Blame Hanna

After doing more research on the impending storm, I realized my little sidequest to Mohegan Sun is not going to happen. Mapquest let me know that it was nearly two hours from my location, which would mean I probably wouldn’t get there until 11 p.m. or so.

That would mean leaving at midnight (since I am just checking out the room). I could stop halfway to Atlantic City in New York with no problems. However, getting from NY to AC would be a problem with the terrible weather that is slated for the Eastern seaboard tomorrow.

I really want to check out this and I plan on doing it within the next two months. Now, having said that I am opening it up to the audience. Let me know what you want me to find out about the poker room. What sort of information are you looking for? I promise to get everything you need and will provice a detailed report of the room and everything it has (or doesn’t have) to offer.

Guess What Happened?

I played poker. Twice even.

I learned a valuable lesson in one of the instances as well. Don’t open the girlfriend seat up to anyone. For the sake of the story, I want everyone to know that I am a woman, who has a darling boyfriend that taught how to play poker. Actually, even met the boyfriend while playing poker. Then, I knew nothing. Now, I a little more than nothing.

However, no one ever told me that the girlfriend seat was evil. I never actually sat in the girlfriend seat because whenever my boyfriend played, I just played as well. For those who do not know the girlfriend seat is where the girlfriend/wife/lover sits who has no interest in playing and sits behind the guy while watching. Usually, they are drinking or sighing loudly because plastic cards are getting more attention than their plastic breasts.

Well, I had a friend call me one night while playing — five times. And the dummy in me decided it was OK for her to come and watch me play. I was already annoyed that she called five times for what was seemingly no reason.

When she got there, she tried telling me dumb stories that I didn’t care about and then did the audible sighing when I told her while I have cards in front of me, she is not allowed to talk to me.

After the night was over she had the audacity to complain to my boyfriend that I ignored her while I was playing poker. He pretty much laughed in her face and told her that it was her fault that she came. She should have known better.

However, the kicker came when I decided I had enough. She threw my mind for a loop and I decided it was best that I left. She asked me to sleep over, and being the great person that I am, I told her yes. However, on the way out she asked me if I can take across town to see some guy she wanted to get it on with for about five minutes.

I gave her two options because at this point I was sick of her. 1. I take you there, drop you off and find your own way home because I am leaving. 2. You come to my house and stay there.

I’ve known this girl for only about two months. I don’t see this relationship lasting very long.

Borgata Sports Bettors Plead Not Guilty

Here’s the latest news on the Borgata Sports Betting Ring. Twenty-four people pled not guilty on the matter, but that’s what all these mafia people do, right? I can’t wait to see them get away with this.

Defendants in front row listen to court preceedings during Monday their arraignment in the Borgata gambling ring, in Judge Michael Donio’s courtroom, Mays Landing.
(The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)

MAYS LANDING – The 24 men and women charged with taking part in a multimillion-dollar sports betting ring at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – including the alleged ringleaders – pleaded not guilty to the charges against them at a crowded arraignment hearing Monday.
The ring, which authorities say operated out of a poker room at Borgata for 20 months, was busted in November when a multi-agency investigation, dubbed Operation High Roller, led to the arrests. State Attorney General Anne Milgram previously said the ring took in $60 million in bets, but the casino itself was not involved.
The indictment handed down in April charges the alleged leaders – Jack Buscemi Jr., 50, of Harrison Township, Gloucester County; Andrew Micali, 32, of Ventnor; and Anthony Nicodemo, 36, of Philadelphia – with racketeering, conspiracy and money laundering, as well as third-degree promotion of gambling.
Micali allegedly controlled the day-to-day operations, while Nicodemo allegedly exercised leadership over the ring. Buscemi was allegedly the boss of the gambling ring.
On Monday afternoon, the defendants were seated in several rows in Superior Court Judge Michael Donio’s courtroom as their 24 defense attorneys entered the not-guilty pleas in unison to move the matter along more quickly. A sheriff’s officer took attendance before the hearing to ensure everyone was present.

