Poker News: 24/04/09

Poker News: 24/04/09

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The Poker News Headlines:

Poker Players Alliance to spend big on lobbying
Global financial worries hit Las Vegas
Praz Bansi continues recent good form

Poker Players Alliance to spend big on lobbying

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) today announced that they will be spending up to $3 million in the United States on their lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill during the current Congressional session. 
The PPA boasts over one million members worldwide with many paying a one time $20 fee.  The organisation was formed following the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which was passed into law in the United States in late 2006.

UIGEA hit many online poker operators hard as American players were effectively banned overnight.  The latest round of lobbying is rumoured to be most effective yet on over-turning UIGEA.  We’ll have all the latest on this story, as it happens, here at the poker blog.

Global financial worries hit Las Vegas
It seems that there is no escape from the global financial problems, even in Las Vegas.  The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced revenue for casinos in the state dropped by 18% in February.

While the casino bosses in the “City of Sin” may be scratching their heads with worry, the drop in revenue could mean great news for travellers to Vegas.  Many casinos are now dropping their hotel room rates substantially in an attempt to attract the gamblers back to their establishments. 

Airlines are also feeling the pinch during the recession and return flights to Las Vegas are now the cheapest they have been for several years.  So, if you’re not feeling the pinch too badly, there has never been a better time to try your luck in the world’s gambling capital. Alternatively, why not have a flutter in an online casino – same gambling thrill and quality, but all from the comfort of your own home.

Praz Bansi continues recent good form 
UK poker professional, Praz Bansi, has continued his red hot form of late and is now taking America by storm.  Bansi, a GUKPT and WSOP title holder, has be wowing the regulars at Five Star World Classic in Las Vegas.  With two final tables already in the bank, Bansi went one better last weekend by winning the $5000 buy-in event for an impressive $133,000 haul.  The recent results push Bansi’s earning towards the $1 million mark for his poker tournament play.