Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Former Senator D'Amato joins PPA as Chairman of the Board
Monday, 05 March 2007
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), a grassroots organization of more than 160,000 poker enthusiasts, announced today that former United States Senator Alfonse D'Amato has joined the PPA to serve as Chairman of the Board and help lead efforts in Washington D.C. to protect the game of poker.
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), a grassroots organization of more than 160,000 poker enthusiasts, announced today that former United States Senator Alfonse D'Amato has joined the PPA to serve as Chairman of the Board and help lead efforts in Washington D.C. to protect the game of poker.
Online Vs. Offline Poker
Poker Tips & Strategies
Online Vs. Offline Poker?
By Dave ParkerCourtesy of BluffMagazine.com
Many of us begin our so-called poker careers by honing our games at various online poker sites. And by doing so, some of us reach the point where we consistently increase our bankrolls and come to feel pretty good about our game.Unfortunately, however, when many online players decide to take it to the next level by joining "live" games around town, they leave the table shocked. More than a couple of online sharks have sat down at a real table only to get beaten like a circus monkey. So how did they do so well online? Were the players in the live games that much better? Or is it that online and offline poker are subtly, yet distinctively, different?
Online Vs. Offline Poker?
By Dave ParkerCourtesy of BluffMagazine.com
Many of us begin our so-called poker careers by honing our games at various online poker sites. And by doing so, some of us reach the point where we consistently increase our bankrolls and come to feel pretty good about our game.Unfortunately, however, when many online players decide to take it to the next level by joining "live" games around town, they leave the table shocked. More than a couple of online sharks have sat down at a real table only to get beaten like a circus monkey. So how did they do so well online? Were the players in the live games that much better? Or is it that online and offline poker are subtly, yet distinctively, different?
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Gold Settles Lawsuit Over WSOP Prize
World Series of Poker main event winner Jamie Gold has agreed to settle a dispute over half of the tournament's $12 million grand prize, The Associated Press has learned.
In a joint, signed statement released Tuesday to the AP, Gold and Los Angeles-based TV producer Bruce Crispin Leyser agreed the matter should be resolved "without litigation."
"Jamie always intended on sharing his winnings with Crispin," the statement says. "Jamie and Crispin are happy to report they have fully settled this matter. They are pleased to be closing this chapter and look forward to continued success."
Gold, a former Hollywood agent before he turned poker pro, defeated 8,772 players to win the World Series of Poker tournament last summer in Las Vegas.
The two did not make clear how much money Leyser would receive. Gold already withdrew $6 million, half of his take from winning the world's largest poker tournament. The rest was frozen by court order after Leyser sued in August, claiming they had agreed to split the winnings.
Leyser said Gold agreed to the split in exchange for Leyser helping him find celebrities to play in the main event while wearing the "Bodog" label of an offshore Internet gambling site.
Leyser even kept what he said was a voicemail Gold left on his phone on the final day of the tournament in which Gold promised to pay Leyser "your half."
At a December court hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Roger L. Hunt rejected a motion by Gold's lawyers to lift an injunction set in September on the $6 million still at the tournament host, the Rio casino-hotel, and ordered the frozen funds be moved into an interest-bearing account.
Hunt also indicated Leyser likely would win his claim to the $6 million.
In a joint, signed statement released Tuesday to the AP, Gold and Los Angeles-based TV producer Bruce Crispin Leyser agreed the matter should be resolved "without litigation."
"Jamie always intended on sharing his winnings with Crispin," the statement says. "Jamie and Crispin are happy to report they have fully settled this matter. They are pleased to be closing this chapter and look forward to continued success."
Gold, a former Hollywood agent before he turned poker pro, defeated 8,772 players to win the World Series of Poker tournament last summer in Las Vegas.
The two did not make clear how much money Leyser would receive. Gold already withdrew $6 million, half of his take from winning the world's largest poker tournament. The rest was frozen by court order after Leyser sued in August, claiming they had agreed to split the winnings.
Leyser said Gold agreed to the split in exchange for Leyser helping him find celebrities to play in the main event while wearing the "Bodog" label of an offshore Internet gambling site.
Leyser even kept what he said was a voicemail Gold left on his phone on the final day of the tournament in which Gold promised to pay Leyser "your half."
At a December court hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Roger L. Hunt rejected a motion by Gold's lawyers to lift an injunction set in September on the $6 million still at the tournament host, the Rio casino-hotel, and ordered the frozen funds be moved into an interest-bearing account.
Hunt also indicated Leyser likely would win his claim to the $6 million.
Doyle’s Room Exits US Market
19 February 2007Dear DoylesRoom Player,
This email is intended solely for US-based players at DoylesRoom.com. Please ignore this communication if you are based in any other country.
In view of the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (“UIGEA”) and the cessation of operations by Neteller and other payment processors, the management of the Doyle Brunson Poker Network (“DBPN”) has reluctantly decided not to permit online real money play by US-based players. We know this will come as a disappointment to you but we have taken the view that the most prudent course of action at this time to ensure the security of player funds is to conduct an orderly withdrawal from the United States market.
Effective immediately, US online poker players will not be permitted to sign up for real money play or deposit funds into existing accounts. Commencing March 1, 2007, all US play on DoylesRoom.com will be blocked and US players will be able to access only the withdrawals page.
You may withdraw your funds at any time or, should you wish to enjoy uninterrupted play, we are pleased to announce that Full Tilt Poker has agreed to accept direct transfer of your account balance. This will give you the opportunity to earn a signup bonus of up to $600 and use your action point balance on their site (terms and conditions apply, see below). This account transfer option will be simple, immediate, and allow you to take advantage of Full Tilt Poker’s wide range of games and tournaments. The transfer feature is available now.
For more details please click here
DBPN assures all its players that their funds are safe but in view of the likely demands on our processing staff in the forthcoming weeks, cashouts may take a little longer than usual to process. We ask that players wishing to withdraw their funds be patient.
DoylesRoom.com will continue to serve non-US players and will increase its focus on Canada, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
We share your disappointment with this news and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank You, The ManagementDoyle Brunson Poker Network
This email is intended solely for US-based players at DoylesRoom.com. Please ignore this communication if you are based in any other country.
