Betfair Host Sparks Charity Tournament, Paddy Power Irish Winter Festival Changes + more

August 20 2009, Barry Carter

Betfair & Sparks Charity Tournament

The Empire Casino in Leicester Square played host to a special charity tournament earlier this week, which included a star studded line up. Football icons Sir Geoff Hurst and Sir Trevor Brooking graced the felt, as did rugby international Jeremy Gusgott, Claire Tomlinson, Natalie Pinkham and king of the jungle Joe Swash.

The event was in aid of the Sparks Medical Research Charity and sponsored by Befair Poker.The eventual winners were David Barrowclough and Keith Arnold who split the first prize of £5,600. £6,800 was raised for the charity, which is going to be matched pound for pound by Betfair.

UK Operators Lobby for Online Gambling in the US

Last week the Telegraph reported that many online gambling operators in the UK have hired lobbying companies in the US to help them to influence congress. SportingBet, Pokerstars and PartyGaming were named to have joined British based special interests groups, apparently having spent millions to lobby US politicians. They have also reportedly spent significant funds to lobby British politicians.

Paddy Power Transform Irish Winter Festival Structure

Paddy Power Poker continue garnering their reputation as one of the most player friendly poker rooms, with the news of some big changes to their Irish Winter Festival, running between the 23rd and 26th of October. The big change is increasing the main event starting stack from 10,000 to 15,000 chips.

The structure for the side events has also been improved, with a 10,000 starting stack in the €500 event and an 8000 stack in the €300 round of each event.

"The improvements made to the tournament structures have further cemented the Irish Winter Festival's status as one of Europe's top poker festivals", said Paddy Power, Communications Manager for Paddy Power Poker. "More chips, long blind levels and lots of play – this is what players' want and Paddy Power Poker is more than happy to deliver!"

There is still plenty of time to qualify for this event on Paddy Power Poker.

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to post one!

What do you think?

Register to leave a comment or login with facebook

Username Password
Post this comment to my facebook wall

Post it