Online Gambling

The trailblazer who introduced the Bodog Brand, Calvin Ayre, has opened his bag of predictions and shared what he foresees in 2012. Although the U.S. is currently sheltering dim hopes for legalizing and regulating online gambling, Calvin sees more states engaging in online gambling in 2012. The state leading the pack is Nevada; so far, Nevada has taken all the right steps and has made enough correct moves to make this endeavor possible. Calvin by no means has underestimated the degree of difficulty that looms over this process. In fact, he states that this process will slowly move along, and there is a 50 percent chance of more states following the footsteps of Nevada.

Nevertheless, this state-by-state process has been ongoing ever since it was initiated, which was in Nevada during late 2010. Sports’ betting was the main highlight back then, but as this process picks up steam and gain support, online gambling is becoming broader and reaching a state of no return. For this reason, Calvin’s bold predictions are far from lifeless and have many things to stand on.

Whichever states join Nevada will most likely only allow lottery tickets to be purchased online; assuredly, this will certainly change for the better in this decade. According to Calvin, the integration code between online gambling and land-based casinos is bound to crack at any moment. Well, at least, this is something he is wholeheartedly hoping and looking forward to seeing. In 2011, the main focus of the online gambling world was primarily on getting land-based casinos up and running efficiently in the digital realm. Now that this is no longer a concern, Calvin predicts that it will not be too long before online gambling gains enough recognition and support; more than enough to become legal and regulated throughout the U.S..

Online Gambling Amongst Department of Justice’s Recent Difficulties

The online gambling industry is booming worldwide. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) recently ruled that some gambling will be allowed online as long as sports related betting is not involved. However, what the doors have been opened to is still under question.

The online poker craze has brought in over $6 billion yearly. In the past, the DOJ banned poker game casinos as well as other forms of gambling in the United States and forbade any financial institutions from processing transactions related to the games. In 2006, indictments were handed down to several companies operating in the U.S. which shut them down and, in turn, moved gamblers and their billions to offshore sites.

However, recent negotiations allowing casinos to operate online have had positive outcomes for casino companies and players. But, the legislation is still a bit murky according to hesitant casino owners afraid of being cited if they decide to open up shop in the U.S. The existing Wire Act has carve outs for horse-racing and fantasy sports, but now states are still unclear as to what the new easement allows to be transacted online. Many states with cash flow issues want to bring lotteries online, but are unclear as to whether this is part of the new legislation.

Also in question is the whether the regulatory bodies should be administered by each state or if this is a nationwide ruling. Lawmakers, casinos and players feel that the recent ruling still has the industry in the U.S. in a legal limbo making people still hesitant to play here in fear of breaking the law.

The DOJ answered Illinois and New York last week when the states asked if bringing their lotteries online were legal by saying that other than sports betting, all other wagers are fine. The American Gaming Association still feels that Capitol Hill needs to provide a clearer definition on the recent ruling. Meanwhile, investors in gaming stocks saw their interests rise immediately after the recent DOJ actions.

Is The Venetian Poker Room The Place To Be These Days?

The Venetian poker room is gorgeous. It can’t be stated in simple terms. This poker room is host to 41 tables, which makes it one of the largest poker rooms in Las Vegas. Unlike many other poker rooms throughout the United States, the Venetian has a lot of space between tables. The walkways between the rows of tables are also wide. With crystal chandeliers and leather armrests, you feel like you’re in paradise when you play poker at the Venetian. Another reason it’s so nice is because of the service. The wait staff here is friendly, competent and available. With a comp rate of $1 to $2 per hour, you can take advantage of the wait staff if you’d like food delivered to the table. Another option is to eat at one of the many high-quality restaurants in the hotel.

The Venetian poker room has a decent range for stakes. The limit games offered are 4/8 and 8/16. The no limit games offered are 1/2, 2/5 and 5/10. The buy-ins for the no limit games are $100/$300, $200/$1000 and $400/unlimited, respectively. This is also one of the few casinos where you can find other poker games, such as Omaha, pot limit, and mixed games. Tournaments are held daily. A $150 tournament is available five days per week at noon. A $120 tournament is available every day at 7 p.m. Their biggest tournament is on Saturday at noon, which is a $340 buy-in.

One of the biggest draws for the Venetian poker room is their quarterly Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza. This is a series of tournaments that have a wide range in regards to buy-in price, type of game and blind structure.

Overall, if you’re in Las Vegas and you want to experience one of the nicest poker rooms in the world, it’s highly recommended that you visit the poker room at the Venetian.