The Tale of Isaac ‘WestMenloAA’ Baron and His Lost Lexus.

I came across a really funny poker blog post by professional player Alec Torelli at his CardPlayer.com blog recently - and with the new year coming upon us soon I only thought it was fitting to post it real quick here on the site.  It has also been a hot topic over at Two Plus Two, so I definitely thought it was news/blog-worthy.

Isaac Baron, who is hands-down probably one of the best online poker players in the world, is the main character in this drunken tale of stupidity and fun.  You probably all know him as “WestMenloAA” on PokerStars and have seen his name on P5’s for his sick tournament scores in both the Stars Sunday Million and Full Tilt Poker FTOPS events.  He’s also one of the nicest and informative players you could chat with or rail on the interwebs - which makes this story just insanely funnier given that he just doesn’t seem like someone who could possibly do what he did, lol.

The plotline is pretty simple.  Isaac scores a nice $60,000 insta-payday after earning a 40%  cut of Alec Torelli’s action in a high-limit cash game online. To celebrate, he buys a very impressive 2007 Lexus IS 350 Sport - bastard, heh. He then drives said Lexus to a nearby college party in Santa Barbara.  Drunken shenanigans ensue and he basically forgets where he parks his new $50k Lexus and vows to come back in the morning when he’s a bit more sober to find it again.

Essentially, even after Baron sobers up he discovers his car is STILL nowhere to be found.  He subsequently just files a police report and the insurance company just ships him a check for the full value of the car - under the premise of course that the car was just stolen.  Being the baller that he is, Isaac uses the crappy situation of his stolen Lex and implements the insurance check and another $75k to buy a brand-spanking new Maserati!  Oh how good it must be to be the Baron at times, right?

Now, fast-forward nearly 6 months later.  Isaac receives a call from the insurance company stating that they had just received notification that his “stolen” Lexus was actually never stolen at all - it was just parked under a tree a few blocks from where he had apparently parked it before he went to that wild Santa Barbara party!  So, in retrospect, the next time you think you’ve done something so universally stupid after getting trashed at some random party - think about Isaac Baron and the tale of his Lost Lexus….

The RGA Comments on the Recent PartyGaming Settlement With the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Remote Gambling Association has released a statement with their thoughts on the recent settlement between the DOJ and PartyGaming co-founder Anurag Dikshit.

As Gambling101.org previously reported earlier in the week, Anurag settled with the DOJ for $300 million recently as he agreed to plead guilty for violating US laws on Internet Gambling.

In the statement the RGA commented:

“This is the first time this Act has been applied to Internet gambling beyond sports-betting. Despite never offering sports-betting and ceasing to accept US customers for its poker and casino games when the still-controversial Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 was passed, United States District Judge Rakoff accepted the plea of Mr. Anurag Dikshit and a fine of $300M.”

Clive Hawkswood, the Chief Executive of the Remote Gambling Association, commented that when the shareholder was pressured into making a deal “a major line has been crossed and it could set a very worrying precedent.”

Hawkswood also criticized the United States authorities for not going after European online gaming companies and their continued breach of the World Trade Organization commitment. Hawkswood stated:

“These events show that the outgoing US administration and the Department of Justice have demonstrated a total disrespect for the legal rights of European online gaming companies and those associated with them and a complete disregard for US international commitments under GATS.”

Hawkswood also stated that the RGA will continue to work with the European Commission for protection and support and stated that the Commissions resolve will be strengthened by the United States continuous breaches of international law.

The RGA represents the world’s largest licensed, and stock market-listed remote gambling companies and provides the industry with a single voice on all the issues of importance to regulators, legislators, and key decision makers around the world.

PartyGaming Founder To Pay $300 Million Penalty.

Anurag Dikshit, the co-founder of PartyGaming, has been agreed to pay $300 million to United States authorities after agreeing to plead guilty to an illegal internet betting charge in which he was arrested for by U.S. Department of Justice officials a little over 2 years ago.

PartyGaming is a UK-listed online gambling company where Dikshit owns 27 percent of its shares. Dikshit will be appearing in the Southern District Court in New York to plead guilty to breaking a law under the Wire Act - which forbids any offshore company from taking U.S. wagers across state lines. Dikshit is expected to co-operate with the United States Department of Justice.

Since Dikshit went to authorities on his own accord he is hoping that the Department of Justice will be lien ant and not ask for jail time. With the current charges against him, Dikshit could face two years in jail as no plea bargain was agreed upon.

