The PokerStars RaiseIt challenge, as the name suggests, has been launched by one of the most popular online poker rooms in the world. 

PokerStars RaiseIt challenge is the latest social media marketing tool for the popular online poker room. The marketing team has decided that upon the popularity of competitive football tournaments such as Euro 2016 or the Copa América which, surprising all sports scores news who had predicted a win for Argentina, just finished with Chile’s victory, the best idea is to start doing marketing somehow in connection with football. The PokerStars RaiseIt challenge is nothing but the perfect solution for executing this idea.The main rule to follow is to do something impressive with the ball. Of course it doesn’t matter if you shoot with perfect accuracy or you have amazing skills or you can keep the ball in the air so long that nobody else can repeat after you. The point is that you have to be better than the ones before you, and that you have to be better than yourself every time you try again. You have to Raise It to the top, you have to Raise Yourself to the top.That is the social media marketing campaign that was launched as soon as Neymar’s video was released. Neymar showed his skills in shooting as well as placing and bending the ball in his first video when he put the ball in the car’s back from in front of the car. Neymar invited Ronaldo Luiz Nazario da Lima to join the PokerStars RaiseIt challenge and top his video by an even better performance.

Luckily for all football fans, we didn’t have to wait too long for the reply of the Brazilian legend. The incredible and outstanding Ronaldo skills were proved instantly in his reply video. He put the ball down on the street just behind a cabriolet car. One of the greatest strikers of all time waited for the car to leave. After it was far enough, Ronaldo shot and the ball enters the car after dropping on the ground once. Declaring a winner at PokerStars RaiseIt challenge won’t be as easy as simple sports scores results.

Ronaldo definitely Raised the bar to a higher standard, but that didn’t mean that Nexmar should have given up already. One of the most famous member of Barcelona’s MSN has tried to raise Ronaldo’s skills by another video that required tons of technical skills: he held the ball on this back and let go of it, perfectly putting the ball into a bucket meters underneath him. Then he takes his second ball, keeps it in the air for a while and then puts it perfectly in another bucket, tens of meters away from him.

Neymar definitely managed to Raise It for now, however online gambling news are still hoping to see another terrific idea from Ronaldo. We are sure he didn’t just give up on his PokerStars RaiseIt challenge. Moreover, it would also be interesting to see other famous PokerStars representatives, such as Portuguese world star Cristiano Ronaldo, entering the PokerStars RaiseIt challenge, but other footballers and non-footballers are also free to join. All they need to do is do something amazing, record it, submit the video at the website and wait for others to like the performance.

The PokerStars RaiseIt challenge, as the name suggests, has been launched by one of the most popular online poker rooms in the world. 

PokerStars RaiseIt challenge is the latest social media marketing tool for the popular online poker room. The marketing team has decided that upon the popularity of competitive football tournaments such as Euro 2016 or the Copa América which, surprising all sports scores news who had predicted a win for Argentina, just finished with Chile’s victory, the best idea is to start doing marketing somehow in connection with football. The PokerStars RaiseIt challenge is nothing but the perfect solution for executing this idea.The main rule to follow is to do something impressive with the ball. Of course it doesn’t matter if you shoot with perfect accuracy or you have amazing skills or you can keep the ball in the air so long that nobody else can repeat after you. The point is that you have to be better than the ones before you, and that you have to be better than yourself every time you try again. You have to Raise It to the top, you have to Raise Yourself to the top.That is the social media marketing campaign that was launched as soon as Neymar’s video was released. Neymar showed his skills in shooting as well as placing and bending the ball in his first video when he put the ball in the car’s back from in front of the car. Neymar invited Ronaldo Luiz Nazario da Lima to join the PokerStars RaiseIt challenge and top his video by an even better performance.

Luckily for all football fans, we didn’t have to wait too long for the reply of the Brazilian legend. The incredible and outstanding Ronaldo skills were proved instantly in his reply video. He put the ball down on the street just behind a cabriolet car. One of the greatest strikers of all time waited for the car to leave. After it was far enough, Ronaldo shot and the ball enters the car after dropping on the ground once. Declaring a winner at PokerStars RaiseIt challenge won’t be as easy as simple sports scores results.

Ronaldo definitely Raised the bar to a higher standard, but that didn’t mean that Nexmar should have given up already. One of the most famous member of Barcelona’s MSN has tried to raise Ronaldo’s skills by another video that required tons of technical skills: he held the ball on this back and let go of it, perfectly putting the ball into a bucket meters underneath him. Then he takes his second ball, keeps it in the air for a while and then puts it perfectly in another bucket, tens of meters away from him.

