Interesting Times

To say that it's an interesting time for the poker industry would be like me telling you Mike Matusow is kind of a loud person. The industry is changing before our eyes, and we, the poker playing population, are left reeling. On Sept. 30, Congress passed the Port Security Bill. After some reprehensible, un-American, but all-too-common last-minute political maneuvering from Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) that deprived the topic of debate in both public and Congressional forums, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act was "attached" to the Port Security Bill (see below for more on this) and will become law as soon as the President signs the bill.

The impact of this black day for online poker is currently unknown, but if you've been anywhere near a poker forum, you know people are freaking out. Is it the end of online poker in America? Probably not. Will it make it more difficult to play online poker? Eventually. Should you stay on top of the issue? Definitely. Card Player will keep you up to date on all activities related to the passage of this bill and its aftermath, so make sure to check with CardPlayer.com often. Also, make sure you check out and consider signing up to be a member of the Poker Player's Alliance. Their website is: http://www.pokerplayersalliance.org/.

This issue features the newest young gun superstar of the poker world, Jeff Madsen. Jeff won two bracelets and made four final tables at this year's World Series of Poker. He is now sponsored by FullTilt Poker, and he is living the life that many of you dream about. Don't miss the story. Also be sure to check out our featured campus, Florida Atlantic and our new strategy section, "Hand to Hand Combat,".

We will be visiting a new school for our "Featured Campus" story each month, and our schedule isn't full yet. If you think Card Player College should visit your school, send me an email at rich.belsky@cardplayer.com and tell me why. As always, best of luck in life, school, and at the tables!