He finished second in the Kentucky Derby three out of four years with Captain Bodgit in1997, Victory Gallop in 1998 and Aptitude in 2000.
Hendricks has saddled winners of nearly 70 stakes, among them almost 30 graded events, including sending out Smooth Player to upset Excellent Meeting in the 1999 Hollywood Oaks (Grade I). Brother Derek will be Hendricks' first Derby starter.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with one of America's fastest growing digital entertainment brands," Hendricks says. "Bodog.com will bring significant attention to our sport. We certainly look forward to a strongand lasting relationship."
Brother Derek is the 3/1 favorite heading into the Derby and leads the field in graded stakes earnings with almost $1.1 million. Nineteen other thoroughbreds will challenge Brother Derek in his bid to become the first California-bred to win the Kentucky Derby since 1962. Lawyer Ron, winner of six in a row, and $940,800 in graded stakes earnings, and Barbaro, undefeated in six career starts, with $750,000 in graded stakes earnings are considered to be his primary competitors.
For all of Bodog.com's racing lines, see http://www.bodog.com/racebook/.
About Bodog.com
Bodog.com, located in San Jose, Costa Rica, is federally licensed by the Costa Rican and UK governments. Bodog.com Founder and CEO Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as the true pioneer of online gambling and a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006. Bodog.com is the top-ranked US facing online gambling brand,with highest site traffic amongst multi-product US gaming web sites, according to Hitwise. Bodog.com, valued at over US $1 billion and ranked inthe Power 10 online companies by eGaming Review, processed $7 billion in wagers in 2005. The Bodog.com Marketing Conference,http://www.bodogconference.com/ will take place at the Wynn Las Vegas, July 23-26,2006, attracting the leaders of the online gambling industry. Bodog Entertainment Group also includes a music label, Bodog Music, an online magazine, Bodog Nation, a television production unit and further properties coming soon.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Deal - Burt Reynolds in Poker Movie
LOS ANGELES, April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The WORLD POKER TOUR(R) will get its first Hollywood close-up with a starring role in the upcoming "Deal," filming this month in New Orleans. WPT fans will ultimately get to see hosts Mike Sexton, Vince Van Patten and Courtney Friel playing themselves, alongside the film's stars Burt Reynolds and Bret Harrison.Produced by Michael Arata and Louisiana-based Crescent City Pictures,"Deal," directed by Gil Cates Jr., can be characterized as "The Color of Money" meets the poker world. It tells the story of an ex-gambler played by Reynolds, who teaches a hot-shot college student how to "play the player," instead of just the cards. Bret Harrison, who stars as the college student/online wiz, is the star of Fox Network's comedy "The Loop." The film concludes at the WPT World Championship(TM).
Veteran actor Charles Durning is part of the cast, along with poker aficionado Shannon Elizabeth and WPT stars Phil "The Unabomber" Laak and Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari.
"Deal" will film its WPT scenes immediately after the April 18-24, 2006 WPT World Championship(TM), the $12-$15 million finale to the 17-event WORLD POKER TOUR Season IV. At the close of the tournament, after the new WPT World Champion is crowned at Bellagio in Las Vegas, and awarded his $3+ million first prize, the set will be loaded up for transport on the WPT 18-wheeler and trucked down to New Orleans.
"We are very excited about the WORLD POKER TOUR leaping from the smallscreen to the big screen," says Steve Lipscomb, founder and CEO of WPT Enterprises, Inc. "'Deal' will bring our enormously popular show on the Travel Channel to an even greater audience and we hope that it continues to fuel the explosion of poker worldwide."
Producer: Steve Austin
Director: Gil Cates, Jr.
Writers: Marc Weinstock & Gil Cates, Jr.