Neymar definitely managed to Raise It for now, however online gambling news are still hoping to see another terrific idea from Ronaldo. We are sure he didn’t just give up on his PokerStars RaiseIt challenge. Moreover, it would also be interesting to see other famous PokerStars representatives, such as Portuguese world star Cristiano Ronaldo, entering the PokerStars RaiseIt challenge, but other footballers and non-footballers are also free to join. All they need to do is do something amazing, record it, submit the video at the website and wait for others to like the performance.

Former football superstar Ronaldo de Lima poker skills were demonstrated at PokerStars event.

PokerStars‘ Ronaldo ‘Fenomeno’ hosted the ‘Desafio das Estrelas’ celebrity tournament. This event opened the BSOP Millions Festival, gambling news report. The Brazilian Ronaldo (or the ‘Original’ Ronaldo for some) also participated the tournament. Ronaldo de Lima poker skills helped him to reach the final heads-up.

However, Theo Lima, Twitter’s Head of Marketing was able to outwit him in the heads-up play. So, Ronaldo de Lima poker skills were good for a second-placed finish. Theo Lima got the PCA 2016 Main Event package by winning the celebrity tournament.

Former football superstar Ronaldo de Lima poker skills were demonstrated at PokerStars event.

PokerStars‘ Ronaldo ‘Fenomeno’ hosted the ‘Desafio das Estrelas’ celebrity tournament. This event opened the BSOP Millions Festival, gambling news report. The Brazilian Ronaldo (or the ‘Original’ Ronaldo for some) also participated the tournament. Ronaldo de Lima poker skills helped him to reach the final heads-up.

However, Theo Lima, Twitter’s Head of Marketing was able to outwit him in the heads-up play. So, Ronaldo de Lima poker skills were good for a second-placed finish. Theo Lima got the PCA 2016 Main Event package by winning the celebrity tournament.

PokerStars set a new record for the largest online poker tournament with more than 250,000 players.

PokerStars beat its previous record by organizing the largest online poker tournament with 253,698 participators – more than the population of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, or St. Petersburg in Florida. The online poker tournament was a USD 0.01 Common Cents Kick-Off tournament and it was more successful than any online poker competition before.

The tournament was won by an Austrian online poker player, DaDumon. He paid the 0.01 buy-in to cash out $10,000 just six and a half hours later. The ratio of his poker winnings to his deposit is one-million to one and this is an excellent gambling result.

The largest online poker tournament had a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool. Tickets to the Common Cents Main Event tournament were also randomly awarded for lucky players in the first hour of the competition. The Main Event is scheduled to October 11, and until then more than 10 other Common Cents online poker tournaments will be held with less than USD 1 buy-ins.

When the former record of PokerStars was set two years ago, 225,000 players were registered. That was the part of the 100 Billion Hands Celebration. Though many think that online poker is not as popular as it was a few years ago, you don’t have to be an expert of gambling facts to tell that the game is still vastly popular amongst internet gambling players around the world.

PokerStars set a new record for the largest online poker tournament with more than 250,000 players.

PokerStars beat its previous record by organizing the largest online poker tournament with 253,698 participators – more than the population of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, or St. Petersburg in Florida. The online poker tournament was a USD 0.01 Common Cents Kick-Off tournament and it was more successful than any online poker competition before.

The tournament was won by an Austrian online poker player, DaDumon. He paid the 0.01 buy-in to cash out $10,000 just six and a half hours later. The ratio of his poker winnings to his deposit is one-million to one and this is an excellent gambling result.

The largest online poker tournament had a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool. Tickets to the Common Cents Main Event tournament were also randomly awarded for lucky players in the first hour of the competition. The Main Event is scheduled to October 11, and until then more than 10 other Common Cents online poker tournaments will be held with less than USD 1 buy-ins.

When the former record of PokerStars was set two years ago, 225,000 players were registered. That was the part of the 100 Billion Hands Celebration. Though many think that online poker is not as popular as it was a few years ago, you don’t have to be an expert of gambling facts to tell that the game is still vastly popular amongst internet gambling players around the world.

Poker before a meal definitely sounds like a sweeter alternative to cleaning dishes afterward. The new Hackney pop-up delivers such an alternative. All-In Kitchen, a Haggerston Kitchen, offers the standard three-course GBP 50 dinner. The brilliance comes into play before your meal when you have to try your hand at typical Texas Hold’em which could result in your meal being free.This concept restaurant will instantly draw those who love to eat and gamble. A Jones & Sons stylistic dining that we’ve come to appreciate combined with organized poker arranged by PokerStars has proven to be a winning combination. Andy Jones, founder of A Jones & Sons said “I love food and never shy away from the tables when I get the chance, so having the opportunity to create a menu that combines two of my favourite things was something I jumped at.”

