geekhack

geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 17:27:11

Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 17:27:11
If you go to fulltiltpoker.com/pokerstars.com/ub.com/absolutepoker.com it will have an image saying the name was confiscated by the FBI.

(http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9250/53545520.jpg)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Ekaros on Fri, 15 April 2011, 17:29:38
Hmm, don't have any money in there... Still, what I heard about the issue isn't gambling, but circumventing the payment system, bribing some banks and such...
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 17:29:40
Holy ****, I have like 2 grands at these sites.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: stupefaction on Fri, 15 April 2011, 17:33:36
Oh, boy. For a second there I thought your headline was about the people who make and procure the Poker keyboard, and I had an alarming vision of iMav absconding to Taiwan with my ninety-five clams.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 17:43:01
Quote from: stupefaction;331732
Oh, boy. For a second there I thought your headline was about the people who make and procure the Poker keyboard, and I had an alarming vision of iMav absconding to Taiwan with my ninety-five clams.


I'm telling ya...between the doubleshots and the poker iMAV would be a MADE MAN in Panama!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 17:57:57
Quote
Still, what I heard about the issue isn't gambling, but circumventing the payment system, bribing some banks and such...


These were the four major online gambling sites that still accepted players from the US.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:14:53
Damn, I want my money back.
They have even advertised Fulltilt/Pokerstars in the local TV.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:18:21
(http://images2.memegenerator.net/ImageMacro/7277357/lol-you-got-punkd.jpg?imageSize=Medium&generatorName=ashton)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:21:52
You think that's funny?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:22:54
Yep.

I also think that taking gambling (especially online) seriously is pretty dumb.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Ekaros on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:27:03
Hmm, I heard someone had 450k in one of those sites, much hurt...
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:32:32
Should have had it in an investment fund or a savings account instead.

You can't play with fire and not be afraid to get burned.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Ekaros on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:34:54
USA can do stranges laws... So poker-sites aren't realy illegal, but you aren't allowed to move money from or to one... ;D
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:37:37
Quote from: keyboardlover;331776
Yep.

I also think that taking gambling (especially online) seriously is pretty dumb.



As a fellow geekhacker, if I had even one shred of respect for you before this, it is gone now.

Does Christianity teach compassion?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:39:08
I don't know much about US gambling, nor do I care. I've played the slots on cruise ships for fun, that's about it. I live within driving distance of at least 2 casinos, but never go. I don't see much point in throwing my money away.

I also live within driving distance of a racing track. My grandfather likes to go there and bet on the ponies. I just like to go and see them run =)

Quote from: RiGS;331791
As a fellow geekhacker, if I had even one shred of respect for you before this, it is gone now.


That's ok. I don't even consider you to be a fellow geekhacker!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:42:07
Hey everyone, /KL lives in Reno!

It sucks that they took your money, RiGS. As someone that doesn't live in the US you are not bound by the same laws we are. Maybe there will be some recourse for you?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:43:53
Quote from: .XL;331798
Hey everyone, /KL lives in Reno!


It's \ not /

(Think Windows-style, not Linux-style)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:47:12
Quote from: keyboardlover;331800
It's \ not /

(Think Windows-style, not Linux-style)


Oh, I see.

Hey everyone, \KL lives in Reno!!!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:53:39
Quote from: .XL;331798
Hey everyone, /KL lives in Reno!

It sucks that they took your money, RiGS. As someone that doesn't live in the US you are not bound by the same laws we are. Maybe there will be some recourse for you?


These sites are not even in the US.
I'm not a man of faith, but I DO hope that somehow I will get that money back.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: kill will on Fri, 15 April 2011, 18:54:19
i got served.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:00:59
Frankly, every time I saw one of these sites I knew it was only a matter of time. I'm kind of surprised it didn't happen sooner.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:02:09
Only a matter of time and your ******* government put you in a Fema camp.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:03:35
Taking online poker seriously is about as dumb AND safe as believing Alex Jones.

