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Welcome to Bet Sages Gambling News Section, featuring the latest breaking
gambling industry news courtesy of InfoPowa News. This is your one stop source for
all and any of the latest developments concerning leisure based wagering
activities on the internet.
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| 8 DECEMBER 2006 : HEADLINES |
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Vegas giant has UK online gambling market firmly in its sights
The latest move by Las Vegas Sands, the major Vegas gambling group that owns The Venetian, Sands, Palazzo and Paiza land brands will cause ripples in the online gambling pond for sure - it has commissioned Cantor Gaming to launch an online casino and poker site initially aimed at serving the United Kingdom market. The site is anticipated to be launched during the second quarter of 2007.
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"They've put a stick in the wasp nest to see what comes out."
The news this week that the major U.S. land gambling group Las Vegas Sands is to work with Cantor Gaming in entering the UK and possibly European online gambling market (see previous InfoPowa report) has not been welcomed by local industry, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Torbjorn Ihre, the head of public affairs at the European Betting Association, said: "It's hypocrisy and discrimination. These two words fit. This proves that the U.S. being open to competition is a false claim."
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UK video game developer working with major French casino operator
The AIM-listed British video games developer Playwize plc (formerly Bits Corporation) signed a major deal this week with the intractive division of the leading French land casino operator Partouche, which manages some 50 casinos.
The terms of the agreement give Playwize entre to promote and distribute its flagship Playwize poker game through various channels in France, including all Partouche casino locations, under the brand Partouchewize Poker.
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Antigua-Barbuda regulator takes legal action against licensee
The troubled online gambling group BetonSports faces another round of restraints, this time from its regulator the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) of Antigua and Barbuda, according to media reports from the Caribbean News and other local publications.
Antiguan authorities have taken the opportunity to suggest that the United States "steps aside" and allows Antigua to deal with "the orderly dissolution" of BoS as a licensee subject to its laws and jurisdiction.
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"So far as it is able....."
Last week's news that the government of Antigua and Barbuda had obtained a court order restraining BetonSports from disposing of its Antiguan assets prompted a fast response from the besieged company, which advised that it intended to comply.
A company spokesman said that the directors of the company had noted the order issued by the high court in Antigua and Barbuda which prevents BoS (Antigua) Limited from disposing of any of its assets and orders BoS (Antigua) Limited to provide an account to the Financial Services Regulatory Commission of Antigua of all of its assets.
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Largest ever online gambling study results to be released at London exhibition
eCOGRA (eCommerce and Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance), the online gambling industry's player protection and standards authority, announced this week that it will launch its much anticipated Global Online Gambler Report at the International Casino Exhibition in London early next year. The results will be released at a press conference at 10h30 on Tuesday January 23rd at Earl's Court.
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Negotiations have been ongoing for the past month claim sources
The persistent rumours that giant British betting group Ladbrokes is intent on buying online gambling group 888.com surfaced again as the week ended, with the Daily Mail newspaper predicting that the former would clinch a GBP 490 million on the sale as early as next week.
The two firms have been in talks for more than a month, the newspaper said, citing a source close to the situation. It said the takeover offer for 888 was expected to be pitched at between 140 pence and 145 pence a share.
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Bullish interview on Bodog's move to Antigua
Bodog boss and founder Calvin Ayre was in bullish mood this week when he was interviewed by the Antigua Sun on his company's move to the Caribbean island.
Ayre told journalist Patricia Campbell that he and other Internet gaming operators are gambling on a turnaround in the prospects of the online industry following recent American laws which make online gambling transactions more difficult and led to the departure from the US market of many companies.
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Madrid has a regulatory plan for online gambling
The decision by the regional government of Madrid to allow minimum Euro 1 bets in games venues as well as telephone and online bets, covering sports and other competitions, as well as allowing internet bets on bingo and casino games is another step toward an increasingly practical approach to regulated gambling in Europe.
