In a previous news article this month, the online poker room, PKR.com, was highlighted for their new release of an innovative online poker platform that could serve as the prototype for poker software in the near future. The website was launched little over three months ago in a free play-money mode - similar to the popular Fun accounts at online casinos, which allow unlimited, free gambling with play money. Planning to launch a real money platform at the conjunction of the World Poker Tour, PKR has now decided to hold off on the global release of this version, which undoubtedly has some U.S. players disappointed.

Since going online, the PKR free poker platform has been downloaded 20,000 times, and has roused up a dedicated following, many of which are poker players residing in the States. However, due to the passing of the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and the recent crackdown by the U.S. Department of Justice on the online sports betting website, BetOnSports, PKR management has decided to postpone the release of their real-money software platform.

President of PKR, Jez San, said in a press release that the decision to do so was very difficult. Playing their cards safe, the gaming company is waiting for the final verdict on the anti-online casino gambling legislation by the U.S. Senate, which is scheduled to reconvene on September 5, 2006.  If the Senate does not vote on the bill before this year's legislative session adjourns on October 6, the bill will have to essentially wait an entire year before it can be reexamined.  If this is to happen, online casinos will have a sigh of relief and PKR will likely release their real-money platform.

Regarding the tweaked software platform, it employs 3-D interactive tables and an avatar suite that takes profile customization to an unprecedented level. Players have the ability to incorporate body gestures and "bluffing techniques" into their playing strategies, which no other online poker software has ever offered before. The computer animated graphics are extremely customizable, allowing players to actually design their avatars in their own likeness, giving them the ability to modify complexion, facial structure, hair and clothing style. PKR also offers a large selection of free poker tournaments and an Instant Poker School that helps new players to get started on the right foot.