Online poker is big news once again as Amaya Gaming bets large with their recent high-stakes acquisition of renowned brands, Pokerstars and Full Tilt Poker. This move by the Montreal-based, publicly listed, Amaya Gaming Group Inc. could potentially transform the online gaming industry. In doing so, the company has had to assume a significant debt load but they are betting large that the legalization of online gambling in key U.S. states is imminent. This is a risky wager considering the $4.9 billion dollar price tag.
Over the past several years Amaya Gaming Group Inc. owner, David Baazov, has been steadily developing this software and technology company by servicing the gambling industry. Baazov now hopes to not only sustain, but grow the current pool of approximately 86M registered Pokerstars and Full Tilt members. Baazov also has plans to convert these online poker players to different online games, mobile applications, and form partnerships with brick and mortar casinos. Social media is expected to play a big role in this conversion process. Amaya Gaming considers the 86M registered members as players, not necessarily just online poker players.
Obstacles to Online Poker Expansion
In order to succeed, Amaya Gaming will have to overcome some big obstacles. There are social, legal, and regulatory issues that will need to be addressed. Some of the key issues being the opposition to the legalization of online gambling and the banks, financial institutions, and credit card suppliers who refuse to conduct business of this nature.
To date, only New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada have legalized online gambling. California and other key states are still considering the matter. There is solid opposition to such a move, led in large part by land-based casino mogul Sheldon Adelson. Adelson is sparing no expense to push Washington to stop online gambling in its tracks by once again imposing a federal ban.
The once-flourishing online poker industry was effectively shut down following the crackdown by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2011. PokerStars founder, Isai Sheinberg, and ten other online poker executives were later indicted for conspiring to violate the UIGEA, or Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Scheinberg and his son Mark will no longer participate in the company as part of the terms of the new deal with Amaya. Existing management will be allowed to remain on board.
The Future of Online Poker
Clear of these impediments, Baazov is confident that Amaya will succeed in expanding online poker via the PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker brands throughout the U.S. as well as in regulated jurisdictions the world over. Baazov feels strongly that online poker will thrive regardless of whether or not the U.S. opens its doors to new legislation. He also believes that financial institutions will eventually be willing to process transactions once again.
In order to finance the acquisition of these online poker sites, Amaya has taken on $2.9 billion dollars in debt. Global Gaming Business editor, Frank Legato, points out that while the deal is a great one for the Scheinbergs, it’s a real gamble for the Amaya Gaming Group. Ultimately it’s a question of whether or not Amaya’s revenues will be enough to cover the debt they’ve incurred. With 86 million registered users, the odds are in their favor.
Many USA online casino games are based on themes. Oftentimes these themes reflect key moments in history. On July 4th the United States celebrates Independence Day. This federal holiday commemorates the country’s independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, aka the United Kingdom. On July 4, 1776, the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence. This national celebration is highlighted by patriotic events throughout the country. Events highlight the nation’s laws, heritage, and people. The day is marked with parades, family gatherings, and fireworks.
Online slot machines are beloved by millions of players the world over because they are easy to play and potentially offer gigantic windfalls. This is a big reason why they are more popular than any other online casino game. What you might not realize, however, is that in addition to providing lots of heart-pounding entertainment and the chance to win lots of cash, online slot machines also offer a vast amount of intelligence about the world in which we live. You’ll need to make some effort to extract this wealth of information from the games, but you’ll be glad you did.
Ask anyone to name popular casino games and odds are that more often than not the game they will mention is slots. This is due, at least in part, to the fact that slots are much more widely played games as opposed to some of the other traditional online casino games. Most people are drawn to the slot machines because they are so easy to play. All you have to do is push a button and watch the reels spin. What these players don’t always realize that there are other games that are not only easy to play, but also offer a greater risk/reward ratio. Take the game of roulette for example. It is solely based on a tiny silver ball spinning around a wheel that is numbered from zero to thirty-six. Winners are determined based on where the ball lands. However, it’s the fact that players can customize their bets according to their tolerance of risk that makes it very appealing to many players.
When a beginner sets out to play online casino games, they don’t always know what they’re doing, or even which game they should start playing. Identifying the casino game that might best suit their tastes requires a level of knowledge and experience that a newcomer to online casinos often lacks. Not knowing which game to choose can lead to an unsatisfying gaming experience, and since a good percentage of these players may not be willing to give the casino a second try after this kind of disappointment, this guide will help make the selection process easier. Below, you’ll be introduced to several key factors that will hopefully have a positive impact on the decision making process.
A strange aspect of classic online casino games, like craps, baccarat, and roulette is that when compared to the more modern games, like video slots, they seem almost intimidatingly complicated. This is just a misconception however. Video slots do represent the ultimate in simplicity when it comes to classic online casino games. Players need only select a bet size and press a button. The fact that video slots players are often encouraged to always “Bet Max” makes this process even easier. It’s only in this context that classic casino games may appear to be more complicated. Taken on their own, it’s easier to see that there’s really not all that much to them and they are probably a lot more accessible than you might think.
Some of the best odds available in any casino can be found at the online casino blackjack tables. Players that understand the basic elements of the game can thrive. Players whose combined winnings outweigh their loses combine a knowledge of statistics and counting cards to transform a classic game of skill and chance into a profitable and highly entertaining endeavor.
Few games has as much allure as the slot machine. The look sexy and come with all sorts of enticing sights and sounds. Online casino slots also offer players the opportunity to win vast amounts of money at the push of a button. It’s vital to remember, however, that the house edge applies just as equally to these online casino games as they do to any other.
Online casino gambling has revolutionized the betting world more than anything else. Like their land-based Las Vegas counterparts, online casinos provide adults the world over the opportunity for fun, and easily accessible ways to try their luck at big winnings.