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Plain speaking from the new CEO at Sportingbet
The newly appointed CEO at UK gambling group Sportingbet, Andrew McIver has wasted no time making his feeling known to the British government in the wake of the events surrounding the U.S. Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
Speaking at the publication of the companys first quarter results, he blasted the UK government for its lack of support during the recent crisis affecting the listed online gaming operators in the US, saying: We are disappointed with the lack of support the industry has received from the UK government prior to the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
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Compelling tournament series set to award online pokers richest prize
In a scene reminiscent of the current James Bond film, Casino Royale, the Manchester United football star Teddy Sheringham was on hand this week to launch VCPoker.com's massive $10 million Grand Slam tournament.
The football hero flashed a winning smile and poker hand to announce the debut of the big event, which kicks off on December 3. Splendidly tailored in a tuxedo and surrounded by a bevy of stunning Grand Slam Girls, Sheringham cut a dashing figure within the stylish confines of the VC Players Lounge - Londons newest and biggest poker room.
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Hearings in Geneva received impressive support
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) held two days of hearings in Geneva this week (see previous InfoPowa reports) on Antigua and Barbuda's internet gaming dispute with the United States, from which delegates from the Caribbean island government emerged optimistic.
Dr. Errol Cort, the finance minister of Antigua said the Caribbean country's position was backed by big trading partners of the U.S., including China, Japan and members of the European Union.
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Nova Scotia struggles to find an appropriate research company
Canada's Nova Scotia province has had to postpone to end January a plan to study the social and economic impact of gambling in the province. The Environment and Labour Department in the provincial government said that it has experienced some difficulty in hiring an appropriate research company for the task, which carries a budget of up to C$250 000.
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Juniper says the sector could reach $47 billion in value in the next three years - but how much of it will be gambling?
The mobile phone industry is set to reach $47 billion in value in the next three years according to the latest study by Juniper Research, which has estimated that the total global mobile entertainment market is currently worth over $17 billion and a steep rise is expected.
But before readers get too excited, note that the press release announcing these numbers and hyping the sale of the study is referring to the overall mobile entertainment market - not mobile gambling.
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Online gambling group selects Spin3 mobile gambling technology
The Microgaming-powered Vegas Partner Lounge online casino and poker room group has added a new on-the-go entertainment dimension for its players - mobile gaming accessible through cellphones.
Spin3, the wireless casino system provider, has announced the launch of Crazy Mobile Casino.com, using Microgaming's GameWire 2.1 mobile software system.
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When the blizzard howls and temperatures plummet, its time to turn to indoor pursuits
"It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good", claims an old saw that could have real meaning this week. Temperatures in some Canadian and US areas have dropped below freezing, reminding operators in sunnier climes that bad weather up north often produces better business for online gambling as punters seek indoor entertainment.
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Licensing jrisdiction is concerned over organised crime reports
The CNW news group reports that the Kahnawake Gaming Commission has suspended the license held by WSC Management, Inc., a Costa Rican company that manages sportsbook BetWSC.com. It is understood that the decision includes locking the companys servers.
The suspension results from concerns related to criminal charges that have recently been laid against the principal of WSC alleging that he conspired with persons linked with organised crime in Montreal. The Commission decided that these allegations are sufficiently serious and extraordinary that an immediate suspension was necessary to ensure the public interest was not affected in an adverse and material way.
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UK bookie groups may soon be vying for Rank
The UK business press was speculating this week on whether major bookie groups like William Hill and Ladbrokes could soon be making a bid for the UK gambling group Rank, or whether they would wait for the group to shed its Hard Rock Cafe components first.
American gambling groups are known to be looking at the potential of acquiring Rank and/or Hard Rock, which is attempting to focus on its casino and bingo operations. Rank chief executive Ian Burke announced earlier this year that advisers were looking at options for Hard Rock (see previous InfoPowa reports). Buying Hard Rock could be expensive; UK analysts estimate the going rate could be as high as GBP 500 million.
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$965 million deal scheduled to close next March after shareholder approval
The intense speculation surrounding the fate and possible buyers for the Rank Group plc's Hard Rock division ended this week with the announcement that the British gambling group had sold the business to the Seminole tribe of Florida for $965 million (GBP 490 million)
Over the past week or more the UK business press has been speculating on whether major bookie groups like William Hill and Ladbrokes could soon be making a bid for the UK gambling group Rank, or whether they would wait for the group to shed its Hard Rock Cafe components first.
