Poker News - UK and Europe Making Moves, WSOP Increases Starting Chips

UK UK TAKES A STEP BACK IN BEING "ONLINE GAMING FRIENDLY"

UK Finance Minister Gordon Brown announced a new "Remote Gaming Duty" (tax) of 15% - a move that makes it highly unlikely that any online gaming firms would move to the UK in the near future. Many online rooms were said to be mulling a move to the U.K., a break with their tradition of being in tax friendly countries such as Gibraltar or Malta. Brown also announced an increase in taxes on land based casinos, which has some in the industry predicting much tougher times ahead for the brick and mortar casino business there.

NETELLER CASE GRANTED ANOTHER EXTENSION

The case against NETeller co founders Stephen Lawrence and John LeFebvre has been given another extension, and the trial date pushed back yet again. In order for an extension to be granted, both sides must agree to it, so the delay does not appear to be created by one side or the other. The new trial date set is April 16th, which means many an online poker player with thousands of dollars stuck in NETeller will not be able to pay his or her taxes on time this year.

GOVERNMENT SCORES VICTORY FOR "GAMBLING MONOPOLY" IN HOLLAND

The Dutch Council of State ruled recently that the practices of the Dutch government toward gambling are "in principal a restrictive act." However, the Council also stated that there are "compelling reasons in the general interest that can justify the restriction," and as such upheld the current government monopoly on gaming. The Dutch government currently operates the "Holland Casino" chain, with locations spread around the country. A government run online poker room is also part of the plan in Holland.

IN THE WORDS OF HOMER SIMPSON "THEY'RE YEARS AHEAD OF US"

Sky TV in Britain has just launched a service called "Sky Bet." This new service allows viewers to play online poker against each other whether or not they are all connected to a computer. So, one player in the North of England on a computer can be at the same table with a player in the South, who is simply using his television as his interface device. The technology, called "Open Bet" expects to have a myriad of uses with respect to in home entertainment, but Sky is starting with Poker. The cross platform technology includes all the normal online poker bells and whistles, such as chat.

THIS JUST IN - BIGGER CHIP STACKS ARE BETTER

One of the real bright spots in the recent teleconference with WSOP officials is increase in the size of the starting stacks in WSOP events. A lot was made on the conference call about the starting stacks in the preliminary events being doubled, and that the structures would be altered. Players in the Main Event will start with 20,000 chips, with blinds starting at 50/100, and levels being two hours long. Poker Forums have lit up with discussion about the new starting stack size, and the effect it will have on play. The response is generally very positive. Game on!

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