Famous Poker Player sells WSOP Bracelet on eBay

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Written by John W

Winning a World Series of Poker gold bracelet is the highest honor in poker. In fact, the true measure of any player's career is defined by how many WSOP bracelets they haul in. Of course, accolades and building a legacy goes out the window when you live at the craps table, and often find yourself in debt like T.J. Cloutier does.

The six-time WSOP gold bracelet winner recently decided that he needed money to pay the bills more than he needed his latest bracelet. Now, the gold bracelet that Cloutier won in the 2005 $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em event is listed on eBay for $2,999. Of course it isn't Cloutier who is selling the bracelet, but rather an unidentified seller that bought one of poker's biggest prizes off of Cloutier.

On the description, the seller claims to have gotten the bracelet off of T.J. himself, and advertises that it has 13 round-cut diamonds and is 14K gold. To sweeten the deal, the seller is also offering free shipping on this item. The deal must not be sweet enough though because, with the auction set to end soon, nobody has bid on the bracelet yet.

But the bracelet could definitely be worth something as a collector's item to a rich player who makes a killing off of the top poker sites. After all, Cloutier had to battle through a field of 466 players to win the 2005 WSOP tournament, which included Todd Brunson, John Bonetti, and John Hennigan. Seeing as how Cloutier has only cashed once in the last few WSOP events, it will be tough for him to add that 7th bracelet.

What's really interesting about T.J. is that he has probably lost almost as much money gambling as he has made playing poker. And this is quite a feat to accomplish when you consider that Cloutier has earned over $9.4 million during his career!

Online Gambling Industry Helps Haiti

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 12:12 PM
Written by Daniel O

The massive 7.0 scale earthquake hit Haiti one week ago, on January 12. The world response continues to overwhelm with aid from all corners of the world reaching the people of Haiti in their efforts to recover.

The online gambling industry too is reaching out. Bodog founder Calvin Ayre has called out for the industry to help with the relief effort on his blog.

Ayre himself has sent GBP 10,000 to UK based Oxfam, according to his blog announcement. He added that his foundation will match online gambling's donations up to $1,000,000.

"I think the global online gaming community has a duty to do something," Ayre said.

Like the example he set himself, Ayre calls out to industry members saying: "Everyone making money has a duty to help."

Indeed, a great way to show leadership. Well done, Calvin.

Haiti Earthquake – How Can We All Help?

Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Written by Daniel O

Haiti is in ruins. Vast destruction. Rubble. Corpses under building blocks. Survivors' agony. Search for dead. Body counts.

With even the hospitals' status still unknown, it is certainly too early to guess the aftermath.

It is time to help.

UNICEF USA invites you to assist children affected by the eathquake in Haiti. CARE is rushing aid to the island. You too can help.

OCR an eCOGRA Reputable Portal

Thursday, January 07, 2010 at 9:47 AM
Written by Daniel O

eCOGRA has identified Online Casino Reports as a gambling portal, which provides quality content that is honest, and committed to fair play and customer service.

Naturally pleased with the distinction, OCR has released an announcement (thanks Lyceum!) on the good news.

Have you heard of our Media Partners Program?

Thursday, January 07, 2010 at 9:32 AM
Written by Daniel O

In ongoing efforts to reach out to the entire community of internet gambling webmasters, which included a post on the blog dating December 28, we have recently released a press release, distributed by Lyceum media, announcing our Video Sharing Program.

Our reasoning went something like this:

Videos are great content

and

Videos are hard work

ergo

If we offer videos, for free, webmasters can upgrade their content!

We are proud to report positive feedback and invite you to embed our gambling videos on your site, blog, forum, social media webpage, or any web-presence you may have.

Arenas Settles Gambling Debt the Wrong Way

Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Written by Daniel O

Sure, we doubted the logic of the 6-year, $111 million deal the Washington Wizards signed with their 3-time NBA All Star guard Gilbert Arenas. But did we ever think it would come to this?!

The New York Post reported first of Arenas' alleged showdown with Washington Wizards teammate Javaris Crittenton in the Wizards locker room on December 21. That was when the guard allegedly pulled out 3 (three!) firearms he had stored unloaded in his locker, challenging Crittenton to settle a debt they had that way. The debt of reportedly $25,000 results from card games the players played between them.

These are the Wizards - same team known as the Bullets (until 1997).

In on-and-off comments since the story broke, Arenas referred to the incident as a joke, or horseplay gone wrong. "I'm a goof-ball and that's what I am," Arenas has told the media recently.

But a joke that might cost him five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine - the maximum sentence for carrying an unlicensed or concealed gun in Washington, DC, where gin laws are especially strict. He's also facing a penalty on behalf of NBA commissioner David Stern. And that deal is at risk too.

2010 - An Exciting Decade Already?

Monday, January 04, 2010 at 3:11 PM
Written by Daniel O

OK, that will be forcing it, but somehow I cannot help but start summing this new year and decade... Alright, let's be serious.

I had in mind the idea of writing about who was first to launch renewed online gambling efforts in the new year, as most people are merely pulling their weight to the office on this post-holiday Monday. And man do we have a lot already going on!

In news (I haven't read in detail yet) from Thailand, the Prime Minister expresses his concern of the social implication of online lotteries? We can direct him to safe gambling and other related organizations that actually have the data and do something about it too.

Then there was the passing away of an honorable gambling man, a co-founder of 888, Aharon Shaked from Israel. May his soul rest in peace.

The folks at Platinum Play Casino have sent out a Season's Greetings Press Release, which we kindly accept, and reports of a 10 Free bonus at PP.

And there is more. Will be more. Here we are 2010!