All-Kitchen is one of several peculiar restaurants to emerge in London in the past few months. The opening night was also the official launch of the UK and Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT). The venue has proven popular enough to extend its original three-day run for two extra days.

Time Out London Blog: Chips with everything at London’s first pay-by-poker restaurant

When you first enter the establishment, you receive chips worth 10,000 points. Three hands of poker is all that is required of you in order to determine the price of your meal. If you can put your expertise to the test and end up with 10,000 points or more, your meal is free. Coming in midway at 5,000 points, gets you half off your meal at 5 GBP. If you’re having an off night and end up with less than 5,000 points, you’ll have to pay full price for your meal.
At a whopping 10 GBP, the hearty full-price meal is still quite a bargain. So whether you’re a closet card shark who wants to reveal to the World your skills or simply looking to have a little pre-meal entertainment, All-In is definitely worth the effort to get into. But you may want to act fast because tickets are currently sold out with more available tomorrow. Fear not though, after London, the pop-up will tour the country promoting the UK and Ireland Poker Tour.

The  Telegraph Poker restaurant: where a full house will pay for your dinner

All-In Kitchen, the World’s first “Pay-By-Poker”, was launched by PokerStars. The restaurant where your hand determines the price of your dinner, was opened in part as a celebration of the beginning of the UK and Ireland Poker Tour. No matter your luck, guests still win the opportunity to choose poker-themed dishes such as the “2 Pair of Pear Tarte Tatin.”

Andy Jones, of Jones & Sons restaurants, said “embracing poker with the dishes was a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see results and serve some Aces.” After the commencement of the UK and Ireland Poker Tour at the Hippodrome Casino London, All-in restaurant will make several appearances throughout UK and Ireland. With every stop there should be an opportunity to take in the “Pay-By-Poker” experience.

Poker before a meal definitely sounds like a sweeter alternative to cleaning dishes afterward. The new Hackney pop-up delivers such an alternative. All-In Kitchen, a Haggerston Kitchen, offers the standard three-course GBP 50 dinner. The brilliance comes into play before your meal when you have to try your hand at typical Texas Hold’em which could result in your meal being free.This concept restaurant will instantly draw those who love to eat and gamble. A Jones & Sons stylistic dining that we’ve come to appreciate combined with organized poker arranged by PokerStars has proven to be a winning combination. Andy Jones, founder of A Jones & Sons said “I love food and never shy away from the tables when I get the chance, so having the opportunity to create a menu that combines two of my favourite things was something I jumped at.”

All-Kitchen is one of several peculiar restaurants to emerge in London in the past few months. The opening night was also the official launch of the UK and Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT). The venue has proven popular enough to extend its original three-day run for two extra days.

Time Out London Blog: Chips with everything at London’s first pay-by-poker restaurant

When you first enter the establishment, you receive chips worth 10,000 points. Three hands of poker is all that is required of you in order to determine the price of your meal. If you can put your expertise to the test and end up with 10,000 points or more, your meal is free. Coming in midway at 5,000 points, gets you half off your meal at 5 GBP. If you’re having an off night and end up with less than 5,000 points, you’ll have to pay full price for your meal.
At a whopping 10 GBP, the hearty full-price meal is still quite a bargain. So whether you’re a closet card shark who wants to reveal to the World your skills or simply looking to have a little pre-meal entertainment, All-In is definitely worth the effort to get into. But you may want to act fast because tickets are currently sold out with more available tomorrow. Fear not though, after London, the pop-up will tour the country promoting the UK and Ireland Poker Tour.

The  Telegraph Poker restaurant: where a full house will pay for your dinner

All-In Kitchen, the World’s first “Pay-By-Poker”, was launched by PokerStars. The restaurant where your hand determines the price of your dinner, was opened in part as a celebration of the beginning of the UK and Ireland Poker Tour. No matter your luck, guests still win the opportunity to choose poker-themed dishes such as the “2 Pair of Pear Tarte Tatin.”

Andy Jones, of Jones & Sons restaurants, said “embracing poker with the dishes was a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see results and serve some Aces.” After the commencement of the UK and Ireland Poker Tour at the Hippodrome Casino London, All-in restaurant will make several appearances throughout UK and Ireland. With every stop there should be an opportunity to take in the “Pay-By-Poker” experience.

