She knew when to hold 'em, and she knew when to fold 'em - her poker winnings, that is.
And like the Gambler, this Southside resident learned the "secret to survivin'" is knowing what to throw away and what to keep.
In this case, she turned over her $1,000 winnings at the point of a small silver handgun. The robbery took place shortly after midnight Monday when the 51-year-old victim and a 53-year-old friend returned to the Plantation Apartments at 7061 Old Kings Road S. The victim told police she had won a lot of money playing poker in Orange Park.
As they walked to their apartment, a man in a dark hat with a dark rag over his face came up, pointed a gun at her and demanded money. The victim told police the man's voice sounded familiar.
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Sunday, January 18, 2009
Snowmobilers enjoy Chaseburg poker run
CHASEBURG — Kyle and Bridgette Klum know the winding snowmobile trails of Vernon County.
The Viroqua couple has traversed the routes often since they opened in December, even braving bitter cold temperatures Thursday for a ride to St. Joseph Ridge.
Shelly DeGier of Chaseburg pulls off her face mask after riding into Stoddard for a lunch stop Saturday during the Chaseburg Trail Days Poker Run. PETER THOMSON
“It was just 19 below. It wasn’t that bad, really,” said Kyle Klum, 23. “My chin got a little cold, that’s all.”
Bridgette Klum, 22, preferred Saturday’s above-zero temperatures as she and her husband planned their route for the 39th annual Chaseburg Trail Days Poker Run.
They left DeGarmo’s Tippy Toe Inn in Chaseburg and headed for Stoddard and Genoa to collect four additional stamps before meeting back at the Chaseburg Village Hall.
“We felt like going for a ride and thought this would be fun,” Kyle Klum said. “We thought this would be something different to do on our snowmobiles.”
The weather and holidays kept Jason Jorstad, 37, of Chaseburg off his snowmobile until Saturday’s poker run.
“I just haven’t had the time,” he said, seated with six friends at Billy’s Lantern on Hwy. 14/61. “It’s nice to get out there.”
Despite snow earlier this season, snowmobile riders said recent rain, ice and cold have left some area trails a tad “rough.”
They remain optimistic conditions will improve.
Meteorologist Dan Jones said the La Crosse area can expect to see light snow today and Monday, with temperatures in the upper teens and low 20s.
“It’s just something that makes you not hate winter,” said Jerald Widner, 57, of La Farge.
“I like to get outside,” added Vivanna Widner, 57.
The Widners rode through Vernon County with Angie, 29, and Ryan Piepenhagen, 31, of Stoddard on Saturday, passing a number of poker run participants.
“It’s nice because you don’t have to make a decision of where you’re going,” Angie Piepenhagen said. “Wherever the trail takes you, you end up.”
Trail Days events, which continue today, raise money to help maintain area trails, said Harlan Hanson, 73, of Chaseburg. Each year, he said, trails need to be rebuilt and groomed.
From poker and local music to Lutefisk, Bootlegger’s has it all
Although the Hollywood Theatre has garnered a fair amount of attention, Berends has not let it diminish any of the offerings at Bootlegger’s; if anything, he’s increased them.
One of the most popular events at the Supper Club has been the weekly “Poker Night.”
Having opened for the first night of the season this last week, owner, John Berends, said that he had his best turnout for an opening night ever.
“One thing I’ve noticed is the level of play has gotten really good. From one year to the next you can see the improvement in every single one of the players that come back, and they really have a ball,” he said.
And just because the level of play is improving, newcomers don’t need to be discouraged. Berends said that newbies are always welcome and that the close knit group is more than happy to teach and work with those looking to get a handle on the game.
The once a week session runs through January and February, and individuals are welcome to come to one or all eight weeks, he said.
Local music
If you’re not a poker player, Bootlegger’s hosts live music every Friday through March that largely stems from local talent.
Tommy Listul and brothers Ben and Clint Lecy drew rave reviews this past week, and more great music is ahead.
In the coming weeks, in order, Guy Stevermer, Steve Barber and Jerry Ostensoe are on the docket.
While Ostensoe is a household name, Berends says he amazed at the talent that comes to light totally to his surprise, such as the case with Barber.
Berends said that Barber handed him a CD recently and based on its content the Bootlegger’s owner was quick to book his act.
“We have huge resources, a lot of really talented people in the area. And most people aren’t really aware of it.”
