Holy Shnikes! I received my Doyle's Room transfer on FTP. I thought I was never going to see that money again. Long story short - they wouldn't let me cash out - EVER - because I could not produce a gas bill.
Passport? Nope.
Driver license? Nuh-uh.
Bank statement? Not good enough.
Phone bill? No! We need a gas bill!
You get the picture. The only problem is I don't have gas service. (Insert lame gas joke here.)
Not only do I get the found money, but I also get my action points transferred to FTP points (4/1).
Consolidation just might be good for the poker industry.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Why Invitational Tournaments Suck
I came across this article about the NBC Heads-Up Championship. Marco Traniello qualified via satellite. Good for him - he's a decent player. And there's one more amateur qualifier yet to be announced.
However, they listed the other 62 "invited" contestants.
-Defending champ (Ted Forrest)... check.
-WSOP winners... check.
-TV pros and endorsement pros... check.
-Rene Angelil (Celine Dion's hubby/manager)... Well, she can make things happen in Vegas.
-Shannon Elizabeth... Hmmmm, I guess she has a good agent or connections through her ex-hubby.
-Don Cheadle.... I know he can play a little, but is he anywhere near the best 64 head-up?
-Cheryl Hines... WTF? Did she win some satellite on Celebrity Poker Showdown? (Or am I a moron and this is a different Cheryl Hines?)
It seems silly to put dead money in a 64 player INVITE ONLY tourney. I just don't see how these celebrities will add viewership over a pro who could actually win this thing.
Now watch karma bite me in the ass and have one of them go deep.
However, they listed the other 62 "invited" contestants.
-Defending champ (Ted Forrest)... check.
-WSOP winners... check.
-TV pros and endorsement pros... check.
-Rene Angelil (Celine Dion's hubby/manager)... Well, she can make things happen in Vegas.
-Shannon Elizabeth... Hmmmm, I guess she has a good agent or connections through her ex-hubby.
-Don Cheadle.... I know he can play a little, but is he anywhere near the best 64 head-up?
-Cheryl Hines... WTF? Did she win some satellite on Celebrity Poker Showdown? (Or am I a moron and this is a different Cheryl Hines?)
It seems silly to put dead money in a 64 player INVITE ONLY tourney. I just don't see how these celebrities will add viewership over a pro who could actually win this thing.
Now watch karma bite me in the ass and have one of them go deep.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Prepaid Visa Joins The Money Laundering Crusade
While doing some research last night, I stumbled upon this press release from Netspend (a leading Prepaid Visa provider). Although the press release is a few weeks old, its timing is curious - shortly after the DOJ dropped the hammer on Neteller.
This also probably explains why I wasn't able to apply for a Virgin Mobile Stash card (a Netspend branded prepaid), because it was drawn on an international bank. I'm guessing they didn't care to comply with the DOJ, so they're no longer available to new customers.
Now most use these prepaids to deposit but it appears the DOJ is using the money laundering angle to limit their effectiveness.
As for withdrawals, unless a new Ewallet steps up to fill the void, it seems checks are going to be the only consistent way to cash out of US facing poker sites.
Today is not just Valentines day - It's the Annual FIBA Anti Money Laundering Conference. Join in the fun!
This also probably explains why I wasn't able to apply for a Virgin Mobile Stash card (a Netspend branded prepaid), because it was drawn on an international bank. I'm guessing they didn't care to comply with the DOJ, so they're no longer available to new customers.
Now most use these prepaids to deposit but it appears the DOJ is using the money laundering angle to limit their effectiveness.
As for withdrawals, unless a new Ewallet steps up to fill the void, it seems checks are going to be the only consistent way to cash out of US facing poker sites.
Today is not just Valentines day - It's the Annual FIBA Anti Money Laundering Conference. Join in the fun!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Want To Play Online In Canada? Here's How-
I've read quite a lot of threads on message boards about becoming a Canadian citizen in order to play poker online (in Canada). It's not worth the time and trouble. Here are a few reasons:
-You will need a need a work/study visa OR a temporary worker permit.
-You will have tons of paperwork and fees. Getting an SIN is important for banking and getting your paperwork processed.
-It's expensive and could take many months.
However, it's easy to visit Canada. If you were going to spend a long weekend in Vegas, it's almost just as easy to spend that weekend in Niagara Falls (or the Canadian destination of choice). You could visit, play live poker AND online poker, then return home and repeat the process next month/quarter/whatever. Here's what you will need:
- A US passport. You don't need a passport to enter Canada but you do to re-enter the USA.