In efforts to re-enter the US poker market, PokerStars agrees sale to Canadian gaming supplier Amaya Gaming for $4.9 billion.

Amaya Gaming completes a deal to become the world biggest online poker firm after a $4.9 billion purchase of Pokerstars. Many observers see the acquisition as a way to re-enter the US market as they have previously had differences of opinion with certain government departments, namely with the US Department of Justice.

The DOJ claimed that PokerStars violated the codes of the Wire Act, which prohibits certain gambling activities. PokerStars eventually relocated its headquarters to the Isle of Man, off the coast of UK, but continued the legal battle with the DOJ.

The company enlisted the services of some insightful attorneys and law firms that challenged the decision by the DOJ. They claimed that PokerStars did not violate any US gambling laws.

Subsequently, PokerStars made its mark in the US by taking over the biggest online poker market in the world. Soon after President George W. Bush signed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which spelled the end for PartyGaming in the US. Nevertheless, PokerStars continued to operate in the US, while Full Tilt claimed the whole market.

Forbes: Amaya Gaming in Deal to Buy PokerStars for $4.9 Billion

In 2011, US federal prosecutors challenged PokerStars’ gambling operations in the country. US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara, charged the founder of PokerStars along with 10 other relevant individuals.

The founder, Isai Scheinberg, was one of the people accused of money laundering, bank fraud and most importantly providing illegal betting services. PokerStars took in bets and staged online poker tournaments on a regular basis.

The US Attorney claimed that Scheinberg and others went against the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, which makes it illegal for companies to accept bets online where it is not deemed legal.

Following the indictment, PokerStars relented in their legal battle in 2012 and agreed to pay a settlement fine of $731 million to the Department of Justice. Despite paying the hefty fee, the poker firm did not admit any wrongdoing to the charges brought against them.

Bloomberg: PokerStars Sale a Jackpot for New Online Billionaire Scheinberg

Gambling news reports that since the onset of the legal charges Scheinberg has been living on the Isle of Man. His son Mark Scheinberg makes regular visits to the US to keep track of further business and legal developments.

The Department of Justice has labelled Isai Scheinberg as the main “founder, owner and principal decision-maker for Pokerstars.” They also consider the mobile gaming founder as being “at large.”

Amaya Gaming disagrees with the statements made by the DOJ. The company has made an official announcement after the sale, stating that poker site was started and run by the son, Mark Scheinberg, and not the father. Mark also expressed his version by commenting, “I am incredibly proud of the business Isai and I have built over the last 14 years.”

The Guardian: Family behind PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker to sell business for GBP 2.9bn

Amaya Gaming primarily deals with supplying betting equipment and hardware for other gaming firms, however the purchase of PokerStars will potentially see it become the greatest online poker provider. Currently, the industry is estimated to be worth a staggering $4 billion while Amaya seeks to hold a significant portion of that through PokerStars.

To help broker the deal Amaya has hired the financing services of several prominent banking institutions. Deutsche Bank AG (DBK), Barclays Plc (BARC), Macquaire Group Ltd. and Blackstone Group LP were all involved in providing their expertise.

In order to make the purchase, Amaya had to take out huge loans from the aforementioned banks. Billions have been borrowed, however considering the future potential for online poker in some states it appears to be simply a matter of time before they make a substantial return on their investment.

Amaya Chairman and chief exec, David Baazov, indicated the importance of acquiring PokerStars for the US market. “Having this brand and this company in the US is going to be very significant for states.”

Baazov has been credited with transforming the company into what it is today. He joined Amaya in 2006, two years after it was initially founded, and after successful acquisitions of smaller firms he saw Amaya’s growth rise exponentially.

Baazov commented on the company’s effective business model. “Everyone had a very fragmented approach. We built it all on a vision of convergence. It’s a very large industry and it’s going to continue to grow.”

Bloomberg Businessweek: Amaya Soars to record After $4.9 Billion PokerStars Deal

In efforts to re-enter the US poker market, PokerStars agrees sale to Canadian gaming supplier Amaya Gaming for $4.9 billion.

Amaya Gaming completes a deal to become the world biggest online poker firm after a $4.9 billion purchase of Pokerstars. Many observers see the acquisition as a way to re-enter the US market as they have previously had differences of opinion with certain government departments, namely with the US Department of Justice.