He had to include himself in this statement in regards to Barber,
“I had always just known him as the girls’ tennis coach,” he mused.
Much more
While his catering business booms, Berends acknowledges that the economic hardships have correlated with a drop in his patrons.
In response to the times, Bootlegger’s is now offering special lower cost dishes for those of us on a budget. Berends says it a natural change that the Supper Club employs in order meet people’s varying dining habits.
Though it is not a new event, Bootlegger’s annual, professionally facilitated, beer tasting event may also be timed right with the recession when it pops it top on January 31. A fundraiser for the Yellow Medicine County Food Shelf, the benefit is twofold: Those in need see an increase in the amount of food available at the “Shelf,” and what better way to deal with recession than to taste some beer?
On January 22, Norwegians, and wannabes, will enjoy a lutefisk and meatball feed. On February 7 there is a Lion’s Buck Yuker Tournament and the Firemen’s Dance in the evening.
In short, there’s always something going on for everybody, and Berends says he has even more ideas stewing for the coming months.
One of the most popular events at the Supper Club has been the weekly “Poker Night.”
Having opened for the first night of the season this last week, owner, John Berends, said that he had his best turnout for an opening night ever.
“One thing I’ve noticed is the level of play has gotten really good. From one year to the next you can see the improvement in every single one of the players that come back, and they really have a ball,” he said.
And just because the level of play is improving, newcomers don’t need to be discouraged. Berends said that newbies are always welcome and that the close knit group is more than happy to teach and work with those looking to get a handle on the game.
The once a week session runs through January and February, and individuals are welcome to come to one or all eight weeks, he said.
Local music
If you’re not a poker player, Bootlegger’s hosts live music every Friday through March that largely stems from local talent.
Tommy Listul and brothers Ben and Clint Lecy drew rave reviews this past week, and more great music is ahead.
In the coming weeks, in order, Guy Stevermer, Steve Barber and Jerry Ostensoe are on the docket.
While Ostensoe is a household name, Berends says he amazed at the talent that comes to light totally to his surprise, such as the case with Barber.
Berends said that Barber handed him a CD recently and based on its content the Bootlegger’s owner was quick to book his act.
“We have huge resources, a lot of really talented people in the area. And most people aren’t really aware of it.”
He had to include himself in this statement in regards to Barber,
“I had always just known him as the girls’ tennis coach,” he mused.
Much more
While his catering business booms, Berends acknowledges that the economic hardships have correlated with a drop in his patrons.
In response to the times, Bootlegger’s is now offering special lower cost dishes for those of us on a budget. Berends says it a natural change that the Supper Club employs in order meet people’s varying dining habits.
Though it is not a new event, Bootlegger’s annual, professionally facilitated, beer tasting event may also be timed right with the recession when it pops it top on January 31. A fundraiser for the Yellow Medicine County Food Shelf, the benefit is twofold: Those in need see an increase in the amount of food available at the “Shelf,” and what better way to deal with recession than to taste some beer?
On January 22, Norwegians, and wannabes, will enjoy a lutefisk and meatball feed. On February 7 there is a Lion’s Buck Yuker Tournament and the Firemen’s Dance in the evening.
In short, there’s always something going on for everybody, and Berends says he has even more ideas stewing for the coming months.
Morgan’s value bet piques opponent’s curiosity
The object of a value bet on the river is to get the maximum number of chips from your opponent when you believe you have the best hand.
Sometimes you size your bet small enough to induce a curious opponent to call.
But sometimes, as young pro Jordan Morgan showed, you size your bet large enough to convince a loose opponent that you’re bluffing.
In this hand from the 2008 World Series of Poker $10,000-buy-in main event, with blinds at $150-$300, the player under the gun limped. In middle position, Morgan found pocket jacks and raised to $1,800. A player behind Morgan called, as did the original limper.
The flop came 9-6-3, rainbow. The original limper checked. Morgan made it $3,500.
“I was hoping to take it down or get called by a worse hand,” says Morgan, who finished second in the United States Poker Championship main event in 2006. “If I get raised, I’m not really going to like it. I’d have to make a decision based on the players in the hand, but I’ve kind of established the strength of my hand and the strength of their hands just by betting.”
The player behind Morgan folded. The original limper called.
“At this point, I’m pretty sure my hand’s good because I’d expect a raise from a larger pair,” Morgan explains. “I’m thinking he has some kind of medium pair or a draw.”
