Poker News Excluded From Adelson Land Casino

By Casinomeister, Last updated Jun 13, 2014

PokerNews unable to cover an event it was sponsoring

PokerNews' media coverage of a Mid-Stakes Poker Tour event it was partly sponsoring at Sheldon Adelson's Venetian land casino and resort in Las Vegas had to be aborted this week when the publication was without explanation denied access.

Reporting on the incident, which set poker forums across the internet buzzing, PokerNews revealed that the event was scheduled for June 2-4, but on the day before it began The Venetian advised that it would not be taking up the option of live reportage on the event by the publication.

No reason was given, but the speculation inevitably pointed to Venetian owner Sheldon Adelson's fanatical opposition to all forms of online gambling and his ongoing campaign to ban the activity in the United States.

PokerNews Editor-in-Chief Donnie Peters said:

"With each MSPT event, PokerNews Live Reporting comes as an option for the venue. Venetian decided not to pick up this option, and PokerNews was given no specific reason. We are aware of Sheldon Adelson's stance against online poker, and would like to remind everyone that his stance is a hinderance to the growth of the game we all love."

Taking decisions that impede free speech and factual reportage on important poker events were also criticised in several forum posts.

The MSPT tournament event at the Venetian attracted 854 entries.

Update: The Venetian has subsequently given its reasons for the ban on Poker News. Kathy Raymond, executive director of poker operations at The Venetian, said in a statement:

"Given our Chairman's clear position on the matter of online gaming, the Venetian/Palazzo made a business decision to not allow an online blog during the Mid-States Poker Tour event,"

Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa

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