Turkey, one of the best contries when it comes to Backgammon

One of the biggest events to be held by the Worldwide Backgammon Federation (WBF) 20th European Backgammon Championship took place from May 14 to May 18. The Championship included the 5th European Double Consulting Championship (15th May, 2008) and the 7th Velden Backgammon Open (16th – 18th May, 2008) in the city of Velden, Austria. There were a total of 104 players from 23 different countries and almost 50.000 euro were distributed. The WBF Turkey Team brought a 12 member team to this championship and managed to become the country that took home the most titles. The Turkish team performed even better than last year and won 3 European Championships and 7 other titles which makes brings that to a grand total of 10 Cups. This result should not surprise anyone as backgammon, or “Tavla”, is the most popular board game in the country. Public Tavla games are common in Turkey’s local streets, cafes, restaurants, bars, shops and, rumors say, even in the middle of the streets. According to rough estimation there are about 30 millions amateur Tavla players in Turkey.
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Ultimate Board Game Collection

Ultimate Board Game Collection brings together some of the world’s best loved board and table top games in one must-have compilation. This collection contains 12 classic board and table top games that have been played by countless families around the world. Games included are: Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Jigsaws, Sudoku, Mahjong, Chinese Checkers, and more! Gamers can take on friends and family and learn new games with tutorials included for novice players. You can even customise each game by selecting different rules, environments and piece types. Ultimate Board Game Collection is out now on Nintendo Wii, PSP and PS2 formats. Empire Interactive Ltd, a leading international developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games and a unit of Silverstar Holdings Ltd., has signed an agreement with Valcon Games LLC to publish and distribute in Europe and all PAL territories the Ultimate Board Game Collection for the PlayStation 2(tm), PSP(tm) (PlayStation Portable) and Wii(tm).
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Backgammon table sold for $6,600

By the close of the auction in Los Angeles, Bonhams & Butterfields clients – private and institutional collectors and members of the trade – had spent more than $1.76-million for fine art and furniture from the Beverly Hills Estate of conductor/composer José Iturbi and Marion Seabury, proceeds benefiting the José Iturbi Foundation. Among the objects that were auctioned there was a unique mirrored backgammon table. It was sold for $6,600. José Iturbi (28 November 1895 – 28 June 1980) was a Spanish conductor and pianist. He appeared in several Hollywood films of the 1940s, notably playing himself in the 1943 musical, Thousands Cheer.
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Backgammon in Ultimate Board Game Collection

Ultimate Board Game Collection brings together some of the world’s best loved board and table top games in one must-have compilation. This collection contains 12 classic board and table top games that have been played by countless families around the world. Games included are: Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Jigsaws, Sudoku, Mahjong, Chinese Checkers, and more! Gamers can take on friends and family and learn new games with tutorials included for novice players. You can even customise each game by selecting different rules, environments and piece types. Ultimate Board Game Collection is out now on Nintendo Wii, PSP and PS2 formats. Empire Interactive Ltd, a leading international developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games and a unit of Silverstar Holdings Ltd., has signed an agreement with Valcon Games LLC to publish and distribute in Europe and all PAL territories the Ultimate Board Game Collection for the PlayStation 2(tm), PSP(tm) (PlayStation Portable) and Wii(tm).
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The fellowship of the Full Tilt, starring Patrik Antonius!