The turn came the 9 of hearts, a scary card if Morgan’s opponent were slow-playing a set of 9s. “And it’s a card he can bluff,” Morgan says. “If he check-raises, I’d be hard-pressed to call. I’m either way ahead or way behind. If I’m behind, I have only two outs. If I’m ahead, he has only two outs. I just want to get it to a showdown, so I checked behind him.”
The river came the 9 of clubs.
“Now the only hand that beats me is a 9 or kings, queens or aces, and I can’t give him credit for any of those because he just limp-called pre-flop, just called the flop and checked the turn. He showed some strength in a hand where he was willing to put $3,500 in chips into the pot on the flop, so I want to make a big bet that makes it look like a bluff and gets me paid the most whenever he calls.”
Morgan bet $9,750, “about half of his stack, which I thought was about the most he would call.”
The original limper called, then mucked his hand when he saw Morgan’s jacks.
“A lot of times, people will make a medium-sized bet on the river on a hand where they want to get paid and bet big on a bluff,” Morgan says. “I wanted him to think I could have a bluff and I’d get paid the most.”
Sometimes you size your bet small enough to induce a curious opponent to call.
But sometimes, as young pro Jordan Morgan showed, you size your bet large enough to convince a loose opponent that you’re bluffing.
In this hand from the 2008 World Series of Poker $10,000-buy-in main event, with blinds at $150-$300, the player under the gun limped. In middle position, Morgan found pocket jacks and raised to $1,800. A player behind Morgan called, as did the original limper.
The flop came 9-6-3, rainbow. The original limper checked. Morgan made it $3,500.
“I was hoping to take it down or get called by a worse hand,” says Morgan, who finished second in the United States Poker Championship main event in 2006. “If I get raised, I’m not really going to like it. I’d have to make a decision based on the players in the hand, but I’ve kind of established the strength of my hand and the strength of their hands just by betting.”
The player behind Morgan folded. The original limper called.
“At this point, I’m pretty sure my hand’s good because I’d expect a raise from a larger pair,” Morgan explains. “I’m thinking he has some kind of medium pair or a draw.”
The turn came the 9 of hearts, a scary card if Morgan’s opponent were slow-playing a set of 9s. “And it’s a card he can bluff,” Morgan says. “If he check-raises, I’d be hard-pressed to call. I’m either way ahead or way behind. If I’m behind, I have only two outs. If I’m ahead, he has only two outs. I just want to get it to a showdown, so I checked behind him.”
The river came the 9 of clubs.
“Now the only hand that beats me is a 9 or kings, queens or aces, and I can’t give him credit for any of those because he just limp-called pre-flop, just called the flop and checked the turn. He showed some strength in a hand where he was willing to put $3,500 in chips into the pot on the flop, so I want to make a big bet that makes it look like a bluff and gets me paid the most whenever he calls.”
Morgan bet $9,750, “about half of his stack, which I thought was about the most he would call.”
The original limper called, then mucked his hand when he saw Morgan’s jacks.
“A lot of times, people will make a medium-sized bet on the river on a hand where they want to get paid and bet big on a bluff,” Morgan says. “I wanted him to think I could have a bluff and I’d get paid the most.”
Commission may put poker back on table
Escambia County Commissioner Kevin White next week will ask his fellow commissioners to reconsider a vote on whether to allow poker cardrooms at Pensacola Greyhound Track.
The board is expected to vote Thursday on whether to set a Feb. 19 public hearing to reconsider the controversial vote.
If White supports it this time — which he wouldn't confirm — it could easily pass.
White was one of the three votes against it on Dec. 11, along with commissioners Marie Young and Wilson Robertson. Commissioners Gene Valentino and Grover C. Robinson IV supported it.
White said his reason for bringing it back up isn't because of a push from constituents.
"I guess when you look at the economy and the way it is, if my vote is going to cost the 60 to 75 jobs at the track, then I want to rethink that because that's the last thing we need is more people out of work," White said.
"The additional jobs (poker could create) are a bonus."
Robertson won't change his vote.
"I am assuming Kevin will (change his vote) or he wouldn't be bringing it back," Robertson said. "I think it's going to cost a lot of families their paychecks. I am not trying to legislate morality, I just don't think our community needs that. There are other jobs we could go after."