The DOJ claimed that PokerStars violated the codes of the Wire Act, which prohibits certain gambling activities. PokerStars eventually relocated its headquarters to the Isle of Man, off the coast of UK, but continued the legal battle with the DOJ.

The company enlisted the services of some insightful attorneys and law firms that challenged the decision by the DOJ. They claimed that PokerStars did not violate any US gambling laws.

Subsequently, PokerStars made its mark in the US by taking over the biggest online poker market in the world. Soon after President George W. Bush signed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which spelled the end for PartyGaming in the US. Nevertheless, PokerStars continued to operate in the US, while Full Tilt claimed the whole market.

Forbes: Amaya Gaming in Deal to Buy PokerStars for $4.9 Billion

In 2011, US federal prosecutors challenged PokerStars’ gambling operations in the country. US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara, charged the founder of PokerStars along with 10 other relevant individuals.

The founder, Isai Scheinberg, was one of the people accused of money laundering, bank fraud and most importantly providing illegal betting services. PokerStars took in bets and staged online poker tournaments on a regular basis.

The US Attorney claimed that Scheinberg and others went against the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, which makes it illegal for companies to accept bets online where it is not deemed legal.

Following the indictment, PokerStars relented in their legal battle in 2012 and agreed to pay a settlement fine of $731 million to the Department of Justice. Despite paying the hefty fee, the poker firm did not admit any wrongdoing to the charges brought against them.

Bloomberg: PokerStars Sale a Jackpot for New Online Billionaire Scheinberg

Gambling news reports that since the onset of the legal charges Scheinberg has been living on the Isle of Man. His son Mark Scheinberg makes regular visits to the US to keep track of further business and legal developments.

The Department of Justice has labelled Isai Scheinberg as the main “founder, owner and principal decision-maker for Pokerstars.” They also consider the mobile gaming founder as being “at large.”

Amaya Gaming disagrees with the statements made by the DOJ. The company has made an official announcement after the sale, stating that poker site was started and run by the son, Mark Scheinberg, and not the father. Mark also expressed his version by commenting, “I am incredibly proud of the business Isai and I have built over the last 14 years.”

The Guardian: Family behind PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker to sell business for GBP 2.9bn

Amaya Gaming primarily deals with supplying betting equipment and hardware for other gaming firms, however the purchase of PokerStars will potentially see it become the greatest online poker provider. Currently, the industry is estimated to be worth a staggering $4 billion while Amaya seeks to hold a significant portion of that through PokerStars.

To help broker the deal Amaya has hired the financing services of several prominent banking institutions. Deutsche Bank AG (DBK), Barclays Plc (BARC), Macquaire Group Ltd. and Blackstone Group LP were all involved in providing their expertise.

In order to make the purchase, Amaya had to take out huge loans from the aforementioned banks. Billions have been borrowed, however considering the future potential for online poker in some states it appears to be simply a matter of time before they make a substantial return on their investment.

Amaya Chairman and chief exec, David Baazov, indicated the importance of acquiring PokerStars for the US market. “Having this brand and this company in the US is going to be very significant for states.”

Baazov has been credited with transforming the company into what it is today. He joined Amaya in 2006, two years after it was initially founded, and after successful acquisitions of smaller firms he saw Amaya’s growth rise exponentially.

Baazov commented on the company’s effective business model. “Everyone had a very fragmented approach. We built it all on a vision of convergence. It’s a very large industry and it’s going to continue to grow.”

Bloomberg Businessweek: Amaya Soars to record After $4.9 Billion PokerStars Deal

Two of the largest online poker sites in the world, FullTilt and PokerStars, are both calling on players to help with relief efforts in Haiti, where a massive earthquake has taken the lives of thousands, and left many more without a home. All money donated will be matched by the sites, and then donated to the likes of Red Cross and UNICEF.

Mirror.co.uk: PokerStars sets up Haiti earthquake appeal

A devastating earthquake recently hit Haiti, and it is thought to have killed tens of thousands of people. Many around the world are wondering how they can help. PokerStars has been quick to facilitate come to aid during previous disasters, and once again the site has provided people with an easy way to donate money to relief efforts in the area.

Players at PokerStars have already donated thousands since the appeal launched a few days ago. All the money raised will be given to the Red Cross to help its relief efforts in the earthquake-stricken Caribbean nation. PokerStars has announced that they will match every dollar raised.

The appeal will run until midday on January 31. Here is how to get involved:

– From the PokerStars website, go to Tourney >> Special and enter one of the ‘Haiti Earthquake Relief’ tournaments listed there. ‘Buy-ins’ range from $1,000 all the way down to $1. These are not actual tournaments, and all of the ‘entry fees’ go straight to the relief fund.

