Poker Scene News and Rumors

<img src="http://www.liquidpoker.net/staff/Raidern/news_and_rumors.jpg" align="right" style="margin:5px; border:1px solid black;">PokerStars' statement regarding FTP rumors

As expected, PokerStars got bombarded with questions about the rumors that it reached an agreement with the Department of Justice to purchase Full Tilt Poker. The company was quick to provide an answer, but understandably not the one we were hoping for. Although the short message mentions the rumors, it doesn't address FTP specifically:

"We've had a lot of enquiries and there's lots of speculation on the forums, so I wanted to address the PokerStars chatter. As you know, PokerStars is in settlement discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice. As such settlement discussions are always confidential, we are unable to comment on rumors. As soon as we have information to share publicly we will do so.

- Eric Hollreiser, Head of Corporate Communications"

On the other side, FTP attorney Barry Boss told PokerFuse that he is "more optimistic than ever" that Full Tilt players will be paid back, but he didn't comment on the rumors that PokerStars is trying to purchase FTP.

PokerStars testing a new feature

PokerStars is testing a new feature at playmoney tables - table groupings. Basically, the new lobby will group tables by stake level and table type as opposed to showing a list with all the tables. It will make finding a table much quicker than before. All a player has to do is clicking the "seat me" button and he will be taken to the table with most players. You can expand the grouping as well, so it should not be a concern for those who like to table select. Each group only shows the game type, stakes, type and buyin. A "+" expands the list and shows the usual statistics like hands/hour and players/flop.

The feature is currently available for the test version of Pokerstars (testpokerstars.com). It should go live in the main room soon.