We saw it coming, though not that soon, as the ‘apprentice’ might not be ready yet! According to a recent press release, Full Tilt Poker’s Team Full Tilt has announced a rare addition to its global network, welcoming an international poker pro and online giant, namely the sexy skillful player Patrik Antonius.
Since, from now on, he will be representing Full Tilt Poker, which is the second largest online poker site in the world, Mr. Patrik Antonius will now join the professional club of Team Full Tilt which includes fellow poker stars such as: Chris Ferguson, Phil Ivey, Howard Lederer, Jennifer Harman, Erick Lindgren, Erik Seidel, Andy Bloch, Phil Gordon, John Juanda, Mike Matusow, Gus Hansen, and Allen Cunningham who have collectively won 32 WSOP bracelets. As you can see this gang is perhaps the best around.
It’s really cool that, at 27 years old, Antonius is the youngest poker pro to be invited to join the Team Full Tilt. However, the EPT winner and poker icon already boasts career tournament earnings of nearly $2.7 million and is widely considered to be one of the best all-around players, whether it be large tournaments, live cash games, or online. Besides that, he also worked as a model in Finland, so it embodies both beauty and brains.
When being asked about the accomplishment, Patrik Antonius responded: “As everyone knows, Team Full Tilt has all the top pros in the world and I’m honored to now be a member of such a legendary team.”
A Team Full Tilt member Howard Lederer added: “Patrik Antonius is a young rising star in the poker world that has shown he will be a force for decades to come. We are thrilled he has joined the team.”
As for the Team Full Tilt, the team has been pretty much unstoppable on the tournament circuit this year and the addition of Brad Pitt look-a-like will only add to this threat.
Nevertheless, the Team’s 2008 best times began in January with Howard Lederer winning the $100K No-Limit Hold ‘em event at the Aussie Millions for a first place prize of AU$ 1.25 million, followed by Erik Seidel’s second place finish at the main event where in took home AU$ 1 million.
Afterwards, in February, Phil Ivey added a World Poker Tour title to his already impressive resume by winning the $10,000 No-Limit Hold ‘em Championship Event at the Los Angeles Poker Classic, taking home $1.59 million. In March, fellow Team Full Tilt member Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, the man who- “can cut a carrot in half with a playing card from 10 feet away” established himself as the world’s premier heads-up poker player by winning the $20,000 buy-in National Heads Up Poker Championship at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, claiming the title and $500,000 in prize money.
Beware fellas, the gang is complete!
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Bingo Day gives away Las Vegas experience prize!

I have checked out some statistics which shown that three out of four people carry good-luck charms, whether they admit it or not. So, now, would be a good time to bring in your lucky socks, karma jewelry, or some other lucky shit you have.
Attention all bingo players! According to a recent press release, it seems that one damn lucky player at the online Bingo hall, Bingo Day, will be given the chance to win the holiday of a lifetime to… Las Vegas.
You should also know that the Bingo competition is running throughout June at Bingoday.com and its partner site Bingo Day UK. In addition, they said the first runner up will receive $1,000 and more cash prizes will be awarded to runners up placed 3-25, which means you, have up to 25 chances to win something memorable.
Furthermore, another reason to be thrilled with this event is the fact that during a Bingo game, each time a player wins, whether it is on a 1 line, 2 line or Full House round, as they automatically get 1 point added to their Las Vegas ‘goodie bag’. Not to mention players using the ‘in chat’ option will also receive an additional Chat Game Bonus point, just because they choose to use the voice feature.
Moreover, at Bingo Day, in order to play for the big holiday prize, players need to visit the 75 Ball-Halls and players at Bingo Day UK can visit the 90 Ball-Halls and all players must watch for the Las Vegas Pattern to play.
Thrilled by the entire deal, Bingo Day’s hall manager, Mr. Ted Cunningham exclaimed: “We are delighted with all the attention this big prize giveaway has received. It’s currently one of the biggest online Bingo competitions on the net and is bringing a lot of entertainment to our members –as well as the opportunity to win big.”
To make sure everyone sees who the ‘Bingo daddy’ is, they have came up with an idea of using a weekly leader board, being posted on Bingoday.com and Bingo Day UK. In that way, members can check up on their tournament position and total point count.
So, before you pack your bags and head to Las Vegas, now would be an excellent time to improve your bingo playing strategy. On the other hand, there is always the “dumb luck” you can count on. Either way, I suggest you stay in your comfortable seat, concentrate and enjoy the game, better than squirming around, worrying about bad karma. Las Vegas could be a magic number away!
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Wow: Greektown to lose $15.9million?