– Another way to contribute is to make a “private player transfer” for any amount directly into to a dummy account called ‘Haiti Fund’. Go to ‘Requests’ in the site’s top menu and select ‘Transfer Funds’.

PokerStars is thankful for all who show their support.

ESPN: Tournaments created to help victims in Haiti

Poker players and online poker sites around the world are stepping up to help the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Through the poker sites Full Tilt and PokerStars, players can donate money by either transferring funds through the game software or by playing in a mock tournament.

“Anyone watching the news knows how important it is to get help to the Haitians as quickly as possible,” said professional poker player Phil Gordon. “Poker players can effectively double their donations through the mechanisms set up by Full Tilt and the generous matching program. This is a great chance to show the world how poker players can step up and help in a true humanitarian crisis.”

Full Tilt is currently offering two different ways for players to donate donate. First, players can register to play in “fake” tournaments at different buy-in levels. The tournaments won’t run, but instead money will be donated. The other option is for players donate their own specific amount through the “Aid for Haiti” account, which can accept any amount over $5 as a donation.

Things are happening pretty much the same way at PokerStars, which is offering “dummy” charity tournaments with buy-ins that range from $1 to $1,000. The site intends to match all donations, and the money generated will be given to the Red Cross. Additionally, players can donate to the PokerStars account “Haiti Fund”. PokerStars says that thousands have already donated, and the site hopes to do all it can to help to the people of Haiti.

If there ever was a time for the internet poker community to make a difference, these next few days are the perfect opportunity.

Chicago Now: Play Poker, Help Haiti

On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, killing tens of thousands of people.

The quake tore open the land not far from the country’s capital of Port-au-Prince, causing wide-spread devastation on a massive scale.

It is in situations like this when we see the best (and worst) that humanity has to offer, where unlikely heroes and villains emerge to show off either their sincerity or their cold-heartedness.

For this crisis, the online poker industry has emerged on the side of the heroes.

Both Full Tilt Poker and Pokerstars, both huge sites in the online poker industry, are calling players to give aid to the people of Haiti.

Full Tilt and Pokerstars have organized several charity tournaments that players can participate in to help raise money for UNICEF, the Red Cross and Doctor Without Boarders in Haiti.

Both sites have vowed match every dollar raised. Full Tilt has even created a dummy player account called “Aid for Haiti” where real players can transfer their donations directly.

This humanitarian fund raiser is not operating without solid promotional backing. Both Full Tilt and Pokerstars have already made strong efforts to spread word about their Haitian earthquake relief appeal, even going as far as to announce it during live poker tournament broadcasts.

Poker pro Barry Greenstein once said that poker sometimes feels like a “hollow” profession, like a career that is all about taking without ever giving. Greenstein’s solution was to become involved with charity, and now poker players from around the world can follow his lead.

Two of the largest online poker sites in the world, FullTilt and PokerStars, are both calling on players to help with relief efforts in Haiti, where a massive earthquake has taken the lives of thousands, and left many more without a home. All money donated will be matched by the sites, and then donated to the likes of Red Cross and UNICEF.

Mirror.co.uk: PokerStars sets up Haiti earthquake appeal

A devastating earthquake recently hit Haiti, and it is thought to have killed tens of thousands of people. Many around the world are wondering how they can help. PokerStars has been quick to facilitate come to aid during previous disasters, and once again the site has provided people with an easy way to donate money to relief efforts in the area.

Players at PokerStars have already donated thousands since the appeal launched a few days ago. All the money raised will be given to the Red Cross to help its relief efforts in the earthquake-stricken Caribbean nation. PokerStars has announced that they will match every dollar raised.

The appeal will run until midday on January 31. Here is how to get involved:

– From the PokerStars website, go to Tourney >> Special and enter one of the ‘Haiti Earthquake Relief’ tournaments listed there. ‘Buy-ins’ range from $1,000 all the way down to $1. These are not actual tournaments, and all of the ‘entry fees’ go straight to the relief fund.

– Another way to contribute is to make a “private player transfer” for any amount directly into to a dummy account called ‘Haiti Fund’. Go to ‘Requests’ in the site’s top menu and select ‘Transfer Funds’.

PokerStars is thankful for all who show their support.

ESPN: Tournaments created to help victims in Haiti

Poker players and online poker sites around the world are stepping up to help the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Through the poker sites Full Tilt and PokerStars, players can donate money by either transferring funds through the game software or by playing in a mock tournament.