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Thirteen other alleged operators and agents of the ring were indicted on those same four charges, including Vincent Procopio, 42, of Philadelphia, who allegedly acted as Micali’s right-hand man, and two casino poker room supervisors alleged to have been agents who brought in gamblers and bets for the ring.
: Joseph Wishnick, 43, of Brigantine, a former Borgata poker room supervisor, and Jeffrey Ebert, 45, of Ventnor, a former Tropicana poker room supervisor. Eight additional defendants are named in certain counts of the indictment.
The ring took in illegal wagers on sporting events using password-protected Web sites and a Philadelphia wire room where bets were taken by phone, authorities said.
The investigation, which began in March 2006, revealed that Micali relied on a network of agents to take in millions of dollars in bets on college and professional football and basketball. Micali and Buscemi allegedly received a percentage of the gambling proceeds collected by the agents.
Deputy Attorney General Kerry DiJoseph represented the Division of Criminal Justice Major Crimes Bureau, Casino Prosecutions Unit.
Donio asked DiJoseph on Monday to prepare a letter for him in three weeks listing the defendants and their charges. He asked the 24 defense attorneys to also prepare individual letters, stating who the attorney represents, what the charges are and what motions the attorney has filed or plans to file.
Defense attorney Carl Poplar, who represents defendant Robert Mackie, 39, of Staten Island, N.Y., expressed concern about drafting such a letter, telling the judge it could be “problematic.”
Donio repeated his time frame: Three weeks.
“How am I going to determine who’s on first and who’s on second?” Donio said, referring to the possible confusion with so many defendants. “(The letter) is for me. I’m not sharing it with anyone else. It’s to assist me, in lieu of going through a box (of discovery).”
“I want to resolve these things in an expeditious manner,” Donio said.
After entering pleas for their clients, the attorneys met in the empty courtroom next door, where they organized themselves into committees to tackle major motions together. The effort was made to avoid duplicating motions and creating unnecessary extra work.
“I don’t want to read 24 motions that say the same thing,” Donio said.
Second-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of as many as 10 years in state prison, while third-degree crimes, such as promoting gambling, carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
On Monday, Donio gave the attorneys and defendants an idea of how he views the offenses.
“These are alleged crimes of greed,” Donio said. “I don’t equate these (defendants) with people who sexually assault kids.”
Third-degree gambling charges don’t necessarily warrant jail time, he added – although a second-degree crime, like racketeering, does.
“These charges involve money,” Donio said. “So, we’ll talk money.”
Defense attorneys expressed a similar view.
“Our view of this case is it is a gambling case and nothing more,” said attorney James Leonard Jr., who is representing Nicodemo. “People that promote gambling do not belong in jail. I don’t think any one of these defendants belongs in jail.”
“I think the judge’s comments are indicative of what you see,” said attorney Lou Barbone, who is representing Micali.
DiJoseph said there is now supplemental discovery available for the attorneys to review, including videotape, transcripts of intercepted recordings and call logs.
The defendants are scheduled to appear in court again at 1:30 p.m. July 7 for a status conference.
Others charged in the indictment are:
Ian Blackman, 28, of Mays Landing: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering, promoting gambling and criminal usury
Matthew Zambanini, 28, of Hockessin, Del.: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Robert Mackie, 39, of Staten Island, N.Y.: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Frank Baldino, 21, of Philadelphia: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Nicholas Caltibiano, 25, of Brigantine: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering, and promoting gambling
Joseph Baldino Jr., 23, of Philadelphia: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
John Findaly, 31, of Philadelphia: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Bernard Malseed, 64, of Philadelphia: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Vincent Borgesi, 40, of Philadelphia: Promoting gambling
Russell Brown, 44, of Egg Harbor Township: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering, and promoting gambling
Douglas Rubino, 30, of Philadelphia: Racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Michael Connelly, 59, of Parkville, Md.: Conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Stephen Cassansanto, 37, of Philadelphia: Conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
William DePena, 40, of Philadelphia: Conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Dominic Grande, 28, of Philadelphia: Conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Marianne Micali, 63, of Philadelphia: Conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Annie Grajales Ospina, 25, of Egg Harbor Township: Conspiracy, money laundering and promoting gambling
Mark Galasso, 24, of Philadelphia: Money laundering
To e-mail Regina Schaffer at The Press:
RSchaffer@pressofac.com

My Bias Shows Through

When people think about gambling on the East Coast, the first inclination is Atlantic City – at least that’s what I think of. Sure, I live near the area, but even when I lived two hours away, I always thought of Atlantic City first before heading to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun (that damn tolls are always a problem).

So, naturally, the East Coast Championships for poker would be in Atlantic City, probably at the Taj Mahal or the Borgata.

Guess what?

It’s not. The 2008 East Coast Championships is actually held at the Turning Stone in upstate New York. I am not dogging the place. I have actually been there, but I am just curious as to how they can actually get the naming right to call it the East Coast Championship.

My other problem when it comes to this is that there are only no-limit events. NL deep stack and turbo events as well, but no other type of game. If this is going to be an East Coast Champion crowned, shouldn’t it be in more than one type of event.