In view of the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (“UIGEA”) and the cessation of operations by Neteller and other payment processors, the management of the Doyle Brunson Poker Network (“DBPN”) has reluctantly decided not to permit online real money play by US-based players. We know this will come as a disappointment to you but we have taken the view that the most prudent course of action at this time to ensure the security of player funds is to conduct an orderly withdrawal from the United States market.
Effective immediately, US online poker players will not be permitted to sign up for real money play or deposit funds into existing accounts. Commencing March 1, 2007, all US play on DoylesRoom.com will be blocked and US players will be able to access only the withdrawals page.
You may withdraw your funds at any time or, should you wish to enjoy uninterrupted play, we are pleased to announce that Full Tilt Poker has agreed to accept direct transfer of your account balance. This will give you the opportunity to earn a signup bonus of up to $600 and use your action point balance on their site (terms and conditions apply, see below). This account transfer option will be simple, immediate, and allow you to take advantage of Full Tilt Poker’s wide range of games and tournaments. The transfer feature is available now.
For more details please click here
DBPN assures all its players that their funds are safe but in view of the likely demands on our processing staff in the forthcoming weeks, cashouts may take a little longer than usual to process. We ask that players wishing to withdraw their funds be patient.
DoylesRoom.com will continue to serve non-US players and will increase its focus on Canada, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
We share your disappointment with this news and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank You, The ManagementDoyle Brunson Poker Network
The Military
The Military
The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by societyas half man, half boy Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer,but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he wouldrather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemploymenteither. He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student,pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mmhowitzer. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march.He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. he sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, hisfood. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian , draw half the pay a nd still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more sufferingand death then he should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them.He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom . Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot.. A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets Prayer wheel for our military... please don't break it. Please send this onafter a short prayer. Prayer Wheel"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protectus. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen." Prayer : When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in theair, and for those in Iraq There is nothing attached.. This can be very powerful.... ... Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marineor Airman, prayer is the very best one. I can't break this one, sorry This is a ribbon for soldiers fighting in Iraq. Pass it on to everyone andpray. Every minute that passes is another chance to turn it all around
The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by societyas half man, half boy Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer,but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he wouldrather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemploymenteither. He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student,pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mmhowitzer. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march.He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. he sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, hisfood. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian , draw half the pay a nd still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more sufferingand death then he should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them.He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom . Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot.. A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets Prayer wheel for our military... please don't break it. Please send this onafter a short prayer. Prayer Wheel"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protectus. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen." Prayer : When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in theair, and for those in Iraq There is nothing attached.. This can be very powerful.... ... Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marineor Airman, prayer is the very best one. I can't break this one, sorry This is a ribbon for soldiers fighting in Iraq. Pass it on to everyone andpray. Every minute that passes is another chance to turn it all around
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Sound Off America !
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, is sending a few bills back to Congress to have them "revisited". Among those bills being "revisited" is... the Port Security Bill that Senator Fisk used to attach the Internet Gambling Bill to...and got it passed. Please voice your objections regarding this bill and how it was passed... Her email addy is: AmericanVoices@mail.house.gov It is imperative that we all send an email to her voicing our objections to the gaming bill. Send this to your friends, your enemies and anyone you know who was directly or indirectly affected.
U.S.A. Players !
Welcome to OK USA Poker!
OK USA Poker is here to defend your rights to play online poker. As you may already know, the US congress has recently taken action to try and prevent Americans from playing online poker. The manner it which it was taken has millions of Americans outraged. We are donating 50% of our profits to help in the fight to protect online poker! So, when you play here, you will be helping the cause and helping to keep the ability to play online poker. Enjoy!
The Staff of OK USA Poker
OK USA Poker is pleased to announce our “no-fixed-expiry” 100% Initial Signup Bonus Program. Deposit money at OK USA Poker for the first time, and we will match that value into your Bonus Account. Just by having fun and playing Poker, you will be meeting the Release Criteria and be receiving deposits of $20 in to your Cash Account.
How does it work?
OK USA Poker will match 100% of your initial deposit and award you up to $500 Bonus Dollars. These Bonus Dollars will be automatically released to your Cash Account in increments of $20 for every 200 OK Points you collect.
What makes the Bonus so special?
There is no fixed expiry date. You are given 30 days to complete a $20 increment. That is: You have 30 days to clear your first $20 increment. Once you do this, the clock is reset and you again have 30 days to clear your next $20 increment, and so on. So please take your time and enjoy the site.
How do I earn OK Points?
1 point is awarded for each hand you play, where the minimum rake is $0.50.
1 point is awarded for each $1 in Tournament Fee.
Conditions?
Minimum deposit is $50. Maximum Bonus match is $500. Each $20 increment must be collected within 30 days of each other – meaning, once you collect a $20 increment, you have 30 days to collect the next $20 increment. This will continue until (i) you have exhausted your Bonus Credit, or (ii) 30 days has elapsed without collecting a $20 increment.
Just click that banner and use bonus code "gunner" for a 200% initial deposit bonus !
OK USA Poker is here to defend your rights to play online poker. As you may already know, the US congress has recently taken action to try and prevent Americans from playing online poker. The manner it which it was taken has millions of Americans outraged. We are donating 50% of our profits to help in the fight to protect online poker! So, when you play here, you will be helping the cause and helping to keep the ability to play online poker. Enjoy!
The Staff of OK USA Poker
OK USA Poker is pleased to announce our “no-fixed-expiry” 100% Initial Signup Bonus Program. Deposit money at OK USA Poker for the first time, and we will match that value into your Bonus Account. Just by having fun and playing Poker, you will be meeting the Release Criteria and be receiving deposits of $20 in to your Cash Account.
How does it work?
OK USA Poker will match 100% of your initial deposit and award you up to $500 Bonus Dollars. These Bonus Dollars will be automatically released to your Cash Account in increments of $20 for every 200 OK Points you collect.
What makes the Bonus so special?
There is no fixed expiry date. You are given 30 days to complete a $20 increment. That is: You have 30 days to clear your first $20 increment. Once you do this, the clock is reset and you again have 30 days to clear your next $20 increment, and so on. So please take your time and enjoy the site.
How do I earn OK Points?
1 point is awarded for each hand you play, where the minimum rake is $0.50.
1 point is awarded for each $1 in Tournament Fee.
Conditions?
Minimum deposit is $50. Maximum Bonus match is $500. Each $20 increment must be collected within 30 days of each other – meaning, once you collect a $20 increment, you have 30 days to collect the next $20 increment. This will continue until (i) you have exhausted your Bonus Credit, or (ii) 30 days has elapsed without collecting a $20 increment.
