Online Gambling News and Promotions

Ladbrokes Poker is now bigger and better!
4rth Week / June 2009
This week:
Pro Player Report
- Skalie’s Diary – WSOP 2009 – By Jon “skalie” Kalmar Day 7,8,9 (UK Sponsored Pro)
- Nebuchad Blog – (Nordic Sponsored Pro -Reigning Scandinavian Online Poker Player of the Year)

Pro Player Article – Day 7
Skalie’s Diary …- By Jon “Skalie” Kalmar (UK Sponsored Pro)

Tuesday 9th of June

Two major events today. It’s both my first WSOP event and secondly I check out of the Rio. I don’t know which I am looking forward to the most.

I got up early and left my bags with the bell boy. Richard “Strummer9” Herbert arrives today and we are sharing a suite at the Palazzo, the Venetian’s sister hotel. He blagged them for a top notch room quoting me as a huge gambler in order to get an upgrade. Boy will they be disappointed.

I sat down for the $1500 pot limit in the Amazon room and was joined by Lee Childs, a fellow final tablist of the WSOP Main event back in 2007. (Did I mention I once made the final table of the WSOP main event, seems like a long long time ago now)

Things start ok, and I have got my stack to over 6k from 4.5k. Towards the end of level 1 with the blinds at 25/50 there is a raise to 125. Three people call so I join in with 79 in the blinds. The flop was a delightful Q 7 9 with 2 clubs. I bet out and the initial raiser re-raised to 600. The button decided to push in for as much as he can (its pot limit remember) and I figure he has a flush draw The initial raiser maybe has an over pair or AQ so I re-raise trying to isolate. The button did indeed have a flush draw however the other guy had pocket queens and I was basically drawing dead. DOH!

Short stacked, I passed my way round till the big blind. Lee Childs (the former WSOP finalist, did I mention I once made the WSOP final……………….) raises to 150. I look down and see AK of diamonds. I re-raise and he sets me in. He wasn’t passing pocket queens to me and they held up knocking me out.

I move to the Venetian to play some cash and wait for Strummer. He was sharing a taxi with John “Kunkuwap” Tabatabai and the driver had given them the complete Vegas tour much to the frustration of John. When we checked in and were told we were in fact stopping at the Venetian and not the Palazzo but we could still check in there. Strummer disgruntled at this insisted we got a room at the Palazzo despite the assurance from the girl the rooms were identical. Eventually she found us a room on the 9th floor.

This hotel was busy and the queue for an elevator was immense, about 20 people got in our lift rather than wait for the next. As we were on one of the early floors I couldn’t resist pressing floor buttons accidentally on purpose with my elbow for the people left in. Hey! Made me giggle anyway. I must admit the rooms here are spectacular and probably on a par with the Wynn. And Strummer’s insistence on a room was rewarded with a spectacular view of the Vegas convention centre roof. It looked just like a factory.

I went back to the Venetian to finish off my cash game. Things improved and I ended up only losing 100 bucks, result! A series of runner runner hands and set ups were taking their toll. I then get lucking on a hand.

A guy raises my big blind to 30. No one else is in the pot and I look down at 7 9 of hearts. I decide to get jiggy and re-raise to 90. He thinks and re-re-raises to 210. He has around 1800 so I call and hope to hit a juicy flop. No chance, the flop comes King high. I decide to bet out 400 in the hope he has queens and he puts me on AK. Well if he had me on AK then queens was a bad call which is what he did. The turn is a 7, I check hoping he checks behind which he does. I pray for a 7 or 9 but instead the river pairs the King. I push and he reluctantly passes murmuring something about aces. Phew!

Tomorrow is the $1500 shootout and I am looking forward to it, hopefully I will play better than I did today.

Pro Player Article – Day 8

Thursday 11th of June

Today was the $1500 pot limit and I was determined to last longer than yesterday. Played like a rock in level 1 but that isn’t difficult when all you see is Q3 and 9 2.
Still, with my starting stack and the blinds at 50/100 I call a 300 bet with JcQc. Seven of us see the flop of 10h Jh Qh. Everyone checks to the button who moves all in for nearly 2000. Everyone else passes so I make the call hoping he has a pair and a draw. Unfortunately he had 8 9 and nothing came to rescue me.

A few hands later 2 people limp into my big blind and I check my 6 3 of hearts. The flop is 10d 9h 5h. I call a bet to chase my flush and the turn card is the 10 of hearts giving me the flush. My opponent moves all in and of course I call. I am in good shape against his Q 10 of clubs until the river brings another 9 giving him a winning full house and sending me too the rail.