RiGS, maybe if you weren't so hostile you would be better at decision making? As for compassion, I have no sympathy for people who make dumb decisions, especially with their money. Nothing to do with religion; it's called common sense.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: kill will on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:05:35
ive made over 6 figures playing at full tilt.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:06:03
How much is that in real money?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:06:37
You are not only ignorant, but you have failed as a Christian.
So you can keep your opinion to yourself.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:07:34
Well, you're wrong on both counts. And fortunately, I live in a free country so I can post as I please =)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:11:17
Quote from: RiGS;331821
You are not only ignorant, but you have failed as a Christian.
So you can keep your opinion to yourself.


Quote from: keyboardlover;331823
Well, you're wrong on both counts. And fortunately, I live in a free country so I can post as I please =)


Hey guys slow down...I just put the popcorn in the microwave!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:12:43
Quote from: kill will;331818
ive made over 6 figures playing at full tilt.


I have been playing professionally for the last 7 years.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:16:14
Professional online Poker? Is that like professional gaming?

Also, regarding Christianity, Jesus' stance against gambling is fairly well documented in the Bible.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: kill will on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:17:27
jesus is against gambling, but card playing isnt necessarily gambling.  its like playing street fighter for money.  thats not gambling.  thats just buying and selling.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: kill will on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:18:42
that would be like saying jesus is against professional golf tournaments, or sports in general.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:19:37
You seriously don't see the difference?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:24:08
Poker is a sport.
It is all about making good decisions, and value betting in the long run.
You obviously do not have any clue to statistics.

Also Christianity emphasize the importance of compassion.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:25:14
You know nothing about Christianity. Also, it ain't a sport if it doesn't have cheerleaders.

(http://cdn2.holytaco.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2009/9/twenty20_cheerleaders-copy%5B1%5D.jpg)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:25:49
Quote from: keyboardlover;331844
You know nothing about Christianity. Also, it ain't a sport if it doesn't have cheerleaders.



Cheerleaders are only good in pictures. In practice they're annoying.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:27:50
Quote from: ripster;331848
Hey, I married one!!!


Pics or it didn't happen!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:28:34
All I know is that you are an ignorant troll who suck as a human being.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:29:39
WWJD? Even Jesus would tell you that gambling is stupid.

Quote
Proverbs 13:11 - "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."


Quote
Proverbs 20:21 - "An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed."


Quote
Romans 12:17 - "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: digitalleftovers on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:33:23
I am going to have to side with RiGS on this, simply because at least two of those sites were advertised on and endorsed by members of the world poker tour, and seemed to have a decent amount of credibility.  I don't gamble, but those were names that I associated with legitimate businesses until now.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:34:00
Quote from: keyboardlover;331851
WWJD? Even Jesus would tell you that gambling is stupid.

EDIT: Sorry \KL, that was rude of me. Comment removed for being inconsiderate of \KL's beliefs.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:37:23
It's pretty well documented that Jesus preached doing what's right to/by/for others, and that working hard would bring you what you need. Gambling is the antithesis of that behavioral model. By every definition of gambling that exists!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:38:36
Quote from: keyboardlover;331856
It's pretty well documented that Jesus preached doing what's right to/by/for others, and that working hard would bring you what you need. Gambling is the antithesis of that behavioral model.


I don't want to start a religious debate in a thread not devoted to that topic. I've edited my previous comment. Maybe one day we can post a thread to debate religion on but for now I'll keep my thoughts to myself.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:40:42
.XL: It's ok; you didn't offend me. I don't want you to feel like you can't speak what's on your mind, even if I don't agree with it. But people who are very critical of religion often don't have "the facts" to back up their opinions. So, if I see something incorrect I'll correct it.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:41:28
Quote from: keyboardlover;331859
.XL: It's ok; you didn't offend me. I don't want you to feel like you can't speak what's on your mind, even if I don't agree with it. But people who are very critical of religion often don't have "the facts" to back up their opinions. So, if I see something incorrect I'll correct it.

Maybe we'll have to open up that thread sooner than I thought ;)

P.S. - I'm halfway through Selfish Gene and have a copy of The God Delusion (signed by Dawkins himself, YEAH BOYYYY) sitting on my desk. Let me finish the books so we can have a serious discussion!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:41:55
Wow, facts and religion in the same sentence you are pathetic.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:42:39
Quote from: .XL
Maybe we'll have to open up that thread sooner than I thought ;)


There's already been ones in the past. It basically always turns into a ****-show. Why? Because religion always comes down to faith, and those who don't believe in that can't grasp religion. That's not a bad thing. Religion isn't for everyone.

