Titan Poker is gearing up to drop over $140,000 for a new competition aimed at Omaha Pot-Limit players. As the name suggests, Titan Poker is the largest online poker room on the iPoker Network and frequently stages high pay-out competitions, but it’s nice to see online Omaha players getting some love. The promotion, appropriately titled the Omaholics Promotion, will reward poker players with big money to top online players based on their play throughout September and October.

The online poker giant looks to hand out more than $140,000to the best of the best players, based upon their number of raked hands. Anyone and everyone who loves online poker is encouraged to participate and all $0.10/$0.20 and up Pot Limit Omaha tables are part of it. The online players will be ranked on a leaderboard and updated frequently on the Titan Poker website. The Omaholics promotion starts Septmber 7, 2009 and runs through midnight on October 18, 2009.

If that isn’t enough to wet your online Omaha poker appetite, starting September 21, Titan Poker is introducing Monday Night Omaha, a new weekly online tournament. It’s sure to encourage Omaha players to come out in droves with prices of $8,000 in guaranteed prizes and $100 buy-ins.

For more information on this and other online poker promotions, head over to Titan Poker.

New Zealand is best known for rowing, sheep and scenic landscapes that look good for hobbits and elves to walk through on their journeys. Before that, it was known for Xena: Warrior Princess. Now you can say that the isolated country is also known for its interesting take on combating problem gambling.

Tomorrow is Gamble-Free Day in New Zealand. Before you get too excited, that doesn’t mean you can gamble for free. It means that for one day the country is encouraging people to avoid gambling, including both in person and in online casinos. The reason? They want to bring awareness to the Problem Gambling Foundation and encourage people to seek help. I certainly hope this is only a small part of the awareness-raising campaign, because reminding people once a year to seek help for their addiction doesn’t seem good enough. According to some sources, gambling tends to increase during a recession, with people trying to recoup lost money by betting. This of course, flies in the face of both logic, which states that when you’re hurting for cash you need to be more conservative with your finances, and statistics that show that the gambling industry has seen a decline in profits during the recession.

Despite that, gambling addiction is definitely a problem, regardless of the economic climate. And people with a gambling addiction might be more likely to try to make money at the betting tables during a recession. While it’s unlikely that any online casinos will shut down their business for a day, restaurants and bars that have gambling have agreed to not offer gambling services tomorrow. The restaurants will encourage people to not gamble during Gamble-Free Day and anyone with a Gamble-Free Day voucher will receive a discount. It is another example that, despite the perception of some, those that make money off of gambling are actually concerned about those who have a gambling problems. In fact, worldwide, casinos and other gambling-related companies are the top contributor to groups that help with problem gambling. So remember, New Zealand Gambling Review readers, tomorrow just say no. And if you have a problem with gambling, go seek help. That last part goes for everyone, not just New Zealanders.

To this date, online gambling is completely legal in Costa Rica yet is not the subject of any government regulation or taxation. How a federal government can go this long without noticing a cash cow like that I don’t know. As an American, I certainly can’t fathom it. The U.S. government long ago figured out that they can make a killing off of marriages and deaths. Since most people get married at some point and everyone dies, the government decided taxing and selling licenses for both would be a great way to make money. And of course the current push in Congress to legalize online gambling has less to do with civil liberty than with giving the government beast more to devour.

Costa Rica, on the other hand, stands out as a shining example of a government that allows its people the freedom of online gambling without taking advantage of it for their own financial gain. However, in this global recession, all bets are off. That shining example may be no more. According to the newspaper AM Costa Rica, the finance ministry is planning to levy a tax on online casinos located in the country. The government estimates that they could raise up to $100 million by adding a tax to online gambling.

Opponents of the proposed new tax state that the burden placed on the online casinos could create more unemployment, with online casinos being an important part of the Costa Rican economy. The online casino industry is estimated to directly and indirectly provide 10,000 jobs within the country. Adding a new tax to an industry that, like most industries, is already hurting just doesn’t seem like a good idea. I would criticize the Costa Rican government for this power grab, but since my government has taken over the automotive and financial industries and has taken aim at healthcare, I don’t really have room to talk. So good news, Costa Rica: At least you’re not victim of Obamanomics.

There’s been a lot of talk about health care lately. Everyone is weighing in on the subject it seems, but few can seem to agree on a solution. Some democrats want a “public option” which essentially translates to planting the seed for a complete government takeover of our health care system (If you don’t believe me, look at the public school system. That is an “option” too. You can always spend $10,000 a year to send your kid to private school after you’ve paid taxes toward the public school “option.”). Other democrats are for supporting a health care reform bill without a public option, which would essentially mean putting more rules in place for private industry to navigate through which will eventually drive costs up. Republicans are for reform as well, but there aren’t enough of them in office right now to do anything about their ideas.

While the house squabbles, poker players have figured out a way to find an affordable health care option. The World Poker Association is now offering all of its members a comprehensive health care plan in addition to lots of other benefits.

