Daily Archives: January 21, 2024

Key Takeaways

The first month of the new year is only half over, but theres already been a healthy supply of igaming storylines.

So far in January, North Carolina entered the final stages of preparing to launch mobile sports betting with seven operators formally applying for licenses.

A draft version of a bill to legalize online casino and poker is starting to take shape in Maryland. Up the coast in Maine, lawmakers are debating whether four tribes in the state should be given a monopoly for online casino and poker the idea is controversial since two commercial casinos were already shut out from mobile sports betting.

In New York, a coalition of four online sportsbooks launched a campaign to win support for expanded igaming. Days later, one of the biggest supporters of expansion introduced a new bill in the state Senate.

And despite a corruption scandal in Indiana involving a former lawmaker, Spectrum Gaming Group released a bullish report on online casino and poker Spectrum said the Hoosier State could make an additional $2 billion in revenue from the first three years of expanded igaming.

But what about the remaining 11 months? Poker Industry PRO thinks the following events both good and bad will happen between now and when the ball drops in NYCs Times Square to usher in 2025.

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

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PRO Predicts 2024: Ten Online Poker Developments in the US (Part 1) - Pokerfuse

Known by their nickname, The Seagulls, Brighton and Hove Albion FC have been the backbone of English football for a long time.

In their pursuit of success within the Premier League, there lies an intriguing opportunity to extract unforeseen wisdom from an entirely distinct realm the domain of poker in the UK.

Although football and poker may initially appear distant, the fundamental tenets of strategy, mental resilience, and risk management resonate in remarkably parallel ways.

This article embarks on a journey to uncover how Brighton can harness the insights garnered from the world of poker in the UK.

The Strategic Shuffle: Building the Right Hand in Poker UK Within the domain of UK poker, individuals are bestowed with a hand of cards, ushering in the responsibility of judiciously choosing and artfully configuring these cards to create the most formidable amalgamation achievable.

Simultaneously, on the other side of the spectrum, the managerial cadre at Brighton confronts the arduous task of fastidiously sculpting their line-up from the reservoir of eligible players within their purview.

Analogous to the discerning scrutiny that poker aficionados apply to each card, contemplating the myriad possibilities they proffer, the coaching apparatus at Brighton embarks on a parallel evaluation, assessing the suitability of each player for the imminent match.

Introducing the term poker UK into the discussion emphasizes the strategic choices made in both activities. Whether it is selecting cards or players, the essence remains: making the best decisions to secure victory.

Bluffing and Mind Games: Psychology in Poker UK and Football Psychological strategies have a substantial influence in both the world of UK poker and football. Footballers employ tactics such as feints, deceptive plays, and intricate mind games to outmaneuver their adversaries, mirroring how poker players deftly use bluffing techniques to confound their fellow competitors. The mental aspect of the game is a pivotal component in the pursuit of victory in both areas.

Adaptation and In-Game Adjustments: A Dynamic Landscape

Both football matches and poker games in the UK are characterized by their dynamic and ever-evolving nature. Coaches and poker players must be ready to adjust their strategies flexibly in response to the shifting circumstances.

In football, this adaptability may manifest in making crucial substitutions or tactical alterations to capitalize on the opponents vulnerabilities.

Conversely, in the UK poker context, players skilfully adapt their gameplay by astutely evaluating the dynamic nature of the table. This capacity to adapt is a common thread binding these two domains.

Risk Management: Calculated Choices in Poker UK and Football Both football and poker UK require effective risk management. Football managers take calculated risks by fielding certain players or making tactical decisions, while poker UK players weigh the risks and rewards of each hand. The ability to make informed choices while considering potential outcomes is a common thread.

Poker UK emphasizes the financial risk involved in poker. Professional poker players often wager real money, making it crucial to manage risk effectively.

Brightons management can draw from this parallel by adopting a more calculated approach to risk management in their decision-making, minimizing potential downsides and maximizing the chances of success.

Data Analysis: Finding the Winning Formula Risk management is a fundamental aspect of football and poker in the UK. In football, managers strategically assess risks, whether in the selection of specific players or in making tactical decisions.

Similarly, poker players in the UK carefully evaluate the potential risks and rewards associated with each hand they play.

The commonality lies in the capacity to make informed choices while thoughtfully weighing the possible outcomes, bridging the two seemingly disparate realms.