Young said she's "not ready to say yet. I have not given it any other consideration since then," she said.
The Florida Legislature created the law several years ago that allows cardroom gaming at parimutuel gaming facilities — greyhound tracks, thoroughbred tracks, jai-alai frontons and harness tracks — but it must be approved by individual counties for it to take effect.
The board is expected to vote Thursday on whether to set a Feb. 19 public hearing to reconsider the controversial vote.
If White supports it this time — which he wouldn't confirm — it could easily pass.
White was one of the three votes against it on Dec. 11, along with commissioners Marie Young and Wilson Robertson. Commissioners Gene Valentino and Grover C. Robinson IV supported it.
White said his reason for bringing it back up isn't because of a push from constituents.
"I guess when you look at the economy and the way it is, if my vote is going to cost the 60 to 75 jobs at the track, then I want to rethink that because that's the last thing we need is more people out of work," White said.
"The additional jobs (poker could create) are a bonus."
Robertson won't change his vote.
"I am assuming Kevin will (change his vote) or he wouldn't be bringing it back," Robertson said. "I think it's going to cost a lot of families their paychecks. I am not trying to legislate morality, I just don't think our community needs that. There are other jobs we could go after."
Young said she's "not ready to say yet. I have not given it any other consideration since then," she said.
The Florida Legislature created the law several years ago that allows cardroom gaming at parimutuel gaming facilities — greyhound tracks, thoroughbred tracks, jai-alai frontons and harness tracks — but it must be approved by individual counties for it to take effect.
West Chester Twp. men allegedly robbed poker opponent at gunpoint
Two West Chester Twp. men were released from jail earlier this week after being arrested on felony charges when police said they robbed a poker opponent.
Mark E. Mason, 23, of 6200 Strathaven Drive, has been charged with aggravated robbery.
His brother, Matthew B. Mason, 21, of the same address, has been charged with complicity to aggravated robbery.
Both charges are first-degree felonies.
Police said the Mason brothers were playing poker at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at a friend's apartment at 6616 Fountains Blvd.
Joining them was Michael S. Butler, 22, of Hamilton, according to reports, which describe him as an "acquaintance" of the Masons.
At some point during the game, Matthew Mason pulled out a handgun and demanded Butler hand over his wallet, according to Sgt. Steve Oakes, of the West Chester Twp. Police Department.
While Butler was being held at gunpoint, Mark Mason searched the victim's pants and removed his wallet, Oakes said.
The two allegedly stole about $100 in cash from Butler's wallet and threw the billfold back to him on their way out, Oakes said.
Later that night, the two were arrested by West Chester Police at a nearby Waffle House.
If convicted on the charges, the men could face up to 10 years in prison.
Officials from the Butler County Jail said Tuesday, Jan. 13, the two were released on a court order Jan. 11.
Mark E. Mason, 23, of 6200 Strathaven Drive, has been charged with aggravated robbery.
His brother, Matthew B. Mason, 21, of the same address, has been charged with complicity to aggravated robbery.
Both charges are first-degree felonies.
Police said the Mason brothers were playing poker at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at a friend's apartment at 6616 Fountains Blvd.
Joining them was Michael S. Butler, 22, of Hamilton, according to reports, which describe him as an "acquaintance" of the Masons.
At some point during the game, Matthew Mason pulled out a handgun and demanded Butler hand over his wallet, according to Sgt. Steve Oakes, of the West Chester Twp. Police Department.
While Butler was being held at gunpoint, Mark Mason searched the victim's pants and removed his wallet, Oakes said.
The two allegedly stole about $100 in cash from Butler's wallet and threw the billfold back to him on their way out, Oakes said.
Later that night, the two were arrested by West Chester Police at a nearby Waffle House.
If convicted on the charges, the men could face up to 10 years in prison.
Officials from the Butler County Jail said Tuesday, Jan. 13, the two were released on a court order Jan. 11.
Squabble over Rota poker machines leads to another lawsuit
The fight among investors over control of poker machines on Rota has resulted to another filing of a lawsuit.
Blue Bird. Inc. filed the new lawsuit, which is described by its counsel, Ramon K. Quichocho, as a corporate hijacking case.
Blue Bird sued Byung Kook Choi, Byoong Seob Choi, Kyung Hee Joo, Bo Kyun Choi, and Pacific Rota LLC for beach of fiduciary duty, conversion, and accounting.
