Media Block by Adelson, Rio Dealer Need Persuading

Venetian Blackout for Pokernews

We all know by now that Sheldon Adelson isn’t too fond of online poker and in the last 48 hours that dislike was confirmed once again when he denied Pokernews reporters access to one of his casinos.

First reported by Allen Kessler than followed up by the media outlet itself, it seems as though the reporters weren’t allowed inside the Venetian to do updates on the MSPT event because the site contains links to online poker rooms.

Despite working alongside the Venetian for a number of years and the event being sponsored by Pokernews, the man at the top of the casino tree wasn’t happy for reporters to do their job because of their work in the online poker world.

Although no reason was given for the blackout, many suspect Adelson’s stance against online poker is behind the decision.

Commenting on the situation, Pokernews Editor-in-Chief, Donnie Peters, said:

“Pokernews remains committed to the MSPT as the tour continues to flourish, and we look forward to providing live coverage. With 12 events remaining on the 2014 MSPT schedule, we encourage all poker players to attend one of the upcoming MSPT stops.”

For Pokernews’ take on the situation, click here.

Rio Dealers Looking for More

A little bit of gentle (read “financial”) persuasion often goes a long way in Las Vegas, but when it comes to paying for dealers to do their job it can be a little too much.

According to forum poster ‘PSUMike1999’ one employee at the Rio is asking for bribes in order to start satellites.

Described as an “older guy in his 60s”, the man allegedly sang “grease is my friend” and explained that if ‘PSUMike1999’ wanted a satellite to be called he’d need to “take care of him”.

Apparently the dealer had previously been given $200 to help speed up the process of getting a game running and was looking for some kind of comparable compensation from ‘PSUMIKE1999’.

Although the report is only one player’s point-of-view a number of responders to the post have confirmed similar behaviour from dealers in the past.