Patience and Discipline: Playing the Long Game In the realms of both football and poker in the UK, the virtues of patience and discipline reign supreme. Football managers embark on nurturing their teams skills and refining their strategies, recognizing that mastery unfolds over time.

Similarly, professional poker UK players understand that triumph may only materialize in a small hand or tournament. The capacity to remain dedicated to long-term objectives and uphold discipline is a common characteristic in both domains.

As a final point, the insights that Brighton can glean from poker in the UK are both surprising and invaluable. Exploring the intersections between these ostensibly disparate domains, such as strategy, mental resilience, adaptability, risk management, data analysis, and discipline, uncovers a profound connection that can significantly enhance the football clubs prospects for success.

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From poker chips to championship goals: Lessons Brighton can learn from the world of poker - We Are Brighton

FIFA fans know a thing or two about dedication - and it's not just when they're at the matches that their love of their sport shines bright. Followers of this legendary game can be seen everywhere, tapping into the game even when there are no matches on, by tuning into the plethora of soccer-related games available online!

Given how popular soccer is, its no surprise that there are tons of soccer-themed online pokies games available - and a huge fan base of enthusiasts bent on playing them.

There are plenty of awesome soccer slot games available at online casinos - enough to keep even the most passionate soccer supporter well and truly entertained for hours! Online pokies are an enormously popular option, and for good reason.

Some of these slots have stayed true to classic gaming style, but many others have spiced things up by offering interesting theming and great extras, such as bonus rounds and wild substitutions - enough to make any sports fan enthusiastic! This kind of online gaming is great fun and lets soccer enthusiasts unleash their inner player without ever having to set foot on a pitch.

Playing themed pokies (aka fruit machines or slot machines) is a really great way of having fun and spending time with friends, while still doing something related to your favourite sport. It's even more convenient now since technological developments allow you to play on any device, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection and the right app installed. So, no matter whether youre relaxing at home or undertaking a long journey, grab your phone, download the app, and let the gaming action begin by playing soccer-themed pokies online and living out your dreams of being part of the soccer world!

Online pokies are an excellent choice for all the FIFA fans out there. There are plenty of options that combine the thrill of soccer with the fun offered by slot machines. Soccer-themed online pokies are firm favourites of many of those who love to play FIFA: these games enable players to show off their passion for their sport while being easy to play and requiring minimal skill or tactics. Its a low-pressure experience because its all down to luck - how cool is that? It can give you a nice break from playing FIFA, too, which even die-hard fans may welcome.

All-in-all, soccer-themed online pokies offer something truly unique by uniting two popular interests, allowing gamers to enjoy the best of both worlds - the challenge of playing FIFA, and the more relaxed (but still gripping) fun of spinning the reels and aiming for the big wins. With great graphics immersing you within a realistic virtual soccer environment, plus some cool characters and fun takes on the sport, online soccer-themed pokies have won enthusiasm from soccer fans everywhere.

Playing soccer poker also allows FIFA fans to enjoy a flutter, while still keeping up their favorite theme. There are a surprising number of similarities between soccer and poker, and playing soccer-themed poker offers you the best of both worlds. Poker has been compared to watching a live football match in terms of enjoyment and thrill, so you can imagine how much better soccer poker is likely to be! Play with other enthusiasts like yourself, and then move on to soccer-themed pokies when your brain needs a break.

The rules of soccer poker may be different from website to website, but generally, when you're playing for real money, you need to pick three teams out of various leagues or divisions that you think will win their games. Make sure youve thoroughly understood what you need to do before you start, to give yourself the best possible chances of a successful game, and perhaps even a win to be proud of!

To conclude, FIFA fans who want a break from their favourite game but want to stick with the soccer theme have tons of options available. Soccer-themed online pokies make a wonderful, relaxing option, while soccer-themed poker gives you a chance to test your tactics and engage in some friendly competition - a great way for you to show off your skills and play against other people!

Whether you're an avid soccer fan or just looking for something new, playing online pokies with a football theme or checking out some soccer-themed poker lets you continue the soccer enjoyment without having to leave your house; you can even stick a match on in the background while you play, and cheer for your favourite players at the same time as watching the reels turn or the cards hit the table.

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Know why FIFA fans enjoy soccer-themed online poker and pokies - SportsAdda

Top five online poker sites for UK players

When it comes to online poker sites available in the UK, its hard to separate the best from the rest. So, our poker experts put together a list of the best poker sites for real money UK players available to access today. Each operator has met our strict review criteria to provide a complete online poker experience:

PokerStars is one of the best poker sites, thanks to its poker-first commitment to the game. Withplenty of cash games, sit & gos and live dealer poker, there is something to suit everyone. Where PokerStars stands out is its tournaments, including the Sunday Million weekly comp.