Just click that banner and use bonus code "gunner" for a 200% initial deposit bonus !
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Defend The American Tradition
Poker Players Alliance: Defend the American Tradition
Unlike games of chance where a roll of the die is all that determines the win or the loss, poker is a game of skill.
Demanding high levels of strategy, observation, cunning, and memory, poker has challenged and sharpened some of America's greatest tactical minds such as Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight Eisenhower.
Today, more than 70 million poker players are reviving American's tradition.
The recent expansion of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) best illustrates the exponential growth of the game in the past five years - the number of entrants in the WSOP has increased from 4,700 to 23,000.
Unfortunately, even as public support for poker grows, some over-zealous government and law enforcement officials have begun attacking the game and trampling on the rights of those who play.
The American tradition of poker must be defended. Poker players should have the freedom to continue to enjoy this favorite pastime as they always have.
Unlike games of chance where a roll of the die is all that determines the win or the loss, poker is a game of skill.
Demanding high levels of strategy, observation, cunning, and memory, poker has challenged and sharpened some of America's greatest tactical minds such as Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight Eisenhower.
Today, more than 70 million poker players are reviving American's tradition.
The recent expansion of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) best illustrates the exponential growth of the game in the past five years - the number of entrants in the WSOP has increased from 4,700 to 23,000.
Unfortunately, even as public support for poker grows, some over-zealous government and law enforcement officials have begun attacking the game and trampling on the rights of those who play.
The American tradition of poker must be defended. Poker players should have the freedom to continue to enjoy this favorite pastime as they always have.
Friday, February 09, 2007
So Confused Maybe u can help !
Hi , I have 2 boys one almost 16 one almost 18 and they both wanna go in the service , and they came to me and said Mom would it be ok to join the military , I wanted to change the subject so bad but they kept asking me this same question and asking me if they would be put on the front line and if they would come home alive. And I was like froze I didn't know what to tell them other then if its your decision to join its fine that its a a great thing to foght for your country (USA) and about going to the front line I told them that I guess they would have to talk to a recruiter about the job they wanted to do in the military . I guess that would tell it all . And that if they did join and went to the front line to be brave that everyone at home would be proud of anything they did. Did i say the right things to them? This scares me beyond words . I love my country but im not sure im ready to let my boys go. Earl I can't even imagine what you and glenda are going through My prayers are with u and your Son..
AMBER ALERT !!!
Duke Doblick, '73
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Serra Catholic High School
200 Hershey Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
1-877-4-SERRA-1
412-751-7629
412-751-2160 (fax)
development@serrahs.org
Do not be afraid; just have faith. Mark 5:36 Please look at the picture, read what her mother says, then forward this message on.Maybe if everyone passes this on, someone will see this child. That is how the girl from Stevens Point was found by circulation of her picture on tv. The internet circulates even overseas,South America, and Canada etc. Thanks Please pass this to everyone in your address book. We have a Deli manager (Acme Markets) from Philadelphia, Pa who has a 13 year old daughter who has been missing for 2 weeks.Keep the picture moving on. With GOD on her side she will be found. "I am asking you all, begging you to pleaseforward this email on to anyone and everyone you know, PLEASE.My 13 year old girl, Ashley Flores, is missing. She has been missing for now two weeks. It is still not too late. Please help us. If anyone anywhere knows anything, please contact me at: HelpfindAshleyFlores@yahoocomI am including a picture of her. All prayers are appreciated!! " It only takes 2 seconds to forward this. If it was your child, you would want all the help you could get.
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.10/625 - Release Date: 1/13/2007
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.13/632 - Release Date: 1/16/07
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Serra Catholic High School
200 Hershey Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
1-877-4-SERRA-1
412-751-7629
412-751-2160 (fax)
development@serrahs.org
Do not be afraid; just have faith. Mark 5:36 Please look at the picture, read what her mother says, then forward this message on.Maybe if everyone passes this on, someone will see this child. That is how the girl from Stevens Point was found by circulation of her picture on tv. The internet circulates even overseas,South America, and Canada etc. Thanks Please pass this to everyone in your address book. We have a Deli manager (Acme Markets) from Philadelphia, Pa who has a 13 year old daughter who has been missing for 2 weeks.Keep the picture moving on. With GOD on her side she will be found. "I am asking you all, begging you to pleaseforward this email on to anyone and everyone you know, PLEASE.My 13 year old girl, Ashley Flores, is missing. She has been missing for now two weeks. It is still not too late. Please help us. If anyone anywhere knows anything, please contact me at: HelpfindAshleyFlores@yahoocomI am including a picture of her. All prayers are appreciated!! " It only takes 2 seconds to forward this. If it was your child, you would want all the help you could get.
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.10/625 - Release Date: 1/13/2007
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.13/632 - Release Date: 1/16/07
Symantec Finds Yet Another Excel Trojan Variant
Symantec Finds Yet Another Excel Trojan Variant
By Scott M. Fulton, III, BetaNews
February 8, 2007, 2:08 PM
It may be a single malicious user with an axe to grind, and that user may be targeting a very small group of people who just happen to use Microsoft Excel. But whoever it is continues to make security firms like Symantec nervous, as yet another Excel-based document with a malformed image string, dubbed Trojan.Mdropper. Y, has turned up.
As a message on Symantec's security blog stated this morning, the Excel document with the malformed string is capable of dropping two Trojan horse programs onto the victim's computer, both of which are identified as Backdoor.Bias. Both programs apparently leave open the possibility for remote exploit, but neither Symantec nor Microsoft has provided any details with regard to whether their informant victim's computers have been "phoning home."
This time around, Symantec was much more careful with the phrasing of the new Trojan's description on its blog, cautiously explaining that Trojan.Mdropper.Y was a different document that leveraged the same exploit as with editions prior to "Y," perhaps a little differently than before but not different enough to call this a new vulnerability.
Nonetheless, that didn't stop some press sources from calling this the fourth, fifth, or sixth new "Excel flaw" discovered since the beginning of the year, even though the concept string malformation exploit dates back to before the turn of the decade.
Excel 2007 appears to continue to be immune to this exploit, though older versions remain vulnerable. However, all legitimate security sources checked by BetaNews continue to report that these particular attacks are targeted rather than automated and widespread.