Quote from: RiGS
Wow, facts and religion in the same sentence you are pathetic.


Pathetic? I'm not the one who lost a bunch of money on the internet =)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:43:56
Quote from: keyboardlover;331862
There's already been ones in the past. It basically always turns into a ****-show. Why? Because religion always comes down to faith, and those who don't believe in that can't grasp religion. That's not a bad thing. Religion isn't for everyone.


I think the faith angle can be used the opposite way: you're so strongly entrenched in your faith you do not want to see the evidence in front of you.

Evidence that says things like not all those who gamble are bad people, and that not all people of faith are good people.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:45:04
I never said gamblers were bad people. Gamblers are, by definition of the fact that they are "gambling", making bad choices. I also never said that all people of faith were "good people".
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: quadibloc on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:48:00
Quote from: RiGS;331808
These sites are not even in the US.
I'm not a man of faith, but I DO hope that somehow I will get that money back.
They may have lost their present domain names. If they're not in the U.S., though, they can register non-U.S. domain names, and go right back to business, as long as they cease and desist accepting U.S. players. The money they will have lost would be payments going through U.S. credit card companies that were illegal under U.S. law - payments from American players.

Thus there is every chance that your money has not been lost - and, of course, the laws of other countries certainly do prevent the operators of the company from just taking everyone's money and running.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: ricercar on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:51:26
Quote from: keyboardlover;331817
RiGS, maybe if you weren't so hostile you would be better at decision making?


The essential feature of irony is the indirect presentation of a contradiction between an action or expression and the context in which it occurs.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:55:35
First of all poker like any other profession is a hard work. You need to have a lot of self discipline to control your emotions, and your bankroll.

Also you can always spend a part of your income on good purposes like charity, and helping others.

I support local farmers, and organize a co-op on healthy foods.
I also promote healthy nutrition, and teach and emphasize the importance of proper physical exercises to my clients.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 April 2011, 20:00:59
Forgive me, but I don't live in a country where all of my expenses can be covered from a salary.
I have to seek alternatives.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 20:07:08
Quote from: ricercar;331869
The essential feature of irony is the indirect presentation of a contradiction between an action or expression and the context in which it occurs.

You know what's ironic? When someone claims they need to sell a keyboard to pay their mortgage, then uses the money to buy another keyboard!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 21:50:23
Quote from: RiGS;331875
Forgive me, but I don't live in a country where all of my expenses can be covered from a salary.
I have to seek alternatives.

It's up to you to choose what those alternatives are.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Lanx on Fri, 15 April 2011, 22:09:05
2 lol's here.
1. poker is not a sport... and neither is golf and I'll use the olympic's thing, if it's in the olympic's it's a sport, yes even the one where they throw that stone down and mop away, at least i see those 2 moppers seriously going away at it.
2. come on, I have never online gambled, but even I knew that fulltilt and those places were gonna get busted. There was no way the US would let those places operate while circumventing the law with these wierd, deposit money here and use credits there or whatever they were doing.

Btw we can all blame the Las Vegas and Christian lobbies for this btw. I'm pretty sure vegas lobbied(bribed) as many ppl as possible to get rid of online gambling and Christians choose to but their noses in everything.

I"m all for freedoms, you should be able to play poker and bid whatever you want, and it all should be legal, why do we have mobster bookies? I don't understand, but then I"m not from that world either.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: quadibloc on Fri, 15 April 2011, 22:15:15
Quote from: keyboardlover;331910
It's up to you to choose what those alternatives are.
So? If his skill sets mean that he can be a winning professional poker player, that in itself is not objectionable.

It was, however, objectionable conduct on the part of these online poker firms to attempt to do business with U.S. customers who they knew would be violating U.S. law to do business with them. Why, though, would someone in Denmark be aware of which of the firms doing business there legally were up to such a practice?

Money laundering and other forms of fraudulent practice in banking transactions are illegal everywhere, so there is a possibility that some of the charges being pursued in the U.S. will have validity in foreign legal systems.

However, the fact that international free-trade treaties have limited the ability of the U.S. government to outlaw online gambling at foreign sites directly may well complicate matters.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Fwiffo on Fri, 15 April 2011, 22:15:59
Quote from: RiGS;331730
Holy ****, I have like 2 grands at these sites.