Casting Directors: Barbara Fiorentino
Cast: Burt Reynolds, Shannon Elizabeth, Mary McDonnell, Mimi Rogers, Jennifer Tilly, Brett Harrison, and James Woods
Movie Synopsis
Set against the world of high stakes poker, DEAL follows the story of TOMMY (Burt Reynolds), an ex-gambler who meets up with ALEX, a hot-shot, card playing college student and teaches him to “play the player”, and not the cards. After a falling out, the aging pro returns to the game he left 30 years ago and now must face his protégé in the finals of the world series of poker.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Joe Bartholdi Wins $3.76 Million in Fourth Annual WORLD POKER TOUR World Championship(TM) at Bellagio
Davidson Matthew Turns $25 Satellite Buy-In Into $1.9 Million Second Place Finish
LOS ANGELES, April 25 /PRNewswire/
The 2006 WPT World Championship(TM) will be remembered in a string of superlatives -- the most, biggest and first! When Joe Bartholdi, of Las Vegas, defeated thebrightest poker talent from nearly 40 countries, he did so in a tournament that is going to be talked about for years. The finale to the WORLD POKERTOUR(R)'s Season IV drew a record-breaking 605 entrants, generated the highest ever WPT prize pool of more than $15 million, and for the first time in WPT history, awarded more than a million dollars to a player that qualified on a $25 satellite! Bartholdi pockets a coveted first prize of $3.76 million, the enviable title of WPT World Champion and a seat in the2007 WPT World Championship at Bellagio.
The WPT World Championship is the jewel atop the crown of the WPT'sfourth season. Its $15 million purse brings the total prize money for the17 Season IV tournaments to a staggering $85+ million. The riveting shows, currently airing on the Travel Channel every Wednesday night at 9 p.m.ET/PT, have revealed the 20 newest WPT Poker Millionaires. After the WPT World Championship that number rises to 23 as the tournament paid more than$3 million to first place, nearly $2 million to second place and $1 million to third place.
"This tournament captures the dream and the reason we created the WORLDPOKER TOUR," says Steve Lipscomb, Founder and CEO of WPT Enterprises, Inc.(Nasdaq: WPTE). "The Championship is an open event where anyone with the drive and courage to enter can test his or her skills against the best players in the world. This Final Table match-up will absolutely fuel the poker fantasies of millions of players. We congratulate Joe and welcome himto our family of WPT Champions."
Champion Joe Bartholdi was cheered on by a sizable hometown crowd. His post-tournament plans include taking his cheering section out to "celebrate for a while," and once the party ends he intends go out and "buy a house."His friends were also heard to be talking about a Bartholdi-funded trip tothe Caribbean. Money is no object for the newest WPT Millionaire.
Second place finisher, Davidson Matthew of Toronto, Canada, enthused,"This tournament has turned me from an amateur to a professional. It's set me up to play poker. Now if I lose, financially, it just doesn't matter."To put his accomplishment in perspective -- his $25 spent on a satellite buy-in to cash over $1.9 million puts his winnings at $76,000+ for every dollar spent -- now that's good investment!
Roland De Wolfe, of London, England, was the only previous WPT winner(Grand Prix de Paris, Season IV) to make the Final Table. De Wolfe also joins the ranks of WPT Millionaires as his third place finish awarded him$1,025,205. Claus Nielson of Las Vegas finished in fourth and cashed $659,120. Fifth place, with an award of $439,375, was given to James VanAlstyne also of Las Vegas. Sixth place and $292,915 goes to the legendary Men "the Master" Nguyen of Bell Gardens, California.
This tournament marked the closest yet that a woman has come to making the Final Table of the WPT World Championship. Vanessa Russo of Miami, FL, finished "on the bubble" -- seventh -- but took home to the "Sunshine State" a consoling $263,625.
The $25,500 buy-in tournament at Las Vegas' Bellagio proved to be alure to marquee players from all around the globe. Among those who took to the felt for the WPT World Championship were defending champion Tuan Le and Alan Goehring, plus T.J. Cloutier, Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, Doyle Brunson, Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari, Jennifer Harman, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen, Erick Lindgren, David Williams, Allen Cunningham, Men "The Master" Nguyen, Phil Ivey, Kathy Liebert, Chip Jett, Ted Forrest, Gavin Smith, Barry Greenstein, Paul Darden, Nick Schulman, Freddy Deeb, Jennifer Tilly, Michael Gracz, John D'Agostino, Hasan Habib, Scott Fischman, and James Woods.
The international contingent also included Martin DeKniff, Paul Maxfield, Gus Hansen, David Benyamine, Juha Helppi, Chris Bigler, Humberto Brenes, Juan Carlos Mortensen, Johan Storakers, Marcel Luske, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, John Gale and Patrik Antonius, among others.