By Scott M. Fulton, III, BetaNews
February 8, 2007, 2:08 PM
It may be a single malicious user with an axe to grind, and that user may be targeting a very small group of people who just happen to use Microsoft Excel. But whoever it is continues to make security firms like Symantec nervous, as yet another Excel-based document with a malformed image string, dubbed Trojan.Mdropper. Y, has turned up.
As a message on Symantec's security blog stated this morning, the Excel document with the malformed string is capable of dropping two Trojan horse programs onto the victim's computer, both of which are identified as Backdoor.Bias. Both programs apparently leave open the possibility for remote exploit, but neither Symantec nor Microsoft has provided any details with regard to whether their informant victim's computers have been "phoning home."
This time around, Symantec was much more careful with the phrasing of the new Trojan's description on its blog, cautiously explaining that Trojan.Mdropper.Y was a different document that leveraged the same exploit as with editions prior to "Y," perhaps a little differently than before but not different enough to call this a new vulnerability.
Nonetheless, that didn't stop some press sources from calling this the fourth, fifth, or sixth new "Excel flaw" discovered since the beginning of the year, even though the concept string malformation exploit dates back to before the turn of the decade.
Excel 2007 appears to continue to be immune to this exploit, though older versions remain vulnerable. However, all legitimate security sources checked by BetaNews continue to report that these particular attacks are targeted rather than automated and widespread.
Funds Seized by FBI
Funds Seized by FBI
Neteller has had $55 Million in Funds seized by the FBI. These funds are payment processes in transit to and from the US. Authorities are saying the funds are "frozen".
"As a result of the restrictions placed by third parties, court-ordered seizures, and related legal concerns, the group is currently unable to make payments to U.S. customers," Neteller said in a statement.
"The amount of funds seized by the USAO or otherwise restricted by third parties does not exceed US$55 million (euro42 million)," it added. The FBI has also hired a forensic accounting firm to compile a list of US customers who have had Neteller Transactions. Neteller has apparently said it will co-operate.
Most internet poker players already know the 2 founders were arrested in the US and are each facing 20 year racketeering charges, and US Operations were suspended last month. Neteller lost upwards of 65% of its business due to New Anti Gambling Legislation which was "porked" into law in October of the coattails of the port security bill. George W. Bush signed the bill on October 14th making it US law. Neteller is based in the Isle of Man, traded on the Britain Exchange, and was the favorite payment processor for Internet Poker.
It should be noted that Internet Texas Holdem (ITH) - , the leading Texas Holdem Resource & Community, currently accepts Neteller as a payment method in their Internet Poker Store.
For all the details, follow this link to the ITH Communtiy Forum Discussion on Neteller
Neteller has had $55 Million in Funds seized by the FBI. These funds are payment processes in transit to and from the US. Authorities are saying the funds are "frozen".
"As a result of the restrictions placed by third parties, court-ordered seizures, and related legal concerns, the group is currently unable to make payments to U.S. customers," Neteller said in a statement.
"The amount of funds seized by the USAO or otherwise restricted by third parties does not exceed US$55 million (euro42 million)," it added. The FBI has also hired a forensic accounting firm to compile a list of US customers who have had Neteller Transactions. Neteller has apparently said it will co-operate.
Most internet poker players already know the 2 founders were arrested in the US and are each facing 20 year racketeering charges, and US Operations were suspended last month. Neteller lost upwards of 65% of its business due to New Anti Gambling Legislation which was "porked" into law in October of the coattails of the port security bill. George W. Bush signed the bill on October 14th making it US law. Neteller is based in the Isle of Man, traded on the Britain Exchange, and was the favorite payment processor for Internet Poker.
It should be noted that Internet Texas Holdem (ITH) - , the leading Texas Holdem Resource & Community, currently accepts Neteller as a payment method in their Internet Poker Store.
For all the details, follow this link to the ITH Communtiy Forum Discussion on Neteller
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Supporting the troops
As most you all know by now the son is over in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban with the 82nd . He's been able to send us here a few emails , and just yesterday was able to make a phone call . He says that things have really gotten heated up now . The Taliban and militants have taken control of a city over their , and the 82nd along with fellow NATO forces are fixing to take the city back . Just the other day they caught a truck load of explosives near Kandahar......
Any how , with the media dwelling so much on Iraq , the soldiers over at Afghanistan seem to have been forgotten . Here at the Moore house we are sending off a care package this week . The wife is a dairy manager at the local Food Lion and has gotten them to start doing the same thing . Lets all see what we can do to support those soldiers and let them know that the rest of the world has them in their thoughts by sending items that they may need to help cheer them up .
Earl G. Moore III
TF Corsair, Echo Company/ 2-82 AVN
FOB Kandahar
APO AE 09355
Ok , it doesn't matter who you send it to,the troops or to him to hand out to his fellow comrades .( tho I do like the idea of maybe sorta adopting his troop...) As far as what to send , he and I had the chance to actually talk yesterday before they were to go over to another city and try to push Taliban and militants out of there. He mentioned that they are thankful for anything .
Let me just say these guys are on their feet a lot . So foot powders (athletes feet) , deodorants , toothpaste , toothbrushes , soap . DO NOT send mouthwashes...no liquids are allowed .
Envelopes ,notepads , pencils and pens....
Now for stuff that they can snack on ...caned nuts , dried fruits , jerky , chips like pringles in a tube . Dried goods of any sort are very nice to receive , they can take that into the field with them , and its light in weight . Store bought cookies and snacks work out well , homemade products will generally go bad before they get it .
And last but not least , letters...I myself know how much a letter from anyone can mean . A soldier just wants to hear that he's not been forgotten from the rest of the world . They want to know that folks think about them.....so a card or letter is always nice to receive...and believe me , it'll get read out to all within earshot more times than you could imagine.
thx , Earl aka:skinski
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The State of Poker : from the PPA
The State of Poker
By Michael Bolcerek, president, Poker Players Alliance
Tonight, in an annual tradition, the President of the United States will address the Congress, his cabinet and our country on the “state of the union” and the goals of the government for 2007. It is not likely the president will include the “state of poker” among his crucial national issues. Thus, I would like to take this moment to provide an update on where poker sits today and examine how you and the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) can continue to work together to preserve and protect the game we love.
