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This Weeks Featured Articles

Is There A Law Against Gambling On The Internet?
by I. Nelson Rose filed under Poker News [Originally appeared in the May 15, 2006 issue of Poker Player]

I. Nelson Rose

The question I get far more than any other is, "Is gambling on the Internet legal?" My favorite emails are from gamblers who have won big and now want to know if they will get arrested. I have a standard answer: There is no federal law against being merely a player. About half the states do have ancient laws on the books that sometimes make it a crime to make a bet. But you have a better chance of winning the World Poker Tour than of being arrested.

For gaming operators, the major federal statute is the Wire Act: anyone in the business of gambling cannot use a wire to send bets or information useful in the placing of bets across state boundaries.

The Department of Justice believes the Wire Act covers all forms of Internet gambling. But courts have ruled the prohibition is limited to bets on racing and sports events. Online casinos, lotteries and poker do not fal... Continue reading Is There A Law Against Gambling On The Internet?

Arnold Rothstein: gambler, gangster and genius
by Byron Liggett filed under Profiles [Originally appeared in the May 1, 2006 issue of Poker Player]

Arnold Rothstein:

Arnold Rothstein was a gambler, a gangster and a genius. He was the original Wise Guy.

Born in Manhattan, NY, in 1882, Arnold grew up in an era when men like steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, railroad mogul Cornelius Vanderbilt, and oil czar John D. Rockefeller were building industrial America. They would become known as "Robber Barons" for the ruthless tactics they used to control The Game, many of which are unlawful today. Similarly, Rothstein brought together the diverse elements of the underworld and fashioned them into a highly profitable industry whose products and services were illegal. His contribution to 20th Century America was organized crime.

As a youth Arnold rejected the Jewish heritage of his parents. "This is America, not Jerusalem. I'm an American", he declared. He was indeed; a courageous, ambitious, self-confident risk-taker, Arnold left home at ... Continue reading Arnold Rothstein: gambler, gangster and genius

Card Room Round-Up: Caesars Indiana
by Joseph Smith filed under Card Rooms [Originally appeared in the May 1, 2006 issue of Poker Player]

Poker Room Review: Caesars Indiana

Located in the heartland of America, Caesars Indiana, has taken the world-renowned Caesars' brand of casino/resorts to the middle of America. Caesars Indiana is a luxurious casino resort located on the banks of the Mississippi River as it flows through Elizabeth, Indiana. The casino is actually on a barge permanently anchored in the river, you are boarding a vessel when you go into the casino.

The romance from the early years in America history when the riverboats transported people up and down the mighty river many of them passed the time playing casino games.

The old riverboat legacy of the excitement of the gaming action combined with the relaxation of the river continues today in a high tech, luxury resort, Caesars Indiana, a part of the Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., the largest casino holding company in the world.

Card Room Round-Up: Caesars Indiana

How Poker Has Changed
by Victor Royer filed under Poker News [Originally appeared in the May 1, 2006 issue of Poker Player]

Victor Royer

In the previous installment, recall that we found that beginning in the 1960's with corporate ownership of casinos, poker was not a favored game because it wasn't a house-banked game and, therefore, not a game that the casinos could control. In all casino games, the casino, the "house", controls and banks the game. Therefore, the casino can alter the game's rules to assure itself of a steady winning percentage. That's why all casino games have what's called a "house edge", which is that mathematical percentage by which the casinos have altered the true payouts of each game's events to gain an advantage.

It is primarily for this reason that casinos don't like poker.

Poker is not a game that is between the player and the casino. Poker is not, therefore, a house-banked game and, consequently, the casino cannot alter its rules of payouts to assure itself of a steady... Continue reading How Poker Has Changed

The Editor's Pick

Today's Poker Word is... 'Better'
by Mike Caro filed under Strategy [Originally appeared in the May 1, 2006 issue of Poker Player]

Mike Caro is the 'Mad Genius' of Poker

One of the hardest lessons for hold 'em students is that they can sometimes call bets on the flop without a pair, even if they don't have four cards to a flush or an open-end straight draw. It's dangerous to teach.

Beginners need the patience to wait until they have an edge. Fine. Then you explain that they can often call bets with just two cards higher than the board. It gives them all kinds of ideas. Bad ideas. They begin to imagine that there's good in all hands, and they begin to lose discipline.

Sometimes I think I'd rather not tell beginners that they often can call with just two overcards. But withholding that information would be a disservice - especially in limit hold 'em games. You see, there are too many flops when neither you nor an opponent helps.

You just can't afford to routinely surre... Continue reading Today's Poker Word is... 'Better'

From the Archives

Poker Ettiquette
by Diane McHaffie filed under Strategy [Originally appeared in the Aug 23, 2004 issue of Poker Player]

Diane McHaffie

You probably already follow today's guidelines instinctively. Doing the right thing - beyond just following the rules - will make money for you in the long run. Why? It's because weaker opponents are less likely to avoid you when they know you're fair minded. So I've listed these standards as Mike has taught them to me and as I found them online at Poker1.com where Caro & Cooke's Official Rules of Poker resides.

Principals of Poker Etiquette:

1. While someone is trying to play a hand and you've already folded, don't engage in distracting conversation with neighboring players. Mike says, "It's not your time to be on stage," and that you owe opponents competing for the pot the courtesy of not interfering.

2. A player that has just won a pot shouldn't rub it. Sure, you can sometimes tease, but make sure... Continue reading Poker Ettiquette