Blue Bird asked the Superior Court to order the defendants to pay damages. The plaintiff also requested the court to issue an injunction against the defendants to prevent any future corporate hijacking.
Quichocho stated in the complaint that on Aug. 5, 2003, Blue Bird was incorporated under the CNMI laws and its shareholders are Ok Hwa Lee and Dong Suk Kim.
Blue Bird's officers are Ok Hwa Lee, Dong Suk Kim, and Magdalene M. Taga. Listed as its directors are Ok Hwa Lee, Dong Suk Kim, and Taga. Dong Kyu Lee is its registered agent.
Quichocho said that Blue Bird then engaged in Byung Kook Choi (BK Choi) to manage the corporation.
Quichocho said that on Dec. 30, 2003, unknown to the real officers, directors, and shareholders of Blue Bird, BK Choi and his brother, Byoong Seob Choi (BS Choi), convened on Saipan a “board of directors” meeting of Blue Bird.
The lawyer said in that “meeting” BK became the president and his brother, Byoong Seob Choi, was chosen vice-president of Blue Bird.
In 2004, Blue Bird opened the poker game rooms in Songsong and Sinapalo on Rota. BK Choi managed both locations, but allegedly failed to remit money to the real owners of Blue Bird.
Quichocho said BK Choi claimed that the corporation was not making money.
In 2007, BK Choi changed the Blue Bird license in Songsong to Pacific Rota LLC, without permission from the owners of Blue Bird.
Quichocho said BK Choi and others transferred the poker machines that were in Songsong to Pacific Rota LLC.
Quichocho said that in November 2008, when Ok Hwa Lee and Dong Suk Kim arrived from Korea, they removed BK Choi as caretaking manager for Blue Bird and its business holdings and interests in the CNMI.
The lawyer said the grounds for removal include breach of trust and fiduciary duties by unlawful taking of assets and monies belonging to Blue Bird, engaging in personal business dealings, and filing fraudulent corporate documents.
Court documents show that it was BK Choi and his company, Pacific Rota LLC, who filed the first lawsuit against Quichocho and his wife, Frances, Vianney Hocog, Fidel S. Mendiola, Abelina T. Mendiola, Jung Ja Kim, and Dan Bi Choi, over the squabble on 10 poker machines on Rota.
Choi and Pacific Rota, through counsel Stephen Woodruff, sued the defendants for interference with prospective advantage and contractual relations, trespass, wrongful ejectment, civil breach of peace, conversion, conspiracy, breach of contract, and fraud.
In addition, Choi and Pacific Rota sued Quichocho for an eye poking assault, screwdriver assault, and false imprisonment.
But Frances Quichocho and Tan Dingco LLC, through Ramon Quichocho, also then filed a lawsuit against BK Choi, Pacific Rota, and five unnamed co-defendants.
In the counter-lawsuit, atty. Quichocho said that in October 2008, Pacific Saipan sold its ownership on 10 poker machines to Tan Dingco for $25,000.
The lawyer alleged that even after the purchase of the machines, BK Choi continued to manage the business and refused to report any income or expenses.
Blue Bird. Inc. filed the new lawsuit, which is described by its counsel, Ramon K. Quichocho, as a corporate hijacking case.
Blue Bird sued Byung Kook Choi, Byoong Seob Choi, Kyung Hee Joo, Bo Kyun Choi, and Pacific Rota LLC for beach of fiduciary duty, conversion, and accounting.
Blue Bird asked the Superior Court to order the defendants to pay damages. The plaintiff also requested the court to issue an injunction against the defendants to prevent any future corporate hijacking.
Quichocho stated in the complaint that on Aug. 5, 2003, Blue Bird was incorporated under the CNMI laws and its shareholders are Ok Hwa Lee and Dong Suk Kim.
Blue Bird's officers are Ok Hwa Lee, Dong Suk Kim, and Magdalene M. Taga. Listed as its directors are Ok Hwa Lee, Dong Suk Kim, and Taga. Dong Kyu Lee is its registered agent.
Quichocho said that Blue Bird then engaged in Byung Kook Choi (BK Choi) to manage the corporation.
Quichocho said that on Dec. 30, 2003, unknown to the real officers, directors, and shareholders of Blue Bird, BK Choi and his brother, Byoong Seob Choi (BS Choi), convened on Saipan a “board of directors” meeting of Blue Bird.