How's the proverb go? A something and his money... Something happens to them?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 22:21:13
Quote from: Fwiffo;331925
How's the proverb go? A something and his money... Something happens to them?


I see what you did there...


...but I don't get why people are so against online gambling? For many people playing poker online is just a way to relax and enjoy themselves. You shouldn't call them fools for that. Maybe playing with money is more fun - I know it sure was for me when I used to play with friends.

I personally don't see what's wrong with it. The US needs to relax it's puritan ideals a little bit and allow people to live their lives. As long as they're not impeding anyone else's ability to enjoy life they should be free to enjoy their own however they see fit.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 22:23:53
It's just a dumb thing to take seriously and spend money on dude. Nothing "puritan" about it. No ones saying people aren't free to do dumb ****. But I'm also free to say that its dumb!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Lanx on Fri, 15 April 2011, 22:30:32
Quote from: keyboardlover;331931
It's just a dumb thing to take seriously and spend money on dude. Nothing "puritan" about it. No ones saying people aren't free to do dumb ****. But I'm also free to say that its dumb!


There's a lot of dumb things ppl do and spend money on, but it's still legal, like watching baseball... WTF that's like paying to go to sleep, maybe I'm jaded since I used to be a Mets fan but still, it's legal and it's a dumb way to spend money but it's legal.

Yet gambling online is not, and we have sites like etrade, stock trading boiled down to it's purest form is gambling.

Like I said before 50% of why online gambling is illegal is cuz of those damn Christian lobbiests.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: quadibloc on Fri, 15 April 2011, 22:33:36
Quote from: .XL;331930
...but I don't get why people are so against online gambling? For many people playing poker online is just a way to relax and enjoy themselves. You shouldn't call them fools for that.
Gambling involves money changing hands.

It isn't just the United States; in the EU, Germany also is attempting to ban its citizens from using foreign online gambling sites.

Basically, in many countries, gambling is strictly illegal, with the exception of lotteries, and possibly casinos, which are authorized by the government and heavily taxed, or which raise money for charities. Online gambling would be a way around those laws - in which people could gamble other than in the controlled ways that are legal.

Because money changes hands in gambling, it's important for it to be tightly controlled for a number of reasons.

One is that the people who win are liable to pay taxes on their winnings. An unsupervised gambling facility would not identify players and report their winnings.

Another is that there can be ways for players to give money to each other when gambling. This can be used for money laundering for real criminal enterprises like the drug trade.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 22:47:31
Quote from: keyboardlover;331931
It's just a dumb thing to take seriously and spend money on dude. Nothing "puritan" about it. No ones saying people aren't free to do dumb ****. But I'm also free to say that its dumb!


You're perfectly entitled to your opinion, that's not what I was referencing. I'm talking about our country. Why can't they allow (monitored) gambling? Why is gambling portrayed as some evil pastime?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 22:54:20
Quote from: Lanx;331933
Yet gambling online is not, and we have sites like etrade, stock trading boiled down to it's purest form is gambling.


There's a very fundamental difference between investing and gambling.

(Spoken by a proud eTrade user) =)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 23:02:01
Quote from: keyboardlover;331951
There's a very fundamental difference between investing and gambling.

(Spoken by a proud eTrade user) =)

A good poker player rarely ever 'gambles'...
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 23:03:39
But...the game of poker...is, in and of itself...a form of gambling...
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Input Nirvana on Fri, 15 April 2011, 23:21:42
I have history and info on Full Tilt dating back to it's programming and inception all the way to their move to Dublin when the US made online gambling illegal a few years ago. One of the 5.75% owners has been receiving approximately $450,000 a month as his share since 2008.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Lanx on Fri, 15 April 2011, 23:43:02
Quote from: .XL;331946
Why can't they allow (monitored) gambling? Why is gambling portrayed as some evil pastime?


Christian Lobbiests who want to uphold Christian values (while secretly breaking them at home)

and Las Vegas lobbiests who are afraid of online gambling (and rightly so).