This a giant step in online gambling as many will be waiting to see what is done to Dikshit and what the Department of Justice recommends be done. Those interested in running online gambling businesses such as Party’s or sites such as Players Only Poker in the United States will have an idea of what might happen if they pursue the market.

PartyGaming’s other co-founders, Russ DeLeon and his wife Ruth Parasol, own fourteen percent of the company and have yet came forward to settle. PartyGaming was very successful over the past three years in online poker and the company has been negotiating with the Department of Justice for some time now, along with other online companies.

Insiders say that DeLeon and Parasol believe the new administration for the White House will possibly regulate online gambling so they are holding out on that hope. Others say the Dikshit could not take the pressure anymore and wanted to be done with the matter even if he is forced to go to jail.

PartyGaming sent a statement to the stock exchange earlier this week that read:

“The Company’s discussions with the DoJ have made good progress and it is currently negotiating the final terms of a possible settlement with the DoJ”

“Whilst these discussions are at an advanced stage, the terms of any settlement have not yet been finalized and there can be no guarantee that an agreement will be reached between the company and the DoJ.”

Bodog Christmas Sets Up “12 Days of Poker”

“12 Days of Poker” Holiday Promotion at Bodog

Bodog Poker is getting ready for the holidays by giving their players an opportunity to earn some extra cash. A new promotion has been announced by the poker room called “12 Days of Poker” which will begin on December 21st and continue until January 1st.

The holiday promotion will have an amazing 45 tournaments take place over the allotted time period and Bodog will be adding more than $100,000 in prize money to the prize pools of the events as well as Bodog Poker Open 3 packages.

>> Download Bodog Poker Today <<

What you want to do as a player is make the finale. To make the finale you must do one of the following:

- Finish 1st to 4th on the Leader Board- which will track your progress throughout the time period.

- Finish 5th to 100th to get an entry into the Semi Finals tournament where the top 18 advance

- Be one of five wild cards which will be randomly drawn from players who participated in at least five “12 Days of Poker” tournaments.

The top three players in the Grand Finale will win a Bodog Poker Open 3 package and fourth through tenth place will win a seat to the Bodog Flight Club Semifinal which is a section of a new program that will start in January of next year.

12 Days of Poker Schedule:

Event # Date/Time • Tournament and Buy-In Amount

#1 12-21 / 2pm ET • 12 Days – $3K Added (Deep Stack) $100+9
#2 12-21 / 4pm ET • 12 Days – $20K Added $100+9
#3 12-21 / 4:30pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added $10+1
#4 12-21 / 10:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added $20+2

#5 12-22 / 3:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Deep Stack) $40+4
#6 12-22 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added (Deep Stack) $69+6

#7 12-23 / 2pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Super Stack) $30+3
#8 12-23 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added (Deep Stack) $150+12

#9 12-24 / 2pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Super Stack) $30+3
#10 12-24 / 3:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Deep Stack) $40+4
#11 12-24 / 6:40pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (rebuy) $12+1
#12 12-24 / 7:20pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added $100+$9
#13 12-24 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added (rebuy) $50+5
#14 12-24 / 10:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (turbo) $20+2

#15 12-25 / 1:20am ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (rebuy) $20+2
#16 12-25 / 2pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Super Stack) $30+3
#17 12-25 / 3:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Deep Stack) $40+4
#18 12-25 / 6:40pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (rebuy) $12+1
#19 12-25 / 7:20pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added $69+6
#20 12-25 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $3K Added (Deep Stack) $44+4
#21 12-25 / 10:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (turbo) $20+2

#22 12-26 / 1:20am ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (rebuy) $20+2
#23 12-26 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $4K Added (Deep Stack) $100+9

#24 12-27 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $3K Added (Deep Stack) $50+5
#25 12-27 / 10:20pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (rebuy) $30+3

#26 12-28 / 2pm ET • 12 Days – $3K Added (Deep Stack) $100+9
#27 12-28 / 4pm ET • 12 Days – $20K Added $100+9
#28 12-28 / 4:30pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added $10+1

#29 12-29 / 3:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Deep Stack) $40+4
#30 12-29 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added (Deep Stack) $69+6

#31 12-30 / 2pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Super Stack) $30+3
#32 12-30 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added (Deep Stack) $150+12

