PokerWorks

In case you missed them in our daily News Flash, here's the rewind for your reading pleasure:

Michael Jackson Online Casino?

Many online casinos with unusual themes have come and gone, but this one may go faster than it started. Michael Jackson Casino immediately caught the eye of the deceased pop singer’s estate, and now another lawsuit is in the works against the website, as the owner of the photos used on the site is claiming copyright infringement. The suit goes after the yet-unnamed owner of the website as well as GoDaddy, the company that hosted the site.

Poker Increases Revenue Overall

Poker can have unintended but positive consequences on casinos who embrace the table game. Since West Virginia changed its laws and Charles Town Races was able to open its poker room, the track’s general manager noted that poker is not only doing well but bringing additional money to its race book as well. Poker players have been found using their waiting time to bet on the horses, which has increased its overall revenue more than in past summer months.

Defying the Odds Isn't All in Gaming

Poker players often keep their inner struggles to themselves. Matthew Casterella’s struggles led him to jump from the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York, though his suicide attempt into the Hudson River after the 138-foot jump was unsuccessful. Police found him alive and with only minor injuries, and the East Coast poker player will live. While a downturn in poker tournament earnings can be depressing, Casterella’s friends and family will likely seek serious help for him as he lives through the bridge jumping ordeal.

FTOPS Events Running

The Full Tilt Online Poker Series (FTOPS) XVII got off and running on August 4, and it started with a bang as noted online poker pro Brent “Broberts85” Roberts took down the very first event of the 12-day series. The tournament brought 4,591 players to the tables to create a $918,200 prize pool, well over the $750K guarantee, and he won Event 1 for $164,357.80. This was the second FTOPS victory for Roberts, as he won a PLO tournament in FTOPS X. The current FTOPS will run through the Main Event on August 15.