They regularly run 16 tournaments, including Play Money tourneys, such as Play Money Majors. These come withhuge guarantees and massive cash prizes, where you can compete with players from around the world. PokerStars is alsohome to the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP), which is held every September.

Daily tournaments include Bounty Builders and Hot Turbos. Popular formats on PokerStars include Bubble Rush and Knockout Poker. This level of choice allows the platform to be flexible, with buy-ins to suit all budgets. New PokerStars players can claim a100 per cent match on their first deposit up to 200. You must deposit at least 20 and use the casino bonus code FIRST200.

Established 2001

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New casino players only. Min. deposit 20 with code FIRST200. Debit card (Visa or Mastercard) only. Selected Slots only, 7 day expiry. Wagering requirements apply, 5 redemption points per 1 to clear bonus. Game contributions vary. Maximum bet 5 per round. Terms apply.

Virgin Games consistently ranks as one of the best online poker sites, especially for players who love tournaments.One of the few UK casino sites with a dedicated poker room, Virgin Games has tournaments featuring No Limit Texas Holdem with four-player groups. These are ideal for beginners or budget players.Competition buy-ins are as low as 1.

Some of the tournaments have a unique benefit in the form of Mystery Payouts. These can be found in Wild Seat Poker games and will only pay out to the overall winner. This high-stakes, winner-takes-all approach is unique in online poker. Even so, the winning potential is big because someMystery Payouts offer a multiplier of 10,000x for a 1 buy-in, with 100,000 up for grabs.

Established 2004

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New members only, must opt in. Min 10 deposit & wager. 30 day expiry from deposit. Extra Spins: on Double Bubble. 1p coin size, max lines. Bingo: Advertised ticket value based on 1 tickets. Game availability & restrictions apply. Current Jackpots are across selected games.

Bonus hunters will appreciate the rewards on offer at Grosvenor, with a focus on promos for poker players. As one of the best UK poker sites, Grosvenor ranks amongst the country's most prominent land-based poker brands. Online, the operator runs on Playtechs popular iPoker network, offeringcash games and sit & gos to suit all budgets.

Freeroll tournaments run every Tuesday, with a poker ticket up for grabs from a coin flip. Players who win the ticket play in a 500 tournament without needing to dip into their own bankroll. Monthly promos also engage players, such as theCash Rake Race, with 100 players winning a share of the prize pot.

Daily tournaments and live-streaming poker helps to keep players engaged, as does the Loyalty Club, which offersup to 40 per cent Rakeback cash. A Road to Rewards promo allows players to unlock rewards as they play, such as deposit matches and free games.

Established 2007

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. min deposit 20. Max non-withdrawable bonus 30. Playable selected games only. 30x wagering required. Expires within 30 days. Max win 2000. T&Cs apply

While all the best UK poker sites we list are beginner-friendly,The Vic Casino ranks as the most focused on giving new players a leg up. There is no dedicated online poker room, although the land-based Vic Casino does have a poker room. Instead,the website has video poker and live dealer options as part of its UK live casino. These games serve as a good introduction to online poker for beginners.

Options include Live Texas Holdem Bonus, Live Three Card Poker and Live Caribbean Stud. You can see a human dealer handle the cards and chips during gameplay. Players can interact with each other and the dealer through the chat feature.

One of the big offers at The Vic Casino is aweekly cashback bonus that provides up to 100 back on your losses. There are also daily deposit promos to help boost your free credits when you deposit funds.

Established 2021

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Welcome bonus package on first 3 deposits 1st Dep. Min 20. 50x wagering (bonus & deposit). max bonus to cash 5x. 20 Extra spins. 35x wagering. Max bonus to cash 30. Claim once. See full T&Cs for 2nd & 3rd Deposit offers. Full T&C's apply.

For players who prefer a mobile casino, want to have their poker action on the move and have easy access to high-quality games, LeoVegas is one of the best poker sites. There are no poker rooms or tournaments, but you get a broad selection of video and live dealer poker games. LeoVegas hasa huge game catalogue and works with major providers such as Evolution Gaming for its live poker options.