-Make sure the hotel/rental you stay at has Internet access! IP issues now solved.
-Open a mailbox at a UPS store to obtain a Canadian mailing address. This should run about $80 USD/year. If you want to go all out get a prepaid cell phone while in Canada. (This should also run about $80 USD/year.)
Now you have a full Canadian address you can use to play poker. The only issues remaining should revolve around funding and withdrawing from poker sites. For those of you fixated on Neteller - get over it. Quickly. Many non-US Neteller customers are experiencing problems so stay far away.
I would fund your new accounts with prepaid credit cards. Most Canadian prepaids should not have any problems (that some US prepaids have encountered). You might be able to register your prepaid to your new address which would help tremendously in signing up for an ewallet. Also, some Canadian prepaids should be eligible for withdrawals from some poker sites. Do your research.
Cash outs will range from paper checks to ewallets to player transfers. (Although I think the player transfer is coming to a swift end because of the 'laundering' angle.) Don't carry cash or checks across the border. Wire or mail funds to a USA address before leaving. Returning to the USA is much more complex than leaving because of Homeland Security (terrorism threats) and illegal immigration.
One final thought - it's much easier to cross the border via public transportation than traveling by private car. If you do travel by car, don't cross the border alone. You will get extra scrutiny. (I know this from personal experience.)
As a former bonus whore, I would be salivating at the thought of running through the myriad of bonuses and rakeback every month. But I realize that playing online in Canada is not a viable solution for most (myself included). But for those medium/high rollers who made decent money online, this might be your workaround.
(ETA: Under NO circumstances am I recommending you break any law or deceive US & Canadian governments. Follow the laws of both lands. Declare your income on tax returns and deduct all travel expenses.)
-You will need a need a work/study visa OR a temporary worker permit.
-You will have tons of paperwork and fees. Getting an SIN is important for banking and getting your paperwork processed.
-It's expensive and could take many months.
However, it's easy to visit Canada. If you were going to spend a long weekend in Vegas, it's almost just as easy to spend that weekend in Niagara Falls (or the Canadian destination of choice). You could visit, play live poker AND online poker, then return home and repeat the process next month/quarter/whatever. Here's what you will need:
- A US passport. You don't need a passport to enter Canada but you do to re-enter the USA.
-Make sure the hotel/rental you stay at has Internet access! IP issues now solved.
-Open a mailbox at a UPS store to obtain a Canadian mailing address. This should run about $80 USD/year. If you want to go all out get a prepaid cell phone while in Canada. (This should also run about $80 USD/year.)
Now you have a full Canadian address you can use to play poker. The only issues remaining should revolve around funding and withdrawing from poker sites. For those of you fixated on Neteller - get over it. Quickly. Many non-US Neteller customers are experiencing problems so stay far away.
I would fund your new accounts with prepaid credit cards. Most Canadian prepaids should not have any problems (that some US prepaids have encountered). You might be able to register your prepaid to your new address which would help tremendously in signing up for an ewallet. Also, some Canadian prepaids should be eligible for withdrawals from some poker sites. Do your research.
Cash outs will range from paper checks to ewallets to player transfers. (Although I think the player transfer is coming to a swift end because of the 'laundering' angle.) Don't carry cash or checks across the border. Wire or mail funds to a USA address before leaving. Returning to the USA is much more complex than leaving because of Homeland Security (terrorism threats) and illegal immigration.
One final thought - it's much easier to cross the border via public transportation than traveling by private car. If you do travel by car, don't cross the border alone. You will get extra scrutiny. (I know this from personal experience.)
As a former bonus whore, I would be salivating at the thought of running through the myriad of bonuses and rakeback every month. But I realize that playing online in Canada is not a viable solution for most (myself included). But for those medium/high rollers who made decent money online, this might be your workaround.
(ETA: Under NO circumstances am I recommending you break any law or deceive US & Canadian governments. Follow the laws of both lands. Declare your income on tax returns and deduct all travel expenses.)
Monday, February 05, 2007
Table Overload & A Review
I'm playing a lot of tournaments. I haven't decided if it's better to play two at once. Three is out of the question, but I want to maximize my hourly rate.
Review Me is sending more business my way. They've sponsored me once again - this time to review Card Room Supply.com's Poker Tables. I'm kind of surprised I was asked to review an E-commerce site, but I do know a little about poker. (My brother is the interior designer.)