The 2006 WPT World Championship will bring the excitement coast-to-coast when it airs on the Travel Channel on Wednesday, June 28th at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
The WORLD POKER TOUR is the global leader in poker. The WPT introduced poker to a worldwide audience through its innovative and riveting brand of televised poker, now seen in more than 147 countries and territories. Capturing all the excitement and sizzling action at its 17 Tour stops around the globe, the show sets the gold standard in poker programming. TheWPT inspired a global poker phenomenon that has attracted millions of men and women to the game and legions of devoted followers to the poker lifestyle. It has transformed poker into the sport of choice for vast numbers of viewers and players, and the hundreds of millions of dollars of prize money on the WPT have rekindled the promise of "The New AmericanDream." The WORLD POKER TOUR airs on the Travel Channel, every Wednesdaynight at 9 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. and on ITV4 in the U.K.
LOS ANGELES, April 25 /PRNewswire/
The 2006 WPT World Championship(TM) will be remembered in a string of superlatives -- the most, biggest and first! When Joe Bartholdi, of Las Vegas, defeated thebrightest poker talent from nearly 40 countries, he did so in a tournament that is going to be talked about for years. The finale to the WORLD POKERTOUR(R)'s Season IV drew a record-breaking 605 entrants, generated the highest ever WPT prize pool of more than $15 million, and for the first time in WPT history, awarded more than a million dollars to a player that qualified on a $25 satellite! Bartholdi pockets a coveted first prize of $3.76 million, the enviable title of WPT World Champion and a seat in the2007 WPT World Championship at Bellagio.
The WPT World Championship is the jewel atop the crown of the WPT'sfourth season. Its $15 million purse brings the total prize money for the17 Season IV tournaments to a staggering $85+ million. The riveting shows, currently airing on the Travel Channel every Wednesday night at 9 p.m.ET/PT, have revealed the 20 newest WPT Poker Millionaires. After the WPT World Championship that number rises to 23 as the tournament paid more than$3 million to first place, nearly $2 million to second place and $1 million to third place.
"This tournament captures the dream and the reason we created the WORLDPOKER TOUR," says Steve Lipscomb, Founder and CEO of WPT Enterprises, Inc.(Nasdaq: WPTE). "The Championship is an open event where anyone with the drive and courage to enter can test his or her skills against the best players in the world. This Final Table match-up will absolutely fuel the poker fantasies of millions of players. We congratulate Joe and welcome himto our family of WPT Champions."
Champion Joe Bartholdi was cheered on by a sizable hometown crowd. His post-tournament plans include taking his cheering section out to "celebrate for a while," and once the party ends he intends go out and "buy a house."His friends were also heard to be talking about a Bartholdi-funded trip tothe Caribbean. Money is no object for the newest WPT Millionaire.
Second place finisher, Davidson Matthew of Toronto, Canada, enthused,"This tournament has turned me from an amateur to a professional. It's set me up to play poker. Now if I lose, financially, it just doesn't matter."To put his accomplishment in perspective -- his $25 spent on a satellite buy-in to cash over $1.9 million puts his winnings at $76,000+ for every dollar spent -- now that's good investment!
Roland De Wolfe, of London, England, was the only previous WPT winner(Grand Prix de Paris, Season IV) to make the Final Table. De Wolfe also joins the ranks of WPT Millionaires as his third place finish awarded him$1,025,205. Claus Nielson of Las Vegas finished in fourth and cashed $659,120. Fifth place, with an award of $439,375, was given to James VanAlstyne also of Las Vegas. Sixth place and $292,915 goes to the legendary Men "the Master" Nguyen of Bell Gardens, California.
This tournament marked the closest yet that a woman has come to making the Final Table of the WPT World Championship. Vanessa Russo of Miami, FL, finished "on the bubble" -- seventh -- but took home to the "Sunshine State" a consoling $263,625.
The $25,500 buy-in tournament at Las Vegas' Bellagio proved to be alure to marquee players from all around the globe. Among those who took to the felt for the WPT World Championship were defending champion Tuan Le and Alan Goehring, plus T.J. Cloutier, Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, Doyle Brunson, Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari, Jennifer Harman, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen, Erick Lindgren, David Williams, Allen Cunningham, Men "The Master" Nguyen, Phil Ivey, Kathy Liebert, Chip Jett, Ted Forrest, Gavin Smith, Barry Greenstein, Paul Darden, Nick Schulman, Freddy Deeb, Jennifer Tilly, Michael Gracz, John D'Agostino, Hasan Habib, Scott Fischman, and James Woods.