The lawyer said in that “meeting” BK became the president and his brother, Byoong Seob Choi, was chosen vice-president of Blue Bird.
In 2004, Blue Bird opened the poker game rooms in Songsong and Sinapalo on Rota. BK Choi managed both locations, but allegedly failed to remit money to the real owners of Blue Bird.
Quichocho said BK Choi claimed that the corporation was not making money.
In 2007, BK Choi changed the Blue Bird license in Songsong to Pacific Rota LLC, without permission from the owners of Blue Bird.
Quichocho said BK Choi and others transferred the poker machines that were in Songsong to Pacific Rota LLC.
Quichocho said that in November 2008, when Ok Hwa Lee and Dong Suk Kim arrived from Korea, they removed BK Choi as caretaking manager for Blue Bird and its business holdings and interests in the CNMI.
The lawyer said the grounds for removal include breach of trust and fiduciary duties by unlawful taking of assets and monies belonging to Blue Bird, engaging in personal business dealings, and filing fraudulent corporate documents.
Court documents show that it was BK Choi and his company, Pacific Rota LLC, who filed the first lawsuit against Quichocho and his wife, Frances, Vianney Hocog, Fidel S. Mendiola, Abelina T. Mendiola, Jung Ja Kim, and Dan Bi Choi, over the squabble on 10 poker machines on Rota.
Choi and Pacific Rota, through counsel Stephen Woodruff, sued the defendants for interference with prospective advantage and contractual relations, trespass, wrongful ejectment, civil breach of peace, conversion, conspiracy, breach of contract, and fraud.
In addition, Choi and Pacific Rota sued Quichocho for an eye poking assault, screwdriver assault, and false imprisonment.
But Frances Quichocho and Tan Dingco LLC, through Ramon Quichocho, also then filed a lawsuit against BK Choi, Pacific Rota, and five unnamed co-defendants.
In the counter-lawsuit, atty. Quichocho said that in October 2008, Pacific Saipan sold its ownership on 10 poker machines to Tan Dingco for $25,000.
The lawyer alleged that even after the purchase of the machines, BK Choi continued to manage the business and refused to report any income or expenses.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Two plead guilty to bookmaking out of Borgata poker room
Two more defendants have pleaded guilty to gambling charges in a mob-linked, multimillion-dollar bookmaking operation that was run out of the high-stakes poker room of one of Atlantic City's casinos.
Nicholas Caltabiano, 25, of Brigantine, and Matthew Zambanini, 29, of Hockessin, Del., have admitted they worked as agents for the betting ring, according to a statement released yesterday by the New Jersey Attorney General's Office.
Each faces a maximum of 364 days in county jail for his role in what State Police have dubbed "Operation High Roller."
Authorities allege that during a 20-month period the gambling operation generated about $60 million in bets while operating out of the poker lounge at the Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa.
The casino cooperated with the State Police investigation which included wiretaps, surveillance videos and informant testimony. The investigation ended with a series of arrests in November 2007.
Caltabiano and Zambanini entered their pleas during brief hearings before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Michael Donio on Tuesday. To date, 17 defendants in the case, including the reputed leaders of the operation, have entered guilty pleas.
Jack Buscemi Jr., 51, of Mullica Hill, and Andrew Micali, 33, of Ventnor, each face up to five years in state prison based on their pleas to money-laundering and loansharking charges.
Buscemi was described as the boss of the betting ring while Micali ran the day-to-day operations.
Anthony Nicodemo, 37, a reputed South Philadelphia-based mob soldier, faces up to three years after pleading guilty to gambling and money-laundering charges.
Authorities said Nicodemo had a supervisor role in the operation.
Most of the other defendants have pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of promoting gambling that carries a maximum of just under one year in the county jail.
Nicholas Caltabiano, 25, of Brigantine, and Matthew Zambanini, 29, of Hockessin, Del., have admitted they worked as agents for the betting ring, according to a statement released yesterday by the New Jersey Attorney General's Office.
Each faces a maximum of 364 days in county jail for his role in what State Police have dubbed "Operation High Roller."
Authorities allege that during a 20-month period the gambling operation generated about $60 million in bets while operating out of the poker lounge at the Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa.
The casino cooperated with the State Police investigation which included wiretaps, surveillance videos and informant testimony. The investigation ended with a series of arrests in November 2007.