In an interview with Poker News Daily, “Captain” Tom Franklin, Chairman of the World Poker Association (WPA) said, “Anyone who is a member of the WPA can get it. They can call up, say that they’re a member of the WPA, and ask how much it costs. When we get to 20 or 30 players taking advantage of it, we can have the best pricing possible. A lot of poker players don’t have the opportunity to receive any other health insurance since they don’t have a formal job. The insurance we receive is pretty reasonable. You can get really good comprehensive insurance for $350 per month.”

Perhaps if more organizations took this stance, health care wouldn’t be such a problem? Instead, people put their education, mail, cars, safety, and many already put their health care in the hands of the imperial federal government. The same government that won’t allow its citizens to play poker online or in person. The same government that seizes funds from its citizens for winning a jackpot.

Our president claims that there are 50 million or depending on the day, 46 or 47 million people within our borders who are uninsured. But nobody asks how many of these people are illegal immigrants (who already get free health care and close hospitals doing it)? How many of these people are insured through someone else? How many of these people are insured by medicaid, medicare, or one of the other government-funded health insurance programs? And for those who “can’t afford” health insurance, how many of them have cable or satellite TV? How many of them make payments on new cars? How many of them go out to eat every week? Such people choose to spend money on things besides health care. The federal government already pays around 40% of the nation’s medical bills already.

In addition to health insurance, the WPA website lists other services offered such as estate and retirement planning, life insurance, identity theft insurance and investments. Imagine that, a private organization finding a solution for its members? That’s crazy. How did these evil poker players ever figure out how to take care of themselves without the government stepping in and solving all of their problems? Poker is an exercise in risk management and most poker players know that not having health care is too great a risk for a responsible person to have.

Thursday morning at the World Poker Tour Legends of Poker tournament final table in Los Angeles, Prahlad Friedman clinched the title and claimed the $1 million first prize. Going into the main event, the favorite seemed to be Kevin Schaffel, who entered the with a higher chip count.

In the final hand, Shafel went all-in with K,J which was beat by Friedman’s hand, an A-Q, leading to Friedman’s first ever WPT title, a million bucks and a seat at the Season VIII WPT Championship. Friedman is well known for being one of the best, if not the best, online poker players around. But after a deep run in the World Series of Poker Main Event back in 2006, he disappeared from live tournaments.

One would think that making such a huge comeback at a major tournament would have someone excited about the prestige that comes with it, instead Friedman seems only concerned about money. In regards to his win, he made this douchey statement: “The titles and having certain things doesn’t really mean anything to me,” he said. “I was just trying to get this million and I did it ant that’s what I’m happy about, not the title or anything, just winning that million.”

At least he’s honest? I don’t know, I guess “he’s better than that.” He’s “not about the titles” or whatever, but it seems like a snotty thing to say after you win a big title like that.

First Place: Prahlad Friedman – $1,009,000

Second Place: Kevin Schaffel – $471,670

Third Place: Todd Terry – $231,300

Fourth Place: Toto Leonidas – $144,600

Fifth Place: Sam Stein – $116,225

Slots Oasis online casino is currently holding some exciting tournaments. I know what you’re thinking, but no, they aren’t slot tournaments. For whatever reason, Slots Oasis doesn’t hold online slots tournaments. Maybe you have to go to Blackjack Oasis for that. The online blackjack tournaments at Slots Oasis, however, are popular and come in a wide variety.

There are two unique online blackjack tournaments offered by Slots Oasis, called the Loyalty Point Tournaments and the Victory Point Tournaments. In these tournaments, players can use their accrued Loyalty and Victory Points to enter the tournaments and the winners take home generous prizes. The points are earned by participation in any other blackjack tournaments. Players earn Loyalty Points for participating and Victory Points for winning. The Loyalty Point and Victor Point Tournaments are held each month.

The most popular online blackjack tournaments at Slots Oasis are the Head-to-Head single tournaments. In these, instead of a group of players competing against the dealer, two players go head to head. These head to head tournaments, often called Mano a Mano, are played over 10 rounds with the winner taking all of the prize pool.

Aside from the popular Head-toHead blackjack tournaments, Slots Oasis has various regular sit-and-go tournaments that are played between three players. In these tournaments, the prize pool is shared by the top players.

To participate in the online blackjack tournaments, visit Slots Oasis online casino.

Are you one of those people who are always on the go and don’t have time to sit down at a computer for online gambling? Good news! Now you can visit an online casino by using your cell phone and bet to your heart’s content wherever you are.

Spin3, a software designer that creates games for mobile phones, has partnered with Microgaming, one of the leading designers of online gambling software. As a result of the deal, Spin3 will provide a mobile version of All Slots Casino via the iPhone.