The international contingent also included Martin DeKniff, Paul Maxfield, Gus Hansen, David Benyamine, Juha Helppi, Chris Bigler, Humberto Brenes, Juan Carlos Mortensen, Johan Storakers, Marcel Luske, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, John Gale and Patrik Antonius, among others.
The 2006 WPT World Championship will bring the excitement coast-to-coast when it airs on the Travel Channel on Wednesday, June 28th at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
The WORLD POKER TOUR is the global leader in poker. The WPT introduced poker to a worldwide audience through its innovative and riveting brand of televised poker, now seen in more than 147 countries and territories. Capturing all the excitement and sizzling action at its 17 Tour stops around the globe, the show sets the gold standard in poker programming. TheWPT inspired a global poker phenomenon that has attracted millions of men and women to the game and legions of devoted followers to the poker lifestyle. It has transformed poker into the sport of choice for vast numbers of viewers and players, and the hundreds of millions of dollars of prize money on the WPT have rekindled the promise of "The New AmericanDream." The WORLD POKER TOUR airs on the Travel Channel, every Wednesdaynight at 9 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. and on ITV4 in the U.K.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Abandon Mobile And NBC Sports Team Up With Verizon Wireless To Deliver NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker
Texas Hold’em Style Poker Game Pits Players Against a Series of Expert Players in the Ultimate Showdown
04/13/2006, BEDMINSTER, NJ and NEW YORK — Verizon Wireless, Abandon Mobile and NBC Sports announced today that NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker mobile game will be available exclusively to Verizon Wireless Get it Now® customers through May 31, 2006. The mobile game, NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker, will be promoted on-screen during the 2006 Championship from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas that is scheduled to air nationwide on NBC Sports April 16, 23 and 30 and on May 7 and 14. All television coverage begins at noon EDT; the two-hour championship telecast will take place at 1:00 p.m. EDT on May 21.
Based on the popular card game Texas Hold’em, NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker brings all the excitement of the National Heads-Up Poker Championship to Verizon Wireless Get It Now customers. With NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker mobile game, there’s no need to put on a poker face as players go one-on-one against the world’s best in a single elimination competition in tournament mode, or play one game with an opponent of their choosing. In Texas Hold’em mode, players can also challenge all of the opponents at one table for a game in Texas Hold’em format.
The National Heads-Up Poker Championship features the world’s best players in single elimination competition for $1.5 million in prize money. Competitors include defending champion Phil Hellmuth, Johnny Chan, Doyle Brunson, Howard Lederer, Ted Forrest, and Chris “Jesus” Ferguson among virtually all of professional poker’s big name players.
The high-quality graphics and animation provide spectacular gameplay on a variety of Verizon Wireless Get It Now-enabled handsets, and the simple interface and competitive AI reflect all kinds of different poker playing styles. Verizon Wireless Get It Now customers can find NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker in the What’s New shopping aisle of the Get It Now virtual store on more than 30 handsets for $2.99 monthly access or $7.49 for unlimited use purchase. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled phone and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.
04/13/2006, BEDMINSTER, NJ and NEW YORK — Verizon Wireless, Abandon Mobile and NBC Sports announced today that NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker mobile game will be available exclusively to Verizon Wireless Get it Now® customers through May 31, 2006. The mobile game, NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker, will be promoted on-screen during the 2006 Championship from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas that is scheduled to air nationwide on NBC Sports April 16, 23 and 30 and on May 7 and 14. All television coverage begins at noon EDT; the two-hour championship telecast will take place at 1:00 p.m. EDT on May 21.Based on the popular card game Texas Hold’em, NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker brings all the excitement of the National Heads-Up Poker Championship to Verizon Wireless Get It Now customers. With NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker mobile game, there’s no need to put on a poker face as players go one-on-one against the world’s best in a single elimination competition in tournament mode, or play one game with an opponent of their choosing. In Texas Hold’em mode, players can also challenge all of the opponents at one table for a game in Texas Hold’em format.
The National Heads-Up Poker Championship features the world’s best players in single elimination competition for $1.5 million in prize money. Competitors include defending champion Phil Hellmuth, Johnny Chan, Doyle Brunson, Howard Lederer, Ted Forrest, and Chris “Jesus” Ferguson among virtually all of professional poker’s big name players.