Caltabiano and Zambanini entered their pleas during brief hearings before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Michael Donio on Tuesday. To date, 17 defendants in the case, including the reputed leaders of the operation, have entered guilty pleas.
Jack Buscemi Jr., 51, of Mullica Hill, and Andrew Micali, 33, of Ventnor, each face up to five years in state prison based on their pleas to money-laundering and loansharking charges.
Buscemi was described as the boss of the betting ring while Micali ran the day-to-day operations.
Anthony Nicodemo, 37, a reputed South Philadelphia-based mob soldier, faces up to three years after pleading guilty to gambling and money-laundering charges.
Authorities said Nicodemo had a supervisor role in the operation.
Most of the other defendants have pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of promoting gambling that carries a maximum of just under one year in the county jail.
Poker Tournament - BILOXI , MS
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - Some of America's top professional poker players are competing in Biloxi's World Poker Tour Championship at Beau Rivage.
When the tournament began, 283 players were at the tables. By Saturday, six players will be competing for a top prize of a million dollars.
"The winner also gets a $25,000 seat at the world championship in Las Vegas," said Director of Poker Operations Ken Lambert.
Saturday's final event will be nationally televised. It represents great publicity for the coast's casino industry.
"It's big recognition for Beau Rivage and Biloxi," said Lambert.
The final event takes place Saturday at 4pm inside Beau Rivage's grand ball room. The public is invited to come and watch six players compete for a million dollars.
When the tournament began, 283 players were at the tables. By Saturday, six players will be competing for a top prize of a million dollars.
"The winner also gets a $25,000 seat at the world championship in Las Vegas," said Director of Poker Operations Ken Lambert.
Saturday's final event will be nationally televised. It represents great publicity for the coast's casino industry.
"It's big recognition for Beau Rivage and Biloxi," said Lambert.
The final event takes place Saturday at 4pm inside Beau Rivage's grand ball room. The public is invited to come and watch six players compete for a million dollars.
Women's Charity "Queens of Heart" Tournament Heightens Awareness With Harrah's World Series of Poker
Lisa Tenner, President of Tenner & Associates, Inc., today announced the transition of the "Queens of Heart" Tournament to Harrah's World Series of Poker.
Co-founded in 2005, "Queens of Heart" was created to raise awareness around key women's charities through poker -- specifically, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) -- a vehicle with a promotional "good health for everyone" message.
After producing "Queens of Heart" in cooperation with the 2006, 2007 and 2008 WSOP, and raising over one hundred thousand dollars for various charities, a mutual decision was made for Harrah's to produce the event in-house.
"I am honored that the incredible success, charity and awareness for good health that Tenner & Associates, Inc. brought to the World Series of Poker on behalf of 'Queens of Heart' is a win-win for all concerned," stated Ms. Tenner. "I am very appreciative of the efforts of all of the women that have participated on the 'Queens of Heart' team over the years and helped push its success and to this level of recognition."
Tenner & Associates is a branding and marketing company that understands the importance of building a 'cause-marketing' brand. From 'Queens' inception, it understood that the WSOP would aid in elevating awareness and annual fundraising efforts.
"I am proud that the 'Queens of Heart' is a part of the history, tradition, and the future of the WSOP," said Ms. Tenner in closing.
Contact:
Contact:
Lisa Tenner
Tenner & Associates, Inc.
121 Quail Run Road
Henderson, NV 89014-2129
Landline 702.454.9561
Mobile 702.496.3286
Fax 702.792.5748
Co-founded in 2005, "Queens of Heart" was created to raise awareness around key women's charities through poker -- specifically, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) -- a vehicle with a promotional "good health for everyone" message.
After producing "Queens of Heart" in cooperation with the 2006, 2007 and 2008 WSOP, and raising over one hundred thousand dollars for various charities, a mutual decision was made for Harrah's to produce the event in-house.
"I am honored that the incredible success, charity and awareness for good health that Tenner & Associates, Inc. brought to the World Series of Poker on behalf of 'Queens of Heart' is a win-win for all concerned," stated Ms. Tenner. "I am very appreciative of the efforts of all of the women that have participated on the 'Queens of Heart' team over the years and helped push its success and to this level of recognition."
Tenner & Associates is a branding and marketing company that understands the importance of building a 'cause-marketing' brand. From 'Queens' inception, it understood that the WSOP would aid in elevating awareness and annual fundraising efforts.
