Poker World in Turmoil: Delays, Raids, and Big Wins

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is delaying the return of funds to American poker players affected by the FullTilt Poker shutdown. The DOJ has been unable to find an administrator to oversee the process, leaving many players in limbo. Among those affected is Blair Hinkle, who has over a million dollars stuck in the system.

In Sweden, tax authorities are conducting raids on poker players' homes and demanding detailed financial information. The Swedish tax laws regarding poker winnings are complex, requiring players to pay taxes on winnings without deductions for losses.

PokerStars won a significant legal battle in Spain. The court ruled that PokerStars' activities were legal from the start, dismissing claims by the Spanish gambling company Codere. This victory underscores PokerStars' compliance with the law and their commitment to fair play.

Greg 'Fossilman' Raymer, the 2004 World Champion, had a remarkable run in the 2012 Heartland Poker Tour, winning four out of six live tournaments. His total earnings from these tournaments amounted to $371,967. Raymer's success highlights the high stakes and significant payouts in live poker tournaments.

David Benjamin, a prominent poker player, is selling shares of his entries in offline tournaments through the My Poker Squad backing project. This allows other players to invest in his tournament participation, with Benjamin offering shares at various odds. The project is popular among French and Belgian players, despite its British base.