No limit is king and that is all people want to play these days, but I find it hard to believe that for one day out of the year, a casino isn’t going to find a good group of Stud and Omaha players. The Borgata Poker Open is coming up in June and I am pretty excited for the seven-card stud tournament. More so because the people I play with plan on competing in the event. Sounds like easy to me.

When It’s Been Too Long

I haven’t played real poker since last year, literally. It’s been that long. At first, the reasoning behind it was because I just wasn’t in the mood to play. Anyone who plays poker knows you should never play when you aren’t in the mood. You make goofy plays and don’t play the way you are supposed to, which is what I did the last time I was at a table.

Then, poker became an incentive. If I lost a certain amount of weight then I would be able to go play poker again (I’m a girl and this is the stupid way I think).

Last week, I was in Tampa for spring training. One of the night I ventured over to the Hard Rock Casino and went in to the poker room. I looked around and watched one hand. Just one and the itch was back. I know poker in Florida is slightly different, but I want to play now.

I need the feel of those chips in my hands and the satisfaction of picking off someone’s bluff. I want to throw down my chips and cut them out so deliberately so that someone has to call me.

Of course, many will think that’s easy. You live right in Atlantic City!

I’m in Greensboro, N.C. where the closest legal card room is the Borgata. The one time I want to play cards, I am stuck in the middle of a state where there is no where to play.

I have the chance to go to Tampa next week (though it’s looking doubtful) and I am definitely going back to the Hard Rock if I do.

However, I have a feeling that come Wednesday, MT and I will be in a cardroom. The two of us have the itch. He actually hasn’t played either, but him for different reasons. He has gotten sick of the game, the attitude of many players and just couldn’t handle the scene, which includes many reasons that I can’t list on the blog.

Despite that MT wants to play again. I am rooting for him.

WSOP Circuit Results Day 1

No-Limit Hold ‘Em $300+$50
901 Entries

Notes: The 901 entrants was a record this season on the circuit tour. It’s the most for any of the five stops on the tour. … the tournament had a few foreign-players in the game including Brazil, Peru and Albania.

About the winner: Mircia “Merciky” Ionescu is a Romanian immigrant who know lives in Brooklyn. He’s an assistant engineer for an air conditioning company. Ionescu is a cash game player, usually playing $5-$10 to $10-$20 no-limit who rarely plays cash games, but decided to take a shot.