"I am proud that the 'Queens of Heart' is a part of the history, tradition, and the future of the WSOP," said Ms. Tenner in closing.
Contact:
Contact:
Lisa Tenner
Tenner & Associates, Inc.
121 Quail Run Road
Henderson, NV 89014-2129
Landline 702.454.9561
Mobile 702.496.3286
Fax 702.792.5748
Aces High for Poker Players With MansionPoker's $2,500,000 Tournament
MansionPoker.com is inviting poker players to take part in a fantastic tournament that offers a guaranteed prize pool of $2,500,000!
MansionPoker.com never shys away from big incentives and big money for its players, and the magnificent $2,500,000 GP Tournament certainly has that extra star quality.
The preliminary satellites for the tournament commenced at the beginning of January 2009, while the main event begins in earnest on 8 March 2009. A buy-in amount of $1500+$80 allows players to enter the tournament and pit their wits against each other for adrenaline-fuelled poker.
MansionPoker.com also continues to offer a fantastic 100% new member bonus of up to $500. New members simply download the easy to use software and play any Real Money games to qualify.
Look out too for the lucrative Refer-A-Friend scheme. Members get $75 for each new player they introduce - and each new friend receives $25 so everyone's a winner.
MansionPoker.com never shys away from big incentives and big money for its players, and the magnificent $2,500,000 GP Tournament certainly has that extra star quality.
The preliminary satellites for the tournament commenced at the beginning of January 2009, while the main event begins in earnest on 8 March 2009. A buy-in amount of $1500+$80 allows players to enter the tournament and pit their wits against each other for adrenaline-fuelled poker.
MansionPoker.com also continues to offer a fantastic 100% new member bonus of up to $500. New members simply download the easy to use software and play any Real Money games to qualify.
Look out too for the lucrative Refer-A-Friend scheme. Members get $75 for each new player they introduce - and each new friend receives $25 so everyone's a winner.
Daniel Negreanu on Poker
When playing poker, soft playing is same as cheating
What I'm about to say may surprise you. You might be a cheater and not even know it.
If you are in a poker game for money and are taking it easy on one of your buddies, you are cheating yourself, your friend and every other player in the game. I realize that's a bold statement, but it's absolutely true.
In the poker world, we have a term for this type of play. It's called soft playing. When two friends, spouses, relatives or flat out cheaters don't bet against each other, they're soft playing.
Soft playing destroys the integrity of the game of poker and it's wrong.
I realize that many players have no idea that this behavior is so unethical. More often than not, soft playing (not to be confused with slow playing) is done innocently with no harm intended. Perhaps a gentleman doesn't want to take a lady's last $20. Or, one player doesn't want to raise his friend because his friend is losing too much money.
Well, if you are so concerned with your buddy losing money, or if you're trying to get a date by not betting against a beautiful woman, try taking them both out to dinner after the game. The poker table is no place for compassion and kindness. I'm sort of kidding, but I think you get the idea.
The unintended by-product of soft playing a friend is how it affects the action for the rest of the players at the table. For example, let's say that you and a pal both make the final table of a No Limit Texas Hold 'em tournament that pays the top five finishers. There are six players remaining and you and your buddy are still hanging in. Remember, the next player out gets nothing. Everyone at the table wants to see someone get knocked out so that they can finish in the money.
How do you think the other players at the table would feel if you are soft playing your friend? By not playing hard against him, you are absolutely cheating the other players at the table. That may not have been your intention, but ignorance of the rule won't get you off the hook when you get caught. Soft playing in a tournament can result in severe penalties, including disqualification to both you and your friend.
Poker is not a team sport. It's every man for himself. It's perfectly OK to root for your buddies and hope they do well, but when it's time to play the game, you have to give it your all. All by yourself, that is.
Soft playing is, more often than not, totally innocent. But you need to be aware that there are snakes out there, and it's important that you spot them before they team up against you.
If you're playing online and you smell something fishy, e-mail customer support and have them investigate. At reputable poker sites, a representative will look into your claim by reviewing the hand(s) in question, as well as the betting history of the suspected cheaters. If suspicious betting behavior is detected, the crooks will be banned from the site and you will likely receive a refund for the money you lost due to player collusion.
If you see something strange in a live game, notify the floor man immediately and ask him to investigate.
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