“Anyone watching the news knows how important it is to get help to the Haitians as quickly as possible,” said professional poker player Phil Gordon. “Poker players can effectively double their donations through the mechanisms set up by Full Tilt and the generous matching program. This is a great chance to show the world how poker players can step up and help in a true humanitarian crisis.”

Full Tilt is currently offering two different ways for players to donate donate. First, players can register to play in “fake” tournaments at different buy-in levels. The tournaments won’t run, but instead money will be donated. The other option is for players donate their own specific amount through the “Aid for Haiti” account, which can accept any amount over $5 as a donation.

Things are happening pretty much the same way at PokerStars, which is offering “dummy” charity tournaments with buy-ins that range from $1 to $1,000. The site intends to match all donations, and the money generated will be given to the Red Cross. Additionally, players can donate to the PokerStars account “Haiti Fund”. PokerStars says that thousands have already donated, and the site hopes to do all it can to help to the people of Haiti.

If there ever was a time for the internet poker community to make a difference, these next few days are the perfect opportunity.

Chicago Now: Play Poker, Help Haiti

On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, killing tens of thousands of people.

The quake tore open the land not far from the country’s capital of Port-au-Prince, causing wide-spread devastation on a massive scale.

It is in situations like this when we see the best (and worst) that humanity has to offer, where unlikely heroes and villains emerge to show off either their sincerity or their cold-heartedness.

For this crisis, the online poker industry has emerged on the side of the heroes.

Both Full Tilt Poker and Pokerstars, both huge sites in the online poker industry, are calling players to give aid to the people of Haiti.

Full Tilt and Pokerstars have organized several charity tournaments that players can participate in to help raise money for UNICEF, the Red Cross and Doctor Without Boarders in Haiti.

Both sites have vowed match every dollar raised. Full Tilt has even created a dummy player account called “Aid for Haiti” where real players can transfer their donations directly.

This humanitarian fund raiser is not operating without solid promotional backing. Both Full Tilt and Pokerstars have already made strong efforts to spread word about their Haitian earthquake relief appeal, even going as far as to announce it during live poker tournament broadcasts.

Poker pro Barry Greenstein once said that poker sometimes feels like a “hollow” profession, like a career that is all about taking without ever giving. Greenstein’s solution was to become involved with charity, and now poker players from around the world can follow his lead.

This past weekend, 400 poker champs dropped €1,200 each to buy-in to a two-day battle in order to determine who was is best player among them. The game was a part of the PokerStars France Poker Series, and it took place at the Casino Partouche in Divonne-les-Bains. This is just the second stop in the tour, but already the stakes are high and the excitement runs deep.

The player who came out ahead was Serge Didisheim of Switzerland, who beat 399 other poker pros and walked away with €108,894. The final hand saw him beat Yann Pelletier, who took second place for €69,500. Didisheim went all in with an ace of hearts and king of diamonds, beating Pelletier’s pair of 5’s when Didisheim picked up a second pair from the board.

The PokerStars France Poker Series will continue October 16/17 in Saint-Amand. Satellite qualifiers are running now at the PokerStars website. There are still three more big events to go, plus the Grand Final in Paris coming up in February, so the action has only just begun.

This past weekend, 400 poker champs dropped €1,200 each to buy-in to a two-day battle in order to determine who was is best player among them. The game was a part of the PokerStars France Poker Series, and it took place at the Casino Partouche in Divonne-les-Bains. This is just the second stop in the tour, but already the stakes are high and the excitement runs deep.

The player who came out ahead was Serge Didisheim of Switzerland, who beat 399 other poker pros and walked away with €108,894. The final hand saw him beat Yann Pelletier, who took second place for €69,500. Didisheim went all in with an ace of hearts and king of diamonds, beating Pelletier’s pair of 5’s when Didisheim picked up a second pair from the board.

The PokerStars France Poker Series will continue October 16/17 in Saint-Amand. Satellite qualifiers are running now at the PokerStars website. There are still three more big events to go, plus the Grand Final in Paris coming up in February, so the action has only just begun.

PokerStars created a lot of hype in the online poker world these last few days as they approached the 50 billionth hand of poker played at the site. Nobody quite new what that hand would entail, but as things turned out, it was a poker hand for the history books.

There were 220,000 people on PokerStars yesterday playing on 33,000 tables, each one of them hoping to win the milestone hand and the big cash bonus that PokerStars promised would go along with it. In the end, the 50 billionth hand was played by a member from Germany named tbvle, who walked away with an impressive $56,140 though the PokerStars 50 Billion Hand promotion.