I make it over to the Venetian just in time to enter the $500 deepstack. I did well in one of these last week and thought maybe it could be a lucky venue. With 15k starting stack things indeed were going well and I had accumulated over 70k by the second break. I moved to a new table and was pleased to finally pick up a real hand with KK. I was obviously thrilled to get action when pocket 8’s pushed all in and I made the call. I was less than thrilled when the board came 5 6 7 9 3 costing me a 50k pot.
Things didn’t improve, losing with AQ to an all in push by Q 10 when a 10 hit the river. I finally exited when getting the lot in with AQ of hearts only to run into pocket kings.

After exiting 2 comps in 1 day, and the second looked very good for another cash, I was done with poker for today and decided to skip a cash game. I joined Strummer and Big Trev in the bar for a few drinks and contemplated a day off tomorrow.
JP Kelly has made the final of the $1500 pot limit and it would be great if he can take the bracelet back to the UK, so today I intend to just watch that.

No WSOP events for me now until Monday so was intending to play cash but was struggling for motivation and felt pokered out. Strummer was suffering similar motivational problems so we decided to eat in the room and watch a movie.
Half pound burger, an extra large bucket of buffalo wings, and extra large meat lovers Pizza, bruschetta and large fries and a small salad.
Decided to go for a comedy, you don’t need anything too deep when playing poker later and went for a movie called “Sex Drive”. This is the funniest film I have seen in a long time, if you haven’t seen it and enjoy light humoured coming of age American comedies, you will love it.

Keeping an eye on the WSOP updates I noticed that not only was JP Kelly on the final of the $1500 pot limit event but he was the chip leader. I jumped in a taxi and shot over to the Rio to watch. Everyone was there. It has to be said when a Brit makes a final everyone seems to come out in support. After all, the winner normally gets the dinner bill and if your running bad a hot meal is not to be sniffed at. A broke poker player can last weeks without paying for food if he’s shrewd enough.

Needless to say JP brought home the Jewellery. He looked cool and composed on the table and when I arrived, there only ever looked like one winner. Truly one or the best British talents and a well deserved winner.

About 18 of us piled in taxi’s and headed over to the Craftsteak at the MGM Grand, one of my favourite restaurants. Now I know I wasn’t supposed to be drinking for a few weeks but to be fair I always said if someone got a major result…

Had a few beers in the bar and then stuffed ourselves on large chunks of dead cow and then pondered on the size of the bill. Nick Gibson set a spread at $2600 and like a mug I sold on the spread market for 0.20c. Boy was I wrong, $3900. Thanks JP, but you might have to win another now.

Pro Player Article – Day 1
Nebuchad Blog – (Nordic Sponsored Pro)

Tuesday 23 Jun 2009

We got to Las Vegas yesterday and it is really good to finally be here. I think I have a love/hate affair with the city of sins but i will only expand a bit on the love – as the city has everything you could ask for; world class entertainment, world class restaurants and of course the World Series of Poker!

The shows and the restuarants are half the reason of why I go to Vegas every year and I would probably not come here if it were not for them. All lot of my friends have never been to the Cirque de Soleil shows even though they have been here like 3-5 times. I find that unbelievable and its a much bigger offence than not going to a strip club when in Vegas. Imagine that!? Going to Vegas and not visiting a strip club!?

Well, now you know how a feel about that. If you are in Vegas or are planning to go there please, for the love of god, visit at least one of these shows. Preferably “O”, “Le Reve” and “Mystere” in that order.

As I said we arrived in Vegas yesterday and we are planning to stay here a little bit more than a fortnight depending on how long I can make it in the big one (the Main Event). Today we woke up pretty early for once, I blame it on jet lag, and we took a stroll in the heat to the Rio to register for a couple of events. The first one is starting tomorrow and I am really looking forward to the 10k$ PL holdem event. It is a tournament that should suit me well. After that, we visited the SPA here at Ceasars Palace for some relaxation and a massage. I have to say that they have a top notch SPA here. Also the room is great and so is the service. I have to say that Ladbrokes has done a good job once again:) and to be honest I think its hard to find any other site that takes care of their players like that.

For tonight Im just gonna take it easy and go to bed early. Who knows, maybe I will hit the gym tomorrow before the tournament starts?

I will try to update as much as possible when I am here and I will let you know how it goes in the tournament.

