U.S. Files for Delay in iMEGA Case --  While a couple of weeks’ worth of rumors said the U.S. government’s UIGEA-related banking regulations were ready to go, the tide changed suddenly last week, and the UIGEA guidelines are now being shelved for a later date.  One reason may be the case brought by the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association (iMEGA), whose case seeks to have the UIGEA itself overthrown.  iMEGA’s case against the U.S., to be heard in a New Jersey federal court, was scheduled for an initial hearing on September 4th.  However, the U.S. attorneys in the case have now filed for a two-week delay, which -- with the delay almost certain to be granted -- will push back the case and any possible action for another short while.

FTOPS VI in Full (Tilt) Gear --  The latest incarnation of the Full Tilt Online Poker Series is through its first week of play, with pre-event guarantees being smashed, smashed, and smashed some more.  The prestige associated with winning one of the biggest online events keeps the demand growing at a geometric pace.  Look for some whopping numbers when PokerStars’ World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) begins at the end of the month.

UK Battle Raging Over Online-Gambling Advertising --  The September 1st live date for the United Kingdom’s expanded gambling provisions is bringing along several topics still subject to lively debate, including restrictions on who exactly can advertise their gambling services.  Recent restrictions include the banning of early prime-time advertising and the creation of a "white list," allowing only UK-registered sites to advertise, although affiliated territories such as the Isle of Man are also included.  One anti-gambling newspaper, The Guardian, took a slanderous swipe at PokerStars by way of attacking the new provisions and the expansion of gambling in general, starting a column with the following: "PokerStars.com, the online poker group that operates illegally in the US..."  Oh, really?

Beverley Pace Captures Party Poker Women’s World Open --  An exclusive, invitation-only event featuring 36 of the world’s best female players?  That was the format for the Party Poker Women’s World Open, which completed recently in London.  Beverley Pace, the wife of British comedian Norman Pace, took the title here, coming from behind to defeat Jen Mason during heads-up play in the double-shootout event.  None of the U.S. contingent of Liz Lieu, Jennifer Tilly and Shannon Elizabeth made the six-player final, but Elizabeth did hang around to do color commentary for the television production of the event, which will be aired in the UK at a later date.

Gavin to Get Hitched... and Not to Joe --  Gavin Smith has announced his recent engagement to his girlfriend, Cindy, with no date set as yet for the nuptials.  We’re sure best buddy Joe Sebok is somewhere in the mix, but we’ll just have to wait to learn more about the wedding... and the wedding party.