Oh and the ppl who think ppl are cheating at onling gambling, like buying 4 seperate and different accounts/ip addresses and logging in to the same game and playing against one or 2 guys.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 16 April 2011, 01:55:31
Quote from: keyboardlover;331878
You know what's ironic? When someone claims they need to sell a keyboard to pay their mortgage, then uses the money to buy another keyboard!


Check your base assumptions.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 07:02:43
Quote from: Fwiffo;331925
How's the proverb go? A something and his money... Something happens to them?


+1.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: RiGS on Sat, 16 April 2011, 07:08:41
Quote from: keyboardlover;332043
+1.


Is that all you can say with your IQ score of 108?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 07:10:56
Quote from: RiGS;332046
Is that all you can say with your IQ score of 108?


I don't actually HAVE an IQ score of 108, Mr. Troll. I was kidding when I said that. I never took that test.

In any case, at least I don't have an IQ score of FAIL like you, as evidenced by THIS THREAD.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 07:19:12
P.S., the only game which doesn't have cheerleaders that I still consider to be a game is hockey. Because a. it's f**king badass and b. they have ice girls.

(http://monkeyhockey.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/blackhawks-ice-girls.jpg)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: prava on Sat, 16 April 2011, 07:34:31
Quote from: keyboardlover;331931
It's just a dumb thing to take seriously and spend money on dude. Nothing "puritan" about it. No ones saying people aren't free to do dumb ****. But I'm also free to say that its dumb!


It ain't dumb if you make money of it. I don't see the problem there, and neither should you.

Just because you don't like Rigs for one reason or another doesn't mean you can flame every ****ing post you feel entitled too.

Quote from: keyboardlover;332050
P.S., the only game which doesn't have cheerleaders that I still consider to be a game is hockey. Because a. it's f**king badass and b. they have ice girls.

Show Image
(http://monkeyhockey.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/blackhawks-ice-girls.jpg)


Its funny. The US is the land of the coherency: its ok to have guns, but if we see a titty on TV then we get crazy; its also ok to have the biggest casinos in the world all together in the same spot...but not to let peple gamble online. Also, its ok to drive at the age of 16 but somehow you can't drink until later nor have sex.

Yes, please, keep talking about morals and ethics coming from a country that has non.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 07:37:01
Are you in line to become the next RiGS or something? Your posts make about as much sense as his.

P.S. Many Americans lose their virginity whilst under the age of 18. Including me =)

ShaZAM!

BTW, while your bashing my country, why don't you tell us where you live?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: prava on Sat, 16 April 2011, 08:03:00
I would rather become the next RiGS rather than the next you: at least I don't go everywhere trolling every topic you seem fit just because "I'm free" and I can "do as I please". You don't seem to realize the difference between being an ass and being polite, do you?

PS: if you know how to play poker you don't gamble, you invest. You gamble when you throw dice, play the roulette or whatever you can't control at all. In poker you do have some control...and so do you when you invest in a publicly traded market.

Basically its the same: nobody should ever invest in companies without knowing anything about them, and the same could be said about poker.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 08:06:36
Yep...you're the next RiGS.

Help! I'm surrounded by Europeans trolls! And they love to gamble!

(http://dancenet.s3.amazonaws.com/images/i555/491404.561troll_bank_all_orig.jpg)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Ekaros on Sat, 16 April 2011, 08:39:06
Quote from: keyboardlover;332050
P.S., the only game which doesn't have cheerleaders that I still consider to be a game is hockey. Because a. it's f**king badass and b. they have ice girls.


Whut, we do have cheerleaders, atleast I remember seeing them ;D

On the other hand they are in crowd, so it's more customer oriented ;D
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 08:50:56
Yea, I've heard that in northern Europe the hockey games are more festive than here. Very cool! I've heard that in Germany they even have fireworks before a hockey game starts!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: kill will on Sat, 16 April 2011, 09:59:44
poker is not a crime!
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 10:01:04
Can't help but think of this song:

Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: kill will on Sat, 16 April 2011, 10:01:38
if bill gates played 5/10 no limit hold em and still destroyed people, would jesus see that as un compassionate, or just very competitive?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: dracaXL on Sat, 16 April 2011, 10:02:46
Keyboardlover, I didn't have anything against you until I read this thread, but have come away absolutely disgusted at your judgemental, proselytising bull****.