1. Mircea Ionescu (Brooklyn, NY) $67,575
2. Kevin Crumlish (Wall, NJ) $36,720
3. Sazan “Sonny” Lusha (Staten Island) $21,624
4. Howard Wolper (New York, NY) $18,921
5. Eliano Mesquita (Long Branch, NJ) $16,218
6. Carlos Chavez (Elmhurst, NY) $13,515
7. Ashley Shuey (Shartlesville, Pa) $10,812
8. James Zinkand (Washington D.C.) $8,109
9. Daniel Hayden (Springville, NY) $5,406
10. Robert Stanley (Avenel, NJ) $2,973
11. Frank Stollmack (Brigantine, NJ)$2,973
12. Dean Schultz (Lewis Center, OH) $2,973
13. Augustin Mendez (Bronx, NY) $2,433
14. Anthony Derose (Williamstown, Ma.) $2,473
15. Glenn Englebert (Erial, NJ) $2,473
16. Eugene Bilicki (Hicksville, NY) $1,892
17. Sahilesh Patel (Allegany, PA) $1,892
18. Christopher Phillips (Boise, Id.) $1,892
19. David Adduce (Lititz, Pa) $1,351
20. Wenpen Lin (Absecon, NJ) $1,351
21. Bradley Custsing (Haymarket, NJ) $1,351
22. Paul Tarulli (Jasmeburg, NJ) $1,351
23. Robert Delisa (Iselin, NJ) $1,351
24. William Vorhees (Pennington, NJ) $1,351
25. Mark Overton (Malvern, Pa.) $1,351
26. Garon Henderson (Saganore Hills, Oh.) $1,351
27. Christopher Duresky (Richmond, Va.) $1,351
28. Eric Strang (Philadelphia, Pa.) $946
29. Ivan Felipe (Vineland, NJ) $946
30. Robert Bretzger (Flanders, NJ) $946
31. Edgar Hurdle (Pine Tops, N.C.) $946
32. James Nelson (Rock Tavern, NY) $946
33. Charles Stokes (Windsor Mill, Md.) $946
34. Ildebraundo Molina (Westbury, NY) $946
35. Bruce Smith (Lancaster, Pa.) $946
36. Joseph Campanella (Coal Township, Pa.) $946
37. Russell Silber (Staten Island, NY) $784
38. Philip Danico (Helmeta, NJ) $784
39. David Helpard (Bristow, Va.) $784
40. John MacNeill (Gloucester, Oh.) $784
41. DeeAngelo Seng (Blackwood, NJ) $784
41. Angel Soto (West Orange, NJ) $784
43. Jerry Humphery (Gibsonia, Pa.) $784
44. Andrew Williams (Alexandria, Va.) $784
45. Nicoleta Tozziliphert (Brooklyn, NY) $784
46. Thomas Tally (Transfer, Pa.) $635
47. Raymond Dooley (Aston, Pa.) $635
48. Alton Hughes (Emmitsburg, Md.) $635
49. Jeffrey Gray (San Antonio, Tx.) $635
50. Thomas Joyce (Scranton, Pa.) $635
51. James Andreano (Chesapeake, Va.) $635
52. Brian Morton (Brigantine, NJ) $635
53. Charlotte-Anne Nelson (Great Britain)$635
54. Greg Morgan (Hi Nella, NJ) $635
55. Evan Wallack (Bristow, Va.) $541
56. Karl Kammler (Maywood, NJ) $541
57. Reggie Franklin (Park Forest, Il.) $541
58. Eric Daru (Poolesville, Md.) $541
59. Eric Miller (Seaford, NY) $541
60. Eric Cleaveland (Morrisville, Pa.) $541
61. Stephen Freola (Cape May Court House, NJ) $541
62. Vinod Ramnani (Syosset, NY) $541
63. Meir Yedid (Fair Lawn, NJ) $541
64. Gene Estep (Chester Va.) $473
65. Louis Ferrara (Westville, NJ) $473
66. Michael Tancredi (Wanaque, NJ) $473
67. Raymar Dizon (Arnold, Md.) $473
68. Renaud Daniel (Sainte-Foy, Quebec) $473
69. Mark Matthews (Bellmawr, NJ) $473
70. David Clelland (Waretown, NJ) $473
71. Zachariah Kates (Pikesville, Md.) $473
72. Bruno Fiorenza (Philadelphia, Pa.) $473
73. James Focareta (Galloway, NJ). $405
74. Herman Birnbrauer (Bensalem, Pa.) $405
75. Robert Santilli (Jackson, NJ) $405
76. Edward Seaman (Herkimer, NY) $405
77. David Robinson (Levittown, Pa.) $405
78. Tim Lunsford (Concord, NC) $405
79. David Hickman (Haymarket, Pa.) $405
80. Mark Uchenkel (Rochelle Park, NJ) $405
81. Robert Tims (Bangor, Pa.) $405
82. JJ Hurley (Wayne, Pa.) $365
83. Adriana Fratila (Maspeth, NY) $365
84. Charles Kline (Maryland) $365
85. John Zoldak (Staten Island, NY) $365
86. Robert Barr (Sacramento, Pa.) $365
87. Kenneth Stupski (New Albany, Oh.) $365
88. John Whiteford (Oak Hill, NY) $365
89. Eric Nicholas (Clementon, NJ) $395
90. Don Johnson (Mechanicsville, Pa.) $365

Gaming Revenue Down Again

I think Atlantic City is learning that it can’t be a thriving resort town based on gambling alone. You look at Vegas and it’s more than just gambling. You can go there and see great shows, enjoy the nightlife and never worry about gambling away a penny. You can go with any types of people including those who don’t gamble and they will still have fun.

Atlantic City has a problem in that sense. If you don’t gamble, there is usually not much of a point.

Gaming revenue has declined in Atlantic City for the fifth straight month. Part of the problem is the new slow parlors that have opened in the region from New York to Pennsylvania. I’ve been to them and I don’t care for them. I dislike them actually, but for people who don’t mind punching buttons, the places aren’t that bad.

In addition, the casino smoking ban has effected the revenue, but I don’t mind this so much. I hated all the smoke and love walking through breathe-easy casino floors.

In August, revenue dipped 5.9 percent to $465.2 million. Slot revenue declined 11 percent to $323.5 million, while table game winnings were up 8.2 percent to $141.7 million, according to figures released Monday by the casino commission, according to The Press of Atlantic City.
Of the individual casinos, Trump Marina Hotel Casino had the biggest revenue decline at 13.9 percent, followed by Tropicana Casino and Resort at 13 percent. Revenue also tumbled by double-digit margins at Resorts and at Showboat Casino Hotel.
Caesars Atlantic City was the only casino to reap a double-digit increase in revenue, up 10.8 percent. Harrah’s revenue rose 7.1 percent and the Taj Mahal had a 2.4 percent increase to round out the casinos that were higher in August.