#33 12-31 / 2pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Super Stack) $30+3
#34 12-31 / 3:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Deep Stack) $40+4
#35 12-31 / 6:40pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (rebuy) $12+1
#36 12-31 / 7:20pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added $100+9
#37 12-31 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added (rebuy) $50+5
#38 12-31 / 10:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added $20+2

#39 1-1 / 1:20am ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (rebuy) $20+2
#40 1-1 / 2pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Super Stack) $30+3
#41 1-1 / 3:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (Deep Stack) $40+4
#42 1-1 / 6:40pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (rebuy) $12+1
#43 1-1 / 7:20pm ET • 12 Days – $2K Added $69+6
#44 1-1 / 8:30pm ET • 12 Days – $3K Added (Deep Stack) $44+4
#45 1-1 / 10:30pm ET • 12 Days – $1K Added (turbo) $20+2

#46 1-8 / 9:05pm ET • 12 Days – Semifinal $0+0 (Top 18 win seat to finale)

#47 1-15 / 9:05pm ET • 12 Days – Grand Finale $0+0 (Top three win BPO3 package, fourth to ninth win T$270)

PokerStars Brings Back Instant eCheck Deposit Option!

The title says it all - PokerStars has finally brought back the eCheck deposit option for USA players. Besides credit cards, eChecks are the most convenient deposit option available, as they allow for instant transfers directly from your checking account. Also, PokerStars doesn’t charge any fees for using the eCheck option, so you’ll save a bunch of money over using a deposit service like Western Union.

To deposit using eChecks you’ll have to provide PokerStars with your 9-digit bank routing number, your checking or saving account number, your social security number, your date of birth, and your phone number. After your first eCheck deposit, you’ll have to wait 48 hours until you can make another deposit using eChecks. However, after you’ve had your first successful eCheck deposit you can make up to 4 deposits using eCheck transactions per 24 hours.

Although this is great news from PokerStars, eCheck deposits won’t work for everyone in the United States. The UIGEA bill attempts to limit financial institutions when it comes to processing gambling transactions, and some banks have followed the regulations. If your bank denies your eCheck transaction, it’s most likely because they won’t process online gambling payments. If that is the case, you’ll have to use another gambling deposit option like Western Union or Credit Card.

If you’re making your first deposit at PokerStars.com, you’ll be eligible for a 100% up to $50 match bonus. To redeem your bonus, sign up using marketing code “PSP7236” and make the deposit. After depositing, the bonus money will be held in your pending bonus account until you release it by earning PokerStars Frequent Player Points. To learn more read our PokerStars.com Review.

PokerStars also gives all new depositors entry into exclusive freerolls. They’re giving away $75,000 in these freerolls between now and Christmas, so make sure to sign up at PokerStars.com today!

Inspirational “SNL” Skit Motivates Poker Players To Pwn Silly?

Have you ever thought to yourself the OTHER emotions that go along with winning a big cash game pot or taking down a sick tournament score?

I’m not talking about the euphoric feelings you get when you crack Aces with 8 5 off suit, or the enjoyable rise one gets when tilting your opponents via the table chat box.

I mean the LITERAL feeling one gets when having a true moment of poker pimpnacity.

Well, tonight, as I lay on the couch watching the newest episode of “Saturday Night Live,” I was lucky enough to be a witness to the true meaning of pwnage - ESPECIALLY in regards to poker - and I am now sharing it to the world on this very late Saturday evening.

Scroll down below and just click the “Play” button - and remember to freeze the hook of this song into your brains….and hold onto it forever - because the next time you have a moment of elite poker glory - or hell, even getting a new poker site download on your pc - THIS is how you need to feel.  The raw emotions are so obvious, obv.

(oh, and it probably won’t be as appealing if you’re a woman player - sorry)

CLICK HERE if you can’t view this video.

*This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by G101 and was in no way meant to offend the intelligent and beautiful women poker players who are unable to perform aforementioned said act due to science and sheer genetics*

PokerStars Announces Russian Poker Tour Events for 2009

PokerStars.com, the biggest online poker site in the world, has announced their plans to create the Russian Poker Tour - the first major tournament series ever for Russia. This news comes shortly after the second place finish of Russian Player Ivan Demidov in the 2008 WSOP Main Event. Demidov is a poker sensation in his country, and claimed multiple times during the World Series that Russia is an up and coming force in the poker world.