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European facing turnkey provider clinches $150 000 deal
European sports bettors will soon have a new online gambling venue, says David Cheng, the CEO of i-gaming provider Pegasus Gaming Corporation.
Cheng was reporting on his closure this week of a deal to provide a European-facing sportsbook branded Best Bookmaker.com with a contract value of $150 000 for an unidentified operator. The agreement includes a royalty element going forward.
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Pre-festive season firings are not good news
Writing in the news section of the online site Poker Player this week, Paul McGuire claims that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed recently in the USA is starting to impact jobs in the poker publications sector.
Citing recent but unspecified lay-offs at Card Player Magazine and World Poker Tour, Maguire says that the trend has become too common in the business these days, with many jobs in the once thriving sector either lost or subject to pay cuts.
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Plenty of brand exposure for Party in this deal
World Poker Tour Enterprises and London-listed online gambling group Party Gaming plc have teamed up in a multi-year agreement that will provide international television sponsorship of the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Professional Poker Tour (PPT). The agreement covers shows produced under WPT Seasons IV, V, and VI and PPT Seasons I, II, and III.
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More information for the players
Bluff Media confirmed this week that it has completed the acquisition of thepokerdb.com, arguably the world's most comprehensive source for tracking online tournaments and players. No financial details regarding the deal were disclosed.
Eddy Kleid, Co-President of Bluff Media commented, "We are pleased to be able to continue our growth in the poker information business. The acquisition of thepokerdb.com strengthens our product offering for online poker players and their increasing need for more data and information."
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And mandatory toilet breaks are a thoughtful extra!
The Swedish government online gambling monopoly Svenska Spel expanded its poker site availability to 24 hours this week, with spokesmen explaining that this would provide a safer gambling setting for Swedish pokerheads.
In an unusual but thoughtful move, the poker site will also introduce mandatory five minute toilet breaks every half hour to give gamblers an opportunity to pause and reflect on their play as well as attending to Nature's needs.
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Shaked offers a substantial incentive for Palestinian and Israeli politicians
Despite a long history of failed peace initiatives to end conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, a new and privately funded concept was announced this week by billionaire businessman and 888.com major shareholder, Avi Shaked.
In an interview with Reuters writer Luke Baker, the wealthy Israeli businessman says he is offering the Palestinian prime minister $1 billion if he and his Israeli counterpart can sit down together and reach a peace agreement. Shaked claims he has lined up a consortium of international financiers who are ready to inject the money immediately if a deal is struck.
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"Advertising and delivery of healthcare products, travel services, insurance and investment planning products and.... multi-player online games!"
The Dynasty group continued its marketing assault on China this week with the signing of an agreement that could significantly advance public interest and participation in Dynasty Gaming's online, multi-player Mahjong game and the roll-out of prepaid card sales.
Dynasty has signed a Letter of Intent with Sun Media Holdings Ltd., China's largest privately owned media company, to form an equally-owned joint venture enterprise. The new entity will create a structure in China, similar to that of Canadian and U.S. associations of retired persons (ARPs), which will serve as a branded portal for the advertising and delivery of healthcare products, travel services, insurance and investment planning products and multi-player online games.
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Global removals and a new licensing strategy for turnkey provider
Last week we reported on the mysterious departure of CYOP Systems International head honcho Mitch White (the company has still not responded to several requests for more information on his move) and his replacement with Gaming Transactions and Red Felt boss Patrick Smyth.
It seems that Smyth is not one to let the grass grow beneath his feet, judging by the volley of press releases this week from the company announcing new moves in both a geographic and business strategy sense. The company is moving its headquarters to the United Kingdom, and its operational activities to Costa Rica, home to many online gambling firms but yet to introduce specific online gambling regulations.
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Trading and Finance executives appointed
London listed online casino, poker room and sportsbook group 32 Red plc has appointed Martin Saunders (46) and Jonathan Hale (34) to the board of directors as Trading Director and Group Finance Director respectively.