The first thing you notice when you arrive at Poker Tables... Is that they have a LOT of tables. Oodles of tables. I would venture to say that they offer every kind of Hold 'Em Table I've ever seen, with just one exception - The new electronic Hold 'Em Tables. One neat feature is that they offer several poker tables with an option of a customized logo. Maybe some day when I start the Buffalo Hold 'Em Classic I'll spring for a few.
Besides poker tables, they offer other types of gaming tables. There are also multi-use tables (with a poker function), and board game tables (most with a chess function). And don't forget the poker table toppers for your existing table!
But wait, there's more... Cards and chips abound. Several styles of heavy chips are available, along with chip cases, racks, and complete sets. A few styles of cards, mostly plastic, are available in quantity. Sorry, no KEM brand cards.
I almost forgot to mention that there's free shipping on orders over $100.
Finally, There's a few novelty items available. Dealer buttons, electronic tournaments timers, and strong boxes round out the list. If you're lucky, maybe a clearance item or two will show up. In all honesty, I cannot say how competitive Cardroom Supply.com's prices are, mostly because I'm not currently in the market for any of their offerings. I would think that a quick froogle search would bear out the results. It appears they offer quality items, but I would shop around to make sure you're getting the best price.
Review Me is sending more business my way. They've sponsored me once again - this time to review Card Room Supply.com's Poker Tables. I'm kind of surprised I was asked to review an E-commerce site, but I do know a little about poker. (My brother is the interior designer.)
The first thing you notice when you arrive at Poker Tables... Is that they have a LOT of tables. Oodles of tables. I would venture to say that they offer every kind of Hold 'Em Table I've ever seen, with just one exception - The new electronic Hold 'Em Tables. One neat feature is that they offer several poker tables with an option of a customized logo. Maybe some day when I start the Buffalo Hold 'Em Classic I'll spring for a few.
Besides poker tables, they offer other types of gaming tables. There are also multi-use tables (with a poker function), and board game tables (most with a chess function). And don't forget the poker table toppers for your existing table!
But wait, there's more... Cards and chips abound. Several styles of heavy chips are available, along with chip cases, racks, and complete sets. A few styles of cards, mostly plastic, are available in quantity. Sorry, no KEM brand cards.
I almost forgot to mention that there's free shipping on orders over $100.
Finally, There's a few novelty items available. Dealer buttons, electronic tournaments timers, and strong boxes round out the list. If you're lucky, maybe a clearance item or two will show up. In all honesty, I cannot say how competitive Cardroom Supply.com's prices are, mostly because I'm not currently in the market for any of their offerings. I would think that a quick froogle search would bear out the results. It appears they offer quality items, but I would shop around to make sure you're getting the best price.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
NLHE Secrets Revealed
How to win NLHE tournaments:
1) Buy Kill Phil. (I also recommend Kill Phil Online Helper software).
2) Win three coin flips with AA, KK, QQ or AK.
3) Profit.
My last three attempts - 1st/275, 18th/400, 5th/180.
So I have come full circle. When I started this blogging mess almost three years ago, I was trying to win money playing NLHE tourneys. Now I am doing it again. With the UIGEA, all of the cash games have dried up (and all of the bonuses have dried up). Tourneys are now where the money is and NLHE tourneys have the most dead money.
Off to the races I go.
Football Lock of the Week: NFL, Colts (-6.5) vs. Bears. I hate this line. If I were REALLY putting money on this game, I would drop more on the over than anything else. By the way, I've missed the last 3 Superbowls (although I was robbed last year by the officials). [2007 Record 2-0]
1) Buy Kill Phil. (I also recommend Kill Phil Online Helper software).
2) Win three coin flips with AA, KK, QQ or AK.
3) Profit.
My last three attempts - 1st/275, 18th/400, 5th/180.
So I have come full circle. When I started this blogging mess almost three years ago, I was trying to win money playing NLHE tourneys. Now I am doing it again. With the UIGEA, all of the cash games have dried up (and all of the bonuses have dried up). Tourneys are now where the money is and NLHE tourneys have the most dead money.
Off to the races I go.
Football Lock of the Week: NFL, Colts (-6.5) vs. Bears. I hate this line. If I were REALLY putting money on this game, I would drop more on the over than anything else. By the way, I've missed the last 3 Superbowls (although I was robbed last year by the officials). [2007 Record 2-0]
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