As we know painfully well, poker has come under vicious attack over the past year. We continue to learn on a regular basis about home and tavern poker games being raided by law enforcement and how charitable Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments are being shut down. Perhaps even worse, we have seen the federal government’s full force efforts to curb this American tradition from the Internet. Legislation aimed at prohibiting you from funding your online poker accounts passed the U.S. House this summer, then was quietly slipped into a port security bill, literally in the dark of night, which was signed into law on October 13. During these troubling times, the PPA has given you a voice to express your opposition to the government’s intrusive actions and to rally in a united fashion against these constitutional incursions.
The impact has been jarring, as the largest, publicly traded online poker operators shut down services to U.S. players. While many reputable sites still offer services to U.S. players, recent actions to close down payment processors and to subpoena banks are clear indications that the federal government is aggressively pushing the online gambling prohibition.
We don’t have to tell you that a prohibition won’t work, and in fact will likely cause many more problems than it aims to solve. The unintended consequences will soon be apparent and all the good intentions of protecting children, helping problem gamblers, and ensuring the integrity of financial transactions will be lost as rogue sites and unregulated payment methodologies surface to replace the trustworthy operators the government is driving out of business.
The PPA is not standing idly by. Poker should be exempt under the new law and that exemption is our primary goal. I have spent a good portion of January in Washington, D.C., meeting with lawmakers and others to get support for legislation that would provide a “skill game” exemption for poker. We hope to have a bill introduced very soon and then bring to bear the voice of more than 135,000 members of the PPA to push Congress to do the right thing. This would be a very positive development for the game. For the past year, we have been on the defensive, but now is the time to go on the offensive and get a bill introduced.
This year we will also be taking the issue directly to Members of Congress in their home districts, to truly nationalize the debate. We had a tremendous response from our members about becoming PPA grassroots representatives on the state and regional levels. Soon we will be announcing our positions across the country and engaging U.S. Representatives and Senators where they used to feel safe from facts and spirited debate.
While we are working toward the short-term goal of a poker exemption, the PPA will also be laying the foundation for the eventual U.S. regulation of online poker. This is the only proven public policy for online gaming. Licensing, regulating, and taxing online poker is technically feasible and the sensible and fiscally responsible thing to do. We will be working with others in Washington to move Congress in this direction.
Finally, we not only rely on your active participation but also on your active support to achieve our goals. Our new site now offers no cost introductory annual memberships. Please help us build our membership to enable us to deliver a full house to Congress and stop further threats to our game. Tell your friends, family, and fellow players to become members of the PPA. We also offer an ability to upgrade your membership from introductory to full membership and beyond. Our new and improved Web site, www.pokerplayersalliance.org, gives you tools and information to help our cause, as well as make it easier for you to donate to the PPA. I hope you will make a contribution at http://www.pokerplayersalliance.org/donatenow.php.
2007 will be an important year for poker. With your help and continued support we are optimistic that poker will remain a great American tradition.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Neteller Lowdown
The recent decision by Neteller to cease facilitating transactions with online gambling sites for its US customers has become the largest effect to date of the UIGEA bill signed into law on October 13th , 2006. Until last week, Neteller was the most universal method for funding online poker and gambling accounts, accepted by virtually every reputable site and accessible to almost any players at those sites throughout the world (with notable exception of Marylanders in the US). Neteller's rapid decision, on the heels of arrests in the US of two founders of the company, was followed in quick succession by the loss of other smaller players in the US including Central Coin and InstaDebit, as well as Click2Pay which is no longer accepting US customers (though existing ones can still use the service). Additionally, many sites no longer offer direct debit/credit of US bank accounts, further reducing the convenient options for managing an online bankroll.
What does this mean for all the players who have money online in various poker sites, sports books, and with payment processors like Neteller? For starters, it's probably not a time to panic, sites like Neteller and Poker Stars are quite reputable, and segregate customer deposits from operating revenues, so as difficult as it may be to access funds at these sites in the short run, it's perfectly reasonable to expect to be able to get the money in the long run, either through slower methods like paper checks, or through other payment processors that are, or may become, available. Neteller is also encouraging members with a need to more quickly access their online balances to withdraw through their Neteller ATM card, though there are some fees and limitations involved, as noted here . That said, now would certainly be a good time to make a prudent assessment of your bankroll and your needs to have ready availability of some or all of it while deciding how best to manage your money online. In my opinion, the best way for a US based poker player to proceed would probably be to get a working bankroll into the sites which seem the most failsafe, in the event that deposit methods are further curtailed. This should allow US players to continue to play at the sites like Poker Stars, Full-Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker and others which seem to be in no hurry to prohibit US players from playing, even if methods of depositing money into these sites becomes more difficult in the future. Each player will, of course, have to determine how much risk is acceptable, especially when dealing with the larger sums that a regular online pro will need to maintain in order to minimize normal bankroll risk.
So, what are the options for funding accounts online now? For an up-to-date list of the most popular options and the sites which accept them, you can check out this link for an online spreadsheet which we will keep updating as things progress. The most widely accepted ewallet at this point would appear to be ePassporte which is the method of funding currently recommended by Poker Stars, and which is also available at Ultimate Bet, Absolute, and Full Tilt. By comparison to Neteller it has the disadvantage of some significant fees and slower transfer of cash from a bank account to an ePassporte account, but it does have the advantage of offering a virtual Visa card for online shopping directly from your balance as well as a physical Visa card option (for an additional fee) which allows you to spend from your online balance anywhere Visa is accepted. Also, once funded, transferring funds to and from poker sites online is fee free (with the exception of $5 annual account fee for the the ePassporte account itself), which does mean that for those players who don't need to constantly move money online from regular accounts the fees will probably be a relatively minor nuisance. A complete listing of ePassporte's fees can be found here. One ITHer's account of signing up for an ePassporte account can be found in this forum post.
For as long as ePassporte or an equivalent option remains available (new ones such as ATMonline, NUcharge and eWalletXpress have already popped up), cashing out is also probably best handled via an eWallet, but for those sites where ePassporte isn't available, or in the event of further restrictions, there are some other alternatives. For example, it is possible to fund most sites via Western Union transfers, and in many cases to cash out via this method as well. Unfortunately, this requires person-to-person transfers via Western Union which can be a bit unsettling given the potential amounts involved and the fees can be significant as well. For now, Bodog is picking up the fees for one cashout per week, as noted here, and other sites may institute similar setups if other methods of funding become more difficult. Similarly, most sites will fund an account via a mailed cashier's check or money order and will cash out via a paper check. These methods are likely to remain available for the foreseeable future, as they aren't covered by the UIGEA, but they are obviously not as transparent as online transactions, and do potentially involve the risk/hassle of payments lost in the mail. We will continue to monitor the options available and update here and on the ITH forums with any new information.
