Not a computer expert but this may help (you'd need another working pc to do it obviously):

http://www.getpcmemory.com/user-guide/how-to-integrate-sata-drivers-into-win-xp-bootable-cd-setup-slipstreaming-xp-guide-using-nlite/

Disclaimer - I've never tried this but it doesn't sound like it could make your computer any worse!

[Casino hold ‘em pokerCasino Stud Poker]

And again, although it says ONLY and similar games, all games listed are "house games" where hard gaming takes place, makes no mention of "poker" as such

What games does it apply to?
It applies only to the following games, or games essentially similar to them:

American Roulette
Baccarat
Big six
Blackjack
Boule
Casino hold ‘em poker
Casino Stud Poker
Chemin de Fer
Chuck-a-Luck
Craps
Crown and Anchor
Faro
Faro Bank
French Roulette
Hazard
Let it ride
Pai gow poker
Poker Dice
Pontoon
Punto Banco
Sic Bo
Super Pan 9
Texas hold ‘em bonus poker
Three Card Poker
Trente et Quarante
Two-way Texas hold ‘em casino poker
Ultimate Texas hold ‘em poker
Vingt-et-un
Wheel of Fortune

All listed in bold which come under the umbrella of poker is hard gaming "against the house", poker as we know it is completely different than those listed.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageExcise_InfoGuides&id=HMCE_CL_001202&propertyType=document

The bits you quote here are the old rules - under the old rules poker income was not GGY.  Now the budget change brings all gaming income (including charges for the commercial provision of eqaul chance games (ie poker rake)) within GGY - see point 2 of the budget note http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2009/bn73.pdf

In the meantime after everything we've been through and the hard work that has been put in to make Dusk Till Dawn the success it is, this was one bit of news we could have done without !!!


http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/investing-and-markets/article.html?in_article_id=483149&in_page_id=3&ito=1565


Cheers

ACES

After reading the HMRC page, doesn't it suggests that DTD will probably be better off? If VAT is removed from participation fees (which I assume is reg charge and rake) and tax bands being increased for Gross Gaming Yield, although the tax is higher, this IMO is more aimed at live casinos, as the GGY for DTD surely cannot be that much as the GGY is calculated as so http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/Client/faq_detail.asp?id=90 or maybe i have just lost the plot

Agree the VAT change looks helpful.  I'm not sure what rate of Gaming Duty applied to poker income before the change so difficult to say whether the overall result is positive or negative for DTD. 

On my reading, the 50% rate applies to Gross Gambling Yield above £10m or so pa.  Looks like there are banded rates applying to GGY up to this level (see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2009/bn73.pdf (point 15)).

So whilst the casinos will pay at 50% due to their other gambling income, DTD's rate will be lower (although probably higher than it is now?)

I would like to play poker at DTD because it will allow me to play poker in a safe regulated environment without the temptation to gamble money on table games. 

It will also offer the opportunity to play tournament poker on Saturdays, not currently offered by the existing casino cardrooms

Should DTD be licensed it will undoutedly be the premier UK venue for poker attracting players from throghout the UK and further afield to regular festivals.  Such festivals cannot be held in Nottingham's existing casino venues due to space limitations in their cardrooms

Alan Garratt
Tax Manager
Nottingham

OK - here's an odd one - what do I do if I'm a US citizen (I hold a US passport), but I was born in the UK, live in the UK, and don't have a Social Security number?

The answer should be somewhere in here, bit not too sure where.  Think gambling income is covered by Article 22 but wouldn't bet on it!!

http://www.treasury.gov/offices/tax-policy/library/uktreaty.pdf

The following is my understanding following a trip over Easter, playing in various rooms and talking to other players

Only properties owned by Harrahs deduct tax on poker winnings.  The deduction is 30% of the whole prize money if the prize money exceeds $600.  Harrahs properties include Harrahs, Rio, Imperail Palace, Paris, Bally's, Caesars Palace.

All other properties pay winnings in chips which seems to avoid the tax issue.

To avoid the tax deduction, you need to supply a ITIN number (which is the US tax ID number).

To get an ITIN number, easiest way is to complete forms w-7 and w-8 (google for them) and get a "relevant gaming agent" to fax them to the IRS.  The relevant article of the double tax treaty is Article 22.  The IRS fax back your ITN number within a couple of days (sometimes same day).  These forms can only be submitted by the casino. 

Harrah's properties will not assist you in getting an ITN number/submitting forms on your behalf.  Caesars Palace will allow your winnings to be held at the cage whilst you apply for your ITIN number elsewhere.

MGM-Mirage properties will (to my knowledge MGM, Mirage, Bellagio will assist - not sure of the rest).  You need to speak to the cage manager (cage = main cashier); cage managers usually work the 5pm to 1am shift.  Obviously, it helps if you apply at the property you are staying at - and give them a decent tip!!!  MGM cage manager was extremely helpful with me.

If you do get tax deducted, I have no idea how to go about claiming it back but it seems to be a load of hassle (US tax returns, copies of passport certified by US approved notary etc).

As others have said, Caesars Palace has the best tournament structure for the money.  Wynn is an excellent touranment if you want to spend $330 - it has less starting chips but a slower increase in the blinds.  Caesars has big jumps in blinds at levels 3 and above (level 2 = 100/200, level 3 = 200/400 with 25 ante, level 4 = 400/800, 50 ante).

Hope someone finds this useful.

Apologies for any errors.

Thanks to previous posters who have given me advise on this in the past (Ariston springs to mind)

EB

I've got a few films on mine - works well, and they look great.

I use PQ DVD to ipod convertor - was about $25 I think - you can try it for free but it will only record 2 minute clips.  Can use this to convert files as well as record from DVD - useful if you download via torrents.  Is easy to use.

Only problem with it is the sound is not perfect - seem to get a quiet clicking noise - but is OK.

EB

Hi

Off to Vegas at Easter.

On a previous visit several years ago I had 30% tax withheld from tournament winnings over $600 (issued with a WG2 (?)), as I did not have a US tax identity number.

On another forum, I've read Ross Boatman's article saying under the UK/US double tax treaty, all you need to do is sign a form to avoid having tax dedcuted.

Can anyone tell me how this work?  Do I need to get a tax ID number before I go or is it a US form I sign when (if) I win?  If the latter, which form it is, as when I had tax deducted, they knew I was from the UK and said they had to withhold tax as I had no US ID number.

I know many casinos pay winnings in chips which seems to get around the whole problem, but I'm intending to play at Caesers where I hear they don't do this.

Thanks in Advance.

EB