There is this piece of news you may find intriguing! Detroit News media source has reported on: Greektown Casino’s ‘not- so- great’ situation.
Apparently, a financial adviser for the gambling facility told a state panel that the casino company is expected to lose about $15.9 million this year. How come? Well, although there has been no official position regarding the current situation, it seems that its bottom line absorbs $13.5 million due to major bankruptcy restructuring costs and another $51 million in loan interest payments. Wow!
The same media source said that a financial consulting firm working on Greektown’s reorganization, namely Mr. Charles Moore of Conway MacKenzie & Dunleavy has told members of the Michigan Gaming Control Board: “‘Most of this loss is related to the bankruptcy restructuring costs. Significant debt payments are also a factor.”
In addition, as Greektown’s financials board meeting was called specifically to discuss emergency financing for the casino, the crisis might be quite severe. Moreover, it has been rumored that Greektown is seeking a total of $150 million in financing and that a remainder in this regard will come before the bankruptcy court at a later date.
Detroit News has also said that Greektown also revealed its specific terms for a bankruptcy exit, which, Moore explained it would happen ’sometime in 2009.’ He has also said that by Feb. 29, Greektown will have to seek bids for a sale of the completed casino-hotel complex or financing sufficient to exit bankruptcy and final offers would be due by June 1. Shocking news you may say, although analysts have predicted lots of situations of this kind, due to US’s economical malfunctions.
Overall, things seems to be going six feet under for Greektown, as according to bankruptcy court records, the company has projected 2008 loss comes after a $2 million profit on revenues of $314.6 million in 2007. However, they say the expected loss won’t affect wagering taxes paid to the state of Michigan and city of Detroit, because those are based on revenues, not profits.
What’s even surprising is the speed of the bankruptcy procedures. Imagine! Moore said a deal with Entertainment Interests Group to buy a 40 percent interest in Greektown may fall through.” Gee, I wonder why!
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Casino extra stuff: Trump Marina hosts ‘Thunder from Down Under’

So, tell me, do you what happens if you get into a swimming pool full of piranha? Because, I have a feeling that what these ‘shanky- panky’ boys are going to experience is pretty much the same thing.
As you might have notices, in recent years, the Trump Marina Hotel Casino has been wasting away in Atlantic City’s super-competitive casino market, searching for its lost shaker of salt. And this time, it waists its main purpose on small show biz stuff like this.
What’s the story? Well, apparently, Australia’s Thunder From Down Under, the ‘sizzling’ male revue named “Best Male Strip Show” by the Las Vegas Review Journal for three consecutive years in Las Vegas and “Best Adult Attraction” by AOL’s City Guide, will be performing at ‘The Shell’ in Trump Marina from Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, August 31. Ladies, let me finish, first!
According to a recent press release, the internationally acclaimed show that has appeared on the famed Las Vegas Strip for the past 10 years, takes male revues to a new level of excitement, although they haven’t said anything about any super terrific casino playing, just some stripping, which is said to be is “eye candy” for women of all ages who can transform into a pack of hungry wolves near the muscle bags. I bet if they get to gamble and put one of these deliciously naughty meat packs as a stake, the ladies are going to go wild and the cash is going to flow in rivers.
So, the same media sources say that Trump Marina casino is going to host a dynamic dance routines, gymnastics, break dancing, colorful costumes, state-of-the-art lighting, humor and hard bodies all add up to Thunder being a unique experience. Still, without any deck of cards and Patrik Antonius around, it won’t be that fun!
Besides chic and sophisticated hotel rooms or suites, Trump Marina features a great casino lounge where guests are given the opportunity to win big with non-stop giveaways of cash, cars and trips. Thunder has performed in more than a dozen foreign countries including Russia, Mexico, Ireland, England, Canada and South Africa.
Plus, Thunder has appeared on numerous national television shows including some popular ones like: “The View” , “The Tyra Banks Show,” E! Entertainment’s “12 Sexiest Jobs in Las Vegas,” and was even on NBC’s “Las Vegas” series where Thunder was featured in a major plot line.
Keep in mind that the whole peep show, I mean terrific show is set to begin around 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sundays, as well as in Dark Mondays and Tuesdays, and on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12.
The Vice President of Entertainment at Trump Entertainment Resorts, Mr. Steve Gietka said: “More and more, women are planning ‘girlfriend getaways’ to destinations where they can let their hair down and enjoy live entertainment, dancing, great dining and accommodations all in one location. Thunder from Down Under is a great way to get the ladies together for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations or any other reason to gather for a night or weekend with the girls.”
Overall, let’s not forget what’s in the menu! Thunder’s charismatic characters include pirate “Jack Sparrow” from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” to a “Desperado” from the Wild West and a sexy, muscled fireman.
Just be careful ladies, what happens in Vegas, must stay in Vegas!
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CASINO TROPEZ TO GIVE AWAY BIG SLOT JACKPOT!