Finally, it is worth noting that the online gambling customers in the US are a large portion of the market for these sites, and despite the dearth of options currently available to US players to fund these accounts it is reasonable to expect that the sites that continue to do business in the US will provide alternatives. Likewise, as with any new business, it is essential that those customers do appropriate due diligence and be wary of potential scams and fly-by-night operations. Neteller's withdrawal from the US certainly makes this landscape more uncertain, but with the resources available here and elsewhere we hope to be able to provide you with enough good information to make intelligent decisions about how to continue with your online poker hobby/profession.
In the interests of maximizing the information available to all players, here are a few more useful links about the legal issues surrounding online gaming, as well as specific references about some of the current funding alternatives.
At ITH, you can find up-to-date information on legal issues in the Poker Legal Issues forum, and a similar resource can be found at 2+2's Poker Legislation forum.
For general information about account funding alternatives there's this ITH thread as well as the previously mentioned online spreadsheet. There are also specific threads about ATMonline and ePassporte. The General forum and Poker Bonus Chasing forum at ITH are where any new information will first appear when we get it. 2+2's Internet Gambling forum also has a number of threads about specific poker rooms/payment processors.
CompatiblePoker.com has updated information on many of these issues as well as a list of US-friendly poker sites here, and Gambling911 offers coverage of breaking news as well.
What does this mean for all the players who have money online in various poker sites, sports books, and with payment processors like Neteller? For starters, it's probably not a time to panic, sites like Neteller and Poker Stars are quite reputable, and segregate customer deposits from operating revenues, so as difficult as it may be to access funds at these sites in the short run, it's perfectly reasonable to expect to be able to get the money in the long run, either through slower methods like paper checks, or through other payment processors that are, or may become, available. Neteller is also encouraging members with a need to more quickly access their online balances to withdraw through their Neteller ATM card, though there are some fees and limitations involved, as noted here . That said, now would certainly be a good time to make a prudent assessment of your bankroll and your needs to have ready availability of some or all of it while deciding how best to manage your money online. In my opinion, the best way for a US based poker player to proceed would probably be to get a working bankroll into the sites which seem the most failsafe, in the event that deposit methods are further curtailed. This should allow US players to continue to play at the sites like Poker Stars, Full-Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker and others which seem to be in no hurry to prohibit US players from playing, even if methods of depositing money into these sites becomes more difficult in the future. Each player will, of course, have to determine how much risk is acceptable, especially when dealing with the larger sums that a regular online pro will need to maintain in order to minimize normal bankroll risk.
So, what are the options for funding accounts online now? For an up-to-date list of the most popular options and the sites which accept them, you can check out this link for an online spreadsheet which we will keep updating as things progress. The most widely accepted ewallet at this point would appear to be ePassporte which is the method of funding currently recommended by Poker Stars, and which is also available at Ultimate Bet, Absolute, and Full Tilt. By comparison to Neteller it has the disadvantage of some significant fees and slower transfer of cash from a bank account to an ePassporte account, but it does have the advantage of offering a virtual Visa card for online shopping directly from your balance as well as a physical Visa card option (for an additional fee) which allows you to spend from your online balance anywhere Visa is accepted. Also, once funded, transferring funds to and from poker sites online is fee free (with the exception of $5 annual account fee for the the ePassporte account itself), which does mean that for those players who don't need to constantly move money online from regular accounts the fees will probably be a relatively minor nuisance. A complete listing of ePassporte's fees can be found here. One ITHer's account of signing up for an ePassporte account can be found in this forum post.
For as long as ePassporte or an equivalent option remains available (new ones such as ATMonline, NUcharge and eWalletXpress have already popped up), cashing out is also probably best handled via an eWallet, but for those sites where ePassporte isn't available, or in the event of further restrictions, there are some other alternatives. For example, it is possible to fund most sites via Western Union transfers, and in many cases to cash out via this method as well. Unfortunately, this requires person-to-person transfers via Western Union which can be a bit unsettling given the potential amounts involved and the fees can be significant as well. For now, Bodog is picking up the fees for one cashout per week, as noted here, and other sites may institute similar setups if other methods of funding become more difficult. Similarly, most sites will fund an account via a mailed cashier's check or money order and will cash out via a paper check. These methods are likely to remain available for the foreseeable future, as they aren't covered by the UIGEA, but they are obviously not as transparent as online transactions, and do potentially involve the risk/hassle of payments lost in the mail. We will continue to monitor the options available and update here and on the ITH forums with any new information.
Finally, it is worth noting that the online gambling customers in the US are a large portion of the market for these sites, and despite the dearth of options currently available to US players to fund these accounts it is reasonable to expect that the sites that continue to do business in the US will provide alternatives. Likewise, as with any new business, it is essential that those customers do appropriate due diligence and be wary of potential scams and fly-by-night operations. Neteller's withdrawal from the US certainly makes this landscape more uncertain, but with the resources available here and elsewhere we hope to be able to provide you with enough good information to make intelligent decisions about how to continue with your online poker hobby/profession.
In the interests of maximizing the information available to all players, here are a few more useful links about the legal issues surrounding online gaming, as well as specific references about some of the current funding alternatives.
At ITH, you can find up-to-date information on legal issues in the Poker Legal Issues forum, and a similar resource can be found at 2+2's Poker Legislation forum.
For general information about account funding alternatives there's this ITH thread as well as the previously mentioned online spreadsheet. There are also specific threads about ATMonline and ePassporte. The General forum and Poker Bonus Chasing forum at ITH are where any new information will first appear when we get it. 2+2's Internet Gambling forum also has a number of threads about specific poker rooms/payment processors.
CompatiblePoker.com has updated information on many of these issues as well as a list of US-friendly poker sites here, and Gambling911 offers coverage of breaking news as well.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
U.S. Cracking down on Banks ?
HSBC, Dresdner Kleinwort, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank are among the banks which have been issued with subpoenas in a shock and owe crackdown on online gambling investors by the US DoJ.
