PTP Hit and Run: July 30th, 2010

Dustin Gouker : July 30th, 2010

Annie Duke lobbies on behalf of legal online poker in the U.S. And ratings are up for the WSOP. Read all about it in today’s PTP Hit and Run.

Online poker players are eager to know what’s next after a piece of legislation that would legalize and regulate online poker in the U.S. Congress almost never moves very fast, so don’t expect an answer soon. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon. And looking further ahead, would a second poker boom occur if the bill becomes law? Check out this take. And, in a little bit of a look back, here’s a look at how the votes went in the House Financial Services Committee on the bill in question.

Poker pro Annie Duke recently appeared on MSNBC to talk about online poker and gambling legalization efforts in the U.S. Last week Duke appeared in front of a Congressional committee on the subject. Watch below:

In other good news for poker, viewership is up after one night of World Series of Poker coverage on ESPN. About 15% over last year for the Players Championship. Read more here. And the main event will be on the air in a couple of weeks. Column here from ESPN on the bubble boy of the November Nine.

Part two of an interview with Ted Forrest, who is really skinny after a weight-loss prop with Mike Matusow, is below. Try not to look directly at Ted Forrest:

Want to become a part of the World Poker Tour? Here’s your chance. The WPT is looking for a “personality for our new on-air recurring segment, The Raw Deal.” Auditions are being taken through the middle of August.

Pennsylvania makes more in taxes from gaming than Las Vegas? Say it ain’t so. Bill’s Poker Blog says it is so, however. $1.1 billion for Pa., $831 million for Sin City. Owned.

More ownage during All-Star Week at PokerStars. Team PokerStars is getting beat up by the challengers in a series of heads-up matches. Read about the carnage here.

There’s not a whole lot of promotions for women in online poker. Mostly because most online poker players are men. But PokerStars is trying to change that with its Women’s Poker League. Winners at the end of the year win money and prize packages.

If you like learning from the pros, there’s a new one over at poker training site CardRunners. Andreas “Skjervøy” Torbergsen is now on site to share his Omaha knowledge.

Get your daily dose of poker news with the PTP Hit and Run.