Yup, they did it again! I don’t know their dirty little secret yet, or if there is any, but somehow, Casino Tropez manages to pop out one major progressive jackpot winner after another! This time, the lucky winner is said to be Yves G. of France! According to several media sources, he has won a grand total of €587,314 on the ever popular 8-line progressive slot machine, Gold Rally. No to mention Yves had placed a €16 wager when he won over half a million Euros, within just 30 minutes of logging into the online casino. Who knows, maybe occasionally he receives emails from God telling him what to do!
However, this Yves guy is just one of many recent big winners at Casino Tropez. Last time we checked one jolly Casino Tropez member has won about €68,865 on the Dollar Ball progressive, while another member scooped almost €52,884 on the Magic Slots progressive.
And how about that, it was only a few weeks before when two other lucky Casino Tropez members won their share of €577,174, in progressive jackpots on the slot machines, Lotto Madness and Gold Rally.
The same media sources say that during an interview with the online casino, Yves has said that his favorite thing about Casino Tropez is the games on offer and their entertaining graphics. Also, he is very impressed by the expert customer service. Not to mention he had to do some work out before actually being able to carry the sack full of money he won so…effortlessly.
Moreover, Yves, who is reported to be 41, said that he plays at Casino Tropez every week. He even prefers to play the progressive games. In addition, he stated that when he won the huge jackpot, he was so shocked he couldn’t get out of his chair. Of course, Yves is now looking at buying a home and going on holiday with his winnings to some Playboy mansion, where he’s going to take all his family. Yeah right!
You might find interesting to know that the Gold Rally game has proved itself to be one of the most popular progressive slot machines at Casino Tropez. The game features scatter symbols and bonus rounds. Nevertheless, the cherry on top of the cake is the ever growing humungous progressive jackpot. The rest is just another nicely designed plethora of games you may want to check it out for yourselves.
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MGM REVEALS SAD PROFITS!

Some bad news coming from MGM! Nobody can tell what exactly has been going on in their yard, but the thing is the world’s second largest gaming company, namely MGM Mirage, has announced that its profits for the first quarter of the year fell by 30 percent due, in part, to the struggling American economy.
In addition, the Las Vegas-based company has also reported that the earnings have dropped to about $118.3 million, compared with $168.2 million for the same period in 2007.
According to a recent press release, the Chief Executive Officer for MGM, Mr. Terrence Lanni commented: “This quarter was challenging and it was clearly impacted by the economy. Our job is to manage within the context to maximize profitability in what will surely be a challenging year.”
It seems that their business plan doesn’t look so steady either, as the revenues also slipped to $1.88 billion from $1.93 billion for the same period in 2007. Mr. Lanni also explained that MGM had dome big plans to increase revenues using an ingenious marketing campaign, along with attempting to manage costs better.
In fact, he said the company made more than 400 mid-level corporate employees and property managers redundant last month but that there are no plans for further cuts unless the economy worsens further. Therefore, it totally failed!
Nevertheless, let’s not forget MGM still plays with the big guys, as it owns several resorts, including the famous Bellagio, as well as Mirage and Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Moreover, the company has an announced a pompous opening of a brand new joint venture in the Chinese gambling enclave of Macao, currently known as the MGM Grand Macao, back in December.
However, an unforeseeable event like that fire in January, at its Monte Carlo casino, has injured 17 people, but also burnt some of the company’s profits. It has been reported that the resort did not reopen until mid-February, while its profits were still down $20 million to $14 million. Afterwards, MGM reporting that one in five rooms and suites remain out of service.
Furthermore, Lanni stated that the company’s resorts are still ‘eye-catchy’ for the wealthy customers and continues to generate revenues despite the weakness in economy. It seems that they’ve reported that the volume taken from table games fell four percent for the quarter alongside a one percent decrease on slot machine returns. Also, room revenues diminished by six percent with average room rates down two percent at the company’s Las Vegas resorts. Things got pretty messy, right?
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