Borgata Poker Open Results

Date: Thu, Jun 19, 2008 Live Tournament Women

If you are looking for a place to get results from the Summer Poker Open at the Borgata, go to this link. It's a live blog from the event and they are going to do a much better job than I would. I have a not-so-fun job (actually, that's not true) that I have to keep track of and need to take of that.

Borgata Sports Bettors Plead Not Guilty

Date: Tue, Jun 17, 2008 Live Tournament Women

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.

');
//-->
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

"That's Poker"

Date: Thu, Jun 12, 2008 Live Tournament Women

Damn, when I heard those words uttered yesterday, I wanted to ring someone’s neck. I am not mad that I didn’t cash, a little frustrated is more like it. I played in the stud tournament for nine hours – NINE HOURS – to only walk away with a sore ass for sitting down for so long.

It was a good experience for me and I actually enjoyed myself for the most part. The people were nice and there wasn’t the attitude you normally get while playing Texas Hold ‘Em. I am not big in recounting hands just for the sake of saying what happened.

I know I played well. I made the right moves when I should and I just got unlucky in the end. My second to last hand, I raised with split Kings. The guy to my left just calls with an ace showing. I bet into him a couple of times until I realized that he actually had another ace the whole time. I lost enough money in that pot because the levels were up to 1,500-3,000. My very last hand, I’m the bring-in with a 4 showing and I have queens in the hole. I complete the bet to $1,500 and it mucks around to the guy to right, who has an ace showing.

By the way, there are already two dead aces. Wouldn’t you know that he has the case ace underneath. Honestly, I didn’t have enough chips at that point to try to hold on. I put my final 1,200 or so in the middle and I never improved. That was my tournament.

Someone I know pretty well took down fourth. I was very happy for him. It was something that he needed as he has a string of bad luck lately, and it has nothing to do with poker. Glad to see something good happen.

Borgata Poker Open

Date: Mon, Jun 9, 2008 Live Tournament Women

Today is the first day of the Borgata Poker Open. I guess the East Coasters that didn't make out to Vegas are going to be playing in these events. I am going to play in the 7-card stud tourney on Wednesday. This is my first big tournament and I am looking forward to it.

I don't know how many people are going to enter this tournament. Stud isn't what it used to be and not many people play it. However, I know two people playing in it, me and my friend. I am going to try and keep notes throughout the tournament. This is going to be a unique experience for me.

Wish me luck.

Taj Stabber Will Sentenced to 5 Years

Date: Thu, May 29, 2008 Live Tournament Women

Vincente Perez pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter today and will be sentenced to about five years in prision. All over a poker seat. Well, we have an end to this case, here is the news in The Press of Atlantic City.

However, I am sure this isn't going to end what a hole the Taj Mahal is. I haven't been to the room since the incident and, frankly, I have no desire to even go there. The Taj is a dump, and though it has great games when it comes to stuff other than hold 'em, it's not enough for me to want to go there.

I never went to the bathroom by myself. I never went to the bathroom by the parking lot. I am sure people who have been to the Taj know exactly what I am talking about.

Trump Marina to Be Bought and Renamed

Date: Thu, May 29, 2008 Live Tournament Women

Since Trump Marina doesn't have poker, this doesn't really belong here, however, there are many people who find the goings on in Atlantic City interesting, including myself. This article is from The Press of Atlantic City and I am sure it will have more information regarding the sale starting tomorrow.

10 a.m. Update - ATLANTIC CITY (AP) — A New York gambling company is buying Atlantic City’s Trump Marina Hotel Casino for $316 million, and will rename it “Margaritaville,” the companies said Thursday.
Coastal Marina LLC, an affiliate of Coastal Development LLC, is buying the casino from Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump Entertainment is the casino company founded by real estate magnate Donald Trump. After the sale, the company will have two remaining casinos in Atlantic City: The Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, and Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino.

“They are buying a wonderful building in a great location,” Trump said in a statement. “It has been an important part of our company with a loyal customer base and a dedicated team.”

Richard T. Fields, chairman of Coastal Marina, said the casino will take on a new identity once the sale closes. No timetable was given.

For more coverage, check for updates here and look in Friday's edition of The Press of Atlantic City.

PokerTek Press Release

Date: Fri, May 23, 2008 Live Tournament Women

Scouring the Internet, I came across the official press release from PokerTek announcing the wonderful PokerPro machines that are going to be in the Trump Plaza on June 12. They sound awfully excited, I for one can't wait. This will just give me another reason not to go into Trump Plaza to begin with.

I am sure I will eventually check it out and I bet there are plenty of people who enjoy this type of gaming. However, I never play poker on the Internet because I don't like the idea of a computer controlling the outcome of hands. Obviouisly online poker is a huge business, so it doens't bother some people. That's their call and not mine.

However, I can't do it. I tried online poker once (maybe twice) and didn't like it. So, I am sure I will give this a nice go. Then, I will walk over to the Trop for some real poker.

PokerTek Announces Contract for First PokerPro Installation in Atlantic City, New Jersey

MATTHEWS, N.C. — PokerTek, Inc., the industry pioneer and worldwide leader in automated poker tables and related software, announced today that they have signed a contract with Trump Plaza Casino to offer PokerPro(R) for field trial. The 12 table PokerPro poker room at Trump Plaza will open pending final approval by the State of New Jersey Casino Control Commission, and will be the first automated poker room in the state.

Poker is a new gaming addition at Trump Plaza Casino and their 100% PokerPro poker room will be just steps from the Boardwalk.

"The poker room at Trump Plaza is going to be a poker player's paradise," said Jim Rigot, General Manager for Trump Plaza Casino. "In addition to opening with a reduced $3 rake, our state-of-the-art poker room will have competitive game offerings, flat screens throughout, a comfortable lounge with convenient food and beverage offerings and blackjack tables. And when you consider the increased hands per hour and mistake-free play, it becomes an obvious choice for even the most seasoned players."

"We are delighted to enter field trial in New Jersey and are particularly excited to partner with such a prominent operator like Trump Plaza," said Chris Halligan, CEO of PokerTek. "PokerPro is a great game for both operators and players and entering the prestigious Atlantic City market is a significant milestone for our Company."