The high-quality graphics and animation provide spectacular gameplay on a variety of Verizon Wireless Get It Now-enabled handsets, and the simple interface and competitive AI reflect all kinds of different poker playing styles. Verizon Wireless Get It Now customers can find NBC Sports Heads-Up Poker in the What’s New shopping aisle of the Get It Now virtual store on more than 30 handsets for $2.99 monthly access or $7.49 for unlimited use purchase. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled phone and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Testing New Brands of Cards
Tonight at the tournaments at Whitlow's on Wilson, the owner of http://www.nolimitchips.com/ came by and dropped off several decks of cards for us to use and test. Currently, we are using Copag cards. He brought by two decks of Gemaco and two decks of Modiano cards. Though I have not played with them, I like the look and feel of them. He stocks the cards locally and sells them from his website.
One of the decks of Gemaco was open when he brought them, though I do not recall which one. I put these cards into play in the second tournament we had at 9:00. About an hour later as I was walking by a table, I noticed one of the cards in the deck in the dealer's hand was marked by bending back the corner. As it turned out, it was an ace. I don't think it was an accident, though it could have been done prior to me receiving the deck. But it does make me want to go through all the decks I have and see if we have marked cards.In the meanwhile, please leave your comments on what you think of the different brands we are using. We have removed all the original "Vegas" brand cards we had. These were replaced with Copag and Sunny. Now we also have Gemaco and Modiano that we play No Limit Texas Hold'em poker tournaments with.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
FreeRolls at Doyle's Room
I've been playing online poker at Doyle's Room lately. The freerolls cost nothing to play and do not require you deposit any money. The Free Rolls include:
Play4Fun!
$5 Giveaway - Speed
There are about 6 or more of these free tournaments every day. The Play4Fun! does not pay anything to the winner, but it does not cost either. It is good practice.
I'm practicing and soon I will be playing in the money tournaments.
An online poker tournament is nothing like a live in person free tournament in a restaurant. It moves much faster. For the $5 giveaway speed tournaments, the blinds raise every 3 minutes with a break after one hour. There is a maximum of 500 players for the tournament. The payout for the $5 speed tournament goes to the top 27 players and ranges from $1.35 to $0.05 in prize money. Everyone starts with 2,000 in chips.
Play for Fun! MultiTourney
Best I can tell, for March this schedule exists. Thes are Texas Hold'em games only.
2:35 PM
10:30 PM
$5 Giveaway - Speed
There is no schedule posted fo the $5 giveaway tournaments. It seems that there is often very little notice for these, and they fill up fast. Some past times for this tournament have been
1:05 AM - Omaha H/L
5:05 AM - Omaha
9:05 AM - Omaha H/L
11:05 AM - Hold'em
1:05 PM - Omaha
5:05 PM - Omaha H/L
10:50 PM - Hold'em
11:50 PM - Hold'em
Play4Fun!
$5 Giveaway - Speed
There are about 6 or more of these free tournaments every day. The Play4Fun! does not pay anything to the winner, but it does not cost either. It is good practice.
I'm practicing and soon I will be playing in the money tournaments.
An online poker tournament is nothing like a live in person free tournament in a restaurant. It moves much faster. For the $5 giveaway speed tournaments, the blinds raise every 3 minutes with a break after one hour. There is a maximum of 500 players for the tournament. The payout for the $5 speed tournament goes to the top 27 players and ranges from $1.35 to $0.05 in prize money. Everyone starts with 2,000 in chips.
Play for Fun! MultiTourney
Best I can tell, for March this schedule exists. Thes are Texas Hold'em games only.
2:35 PM
10:30 PM
$5 Giveaway - Speed
There is no schedule posted fo the $5 giveaway tournaments. It seems that there is often very little notice for these, and they fill up fast. Some past times for this tournament have been
1:05 AM - Omaha H/L
5:05 AM - Omaha
9:05 AM - Omaha H/L
11:05 AM - Hold'em
1:05 PM - Omaha
5:05 PM - Omaha H/L
10:50 PM - Hold'em
11:50 PM - Hold'em
Friday, March 24, 2006
Poker Dictionary
I created an online poker dictionary today. The site is http://linkspider.serversystems.net/dictionary/poker/
About a year and a half ago I considered what would happen if I created a website with 20,000 web pages and put ads on the pages. My theory was that people would click on the ads and I would make money off of it. I was skeptical but I gave it a try. I took a public domain copy of Webster's dictionary from 1932 and created a database and then had web pages dynamically created from the dictionary data. It turned out when I was finished I had 104,000 web pages.