But here’s the really incredible part: tbvle was playing microstakes at a $0.02/$0.05 NL Hold’em cash table! The actual pot for the hand was only $26, but is very good for a microstakes table. Apparently the players at the table were so excited to win that the five billionth hand that everyone went all-in before the flop!

Hundreds of railbirds sat on the sidelines watching the historic hand. When tbvle won with a pair of queens, he made PokerStars history, and won a lot of cash too.

The other 5 players at the table were reward too, each grabbing about $3,000 just for being there. Everyone got a $5,200 WCOOP Main Event ticket too, just because PokerStars was feeling generous.

PokerStars created a lot of hype in the online poker world these last few days as they approached the 50 billionth hand of poker played at the site. Nobody quite new what that hand would entail, but as things turned out, it was a poker hand for the history books.

There were 220,000 people on PokerStars yesterday playing on 33,000 tables, each one of them hoping to win the milestone hand and the big cash bonus that PokerStars promised would go along with it. In the end, the 50 billionth hand was played by a member from Germany named tbvle, who walked away with an impressive $56,140 though the PokerStars 50 Billion Hand promotion.

But here’s the really incredible part: tbvle was playing microstakes at a $0.02/$0.05 NL Hold’em cash table! The actual pot for the hand was only $26, but is very good for a microstakes table. Apparently the players at the table were so excited to win that the five billionth hand that everyone went all-in before the flop!

Hundreds of railbirds sat on the sidelines watching the historic hand. When tbvle won with a pair of queens, he made PokerStars history, and won a lot of cash too.

The other 5 players at the table were reward too, each grabbing about $3,000 just for being there. Everyone got a $5,200 WCOOP Main Event ticket too, just because PokerStars was feeling generous.

1. Tobey Maguire

The famous actor most known for his rolls in the Spider-man movies has participated in several poker tournaments and won over $10 million in Hollywood home games.

2. Jenifer Tilly

The Oscar nominated actress had won a WSOP bracelet and a victory in WPT Ladies Night III.

3. Ben Affleck

The world famous actor and celebrity had won the California State Poker Championship, grabbing $360,000 in prize money.

4. Shannon Elizabeth

The Hollywood actress best known for her roll in American Pie has been developing her career as a pro poker player, competing in poker tournaments and playing against the best poker players in the world.

5. Michael Greco

The British actor most known for his roll in the TV soap opera East Enders, has made over $500,000 playing poker.

6. Laura Prepon

The Hollywood actress most known for her roll in “That 70’s show”  is the host of “Hollywood Hold’em” on the E! Network and a frequent player at the Bicycle casino in LA.

7. Michael Phelps

The Olympic champion Swimmer Michel Phelps is playing a lot of online poker. One of his dreams is to win the World Series of Poker.

8. James Woods

The famous actor is on the official team of online poker room Hollywood Poker.

9. Boris Becker

The famous tennis player is often seen playing in the EPT (European Poker Tour) and is serving as an ambassador for online poker room PokerStars.com

10. Jason Alexander

The Seinfeld star is a dedicated poker player. He participates in poker tournaments on a regular basis.

1. Tobey Maguire

The famous actor most known for his rolls in the Spider-man movies has participated in several poker tournaments and won over $10 million in Hollywood home games.

2. Jenifer Tilly

The Oscar nominated actress had won a WSOP bracelet and a victory in WPT Ladies Night III.

3. Ben Affleck

The world famous actor and celebrity had won the California State Poker Championship, grabbing $360,000 in prize money.

4. Shannon Elizabeth

The Hollywood actress best known for her roll in American Pie has been developing her career as a pro poker player, competing in poker tournaments and playing against the best poker players in the world.

5. Michael Greco

The British actor most known for his roll in the TV soap opera East Enders, has made over $500,000 playing poker.

6. Laura Prepon

The Hollywood actress most known for her roll in “That 70’s show”  is the host of “Hollywood Hold’em” on the E! Network and a frequent player at the Bicycle casino in LA.

7. Michael Phelps

The Olympic champion Swimmer Michel Phelps is playing a lot of online poker. One of his dreams is to win the World Series of Poker.

8. James Woods

The famous actor is on the official team of online poker room Hollywood Poker.

9. Boris Becker

The famous tennis player is often seen playing in the EPT (European Poker Tour) and is serving as an ambassador for online poker room PokerStars.com

10. Jason Alexander

The Seinfeld star is a dedicated poker player. He participates in poker tournaments on a regular basis.