Saunders will take responsibility for online sportsbook trading both for the 32Red sportsbook and for UK bookmaker BetDirect
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Strict controls on e-cash processing approved
The owners of Citadel Commerce UK Limited, the Canadian group ESI Entertainment Systems Inc., has announced that its UK subsidiary has achieved authorisation to operate as a regulated e-money issuer from the British Financial Services Authority.
The FSA e-money issuer authorisation is a major milestone as it opens the way for Citadel Commerce UK to legally and forcefully promote its myCitadel e-wallet throughout Europe, said Michael Meeks, President of ESI and Executive Director of CC(UK). This authorisation allows the company to easily establish new banking relationships, operate in a protected and highly regulated financial services environment and execute its growth strategy in the European market.
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Thousands of poker players compete for lucrative prizes
Last weekend again saw thousands of poker players around the globe out and about on the big tournament sites, competing for million dollar and more prizes and the bragging rights for overcoming large starting fields.
The Poker Stars Sunday Millions was as usual the most popular tourney with 6 687 players on the virtual tables, hunting the top prize of $187 236 or a slice of the massive $1 337 400 prize pool, from which a total of 975 players benefitted. The winner was player 1st Gurre with the number 2 slot ($93,216.78) taken by Br1an2K5. The first man out on the final table, freeradical2 pocketed $10 966 and some loose change.
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US advertising pulled, and a new Antigua head office
Gambling media in the United States will be counting the probably substantial cost of a Bodog.com Entertainment advertising cut this week after the company revealed a plan to pull all its U.S.-facing gaming-related advertising, mostly for its free-play and educational site, Bodog.net.
The advertising pullback, which company spokesmen describe as "quite extensive", includes television, radio, magazine and newspapers in the U.S. market as the online gaming giant focuses instead on its gaming and educational site advertising initiatives in the European and Asian markets. Spokesmen described the move as "...a strategic decision based on long-term business objectives."
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Premiere Win's brief life, ended by political uncertainties in Germany
On August 1 last year, hopes were high for a new TV gambling channel in Germany launched by Paybox Premiere in cooperation with Magna Entertainment and Betandwin, but this week the venture folded due to the potential impact of the UIGEA on U.S. partner Magnabet and the uncertain legal climate in Germany.
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Weird 'brands', but all dangerous
The Las Vegas Business Press warned wireless users this week on the dangers represented by the new breed of hacker attracted to this sector, and the code cracking instruments of fraud that they use.
Weird 'brands' like AirSnort, Aircrack, CoWPAtty and THC-LEAPcracker are apparently available online complete with tutorials, claims the writer of the article, describing these ciminal products as "the implements of 21st century burglary."
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But probably not in the U.S. online gambling sector after the UIGEA
The business news services Bloomberg and Reuters report that advertising spending will gain momentum next year, with the bulk of the increase going to the Internet.
Worldwide ad spending will rise 5.4 percent next year, ahead of its average over the past decade, the media buyer ZenithOptimedia predicted. Outlays on the Internet will rise 28.2 percent, it said, while spending in other media will rise about 3.9 percent.
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Playtech-powered online poker room has a bonanza in store for 20 top players
The Titan Poker.com online poker room has expanded its language offerings to embrace Polish and Turkish pokerheads in addition to the already available English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish versions, and has plans for a substantial $1 000 000 prizepool online poker tournament in the near future.
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Casino Domain calls it a day
Sadly just short of its tenth year of operations, the Net Entertainment powered and operated Casino Domain.com is to close its virtual doors on December 13.
The sign on the landing page this week advises:
"We regret to inform you that CasinoDomain management has decided to close the casino. CasinoDomain has been appreciated by thousands of customers over the years, but the new US legislation has made it impossible for CasinoDomain to continue.
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Winner of Ongame Network Poker Classic takes home $239 383 and change.
After a total of 23 hours of gruelling competitive poker over 2 days, the Ongame Network Poker Classic was won by Englishman Stuart Fox this week, giving the Birmingham, UK pro a bank balance boost of $239 383 and a gold and ruby card protector trophy.
Fox, who has an impressive string of finishes in major UK, USA and Ireland tournaments, beat 44 other finalists to the main prize in the tournament, which took place at the Hotel Majestic in Barcelona, Spain. He had battled his way from near the bottom of the chip count going into the final table.