What truly surprised me was that from the first month I started getting revenue from the project. And I have gotten paid from it for more than 18 months. Of course, some months I make less than $20. But it was an experiment in search engine optimization (SEO) and internet advertising.
Back in November, I created a poker site with similar advertising. With only about 40 web pages, I was suddenly making almost the same amount of revenue. On the poker site my click through rate was higher and my revenue per click was much, much higher. Almost makes me want to create a web site about cancer.
So my poker dictionary is really a SEO trick to try to bring in more ad revenue, and of course promote the poker site. I'm curious how it will turn out.
About a year and a half ago I considered what would happen if I created a website with 20,000 web pages and put ads on the pages. My theory was that people would click on the ads and I would make money off of it. I was skeptical but I gave it a try. I took a public domain copy of Webster's dictionary from 1932 and created a database and then had web pages dynamically created from the dictionary data. It turned out when I was finished I had 104,000 web pages.
What truly surprised me was that from the first month I started getting revenue from the project. And I have gotten paid from it for more than 18 months. Of course, some months I make less than $20. But it was an experiment in search engine optimization (SEO) and internet advertising.
Back in November, I created a poker site with similar advertising. With only about 40 web pages, I was suddenly making almost the same amount of revenue. On the poker site my click through rate was higher and my revenue per click was much, much higher. Almost makes me want to create a web site about cancer.
So my poker dictionary is really a SEO trick to try to bring in more ad revenue, and of course promote the poker site. I'm curious how it will turn out.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Topless Dealers
I received an email today from a guy who is having a birthday and wanted a couple of topless poker dealers for
his party at his house. I presume he wanted women, but why he is insistent they wear no hats is beyond me. In any event, I made some phone calls and found a couple of girls that met his requirements. It was not the easiest thing in the world as he wanted them for tomorrow. I'd appreciate it if the next guy gives me more notice.
This is not the first time I've found dealers for poker games. Every now and again I get a call that someone wants to have a private Texas Hold'em poker game and wants some topless girls to deal poker. So I have a small list of girls who want to make some extra money. So if you have boobs and want to make some extra money, let me know. Or if you want a little spice at your next poker party, give me a call. You might as well go all-in.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Bus Trip To Atlantic City for Easter Poker
I've scheduled a bus trip to Atlantic City. We will be going to the Tropicana Casino for the day.
Date: Saturday, April 15, 2006
Departure time: 7:00 AM
Depart from: Fast Eddie's Parking lot in Fairfax
Arrive Casino: 11:00 AM
Depart Casino: Saturday Midnight
Return time: Sunday 4:00 AM
Cost: $50.00
We will be there for a full day and leave at midnight. You are free to go anywhere you wish, including other casinos. There will be a Texas Hold'em Tournament there, and you will be able to receive points on the http://redwhiteandbluepoker.com/ website for the tournament. The Casino will be giving each person "bonus coin" and other promotion bonuses, but I don't have all the details yet. There is a Hooters at the Tropicana and all of us will be able to get a free order of wings when you pay for an order of wings. Lots of other promotions (I treated you right at the regional tournament, didn't I?).
The cost will be $50 roundtrip. You must pay in advance. I'd prefer you give me a check or cash in person at one of the poker tournaments, but you can also use PayPal to reserve your seat on the bus. We need your money to reserve your seat by April 2, 2006 (though I am going to try to get an extension.) If for any reason the trip is canceled you will receive a full refund.
More Information is available at http://www.redwhiteandbluepoker.com/trips/
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Who is Big Jim Slade?
Big Jim Slade is a name we remember from the Kentucky Fried Movie that was shown in theatres in about 1977. When he first appears, we hear the announcer say:Sounds like a job for Big Jim Slade. Big Jim has a sexual appetite that will knock their socks off. Big Jim comes equipped with various whips and chains. Big Jim has been satisfying women all over the world. Former tight end, Kansas City Chiefs.
The Kentucky Fried Movie is a series of skits loosely pieced together by a parody of the plot of other films such as Bruce Lee's Enter The Dragon. The movie comes complete with parody commercials. The various segments include Cleopatra Schwartz, His New Car, Eyewitness News, Household Odors, High Adventure, Argon, Danger Seekers, Courtroom, Nytex, P.M., Scot Free, Feel-A-Round, That's Armageddon, United Appeal for the Dead, Headache Clinic, A.M. Today, Catholic High School Girls in Trouble, Willer Beer, Nesson Oil, Sex Record, Zinc Oxide, and A Fistful of Yen.
