It’s a big day for Atlantic City in Trenton as a number of bills designed to help Atlantic City recover from its terrible gambling revenue slump go before the State Senate today.

One bill, S-490, would allow the state to allow Internet gambling to New Jersey residents and also overseas clients. The bill would allow the wagering through Atlantic City casinos.

Though the bill comes before the Senate, anyone waiting for quick action could be disappointed. Even if passed, the bill would have to also pass the State Assembly and be signed by the Governor. Remember, the bill is part of a plan by state Democrats that may of may not jibe with our Republican governor’s plan for the city.

Even if Gov. Chris Christie signs the bill, it would then have to clear likely legal challenges that it violates federal law that bans Internet wagering.

Proponents of the bill say that by limiting the gambling to New Jersey, the federal ban does not apply. Still, it’s a good bet a judge will have to make the final call.

But like we said, it’s a big day in Trenton for Atlantic City. Already a bill to allow a referendum on sports betting in the state has cleared a Senate committee.

In another story, Peter Eastgate has earned some ire from the poker world for placing his 2008 World Series of Poker main event championship bracelet up for sale on eBay. After all, this is the most cherished championship trophy in the poker world.

But quite frankly, we get it.

First off, Eastgate is giving the proceeds to UNICEF, a pretty respectable charity. And second, by all accounts Eastgate just isn’t interested in poker stardom. With a $9.1 million win, he’s already retired from the game.

ESPN’s poker blog has some good incite into Eastgate’s decision.

Pro Tony G’s stance is a little harder to swallow. One of poker’s villains, he says he plans to win the bracelet (in bidding that is) and turn it into a dog collar for his German sheppard Zasko.

The latest bids on the bracelet have topped $56,000, but Tony G has said he expects it to go for six figures.

Tony G may be turning the thing into a carnival, but at least UNICEF will be the winner.

Poker News Daily quotes him as saying  “I have had a number of comments about whether this demeans the value of a WSOP bracelet. You’ve got to have a laugh in life and this is what this is – a bit of fun for a good cause. And yes… I haven’t yet won a bracelet, but it is only a matter of time.”

If you’re interested, here’s the items description on eBay: “Stamped 18k, white gold ‘World Series of Poker 2008’ Main Event Winners’ medal bracelet. Consisting of 291 small ‘brilliant’ cut diamonds set on a center medal, which is held on an 18k white gold wristwatch style bracelet. Carat: Total Diamond weight 2.81ct. Clarity: VS Color: Colorless. Total gold weight: 168 grams. Manufactured by Corum.”

One last thing — from someone not really into jewelry — bracelets for men is just, well, so 70s.

Tags: AC Weekly Poker headlines, Peter Eastgate, Tony G, WSOP Championship bracelet

This entry was posted on Monday, November 22nd, 2010 at 11:26 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.