On today’s Daily Deal, the final seat to the Tournament of Champions is dished out, France issues its first online gaming licenses, we update you on the latest from the WSOP, and a lucky PND reporter interviews UB’s Samantha Ryan.
Hello, I’m Sean Gibson and welcome to the Daily Deal by Poker News Daily.
The final World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions sponsorship exemption will be awarded to the last man or woman standing from a nine-handed sit and go to be held on Thursday. The WSOP Academy selected eight popular poker pros and a high-profile poker actor, none of whom was eligible for the TOC voting because they haven’t won a bracelet yet. The lucky nine include internet prodigy Tom Dwan, EPT San Remo Champion Liv Boeree, and pros like Michael Mizrachi, Sorel Mizzi, and Andy Bloch. Academy Award winning actor Don Cheadle, whose Ante up for Africa tournaments have made him well known in the poker community was also invited.
As promised, the French gaming authority ARJEL issued its first online gaming licenses in time for the two thousand and ten world cup. Many operators are free to offer sports and horse betting, but those wishing to offer poker and so-called “circle” games must wait a few more weeks. Unibet, Everest, and bwin are celebrating their new licenses, while industry heavyweights Microgaming and Party Gaming must keep the champagne on ice for a while longer. There is hope, though, according to ARJEL president Jean Vilotte:
“There are several reasons that these applications are still under review, including the need for additional information from the applicants. The fact that these companies were not a part of the first issuance of licenses does not prejudge any decision on their application.”
From here in Las Vegas the action continues at the two thousand and ten World Series of Poker. Event number twelve wrapped up with former Stox Poker instructor Matt Matros taking down the fifteen hundred dollar Limit Holdem event for his first bracelet. Event number thirteen, which is a one thousand dollar no limit hold’em event, is down to the final table today. The winner of that event will take in almost a half million bucks. Event fourteen, a deuce to seven draw lowball tournament, was won by Las Vegas pro Yan Chen who bested 250 participants.
Event number fifteen had a star studded final table for the Seven Card Stud Hi – Low world championship. Names at the final table included Dario Minieri, John Juanda, Steve Zolotow and Jennifer Harman. After play was done, Tennessee native Frank Kassela won the title and the near four hundred and fifty thousand dollar first place prize.
Many are hoping that 2010 is the year of the woman here at the world series of poker, and while many follow Annette Obrestad’s first Vegas invasion, others are more interested in the adventures of Samantha Ryan, UB’s latest sponsored pro. Dan Cypra, one of our editors here at Poker News Daily, had the difficult task of calling the adult star for a Q and A, in which Ryan told us how she first got into poker:
“I started playing when I was in real estate, which was the last professional job I had before the adult industry. The guys I was in real estate with were also blackjack players and were making excuses to go to Las Vegas every weekend. I was sweating them and that’s when I got the itch. They taught me how to play and I started beating them. Four years ago, I started playing online.”
Cypra wanted to add in after the interview, quote:
“Best… job… ever.”
Good for Dan! Anyways, thanks for joining me on The Daily Deal. Be sure to check out Poker News Daily for the latest in poker news and find a new episode of this show every Monday through Friday. We’ll also have updates from the Rio and interviews with the biggest names in poker, so be sure to check that out. In the meantime, play in some satellites so you can join us here at the Rio!