Big Jim Slade is a fictitious football player who was featured in two of the skits in the movie. In the first of the two skits. Sex Record, Big Jim Slade (played by Manuel Perry) saves the day when a date goes bad and the girl (Sharon Kaugh) 
is left unsatisfied. Big Jim Slade splinters the apartment door, enters, scoops up the girl in his arms, and carries her off to fully satisfy her off screen.
Then in the second skit (A Fistful of Yen) Big Jim Slade enters the underground prison of Dr. Klahn to free the men who no longer had hope and no longer cared. He did this by grabbing the iron bar door and ripping it off the hinges. The ex-prisoners then rushed out to fight the masses of Klahn's army.Big Jim Slade is a moniker used by the founder of the Red, White, and Blue Poker League in an effort to hide his real email address from spammers. In the movie, Big Jim Slade was black, and a football player. The man who uses the name today is neither of these, but he has been known to carry women off in his arms and fully satisfy them, as well as ripping doors off their hinges.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Poker Tables
I am selling several Texas Hold'em 7' oval poker tables with folding steel legs. These come with a padded rail, 10 cup holders built into the rail, a green playing surface, and a cover for when you fold the legs up and put it away. (The picture here is not the actual table, but looks very similar.)I run and participate in local poker tournaments and as a result I buy lots of poker tables, both the oval Hold'em tables, and the eight player octagonal tables. I have some extra for sale. I bought several pallets of poker tables for local poker tournaments we hold, some eight player, and some 10 player. I am selling the excess 10 player tables I have. These are never used and still in the box and come with the full manufacturer's warranty. More information is at http://redwhiteandbluepoker.com/store/
If you want one of these tables you can pick it up at one of our public poker tournaments in Fairfax, or in Arlington. The retail price on these is $249 (and printed on the box) But I am selling them for $125. These are excellent tables for home poker tournaments. Several of our members use these and are very happy with them.
If you want one, I can meet you in Arlington, or you can pick one up at one of the local public free poker tournaments I hold at
Sunday, 6PM & 9PM at Whitlow's on Wilson in Arlington
Monday, 7PM & 10PM at Fast Eddies in Fairfax
For more information visit the poker league's web site at http://RedWhiteAndBluePoker.com
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Poker Mondays
I'm looking for people to join me in playing Texas Hold'em Poker at Fast Eddie's in Fairfax on Mondays. We have two no limit tournaments, one at 7:00 and one at 10:00. The restaurant gives us prizes, usually gift certificates to the first and second place winners of each tournament.
The poker tournaments are free; there is no cost or buy-in. So you can't lose anything, you can only win. It's a great way for me to practice my poker skills. I also get to meet new people who are interested in playing in private poker games.
Every Monday, 7:00PM & 10:00PM
Fast Eddie's - Fairfax, VA
9687 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22032
Fast Eddie's is a great venue for us in that we get a private room – the front bar – all to ourselves. We can control the volume, the heat, and there are no other customers in there with us. We play on tables of eight players and there is room for 15 poker tables.
Fast Eddie's is located in the shopping center where 29 and 50 meet, near downtown Fairfax. Get a great half price burger and fries for about $3.50, or choose from their selection of sandwiches, steaks, crab legs, or other items on the menu. The nine ball sandwich (chicken) is great too. Come join us for fun, prizes, and to increase your poker skills.
The Red, White, and Blue Poker League also plays tournaments on
Sunday, 6PM & 9PM at Whitlow's on Wilson in Arlington
Monday, 7PM & 10PM at Fast Eddies in Fairfax
For more information visit our web site at http://RedWhiteAndBluePoker.com
The poker tournaments are free; there is no cost or buy-in. So you can't lose anything, you can only win. It's a great way for me to practice my poker skills. I also get to meet new people who are interested in playing in private poker games.
Every Monday, 7:00PM & 10:00PM
Fast Eddie's - Fairfax, VA
9687 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22032
Fast Eddie's is a great venue for us in that we get a private room – the front bar – all to ourselves. We can control the volume, the heat, and there are no other customers in there with us. We play on tables of eight players and there is room for 15 poker tables.
Fast Eddie's is located in the shopping center where 29 and 50 meet, near downtown Fairfax. Get a great half price burger and fries for about $3.50, or choose from their selection of sandwiches, steaks, crab legs, or other items on the menu. The nine ball sandwich (chicken) is great too. Come join us for fun, prizes, and to increase your poker skills.
