The Daily Rewind: Galfond returns, Hansen romance, Spanish law, 'Stars milestone
Today we see the return of one high stakes legend and investigate the private life of another. We report on Spanish regulations and the 65th billionth hand on PokerStars plus we say 'hola' to Leo Margets.
The Daily Rewind is your one-stop-shop for a sharp review of the day in poker. Join us here for a mix of the latest news and a more irreverent insight into the poker world. Today we discovered the following topics for you:
Phil Galfond reappears in Canada
It’s been a rough few months for US online players since Black Friday. For many, livelihoods have been put on hold indefinitely. Unbeknownst to most, the DOJ effectively caused one of the largest layoffs in history when they halted online poker operations on April 15th 2011.
Most US based players have had to move on to pastures new. However, some players have decided to up sticks and move country so that they can pursue their online poker careers.
One of these players is Phil ‘OMGClayAiken’ Galfond, who we mentioned in yesterday’s Daily Rewind. He makes the news again today as he re-emerged on the high stakes tables at PokerStars last night to take on the likes of Viktor Blom and friends.
Galfond tweeted yesterday from Vancouver ‘Can anyone do a large (50k+) PokerStars transfer? I can pay with a wire or check’. Sure enough he appeared at the PLO ring games last night with his new Canadian location in place. He dropped around $18,000 over around 2,500 hands but we’re sure he’ll turn that round in no time. Good to have you back, Phil.
 |
| I hope you missed me, Viktor. I'm back. |
Spanish regulation set to affect high-rollers
Spain’s government has released draft regulations concerning their new online gaming bill, provoking ‘furious lobbying from operators’ according to an article in today’s Gambling Compliance.
The Spanish Ministry of Economy published eight draft decrees last week which plan to limit big spenders online and enforce strict guidelines on the amount players will be able to lose.
The plans suggest daily deposit limits for poker, roulette and blackjack of €600 with a monthly limit of €2000 per player. The Spanish poker community has been speaking out since hearing news of the plans with forums ‘flooded with posts last week from angry players’.
Players are also concerned at the government’s intentions to not share liquidity with international players although Spanish lawyer Albert Agustinoy remains optimistic that ‘these particular limits will never see the light of day’.
Hansen 0 Mcilroy 1
High stakes supremo and man-about-town Gus Hansen seems to have lost his magical touch with the ladies lately, or so it seems; Hansen had been romantically linked with Danish beauty Caroline Wozniacki when he was spotted in the tennis player’s box at the Australian Open back in January.
However the IBT reported Wozniacki was snapped last week in London with golf sensation Rory Mcilroy, fuelling rumours that her love affair with the Great Dane was nothing but a passing phase…
 |
 |
|
| Heartbreak for Gus? | Love in the air for Rory |
New Zealander takes down PokerStars 65th billion hand
Brad Willis reported on the PokerStars blog that it would take two thousand years in real time to deal 65 billion hands of poker. PokerStars has achieved that feat in a little less than ten years, and last week they marked the celebration by giving away just shy of $70,000 to one lucky punter.
The milestone hand took place yesterday at a $0.10/0.25 six max NL table where all six players moved all-in preflop to contest the prize. At the end of it, New Zealand’s yllams had won with AK outrunning the pocket tens of modesty1705 and the various holdings of his tablemates.
For winning the hand yllams won $68,420. It’s surely a Sunday he won’t forget anytime soon!
Hot shot of the day
Today's hot shot features Spanish sensation and sponsored pro Leo Margets. Leo is a regular competitor on the European Tour and is one of the former ambassadors for 888 Poker.
 |
| 8's the magic number for Leo Margets |