I don't care if you don't like Rigs personally because of specific beliefs he may hold. I don't care that you don't think poker is a valid way to pass your time.

But,

Who the **** are you to tell anyone else what they can and cannot do, and further, to insult them over their own hobbies?

Grow up mate.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: BigBrother on Sat, 16 April 2011, 10:04:58
Quote from: keyboardlover;331851
WWJD? Even Jesus would tell you that gambling is stupid.

jesus didn't know how to cook animals without split hooves and chewed their food twice and fish without scales. he knows nothing.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 10:11:00
Quote from: dracaXL;332108
Who the **** are you to tell anyone else what they can and cannot do...


BUT...

I never actually did that. Did you even read the thread?

Quote from: ripster
KL - carrying this RiGS squabble over EVERY THREAD is getting old.


Every thread? I dunno about you, but I see a LOT of threads without RiGS and I squabbling in them.

For anyone else who is about to bash me, I recommend that you
(http://www.gifanatics.com/files/mofoyh4au3.gif)

There's only one point that I really wanted to make, and I made it right on the very first page of this thread:
Quote from: keyboardlover
You can't play with fire and not be afraid to get burned.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Qwerty on Sat, 16 April 2011, 10:19:03
Quote from: ripster;332111
KL - carrying this RiGS squabble over EVERY THREAD is getting old.  If I wanted to watch fighting I'd go upstairs and watch my teenager and wife go at it.



... Sounds fap-tastic...

I mean...

It's a shame they don't get along... *shifty eyes*

I'm sure there's enough people in enough countries who weren't breaking any laws that have a legal leg to stand on that something will be done to compensate any losses to their law-abiding customers.

I would never gamble myself, but  still wish you luck and hope it works out for you.

It's one thing to lose your money in a hand. It's another to have a foreign country's police confiscate it when you haven't broken any laws.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 10:24:59
What argument? I could post a full page of actual direct insults RiGS has made towards me.

Yet I have never actually directly insulted him ONCE. (Unless you count calling him a troll).

RiGS trolls consistently, I call him out on it, he DIRECTLY insults me, and it goes on like that. That's what these squabbles are.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 10:29:10
I think I prefer to be the teenager...I don't want to think about getting "ripstered" in the bedroom at night ;)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: .XL on Sat, 16 April 2011, 10:59:04
Quote from: Qwerty;332116

It's one thing to lose your money in a hand. It's another to have a foreign country's police confiscate it when you haven't broken any laws.


This is my biggest gripe with this situation. But big business has gotten so powerful here in the US they pretty much run the country now.

There's a good chance the larger banks outed the small banks because they got jealous of the profits they were making. And had the larger banks been doing this, there's a good chance this wouldn't hit the news.

But it was smaller, regional banks doing it. They're free game. The actual IMPORTANT banks in this country that have, in the last year, been doing very very well as people turn away from the larger banks. But now this whole 'scandal' comes out.

I don't know. A lot of this reeks.

Small banks doing well - US govt shuts down Poker websites which were a good part of the profits of many smaller banks and makes small banks look bad. Big banks profit.

It's a bit of a half-baked statement but you never know these days :p

Oh, and like I said before...it's a bit infuriating that our govt thinks they can take down websites forever when they aren't even based in the US and serve mostly foreign customers. Blocking access I'd understand, but not shutting down completely.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: noodles256 on Sat, 16 April 2011, 11:08:23
Quote from: keyboardlover;332058
Are you in line to become the next RiGS or something? Your posts make about as much sense as his.

P.S. Many Americans lose their virginity whilst under the age of 18. Including me =)

ShaZAM!

BTW, while your bashing my country, why don't you tell use where you live?


what is this word you speak of
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 11:14:05
If you haven't had a sex ed class yet, you can pm me or ask my Uncle Google for more information.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: neo on Sat, 16 April 2011, 11:28:42
I don't follow this in much detail, but I think it's only the domain names that US government got, the companies themselves are perfectly fine. So if you got money in there I don't think there is much reason to panic. That's basically all US government can do, confiscate .com domains and threaten executives with arrest if they ever set foot on US soil. Any foreign court would throw the case out if it was ever filed, and US government knows it.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Qwerty on Sat, 16 April 2011, 11:32:59
Well, if those websites were breaking US laws and committing fraud through US banks, then I can understand them shutting the sites down. It could just be temporary seizure of the site and its assets as evidence for all I know.