The Red, White, and Blue Poker League also plays tournaments on
Sunday, 6PM & 9PM at Whitlow's on Wilson in Arlington
Monday, 7PM & 10PM at Fast Eddies in Fairfax
For more information visit our web site at http://RedWhiteAndBluePoker.com
Friday, March 17, 2006
Wednesday Night Cash Game
I've been playing at a friend's house most Wednesdays. He runs a no limit Texas Hold'em poker tournament at his home in Fairfax, VA with up to four tables. It is usually a $20 buy-in, but occassionally we have a more expensive game. Oddly, I never seem to win the tournament (well, I won once) but I normally make some money on the cash game afterwards.
For the next three weeks he will be out of town and the game will not be happening. So I have to find other things to do with my time on Wednesdays.
I need to find some more home games in the area, so if you know of any, let me know.
For the next three weeks he will be out of town and the game will not be happening. So I have to find other things to do with my time on Wednesdays.
I need to find some more home games in the area, so if you know of any, let me know.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Casino Trip to Atlantic City
I'm putting together a bus trip to Atlantic City. We will probably leave from Fairfax, Virginia; alternately we might leave from Arlington, VA. Some proposed dates include:
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Saturday, April 29, 2006
I'm thinking of leaving on Saturday at 7am, and head back at midnight to make it back home by about 4am. For Sunday trips, I'm thinking of leaving at 6am and being back home at about 11pm.
The cost of the trip will be $50. Whatever I decide, you can find more information at http://RedWhiteAndBluePoker.com/trips/
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Saturday, April 29, 2006
I'm thinking of leaving on Saturday at 7am, and head back at midnight to make it back home by about 4am. For Sunday trips, I'm thinking of leaving at 6am and being back home at about 11pm.
The cost of the trip will be $50. Whatever I decide, you can find more information at http://RedWhiteAndBluePoker.com/trips/
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Free Poker at Whitlow's
Metro Accessible – Claredon Metro Station.
Play free Texas Hold'em Poker tournaments at Witlow's on Wilson in Claredon. This is no limit Texas Hold'em played tournament style. Each tournament lasts about three hours. There are two tournaments each Sunday evening. It's free, there is no cost or buy-in, but you can win prizes. We play on poker style tables with padded rails and green felt playing surfaces. We use Copag cards and high quality casino style chips from Chipco. We will have several tables of people playing in the tournament.
Every Sunday at 6:00PM and 9:00PM
Whitlow's on Wilson
2854 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, 22201
Whitlow's on Wilson is located two blocks from the Claredon Metro station. Free parking is available nearby at the DHS parking garage.
Prizes are given away each tournament for first and second place. The prizes are generally gift certificates for Whitlow's. Everyone at the final table also gets points which are tracked on our web site so you can see how you compare against the other players.
Come play for fun, play for prizes, and play to improve your poker skills.
The Red, White, and Blue Poker League also plays tournaments on
Sunday, 6PM & 9PM at Whitlow's on Wilson
Monday, 7PM & 10PM at Fast Eddies in Fairfax
More information is available at http://RedWhiteAndBluePoker.com
Play free Texas Hold'em Poker tournaments at Witlow's on Wilson in Claredon. This is no limit Texas Hold'em played tournament style. Each tournament lasts about three hours. There are two tournaments each Sunday evening. It's free, there is no cost or buy-in, but you can win prizes. We play on poker style tables with padded rails and green felt playing surfaces. We use Copag cards and high quality casino style chips from Chipco. We will have several tables of people playing in the tournament.
Every Sunday at 6:00PM and 9:00PM
Whitlow's on Wilson
2854 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, 22201
Whitlow's on Wilson is located two blocks from the Claredon Metro station. Free parking is available nearby at the DHS parking garage.
Prizes are given away each tournament for first and second place. The prizes are generally gift certificates for Whitlow's. Everyone at the final table also gets points which are tracked on our web site so you can see how you compare against the other players.
Come play for fun, play for prizes, and play to improve your poker skills.
The Red, White, and Blue Poker League also plays tournaments on
Sunday, 6PM & 9PM at Whitlow's on Wilson
Monday, 7PM & 10PM at Fast Eddies in Fairfax
More information is available at http://RedWhiteAndBluePoker.com
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