The Russian Poker Tour (RPT for short) will kick off on January 25th in St. Petersberg. The Nevskiy pr, Concert Hall Premier will host a $5,000 week long event culminating with the final table on February 1st. The next stop for the RPT will be Moscow, where a $10,000 buy-in event will run from February 22 to February 28.

To help jump start the tournaments, PokerStars is offering a slew of satellites to help players qualify for the big buy-in events. The lowest buy-in satellites are $2.22 buy-ins that qualify players for an $800 direct satellite tournament. There are also other satellite options, including $8.80 tournaments that send qualifiers to a $109 super satellite. Regardless of your bankroll, there is a satellite tournament at PokerStars that will give you a shot at a huge payday in the RPT. To learn more about PokerStars tournaments, or to get a great $50 sign up bonus, head over to our full PokerStars.com review.

PokerStars has also announced the structure of the RPT tournaments, and players will be pleased to hear that the structure is basically the same as most EPT events. Each player starts with 15,000 tournament chips, and levels increase every hour with periodic breaks throughout the day.

This isn’t the first poker series that PokerStars has sponsored. In fact, there are over five different tournament series that PokerStars has a hand in, including the European Poker Tour, the Asia Pacific Poker Tour, and the Latin America Poker Tour. Every one of their prevoius tournament events have seen great success, and we expect the same from the Russian Poker Tour.

You can bet that all of the major Russian poker players will show up to both of these events, including Demidov, Kirill Gerasimov, and Alexander Kravchenko. With an improved economy in Russia, many citizens are finding more time for leisure activities such as playing poker, and as a result of that Russia has really had a big impact on the poker world both online and offline. We expect much more from Russian poker players in the future, so keep your eyes out.

Controversial AP/UB Online Poker Scandal Featured on CBS “60 Minutes.”

This past Sunday, the popular CBS program “60 Minutes” aired their investigation into the online poker scandals which involved online poker rooms Ultimate Bet and their sister site Absolute Poker, both of which are owned by Tokwiro Enterprises.

Steve Kroft, a correspondent for “60 Minutes,” traveled to several destinations to uncover parts of the scandal. When the program began it discussed the poker boom, which took place the moment when Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event, as well as other facets of the industry that have been thriving ever since that historic day. Moneymaker’s $2.5 million win showed everyday Joes that they too could play poker and win tons of cash in the process - and that he truly cashed in on the best poker bonus possible by parlaying an online satellite into some very life-changing money at the WSOP.

The program then shifted its focus quite intimately on online poker. Steve Kroft stated:

“We should tell you that this $18 billion industry is illegal in the United States, but the ban is almost impossible to enforce since the internet sites and the computers that randomly deal the cards and keep track of the bets are located offshore, beyond the jurisdiction of U.S. law enforcement.”

Former WSOP bracelet winner Todd Witteles was on the interview block next. Todd is known for his online name “Dan Druff” on most popular poker sites, and he’s one of the owners of the notorious poker forum over at NWP. Todd commented on the “Graycat” superuser account as well, claiming that:

“This ‘Graycat’ person was new and at first he seemed like a live one. He seemed terrible. He was raising just really, really bad hands against very good hands. He seemed to play crazy. He seemed like he was giving his money away, except the only thing was, he wasn’t losing. He was playing in a style that was sure to lose, but he was killing the game day after day.”

There were several other interviews conducted during the course of the piece, 2 of which were affected by the cheating from such superusers like the aforementioned “Graycat,” as well as the notorious “POTRIPPER” account, which also stole countless millions from high-limit cash game players in UB ring tables.

Russ Hamilton, a former WSOP champion, was found implicated directly by investigators of masterminding the $20 million cheating scandal at Ultimate Bet and was named in a report distributed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, who was looking into the claims. Michael Delisle, who is the current head of the KGC, was grilled intensely during the show, asking why there wasn’t more being done to stop what was going on, and why so much was swept under the rug.

Delisle was also asked why Russ Hamilton and the five other accomplices involved in the KGC findings had not been charged with any crime. Delisle stated:

“We’re willing to work with anyone who wants to bring these people to justice. I believe that anyone else, named or not, will be brought to justice if they can be found.”

Steve Kroft had tried contacting Hamilton by calling his home directly, but unfortunately his has since gone unanswered - as have many questions still being asked about this superuser controversy.

Check out the full segment by clicking the Play button below: