News Update: April 20th, 2012

April 20, 2012, Posted by Daniel.Smyth

In today's news update we get the latest on the PTR vs. PokerStars drama, catch up with the Manila Millions and see why the AGCC are reviewing Full Tilt's license. 

PTR Bow Down to PokerStars

PokerTableRatings.com felt the wrath of PokerStars this week when they were served a cease and desist notice.

The datamining site soon removed all ‘Stars’ player information from their system and has since released a statement on the matter:

“Recent contact by Stars has led to the removal of this network’s player profiles from PTR. The current management team of PTR has been in place for just under a year and since day 1 we have been exploring ways to compromise with brands in order to create positive relationships for the betterment of the community.

Through these valued partnerships we have created innovative promotions and features for our users and have many more in development. Unfortunately we have been unable to gain communication with Stars during this time and it has come to a hostile dissolution of service for this brand.

They have taken formal action against us and we will comply with their demands and have the brand removed from the site.”

PTR will continue offering stats for various other sites and have pledged to continue developing products that “every poker player would be proud to use”.

 

Manila Millions

The richest tournament to be held in Asia kicked off today with 30 high rollers anteing up the HKD$1 million ($129,000) entry fee. Among those competing for the title are Tom “Durrrr” Dwan, Phil Ivey and JC Tran.

Already there have been a number of bust outs with players willing to gamble at every opportunity. With a final table now set you can catch all the action via live stream or the running updates.

AGCC to Review Full Tilt License

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission will be reviewing the case of Orinic Limited on May 3^rd. The subsidiary company of Full Tilt held a Category 1 license when the corporation was operational and in recent times they have made an application for a Category 2 eGambling License.

The new license would allow the company to offer online gambling, however, the AGCC must first hear any opinions or reservations from interested 3^rd parties.

While the hearing doesn’t necessarily mean that an objection has been raised, it does mean that the AGCC are legally obliged to offer a chance for people to raise their concerns.

The outcome of the hearing could have some bearing on the future of Full Tilt and so will be watched closely by members of the poker community.

Side Action

Sometimes the pressure of a high stakes tournament can get to even the best players. Indeed, in this clip from the 2012 Party Poker Premier League, Andrew Feldman feels the pain as he loses out to Andrew Frankenberger.