THE US Department of Justice has ordered the world’s biggest investment banks, accountants and law firms to hand over all e-mails, telephone records and papers connected with internet gaming firms as part of an investigation into illegal online gambling in America, the Sunday Times reports.
According to Jenny Davie of the Sunday Times the subpoenas do not reveal whom the Department of Justice is targeting. But some believe the ultimate goal is to find information incriminating the founders of the online gambling firms.
This investigation is likely to ignite a confrontation of unparalleled magnitude between the United States and the United Kingdom governments.
"The Department of Justice has taken a shotgun, not a rifle approach in relation to lots of gaming companies and has just asked everyone to hand over all the information they have.” A source of the Sunday Times said.
All investors in publicly traded online gaming companies may be affected by this investigation, described as one of the biggest “fishing expeditions” ever undertaken by the Department of Justice.
The United Kingdom government is unlikely to seat by the sidelines and watch the Americans chase and arrest investors in the attempt to seize their assets.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which seemingly sparked this investigation, contains exceptions which make it void and null in any international Court of Justice outside the U.S.
Exceptions such as interstate horse racing online betting and intrastate online gambling among others will contribute to repeal future money laundering charges, the U.S. DoJ preferred legal shortcut to obtain extradition of non U.S. citizens from other sovereign countries.
Interestingly enough the IRS allows illegal bookmakers to file their tax return imposing a 2% flat tax on the bookmaker’s handle (business volume) and guarantees that no information will be disclosed to other government agencies, making the U.S. government beneficiary of illegal proceeds and direct accomplice of the laundering of monetary instruments upon acceptance of taxes.
“The U.S. Department of Justice recent determination to catch up after 15 years of inaction should draw everyone’s attention.” A well known bookmaker who wishes not to be named told TheOnlineWire.com. “What they are doing is directly linked to the exceptions contained in HR 4411 [The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act]. They [U.S. Department of Justice] are probably preparing the grounds for an onshore online gambling monopoly, making sure that no one other than the ones who originally lobbied for the exceptions will benefit from it.”
“Think about it, the DoJ resources aren’t unlimited.” Our source continued. “It takes someone very powerful to sponsor, promote and ensure that such wide range investigation gets off the ground.”
Needless to say current and former investors in publicly traded online gambling companies should not travel to the United States at any time and for no reason whatsoever to avoid possible legal consequences that may range from questioning to arrest.
Current and former investors should also be warned that the United States government may seek seizure of their assets in the United States.
THE US Department of Justice has ordered the world’s biggest investment banks, accountants and law firms to hand over all e-mails, telephone records and papers connected with internet gaming firms as part of an investigation into illegal online gambling in America, the Sunday Times reports.
According to Jenny Davie of the Sunday Times the subpoenas do not reveal whom the Department of Justice is targeting. But some believe the ultimate goal is to find information incriminating the founders of the online gambling firms.
This investigation is likely to ignite a confrontation of unparalleled magnitude between the United States and the United Kingdom governments.
"The Department of Justice has taken a shotgun, not a rifle approach in relation to lots of gaming companies and has just asked everyone to hand over all the information they have.” A source of the Sunday Times said.
All investors in publicly traded online gaming companies may be affected by this investigation, described as one of the biggest “fishing expeditions” ever undertaken by the Department of Justice.
The United Kingdom government is unlikely to seat by the sidelines and watch the Americans chase and arrest investors in the attempt to seize their assets.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which seemingly sparked this investigation, contains exceptions which make it void and null in any international Court of Justice outside the U.S.
Exceptions such as interstate horse racing online betting and intrastate online gambling among others will contribute to repeal future money laundering charges, the U.S. DoJ preferred legal shortcut to obtain extradition of non U.S. citizens from other sovereign countries.
Interestingly enough the IRS allows illegal bookmakers to file their tax return imposing a 2% flat tax on the bookmaker’s handle (business volume) and guarantees that no information will be disclosed to other government agencies, making the U.S. government beneficiary of illegal proceeds and direct accomplice of the laundering of monetary instruments upon acceptance of taxes.
“The U.S. Department of Justice recent determination to catch up after 15 years of inaction should draw everyone’s attention.” A well known bookmaker who wishes not to be named told TheOnlineWire.com. “What they are doing is directly linked to the exceptions contained in HR 4411 [The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act]. They [U.S. Department of Justice] are probably preparing the grounds for an onshore online gambling monopoly, making sure that no one other than the ones who originally lobbied for the exceptions will benefit from it.”
“Think about it, the DoJ resources aren’t unlimited.” Our source continued. “It takes someone very powerful to sponsor, promote and ensure that such wide range investigation gets off the ground.”
Needless to say current and former investors in publicly traded online gambling companies should not travel to the United States at any time and for no reason whatsoever to avoid possible legal consequences that may range from questioning to arrest.
Current and former investors should also be warned that the United States government may seek seizure of their assets in the United States.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Neteller Founders Charged after Sting by FBI
Neteller founders charged after sting operation by FBI
Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre, founders of Neteller, the UK-listed online payments company, were last night charged with conspiracy in connection with a multibillion-dollar money laundering scheme linked to internet gambling.
The pair were arrested on Monday after an FBI sting operation discovered that Neteller was being used to allow Americans to place illegal bets on sporting events via internet gambling companies based in foreign countries.
Mr Lawrence, 46, who lives in a luxury home on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, was arrested in the United States Virgin Islands and has been ordered to appear later today in the federal court of St Thomas.
Mr Lefebvre, 55, was arrested at the same time in Malibu, California, and was expected to appear in Los Angeles federal Court last night.
Neither Mr Lawrence nor Mr Lefebvre were available to comment in response to the allegations made in the indictment. If found guilty, the pair face 20 years in jail.
The seven-page indictment, filed in New York last night, claims that the pair set up Neteller in 1999 with the express purpose of providing online payment services to gambling companies. The indictment also claims that between 2000 and 2003 Neteller Inc, a Canadian corporation, offered payment services to various internet gambling companies so that they could illegally access customers in the United States.
From 2004 to the present day, the same operation was conducted by Neteller plc, an Isle of Man-based company which in April 2004 raised some $70 million via a listing on London’s AIM. An agent with the FBI named in the indictment claims she used Neteller as a middle man between her US-based bank account and an offshore internet gambling company.
