October 31, 2008
Not long after it was announced that the Italian government legalized online poker for its citizens, major poker websites are beginning to receive licenses and launch the Italian versions of their sites. The Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato has been busy granting requests as quickly as possible so the revenue can start rolling in. (Take note, U.S. gov… It’s not a complicated idea.)
PokerStars was the first major site to announce its foray into the Italian market - legally, that is - with an Italian-only version of PS. The press release came on October 17th that PokerStars.it was up and running, and the site anticipates 500,000 accounts will be opened during its first year. As I write this post, there are more than 60,000 players at the virtual Italian tables.
Online poker betting site bwin just announced this week that it has launched its Italian-only site as well - bwin.it - that offers online poker. Most likely, many other poker sites have their applications in to the Italian authorities and are simply waiting for their licenses to be approved.
(Note to readers who are tired of hearing about Italy: Seriously? *shrug* Fine.)
October 29, 2008
It turns out that poker is as hard to find in Italy as an eBay bidder for spots on the November Nine’s clothing.
My much-needed vacation in Italy was relatively pokerless, though I tried to find some casinos to check out the scene in the country that has been progressive in legalizing online poker. But casinos are rare, with none to be found in Rome or the Tuscany region whatsoever. A hot Italian man guy we met at the Trevi Fountain noted that there were some backroom poker games if I was interested, but I thought it might not be the brightest idea to venture off to locate them.
There were some casinos in Venice, though the only one that was accessible without a very long boat ride had no poker, only roulette, slots, blackjack, and a few other table games. Casino Di Venezia was located directly on the canal and could be accessed by private water taxi or through the back streets of the Venice streets. I found it and snapped some photos from the street as well as in the courtyard…until the security guard made me put my camera away. When I entered the lobby, which was shared by a museum, it was obvious that it was a classy joint. And as I tried to peek into the casino itself where I heard the sound of slot machines, four - yes, four - security guards stopped me. Without being a member, I wasn’t allowed to even look at the casino rooms. With only a day and a half in Venice to see as many sights as possible, I chose not to take the time to lose the rest of my Euros at the Italian blackjack tables become a member.
With two weeks of incredible memories under my belt, not to mention a break from work, I’m back in California with a bit of renewed energy and tons of pics. Some of the casino entrance are after the break:
More…
September 4, 2008
Bravo! Online poker is now legal in Italy, licensed and regulated by the Italian government.
Poker has been thriving in the country for quite some time, with nearly two million people logging on to the internet to play poker at least once prior to the game’s legalization. And a survey by the Consumers Defense and Orientation Association showed that Italians spend an average of 600 Euros each on internet gambling. If that trend continues, the government would be looking at a take of about $514 million annually.
While many European online poker sites are preparing to be licensed to enter the Italian market, Bluff Europe reports that one Italian-based site is already open for business. Gioco Digitale (meaning digital games) was the first to offer real-money poker games this week.
Congratulazioni!
June 20, 2008
Considering I am a solid 25% Italian and have a vacation planned in Italy this October, I’m rooting for the Italians this WSOP. And mama mia, they are doing it. With two bracelets thus far and more than a few events to go, this could be the year of the Italians!
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In an attempt to destroy their language congratulate them, here goes:
Maximillian Pescatori, il pirata italiano, ha 37 anni e grandina da Milano. Ha vinto il suo secondo braccialetto di WSOP questo anno. Ha vinto lo stesso giorno quello primo di 2006 mentre l’Italia ha vinto la tazza di mondo.
Dario Minieri è 23 anni e vite a Roma. Ha vinto il suo primo braccialetto di WSOP questo anno. È stato conosciuto per la conquista della Porsche su PokerStars ma è inoltre un riuscito giocatore in tensione.
Congratulazioni a massimo ed a Dario! Gli italiani intorno al mondo sono fieri di voi!