After the US banks needed a bail-out, most of which wasn't kept track of very well, and now these other banks have been tricked and bribed so easily...

People still put undoubting faith in banks to hold and manage nearly every penny of their money. It's sort of nuts... But I guess whenever money is involved, risks and corruption are always a possibility.

Anyways... I would think (mind you I'm no lawyer) confiscating money from people around the world would probably jeopardize or at least inhibit any prosecutions against these people, if they had no plans of returning this money to its rightful owners, or allowing the owners a means of reclaiming their loss.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: dracaXL on Sat, 16 April 2011, 11:48:24
Quote from: keyboardlover;332113
BUT...

I never actually did that. Did you even read the thread?


Yes, you did. By asserting that someone who loses money by these gambling sites being shut down by the FBI deserves that loss of money, you are simultaneously asserting that said activity is worthless and that their claim to it as a valid pastime is worthless.

As others have said, you crapping on what seems to be every Rigs comment (whether said comments are misled or not, which can certainly be the case) is tiring.

You might feel validated in attacking anything Rigs does or says because of his personal beliefs (which is a stupid position imo), but you have to realise that Rigs isn't the only person who plays poker...

Also I don't appreciate you preaching Christian(inan)ity in defence of your position, it's disingenuous and insulting to those of us who are able to justify our activities rationally without resorting to some two thousand year old piece of papyrus as proof of their legitimacy.

I'm over and out but thought I'd 'chip' in with my disgust as I am an avid poker player...
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: neo on Sat, 16 April 2011, 11:51:13
Quote from: ripster;332166
Hahaha - that's what the tax evaders that had money in the Swiss Bank UBS thought!


How is that relevant? Those "tax evaders" were in US themselves. Of course US government could get them easily. We are talking about people who are not themselves in US, and who have money in these companies which are also not in US. I think they will be fine.

But if any of you who lives in US was stupid enough to think he lives in a free country and can visit any sites he wants and waste his own money however he wants, than yes - you are ****ed.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: neo on Sat, 16 April 2011, 12:04:05
Quote from: ripster;332177
Assets were held in Swiss vaults.

You'd be amazed to learn how Governments tend to have lots of incentive to cooperate on financial things.


So that's your prediction, US government will be able to shutdown worldwide online gambling industry? Perhaps you also think the TE will actually ship this year?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 12:08:23
Quote from: dracaXL;332174
By asserting that someone who loses money by these gambling sites being shut down by the FBI deserves that loss of money, you are simultaneously asserting that said activity is worthless and that their claim to it as a valid pastime is worthless.


But...I never said that he couldn't or shouldn't do it, did I? I just said that it's dumb. Get it right.

Quote from: dracaXL

Also I don't appreciate you preaching Christian(inan)ity in defence of your position, it's disingenuous and insulting to those of us who are able to justify our activities rationally without resorting to some two thousand year old piece of papyrus as proof of their legitimacy.


I never preached anything. Read the damn thread! Rigs was the one who attacked my values and I defended my position as such.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 12:13:55
Quote from: ripster;332194
There you go again.  Preaching to the choir.

Lol. Seems like you're trolling me to make rigs feel better.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: neo on Sat, 16 April 2011, 12:31:23
Quote from: ripster;332192
You seem upset.

Are you saying you lied and aren't buying five of them (http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=332037&postcount=16)?


You never seen me upset.
And yes, I lie all the time.
Just like you.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: neo on Sat, 16 April 2011, 12:44:00
Quote from: ripster;332206
You lie about me lying.


And you lie about me lying about you lying.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Mercen_505 on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:02:23
At the risk of eliminating any of the respect I most likely have never bothered to garner around here, it seems vaguely amusing to me that someone would act surprised at the notion of losing money... in an activity that involves gambling.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: audioave10 on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:06:12
You guys aren't playing nice. Its Saturday!

(http://wyblog.us/images/foghorn-leghorn-loudmouth.jpg)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Qwerty on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:10:56
Except the money wasn't lost by gambling it away.

If you stepped out on your smoke break at work and a car lost control and swerved off the road, killing you.