Shares of Neteller were suspended on AIM yesterday before the indictment was released as the company was seeking clarification of its status with US authorities.
A spokesman for Neteller stressed that the founders were no longer employees or directors of the company. “Because of that, this arrest has nothing to do with the company,” he added.
Mr Lawrence resigned as a non-executive director of the company on October 13, having stepped down as non-executive chairman last May. Mr Lefebvre resigned as a non-executive director on December 15, 2005. However, the pair still own large stakes of Neteller. Mr Lawrence holds 5.91 per cent of the company, while Mr Lefebvre owns 5.54 per cent.
Neteller claims to operate the largest independent online money transfer business in the world with 3 million customers in 160 countries and over $7 billion in annual transactions.
It specialises in providing instant payment services where money transfer is difficult or risky because of issues of identity, trust, currency exchange, or distance. In the past, it handled funds for online gamblers in the US but it is said to have stopped the practice when tough new laws banned internet gambling in America last October.
Last year authorities arrested a number of prominent executives for breaching US gambling laws, including two from Britain. David Carruthers, the former chief executive of BetOnSports, was arrested in July while Peter Dicks, former non-executive chairman of Sportingbet, was arrested in September.
Other arrests
July 2006 David Carruthers, chief executive of BetOnSports, the AIM-listed bookmaker, is arrested in Dallas
Sept 2006 Peter Dicks, then Sportingbet chairman, is arrested at JFK airport in New York, on request of Louisiana state authorities
Sept 2006 Manfred Bodner and Norbert Teufelberger, joint chief executives of Bwin, the Austrian internet betting group, are detained in Monaco on charges of violating France’s internet gaming laws
Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre, founders of Neteller, the UK-listed online payments company, were last night charged with conspiracy in connection with a multibillion-dollar money laundering scheme linked to internet gambling.
The pair were arrested on Monday after an FBI sting operation discovered that Neteller was being used to allow Americans to place illegal bets on sporting events via internet gambling companies based in foreign countries.
Mr Lawrence, 46, who lives in a luxury home on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, was arrested in the United States Virgin Islands and has been ordered to appear later today in the federal court of St Thomas.
Mr Lefebvre, 55, was arrested at the same time in Malibu, California, and was expected to appear in Los Angeles federal Court last night.
Neither Mr Lawrence nor Mr Lefebvre were available to comment in response to the allegations made in the indictment. If found guilty, the pair face 20 years in jail.
The seven-page indictment, filed in New York last night, claims that the pair set up Neteller in 1999 with the express purpose of providing online payment services to gambling companies. The indictment also claims that between 2000 and 2003 Neteller Inc, a Canadian corporation, offered payment services to various internet gambling companies so that they could illegally access customers in the United States.
From 2004 to the present day, the same operation was conducted by Neteller plc, an Isle of Man-based company which in April 2004 raised some $70 million via a listing on London’s AIM. An agent with the FBI named in the indictment claims she used Neteller as a middle man between her US-based bank account and an offshore internet gambling company.
Shares of Neteller were suspended on AIM yesterday before the indictment was released as the company was seeking clarification of its status with US authorities.
A spokesman for Neteller stressed that the founders were no longer employees or directors of the company. “Because of that, this arrest has nothing to do with the company,” he added.
Mr Lawrence resigned as a non-executive director of the company on October 13, having stepped down as non-executive chairman last May. Mr Lefebvre resigned as a non-executive director on December 15, 2005. However, the pair still own large stakes of Neteller. Mr Lawrence holds 5.91 per cent of the company, while Mr Lefebvre owns 5.54 per cent.
Neteller claims to operate the largest independent online money transfer business in the world with 3 million customers in 160 countries and over $7 billion in annual transactions.
It specialises in providing instant payment services where money transfer is difficult or risky because of issues of identity, trust, currency exchange, or distance. In the past, it handled funds for online gamblers in the US but it is said to have stopped the practice when tough new laws banned internet gambling in America last October.
Last year authorities arrested a number of prominent executives for breaching US gambling laws, including two from Britain. David Carruthers, the former chief executive of BetOnSports, was arrested in July while Peter Dicks, former non-executive chairman of Sportingbet, was arrested in September.
Other arrests
July 2006 David Carruthers, chief executive of BetOnSports, the AIM-listed bookmaker, is arrested in Dallas
Sept 2006 Peter Dicks, then Sportingbet chairman, is arrested at JFK airport in New York, on request of Louisiana state authorities
Sept 2006 Manfred Bodner and Norbert Teufelberger, joint chief executives of Bwin, the Austrian internet betting group, are detained in Monaco on charges of violating France’s internet gaming laws
Thursday, January 11, 2007
New Virus
Emails with pictures of Osama Bin-Laden hanged are being sent and the
moment that you open these emails your computer will crash and you will
not be able to fix it!
If you get an email along the lines of "Osama Bin Laden Captured"
or "Osama Hanged" don't open the attachment.
This e-mail is being distributed through countries around the globe, but
mainly in the US and Israel .
Be considerate &send this warning to whomever you know.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS:
You should be alert during the next days:
Do not open any message with an attached filed called
"Invitation" regardless of who sent it.
It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torch which "burns" the whole hard
disc C of your computer.
This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in
his/her contact list, that is why you should send this e-mail to all
your contacts.
It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus
and open it.
If you receive a mail called "invitation", though sent by a friend, do
not open it and shut down your computer immediately.
This is the worst virus announced by CNN, it has been classified by
Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever.
This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair
yet for this kind of virus.
This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the
vital information is kept.
moment that you open these emails your computer will crash and you will
not be able to fix it!
If you get an email along the lines of "Osama Bin Laden Captured"
or "Osama Hanged" don't open the attachment.
This e-mail is being distributed through countries around the globe, but
mainly in the US and Israel .
Be considerate &send this warning to whomever you know.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS:
You should be alert during the next days:
Do not open any message with an attached filed called
"Invitation" regardless of who sent it.
It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torch which "burns" the whole hard
disc C of your computer.
This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in
his/her contact list, that is why you should send this e-mail to all
your contacts.
It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus
and open it.
If you receive a mail called "invitation", though sent by a friend, do
not open it and shut down your computer immediately.
This is the worst virus announced by CNN, it has been classified by
Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever.
This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair
yet for this kind of virus.
This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the
vital information is kept.
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