Ladbrokes poker today announces details of its exclusive Cheltenham racing festival promotion which will see all new Irish real money sign ups at Ladbrokes online poker site in February entered into a no-limit hold’em freeroll with five exclusive VIP Cheltenham festival packages up for grabs.

Irish players who sign up for a new account this month using the code WORLDHURDLE are in with a chance of winning a pair of VIP hospitality tickets in the March 3 freeroll which includes a champagne reception, three-course meal and $1,000 in expenses to the world’s greatest racing festival at Cheltenham on Thursday, March 12, 2009.

Edward Ihre, managing director of Ladbrokespoker.com, said, “Following the successful migration to the Microgaming network we wanted to offer both Irish poker players and racing enthusiasts the chance to experience the special atmosphere of Cheltenham as well as the fantastic new features and promotions at Ladbrokespoker.com.”

Ladbrokespoker.com recently underwent a substantial makeover and along with a state-of-the-art new design has more players, a choice of US $ and euro currencies, a new lobby and software, bigger events and promotions, and a better multi-table tournament schedule.

The site is currently giving away $4 million in the world’s richest cash game race rake over four months where the top 3,000 rakers each month between January and April 2009 will share in $1 million per month.

The company is also giving away scores of Las Vegas Dream packages which see successful players win seven nights’ accommodation in Caesars Palace, $2,000 expenses, VIP tickets for top Vegas nightspots and buy ins to three World Series of Poker main event satellites exclusive to Ladbrokes players which will award 20 seats.

Hot off the press is the news that Ladbrokes Poker has successfully joined forces with the mighty Microgaming Poker Network and will now deliver the next era of Ladbrokes Poker to players. This move will guarantee customers can continue to enjoy playing on Ladbrokes Poker against many more players, at all stakes. Existing Ladbrokes Poker players can rest assured that the essence of the Ladbrokes experience will remain, and will be fortified by better value, more choice, improved MTTs and a brilliant qualification schedule for renowned offline Ladbrokes Poker events!

And there couldn’t be a better time to visit Ladbrokes Poker – they’re ready to put their money where their mouth is and prove it, with massive added value in many special promotions available to Ladbrokes players only. First off the bat is the exclusive Ladbrokes Poker Million Dollar Rake Race – a record-breaking multi million-dollar promotion, where a million dollars is paid out every month and shared between 3,000 Ladbrokes Poker players, with each monthly winner receiving a massive $20k. Plus there’s the daily $10,000- added celebratory ‘joining forces’ tournaments which begin on the 10th February and offers incredible value for seven consecutive days. Later in March, there is going to be a unique chance to live the ‘Vegas Dream’ and win packages for $10 in qualifiers for an amazing $25,000 added super satellite which takes place on Sunday 8th March. Players will also enjoy the improvements made to the Ladbrokes Poker software! which have resulted in a number of changes including a choice of lobby styles to suit the individuals needs.

Edward Ihre, MD of Ladbrokes Poker said: “The heart and soul of Ladbrokes Poker will remain – with some necessary enhancements to boost its vitality. As such, players can rest assured that the unrivalled security, reliability and trust that is synonymous with the Ladbrokes brand will continue to be of the utmost priority in our delivery and commitment to our customers.”

He continued: “Ladbrokes Poker is known and respected worldwide and is indeed an on-line poker institution, we intend to retain the character whilst bringing together even more players. We’ll provide a greater range of game types and levels to play at and for the first time ever will have games available in both US Dollars and Euros.”

Roger Raatgever, CEO, Microgaming comments “We are delighted to welcome Ladbrokes to the Microgaming Poker Network, access to the network will allow new and existing Ladbrokes players access to a far wider range of compelling table action, and fun filled game play.”

As of today, February 10th, Ladbrokes is now part of the Microgaming Poker Network, as opposed to simply licensing the software as previously. You’ve probably been wondering how this will benefit you as a players of Ladbrokes Poker, so here’s some info to fill you in on the exciting new benefits:

• The only room to play on Microgaming – Ladbrokes will offer tables and tournaments that can only be accessed by players on Ladbrokes and one other operator ONLY up to a certain level of play. The logic is simple – once players realise they can get better action, tournaments and promotions at Ladbrokes – there is only one place they will play.

• Increased Liquidity – Microgaming Poker Network is a leading poker network and together with Ladbrokes Poker Network, they will offer their players faster access to the games they want. Ladbrokes will continue to operate outside of the network on tables where it already offers players the level of action they demand. Ladbrokes will still be able to offer exclusive $ tournaments and cash game tables. This means that there will be thousands more people and liquidity at each level and most importantly for their current players, they will be able to get better action at high stakes tables.