Trop sucks by the way. I’m not surprised. The casinos that are doing the renovations and upgrading its hotels are the ones that are doing better.

Snapped Off

Snapped Off

That’s been the feeling lately. I’ve been getting snapped off.

Have you ever gone through a streak so bad, you wonder how you ever liked playing poker? Yet, you’re determined to get back to the table.

I’m not going to tell everyone about my “bad beat” stories. I hate them. I really do. People lose to one and two outers. I sucked out on two people once with a two (set over set over set, I had bottom set and hit quads on the river).

But you know what I hate more than bad beat stories, cocky fish. Yeah, I said it – COCKY!

There are so many who play as though they what they’re doing. I’m one of them, but I feel I have some sort of knowledge when it comes to playing poker. I’ve read a ton of Skalansky books. Some not Skalansky books. And plenty of columns. I know the theory and the math.

Yet, I never get used to the luck factor. Lately, I’ve run into some bad luck. Like the other day having rolled 8’s in stud, (First three starting cards are the same) and the guy to my left catches the case 8 for an inside straight.

However, instead of acting gracious, he raked in his pot with his ‘I know what I’m doing’ look. That’s ok. At least he didn’t speak.

Later on, I hit a flush on FIVE cards and win the pot. His comment, “Only I’m supposed to make those kinds of hands.” But it wasn’t joking or playful. Oh, only you’re supposed to suck out, sir.

I wish more people were like Mario the Magician. Mario hits one- and two-outers like it’s his job. But he’s fun to play with and sometimes – only sometimes – you don’t mind losing to the guy. He makes losing tolerable, if not enjoyable.

Become someone people don’t mind losing to. You’ll end up being paid off in the end, if you’re lucky.

U.S. Cracking Down on Poker Sites

This just makes me cranky…

NETELLER: No More InstaCash for U.S. Residents

Some poker sites have limited or completely restricted NETELLER transactions following the detainment of two former NETELLER executives by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Since the incident, NETELLER has banned the use of its InstaCash feature for U.S. residents, but continues to allow users to fund sites with money that already resides in their NETELLER accounts. Poker sites had mixed responses to NETELLER’s move. PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, for instance, followed the NETELLER ban exactly and now prevent users from funding their accounts using InstaCash. Bodog, on the other hand, took a more drastic stance and disallowed players from using NETELLER at all, even with funds currently in their NETELLER accounts.

Trading of the NETELLER stock was suspended following news that the two NETELLER co-founders, John Lefebvre and Steve Lawrence, were arrested while traveling in the U.S. The two founders have not had an official role in the company, aside from being the top shareholders, since before their detainment.

I Play So Bad…

The job sent me out to Cincinnati. When I found out, the first thing I did was jump online and find the closest card room.

Argosy Casino in beautiful Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

When I left the place I had other ideas about it.

First, I want to talk about the casino. It’s actually a riverboat, which is pretty interesting. But after playing in a “casino” on a cruise ship, it doesn’t really beat having your craps dice jump to another side because of a wave in the water. The decks were very long, but not wide. And there was a cloud of smoke hovering above my head as I found my way to the poker room.

I need to get my jacket dry-cleaned to get the smell out.

When I got to the poker room, I had a massive wait. They gave me those vibrating sticks (this doesn’t sound as good as I would like) that you get at Outback. When it was my turn — two hours later — it shook while I was sitting at a .02 cent poker machine.

I got to my $1-$3 No Limit table. There was a lot of money on this table and I was ready to win. However, too ready. I was over anxious from the wait and just wanted to play that I made two of the worst moves in my “professional” poker career.

Even barely recounting it now makes me angry. I knew I was beat both times and for some reason just enjoyed throwing my money into the pot. Apparently, I hate money. That’s the only reason I could come up with.

I don’t even want to go over either hand. I made stupid, STUPID plays. I looked like the people I usually take money from in Atlantic City. This time I was the tourist looking to ship money.

My one itty, bitty piece of good information I can take from this is that my reads are getting better. I don’t really think that makes me feel much better. But the fact that I knew I was beat both times, the reasons I knew I was beat, were pretty stellar. But I didn’t act on either read, which was terrible by me.

I will leave this piece of advice though that I have heard from others before: Beware of the Speech.

If you’re in a hand and the person you are facing is talking about how they are beat and it’s time for them to go home, it’s usually you that is going home. Players like to act the opposite of the strength of their cards. (Thanks Mike Caro)

I may go play tonight. I may tomorrow. And Wednesday.

I need to get back to a table and fix my donkey mistakes.