Poker News: James Bond, Party Poker Acquisitions and New Trends

JANUARY TOURNAMENT

Greetings from Melbourne, Australia where one of many major poker events players have to choose from this month is about to kick off. The Aussie Millions is just one of the many choices top players have to fill their tournament calendars for the month of January. In addition to the Aussie Millions (Jan 6th through 19th), the Poker Stars Caribbean Adventure runs from Jan 5th through 10th, the World Poker Open in Tunica is open for business all month, with the $10,000 WPT main event running from Jan 21st through 25th. Not to be outdone, the WSOP Circuit will stop in Tunica also from the 15th to the 17th. If that isn't enough action, players can go to the European Poker Tour Stop in Copenhagen from the 17th through the 20th. The $10,000 WPT event at the Borgata in Atlantic City wraps the month up, playing from the 26th through the 30th. Dizzy yet?

JAMES BOND STAR IN POKER RELATED PROBE

Mads Mikkelsen, who plays the bad guy 'Le Chevre' in the latest Bond movie 'Casino Royale' is being investigated for his part in a free poker tournament held in his native Denmark. But, some think the authorities may be out of line with the investigation. "He only went to the tournament for fun. No one can believe the police are taking it seriously. It was a lighthearted cards game with no money involved. This is a total joke." One source confided.

PARTY SNAPS UP EMPIRE, NOBLE POKER

Party Poker was long rumored to be doing a deal to buy Empire Poker, and wrap up one of the more interesting sagas the young online poker business has seen. Not only did the Empire deal close recently, but Party also acquired the company that owns Noble Poker. The combined compensation for the two deals was about $66 Million in PartyGaming stock, and the company will issue additional shares to help pay for the deals.

THE NEW TREND IN POKER

Three men barged into a poker tournament at the Italian American Citizens Club in Wilkins Township, PA and 'relieved' the players of their cash. About 50 players were on hand, and about $20,000 was taken, according to Allegheny County Authorities. The men barged in, beat up a security officer, and then fired shots into the ceiling of the room, yelling for everyone to get on the ground. A composite sketch of one of the robbers was released, as he was the only one not wearing a mask. There are no further leads at this time.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACH PROHIBITS POKER AND GAMBLING

When the Oklahoma State football team was in Shreveport (home to several casinos) to play in the Independence Bowl recently, coach Mike Gundy banned his team from entering the casinos. Several players from the opposing Alabama Crimson Tide were spotted in the casinos putting money into play, but Gundy thinks it sets a bad example. "If our guys want to play poker or gamble, they have the rest of their lives to do that," Gundy said. "I don't have anything against it. But [while they are at this game] they're still on our time." Oklahoma State edged Alabama in the game, 34-31.

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