Would it be any less tragic just because you were engaging in an activity that's known to kill you?

Would you try to use that as evidence to argue that people shouldn't smoke, even in legally designated areas?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:13:51
I would consider using one of those websites to be a "gamble" in and of itself.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: audioave10 on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:18:56
THIS!!!.......is what you should gamble on!

(http://coconutgirlwireless.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/surf-babes.jpg)
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Lanx on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:30:11
Quote from: Qwerty;332222
Except the money wasn't lost by gambling it away.

If you stepped out on your smoke break at work and a car lost control and swerved off the road, killing you.

Would it be any less tragic just because you were engaging in an activity that's known to kill you?

Would you try to use that as evidence to argue that people shouldn't smoke, even in legally designated areas?


It was illegal in the first place, so any and all monies that are involved in that area are forfeited. Again i'm not saying yea or nay on it, i don't care either way but it was deemed illegal and as such everyone playing knew the risk everyday, and if they didn't they were obliviously ignorant.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: prava on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:37:34
Quote from: Lanx;332239
It was illegal in the first place, so any and all monies that are involved in that area are forfeited. Again i'm not saying yea or nay on it, i don't care either way but it was deemed illegal and as such everyone playing knew the risk everyday, and if they didn't they were obliviously ignorant.

The fact is that RiGS doesn't come from the US  so the agencies involved can blow him both balls at once, he couldn't care less.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Lanx on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:40:58
oh that does suck then.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: dracaXL on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:47:54
Quote from: Mercen_505;332217
At the risk of eliminating any of the respect I most likely have never bothered to garner around here, it seems vaguely amusing to me that someone would act surprised at the notion of losing money... in an activity that involves gambling.



This doesn't logically follow.

The (foreign held/owned) money was not lost _by_ gambling. It has been (potentially) lost due to an arbitrary US law that determines the card game, Poker, as being an illegal destination of US bank funds.

If a player loses money whilst playing Poker, then he or she would have no right to complain. If another country's laws impact your ability to partake in an activity that is legal in your country, then there is _large_ cause for concern.

Whether or not you _personally_ agree with gambling is not the point. Further, there are issues with classifying Poker as 'gambling' within the conventional sense of the word, as it is not _purely_ based on luck. There is a large element of skill; if there wasn't, you wouldn't see a hierarchy of players. the top fifty of which consistently make it to final tables at large tournaments.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Ekaros on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:48:02
Hmm, so in Geekhack threads never get derailed?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: dracaXL on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:51:37
Quote from: Ekaros;332251
Hmm, so in Geekhack threads never get derailed?


No, never, why would you say that? :wink:
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Ekaros on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:52:16
Quote from: dracaXL;332252
No, never, why would you say that? :wink:


Just to derail? What did I do something?
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 16 April 2011, 13:54:13
Quote from: prava;332242
so the agencies involved can blow him both balls at once, he couldn't care less.

I gotta ask my gf to try that sometime...
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Fwiffo on Sat, 16 April 2011, 14:03:06
But it's not bright to trust your money to people engaged in illegal activities, regardless of whether you agree with the law. You can do it, but you have to know you're asking for trouble.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Lanx on Sat, 16 April 2011, 14:17:30
Quote from: ripster;332254
It's like Warez.

People who warez are morally corrupt and should be banned at Geekhack.
posting these pics before others do!
(http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/4694/piracyy.png) (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/piracyy.png/)
(http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3939/piracyisnottheft.jpg) (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/piracyisnottheft.jpg/)

btw img search for piracy should just be called "various images and capn jack sparrow." These are the only 2 cool ones I thought there were more on this issue.
Title: The FBI busted four big online poker outfits
Post by: Mercen_505 on Sat, 16 April 2011, 14:49:14
So a dude wins a few bucks gambling, and then acts surprised when someone arbitrarily decides to take that away. My point, which apparently was easy to miss, is that one does not bet against the house, because the house has ways of taking your **** whenever they feel like it.

In this case, the US is "the house". And if you're finding that concept difficult to grok, I have a bunch of bitcoins I'd happily exchange for cold, hard cash ;)

Gamble all you want; I care not either way. Just don't walk into a situation like that expecting to not lose your ass one way or another.