The state of Washington is now in the midst of problems when it comes to gambling. The state’s legislators have long been debating the issue of gambling but predominantly have been leaning towards banning gambling. Though the normal arguments are around, it doesn’t seem to be swaying the market. Gambling brings millions of dollars into markets and not to mention it brings jobs. Despite the positive changes gambling can bring, Washington residents and legislators are not swayed. They don’t believe that the financial advantage wins out. This is the main reason why other states have given into their gambling initiatives. It is the promise of abundant cash and jobs that sways most states into accepting gambling as a means of financial aid. Washington isn’t budging though. Residents of the state have recently been denied access to the famed website Poker Stars. It is the world’s biggest poker room and the pull out is a sign of how up in the air the world of online gambling is in the market today.

This is big news for the market because this is the first time that a casino company stopped players from accessing its poker room as respective to one particular state. This is significant because it only stresses the fact that companies can make this decision, but rarely do. It means a loss of revenue and traditionally companies are not in the market of losing or denying money. It isn’t that hard to see how business works—supply and demand work together. If gambling companies are pushing potential customers out that could mean that they are going to continue to be discerning with certain markets. This is the first time a company made a ruling based on geography. In the future expect more companies to continue to open their doors and not close them to the market. This was a reflection of where the state of Washington is on the issue of gambling. The state’s legislators have been clear that they don’t want gambling in the state and the voting public seems to be supportive of that. Only time will tell if gambling will change in the state, but for now it is out of the question as a pastime.

The European Poker Tour (EPT) just announced its schedule for season 6 of the successful tournament.  As sponsored by PokerStars.com, the tournament has grown to be the most lucrative tour with regards to payouts and sponsorship money.  Chief Executive John Duthie stated, “The new European Poker Tour season includes many events which have made the past five seasons such a triumph with world record breaking fields and prize pools across Europe. We have set very high standards and we aim to improve on this still further in season six—with new additions to the schedule as well as a richer mix of games and buy-ins to cater to more players.”

The biggest push for the growth in evolution of the tour is the success of past years.  Last year the European Poker Tour had an overall payout of just short-of ₤55 million and hosted over 7,900 players from almost 100 different countries.  Almost half of the participants were directly from PokerStars.com. In the end, the winner 26 year-old Pieter de Korver won over ₤2.3 million.

With that kind of success, it’s no wonder PokerStars.com is set on elevating quality at the European Poker Tour this year.  Season six is aspiring to be the best year ever.  Duthie added, “This year’s EPT will be bigger and better than ever, kicking off in August in one of our new scheduled destinations—magnificent Moscow in Russia. Overall, the tour will visit an unprecedented thirteen countries, [which is] an increase of four events on top of last seasons. As well as Russian, the tour will include new stops in Portugal this November and other destinations to be announced shortly.”

Be sure to check with PokerStars.com for the latest developments as the season six tournament plays out. So far the EPT will be in London/UK at the Hilton from October 1^st through the 7^th.  It will be in Vilamoura Portugal at Casino Vilamoura from November 17^th through the 22^nd.  They will be in Prague Czech Republic at the Hilton Prague from December 1^st through the 6^th.  Closing off it will be in the Bahamas at the Atlantis from January 4^th through the 14^th of 2010.

American Idol gets ratings. Whether or not you call in or participate in the show, it’s no doubt that millions of weekly viewers call into the show to vote for their favorite singers.  The popularity of the show has grown tremendously throughout the past 9 seasons and it’s proven to be a true determinant of real sell-ability by its talent.  It’s hosted on the Fox Network and Fox is making a name for itself by involving the viewing public in outcomes.  They want an emotional investment by viewers that not only spurs them to watch the show, but also spurs them to get involved with judging. A new show has been developed for TV and will be debuting this fall.

FOX TV  announced its new show beginning October 11^th.  It will be airing “The Poker Stars Million Dollar Challenge.”  FOX, like many other media outlets sees the growing popularity of online gambling and online poker.  Though the recession has caused many businesses to close or file bankruptcy, online casinos have seen a surge in activity.  Sans a few online casinos, most are doing well in the difficult financial times.  Because of the steady growth the Fox Network is looking to capitalize on the popularity and build an entire show around it.  They are getting a panel of celebrity players to join in, and waving a huge million-dollar payout to anyone who walks away with the prize at the end.

PokerStars.com online casino is opening the door for US and Canadian players to participate in the show’s casting.  There is an intense qualification round, but once players pass that, they can then play against celebrity players on national TV.  The grand prize of course is $1 million.  To qualify players should participate in PokerStars.com online free rolls daily.  They are at 8pm and 11pm ET.  If a player finishes at the end in the top ten online slots, they will be auditioned by PokerStars.com to be an online player.  The people who make it past the online games and then pass the audition, will play against celebrities and Professional PokerStars players.  If you’re a fan of online poker, be sure to tune into Fox and watch the tournament begin.

if you’re an online poker player, undoubtedly you’ve come in contact with Poker Stars. Without question, it’s one of the largest and most popular poker rooms available in the online casino world.  Currently the online casino has about 100,000 consistent players. Because of their huge numbers, they have been able to develop a great tournament roster.  Check out all the opportunities online poker players have to win money.  There’s the “Sit & Go”, “Multi-table Tournaments” and “Re-buy Tournaments.” Not to mention the “Turbo”, “Deep Stacks” and “2X Turbo” tournaments.   

The Sit & Go tournament is a favorite because it’s the most casual. For anyone looking to find a poker game, this is a great option. The game doesn’t have a schedule. It just begins when the seats are filled.  It’s a great way to always find a game.  You may end up with a heads-up game or a 360-player game. You never know.

For a more structured game, check out the Multi-Table Tournaments, or MTTs.  These are tournaments where players begin with a fixed number of chips and as players go bankrupt, their places are moved. The goal of the organizers is to keep all tables full so you may start at one table, and be moved numerous times throughout the tournament. The good thing here is that you’ll end up playing with a wide variety of people and get some great experience. Hopefully, you’ll manage to win some money too.

One of the most versatile poker tournaments offered by Poker Stars is the re-buy tournaments. These are ones where you can buy more chips throughout gameplay.  Normally, once you’re chips are gone, you are eliminated.  With re-buys, that isn’t necessarily the case.   There are restrictions however. Sometimes the “re-buy period” is only for the first hour of the event. There are also normally a fixed number of re-buys allowed.  Although it isn’t a sure-fire way to make it to the end, it is a great way to extend your gameplay and know that even if you do lose, you may have an opportunity to keep playing with added money.

Whatever you’re poker playing needs are, check out Poker Stars for some great games, tournaments and bonuses.  It’s an outstanding online poker website.