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Exciting finish to major Las Vegas tournament
Brit poker pro David "Devilfish" Ulliot, who owns the online poker room Devilfish Poker.com was in the money bigtime this week with a $266 000 prize win in the Five Diamond World Poker Classic held in Las Vegas.
The $2 000 No-Limit Hold'em event rewarded the English player with the big cheque and a World Poker Classic gold bracelet, together with a seat at the $25 000 World Poker Tour finals in April next year.
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Sharp rise in new players reported
UltimateBet.com, has reported an increase in players and site activity during their online poker championship offerings along with more new poker players.
The company reports that its multi-million dollar Online Championship has drawn attention from poker players around the world since its start on December 1. The ten day online tournament celebrates poker pro Phil Helmuth's 10th bracelet win and runs 10 online poker events guaranteed at $2 000 000.
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2003 WSOP champ develops his relationship with Playboy
When the 2003 World Series Main Event Champ Chris Moneymaker and his company Moneymaker Gaming signed a partnership with Playboy Enterprises you just knew there would be some innovative gambling ideas in prospect, and the partnership of poker savvy, fame and beauty has not disappointed.
It started with an imaginative range of poker products that included upmarket poker chips with Playmate logos and pictures, and its latest venture looks sure to be a moneymaker, too. The champ is hoping to trump other poker training ventures by running his own unique training....with a final bash at the Playboy Mansion!
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Pressure group recruiting regional reps to expand influence
If you're one of the tens of thousands of U.S. poker players who feels strongly about the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and its impact on your pastime of choice, and you're prepared to do something about it, read on....
The 110 000 strong Poker Player's Alliance is busy expanding its influence and voice in U.S. national affairs affecting the game by building a stronger American regional infrastructure, and is currently seeking volunteers prepared to serve as State directors in the organisation.
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An addition to a provincial bill amending consumer protection laws that would have halted advertising for online gambling has been shelved.
Ontario media reports that an attempt by an Ontario provincial politician to halt online gambling advertising in the province (see previous InfoPowa reports) has been shelved following a review by the Social Policy Committee in late November, aided by some lobbying activity.
Attempts were made to include Bill 152 seeking to ban online gambling advertisements in the Canadian province in amendments to the Consumer Protection Act of 2002. If successful, the proposal could have disrupted advertising and sponsorship agreements over a range of sporting activities.
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The Madison Kid will cover the life and times of U.S. poker ace
The name Hellmuth and American poker are almost synonymous, so it's hardly surprising that a film on the life and career of ten times WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth is in the works, and according to "Production Weekly" the producers have found the right titles and the right actor to portray the mouthy poker ace.
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Enforcement authorities have been busy....
Two more sports betting busts were in the newspaper headlines this week, both in the New England region.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that a Gloucester County man had admitted taking bets for a multimillion-dollar sports gambling ring that was run by a former state trooper and allegedly involved former Flyers star Rick Tocchet.
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Here's the next Tew venture....
One of the big "now why didn't I think of that?" stories last year was "The Million Dollar Web Page" - a clever marketing venture by a 21 year old Brit called Andrew Tew to raise money for a university course (see previous InfoPowa reports). He earned world fame, and a million bucks, from his entrepreneurial flair....and he is now about to launch his next big thing.
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Sportsbetting sector to meet in Austria
The industrys first annual global sports betting conference has been officially branded BetMarkets, and will take place in Viennas Le Meridien Hotel, Austria, on Monday 26 Tuesday 27 March 2007.
The event will represent the first time sports betting professionals from around the world have been able to come together for a dedicated conference designed specifically to meet the needs of the online and land based sports betting industries.
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Ever a popular game....
Writing on poker at the American Heritage.com site, author Jack Kelly commented on the historic development of "The very American career of the card game you can learn in 10 minutes and work on for the rest of your life!"
Kelly quotes an 1875 opinion from the New York Times, where a writer of the time was forced to the conclusion that the national game is not baseball, but poker.
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| PREVIOUS NEWS ARTICLES... |
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| 17th June 2006
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| 24th June 2006
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| 27th July 2006
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| 24th November 2006
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| 1st December 2006
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