Poker News 29/07/09

The poker news has been dominated by the WSOP for the past couple of months, and this update is no different! The final 9 of the WSOP 2009 have been determined and now the betting has started. Checkout the favourites considering chip position, form and past record. Whether you’re going to place a bet or not, its sure to be an exciting and tense finale to what has been a great WSOP. But wait we have more news! Read on for an update for French players and the situation in the US.

WSOP November Nine Betting
It’s been a couple of weeks since the November Nine was finalised and already betting markets have sprung up amongst the majority of online bookmakers. Darvin Moon will lead the way as the nine hopefuls take their final table seats in early November and it’s no surprise to see the chip leader as the favourite. James Akenhead is the final short stack and bookmakers think the UK professional is one of the big outsiders to take the main event bracelet.

The average prices for the finalists are as follows:

Darvin Moon – 3/1
Eric Buchman – 9/2
Jeff Shulman – 11/2
Steven Begleiter – 6/1
Phil Ivey – 7/1
Kevin Schaffel – 15/1
Joseph Cada – 15/1
James Akenhead – 17/1
Antoine Saout – 20/1

French Players Welcome Tax Change
It’s been a worrying few years for online poker players in France. Uncertainties over the legality of poker followed by a tax of 2% on all player stakes made playing poker in France an expensive and concerning pursuit. However it was announced last week that things are to take a turn for the better for French players. The government have made a u-turn on the 2% “player tax” and, instead, have made a 2% of the pot tax, up to a maximum of €1, the new law in regards to poker.

The new tax will enable French poker rooms to operate on an even playing field with international online poker sites. Expect to see more French online players on your table soon!

Americans Ignore UIGEA and Play on
When America announced UIGEA, back in 2006, many where predicting a crash for the online poker world as the biggest market for the game would, in effect, be forced to “leave the table”. (Please note: 32Red Poker will not accept players from the USA currently) Indeed, the majority of online poker operators fell into line with US demands and blocked American player access to their poker rooms. Since then, and following much lobbying for organisations such as The Poker Player’s Alliance, it appears certain states in America may, once again, allow players to enjoy online poker.

A recent survey found that over 10 million Americans are still playing online poker illegally for real money. That figure is some five times the amount of the country second on the player list, the UK. Germany and France sit in third and fourth respectively as the growth of poker in Europe shows no signs of slowing down despite the current global financial crisis.

Should America, or even select states in America, once again fully legalise online poker we could see an explosion of new players online. That would increase poker promotions, such as guaranteed prize pools, and bigger poker tournaments as more players log on to play. The effects would be positive for everybody that plays poker!