Away from the table

The UltimateBet scandal was first brought to light by posting members of a popular internet poker forum in early January 2008. UltimateBet did not acknowledge that any wrongdoing occurred until March 6th, when the site’s management released a statement about an ongoing investigation. Since then, there has been nothing but an eerie silence from UltimateBet and its owner Tokwiro Enterprises. 15 May, 2008

The World Poker Tour has seen another hostess come and go. Layla Kayleigh, who joined the WPT at the beginning of Season VI to provide show introductions and occasional final table player interviews, will not be returning for Season VII. 13 May, 2008

When the WSOP Ladies Academy made its debut during the 2007 World Series of Poker, Annie Duke’s instruction was so well-received that one of her students went on to win the WSOP Ladies World Championship event. Needless to say, the academy is set to return for another seminar in Las Vegas on June 6-7, 2008. 9 May, 2008

On Monday, April 21st, the World Poker Tour hosted a private cocktail party and ceremony at the Bellagio’s “O” Theater to honor its 96 previously crowned champions. The objective of the evening was to look back at six seasons of the World Poker Tour and award all of those tournament winners with newly unveiled Tiffany bracelets. 24 Apr, 2008

One of the most respected businessmen in poker, Lee Jones, is leaving his post as the Executive Host of the European Poker Tour to join CardRunners as its Chief Operating Officer. He will oversee quality control and direct the staff of poker professionals for the online poker training company. 23 Apr, 2008

In July of 2006, seven top professional poker players filed a lawsuit against the World Poker Tour over the release form that players were forced to sign in order to play a WPT event. Nearly two years later, the case has been settled with a revision of that release form that was effective immediately. 22 Apr, 2008

Perhaps the most infamous woman in poker took her own life this past week. Brandi Hawbaker, more known for her exploits off the poker table than at them, was found dead in Los Angeles. 20 Apr, 2008

As the sixth season of the World Poker Tour comes to a close with its season-ending WPT World Championship at Bellagio, some have noticed that Linda Johnson is no longer announcing the WPT final tables. It has been confirmed that Johnson and the WPT have parted ways. 18 Apr, 2008

By all accounts, ePassporte seems to be abandoning the U.S. market in the wake of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Through e-mails from various online poker websites to customers, it has become apparent that ePassporte is no longer working with U.S. customers, or any site that allows U.S. customers to play, but no official statement has been released by ePassporte itself. 16 Apr, 2008

Ever wonder what it would be like to spend a weekend in Las Vegas with Daniel Negreanu, living the lifestyle of a high-stakes poker professional and receiving instruction from the winner of three World Series of Poker bracelets and two World Poker Tour titles? Well, Negreanu is giving the public exactly that opportunity. 14 Apr, 2008