• More Tournaments, More Currencies – Ladbrokes will announce an all new Multi Table Tournament Schedule, bringing greater action, better guarantees and more players at each level. Poker is now also available to play in both US Dollar and Euro currencies: Ladbrokes will still be able to offer exclusive $ tournaments to their customers, complimented by the Euros offerings from Microgaming’s current schedule.

• Ring fencing/Cash game structure – Ladbrokes will be ring fencing all players on $ tables up to $2/4 initially. Additionally, all cash game play up to 2/4 Euros will be ring fenced Ladbrokes and Unibet players only. All cash game action above 2/4 Euros will be open to the whole of the Microgaming network.

• New great promotions – Ladbrokes Poker will continue to introduce new promotions and exclusive events. Some of the latest player promotions include:
o Ladbrokes $1,000,000 Rake Race
o Welcome Bonus increased to up to $1,000
o Vegas Dream $25,000 Added Super Satellite
o $70,000 in Added Tournaments Prizes

Savvy poker players are rubbing there hands with glee as the first of four of the $1,000,000 Ladbrokes Poker Rake Race comes to a close. The unique promotion is exclusive to Ladbrokes Poker players and promises the top 3000 ‘Rakers’ a share of a massive $1,000,000 cashpot.

The top 3000 on the January leaderboard will now be quids in although there is likely to be some major action as the January promo draws to a close -There’s less than 1500 points between first and fifth.

The difference between 5th and 6th place is 165 points and $5,000
The difference between 10th and 11th place is 159 points and $1,000
The difference between 20th and 21st place is 50 points and $1,000

The whopping $25,000 first prize will be won as Midnight strikes at the end of Saturday January 31st – but by whom is anybody’s guess! ‘Rakers’ who place second to fifth will receive $10,000 and sixth to twentieth a cash prize of between $3,000 and $4,000. The thousands of other winning ‘Rakers’ on Ladbrokes Poker will receive sums ranging from $3,000 through to $100 on the popular poker site.

Edward Ihre Ladbrokes Poker MD said: “I haven’t seen much mention of the $1,000,000 offer on the forums, but I can’t say I’m that surprised – its amazing, unrivalled value for players and the stakes get higher the further up the Leaderboard table players finish. The last thing they want is for us to talk about the promotion and the information be common knowledge, as it’ll mean even more competition.”

The promotion available exclusively to Ladbrokes Poker players will begin again as of Saturday Midnight – all points accumulated in January’s race will be deleted and the Leaderboard counter returned to zero. Only points collected for the month of February will be eligible for the $1,000,000 February cashpot.

Leaderboard Top Five (as of Friday 30th January)

Pos Alias Points Prize
1 zacke-nr1 6234 $25,000
2 fish_crusher 5143 $10,000
3 GASOLINNE 5085 $10,000
4 thebadger 5005 $10,000

What better location for live poker play than Brighton? Tie in a visit to one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK and get together to play some quality poker courtesy of Ladbrokes. Evidently, the bods at Ladbrokes Poker, legendary for their hospitality have been thinking the same thing and in their distinctly indomitable fashion have created their Easter Rendezvous Festival. The Festival will be held at the Rendezvous Casino in Brighton Marina and will comprise seven events held over an eight day period between the 6th -13th April, with the Main Event starting on Sunday (12th April), concluding on the Monday.

Ladbrokes are adding over £20,000 to the Festival; five $5,000 Ladbrokes Poker Vegas Dream packages will be added to the £100,000 Main Event* and €1,000 packages for their Irish Poker Festival in Killarney which kicks off in October will be added to three of the side events.

Every day until 30th March, players at Ladbrokespoker.com will be able to win a $1,500 Ladbrokes Easter Rendezvous Package which comprises the £550 Main Event buy-in, £50 bounty and £400 in expenses to get you there and cover your accommodation.

Edward Ihre said: “It is our aim as always to offer unrivalled hospitality and added value to all of our players. Our offline events are about more than just the poker. We concentrate on delivering an all round fun experience for our players that sets us apart from other sites. Obviously poker play takes precedence, but the community and social aspect that we’re renowned worldwide for, is always high up on our agenda. The £50 bounty that we’re offering as part of the package is exclusive to online Ladbrokes Poker qualifiers and adds value for players and means with a bit of luck, the majority leave with new found friends and money in their pockets.”