The Daily Rewind: Germany Regulates Gambling, Full Tilt Hearing, WCOOP and More

Today, we touch on Germany's decision to regulate gambling, the breaking news about Full Tilt's private hearing and bring you news concerning the Prague Poker Festival. We also provide you with WCOOP updates, and another hot shot...

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:

Full Tilt Hearing Will Be Held In Private

It has recently come to light that Full Tilt's latest hearing on Monday will be held in private and will not be open to the public.

André Wilsenach, executive director of the AGCC, called the decision "disappointing" and said: "I believe the public has a right to know the reasoning behind the decisions to suspend FTP's licences and call a hearing, and to hear the evidence that will be put forward on my behalf".

Prague Poker Festival

The quaint, Czech city of Prague will host the Prague Poker Festival running from November 29 to December 12.

The 12 day festival kicks off with the €3,200 + €300 WPT Prague (December 1-5), followed by the €5,000 + €300 EPT Prague (Dec 5-10), culminating in the $1500 + $150 GSOP Prague (Dec 8-11). Numerous satellites and cash games will also be running at the Corinthia and Hilton casinos.

People thinking of going can obtain all-inclusive packages from pokertraveller.com. Players can enjoy Main Event and accomodation packages, which includes a stay at the luxury, 5-star Corinthia hotel and a "bust out, check out" offer, so if you bust early and decide to go home, the hotel will refund your remaining nights.

We will bring you more news about the Prague Poker Festival in the upcoming weeks.

Prague is one of Europe's most picturesque cities

WCOOP Updates; Noah Boeken Triumphs

WCOOP tournaments have been coming thick and fast, in fact five have concluded in the last two days. As we mentioned yesterday, nanonoko made a deep run in Event 23, the $215 NLH 4-max, finishing 10th for $6,423. "z_balata" from Sweden  took the event down for $77,349.

Only 337 players turned out for Event 24, the $320 Stud. "Big_Nemo" from Canada prevailed, securing $19,461 for his efforts. Recent Team PokerStars Online addition "mement_mori" came 3rd for $10,868. "MiPwnYa" from Brazil triumphed in Event 25, the $215 Turbo PL Omaha, to the tune of $72,996.

Dutch PokerStars pro Noah "Exclusive" Boeken was the victor in Event 26, the $320 Mixed Hold'em, raking in $44,480. "Goleafsgoeh" from Canada took down one of the WCOOP's more obscure events, the $320 FL Badugi, to the tune of $17,082.

In the next week we look forward to one of the WCOOP's flagship events, the $10,300 High Roller Heads-Up.

Gambling Laws Passed in German Federal State of Schleswig Holstein

In a revolutionary breakthrough for European gambling legislation, Schleswig Holstein has passed a law which means poker and gambling providers can now apply for a license in the northern federal state. They can offer their services from 1st March, 2012, pending state approval and under regulation.

The draft includes a 20% tax on all casinos' gross profits, and allows licensed providers within the EU to obtain a license immediately. Providers outside EU jurisdiction only need to have a branch in an EU state, not their headquarters, to be eligible for a license.

Click here to view the full story.

Hot Shot of the Day

Liz Lieu is a Vietnamese poker player with close to $1 million in live tournament winnings. Here she is looking as petite and elegant as ever.