This is great news for anyone who has ever been stranded in an elevator and thought, If only I could play some roulette in here this wouldn’t be so bad. Stuck in a board meeting? Just take our your phone and play some online blackjack. Try not to do a victory dance when you beat the dealer, though. The other people in the meeting will stare. If you want, you can even go on Twitter at the same time. You can play online blackjack and then tweet “playing online blackjack in a board meeting” so everyone will know. Just don’t do that if someone else in the meeting is subscribed to your tweets.

In an industry that, like most industries that don’t have a dollar menu, is struggling, online casinos are looking for new ways to increase revenue. Going mobile increases access to All Slots Casino, which should pay big dividends. Do not be surprised if many other online casinos jump on this trend. There will, of course, be people who think it’s distasteful for the iPhone to allow gambling, but it shouldn’t hurt business any. Apple was able to survive the backlash from their baby-shaking application and injuring babies, at least after they have been born, is frowned upon by probably everyone on the planet. Online gambling isn’t nearly as controversial.

If you don’t have an iPhone (and not all of us are cool enough to), don’t worry. You can still gamble on All Slots Casino via your computer.

Next month, Titan poker will give their players a chance to win a cut of one million dollars. The first in a new online poker tournament series is set for launch starting next month on September 13. The online poker tournament guarantees prizes totaling one million dollars with a buy-in of $535.

Times being what they are, you might be hanging your head in disappointment, believing there is no way that you can scrape that kind of cash together. Well hope is not lost. Titan Poker is offering less affluent online poker players the opportunity to win a seat in the online tournament via qualifier satellites featuring buy-ins as low as $1.10!

In June, the main event of its European Championship of Online Poker IV series (which might be the longest and worst title ever for a tournament series) Titanpoker.com held a $1.5 million tournament while continuing its Sunday evening tournaments with guaranteed prizes of $250,000.

Titan Poker is the biggest online poker room in the iPoker network and so they tend to do things a little bigger than your average online poker site. Players are already said to be signing up and there is a cap of 6,000 players so this could be a pretty sweet tournament.

Don’t cry for Argentina. Their economy is hurting right now, just like the United States and virtually every other country (isn’t the globalization of economies great?), but unlike the United States they are trying to do something about it. Unlike in America, the Argentinian government things that when you are strapped for cash, you need to find a way to get more cash. Craziness.

Cabinet Chief Anibal Fernandez stated that the government will soon introduce legislation that would legalize and regulate online gambling throughout the country. It is in sharp contrast to just last year, when the government stated that it would jail anyone who violates their ban on online gambling. Currently, online poker, bingo, sports better and casino gambling are illegal in Argentina. However, when you’re really hurting for money, sometimes you have to make tough decisions, and Argentina apparently thinks that their objections to online gambling are outweighed by the revenues it could bring in.

The Argentinian government recently purchased rights to televise their soccer (sorry, I mean football) matches. Regulating online gambling would help pay for that purchase. Of course, not every reason for legalization makes sense. One reason sited by the government is to combat illegal gambling that’s already taking place. Um…. Seriously? They think that the best way to combat illegal activity is to tell the criminals that they’re allowed to do it now? Interesting.

Most interesting of all is that the Argentinian government seems to grasp economics better than the current American government, which doesn’t say a lot considering Argentina’s government is best known for Peronism, where central tenets of capitalism were rejected in favor of communist principals. Then again, America is being told by China that they’re spending too much money. Communist dictator Hugo Chavez stated that Barack Obama was more left-wing than he and Fidel Castro. So maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise.

With so many cool online gambling games out there, sometimes it can be easy to glaze over online scratch games. I freaking love scratch games. Granted I don’t usually use online scratch cards. There’s just something awesome about getting that silver crap in my fingernails and all over the place when I play the McDonald’s Monopoly game that gets lost online. Still, online scratch cards have quite an audience and NeoGames, a leading developer of online scratchcards has teamed up with Nordic Entertainment to create new fully integrated online scratchcard sites.

The two brand-spanking new online scratchcard sites were created specifically for local use: Norgesloddet.com for Norway and Svenskalotter.com for the Swedish market. My favorite when I say it out loud, I swear I hear yodeling.

“This partnership is a major milestone for NeoGames, as it will extend the venture of our online scratch cards in to the Nordic market. Working with Nordic Entertainment fulfills our strategy of finding local partners that understand the region in the best possible way and can harness our appealing games offering and expertise into significant success.” said Michael Labrecque, CFO at NeoGames.

NeoGames is pretty new to the online gambling scene, having been established in 2005. Since then, they have sold over 1 billion online scratchcards sold. Nordic Entertainment Ltd is a marketing firm that specializes in a focus on web-based businesses, online gambling in particular.

“NeoGames white label solution was an easy choice for Nordic Entertainment and its partner (Betsson). NeoGames has not only excellent scratch card products and a really good technical solution that enhance the gaming environment, but are also very good at handling customer retention and taking care of everything important to make a white label solution work really well.”