Thousands of top slots, casino table games, and live dealer games are available on the world-class LeoVegas mobile app. Dont take our word for it; the brandwon Mobile Operator of the Year 2023 at the EGR Operator Awards.

A weekend live casino promotion allows players to boost their bankroll for live poker games, while there are14 live poker tables, including new releases such as Evolutions Video Poker Live.

Established 2012

#ad. 18+ begambleaware.org, T&Cs apply. New reg only. Opt in & deposit 10, 25 or 50 within 7 days & further 7 days to wager cash stakes 35x to unlock reward (50 on 2 deposits). 3 day exp. Wagering/game contributions vary. 25 wager-extra spins x10p to added to Big Bass Splash with each qualifying deposit, 3 day expiry.

We put a lot of work into finding the best poker sites. We aim to select only the best brands for our readers, sowe use a comprehensive review method. Each site we rate is put through a multi-step test that looks at the following essential factors:

All of the best online poker sites we recommend have promotions.Bonuses give players the opportunity to boost their bankroll or get other benefits. Casinos use these offers to attract new players or freshen up the experience for existing customers. In terms of the best poker sites, UK players can expect to see the following typical promos:

Established 2023

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. Opt in & deposit 10+ within 7 days & wager 35x to get up to 100. Wagering contributions vary. 7 day expiry. Receive 10 - 50 Extra Spins worth 10p on Big Bass Splash. 3 day expiry. Eligible on 2 deposits. T&Cs Apply.

While the game rules will be the same whether you play, for example, Texas Holdem online or at a land-based casino,there are notable differences in the gameplay experience to playing online or in person.

While there is a distinct experience between online and land-based poker,online casinos are increasingly blurring the lines. Most brands now have live dealer sections where poker games run through a live stream from a remote location. This brings some authenticity as you can see the dealer interact with other players and watch the physical game in real-time.

Established 2014

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. 1st dep. of 20-300, max bonus 300 on selected slots, 50x wagering on the sum of deposit & bonus applies. Max convertible 5x bonus amount received and T&Cs Apply. Full T&C apply.

Free poker comes in two types of game formats. Some video poker games are free in demo mode, although you cannot win real money playing this way. Then there are freeroll poker tournaments, allowing players to compete for bonus chips without needing to dip into their bankroll. Many of the best poker sites offer freeroll options for players.

Looking specifically at freeroll vs real money poker, there are some considerations when deciding which is best:

As well as highlighting thebest online poker sites UK players can access,our team also finds the hottest new poker brands. You never need to wait long for a new casino to launch with a poker offering. We are always on the lookout for the top new casino sites, which you can see right here on this page.

Our team selectsthe sites that meet our strict rating criteria, including the following operators:

Established 2023

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Welcome bonus for new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to 100 | Min. deposit is 10 | No max cash out | Wagering is 40x bonus | Maximum bet with an active bonus is 5, Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse | Skrill & Neteller deposits excluded for welcome bonus | Cashback when offered, applies to deposits where no bonus is included | Cashback is cash with no restrictions |

Poker isa diverse game that comes in several variants. Each version is based on the same broad principles - many of which feature in this poker guide - but offers something unique and fresh. The best poker sites will offer a selection of different game types, including these classics:

Established 2014

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. GambleAware: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction . New depositing players only. Welcome bonus: 100 + 20 Bonus Spins on Big Bass Bonanza. Fast payout. Min. deposit: 20. No MAX Cash Out. Winnings won with bonus spins that require a deposit have NO WAGERING requirements. The match-up bonus that requires a deposit must be wagered 40x. T&Cs apply.

When playing on the best poker sites, youcompete against other players for cash prizes. While poker is ultimately a game of luck,some variants require betting skill. That is why players turn to software solutions to help enhance their gameplay.

Paying rake at a poker table happens in land-based venues and even on the best poker sites. UK brands use a rake,a fee players pay to the poker room, but it is automatically deducted from the prize pool. While the rake may seem annoying, it is essential becauseit is how the poker room makes money and remains available. However, you must calculate beating your opponent and winning enough money to cover the rake when playing poker. Again, this is not much of a problem in online poker because the rake is automatic.

Established 2022

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org.

If you want to play real-money poker games and tournaments online,youll need to deposit money. In fact, you will even need to fund your casino account to play freerolls. Once you profit, you can withdraw your money to your chosen financial service. The best poker sites offer a flexible range of payment services, including:

On this page, you can see the best poker sites the UK offers. These brands excel in game selection, traffic, bonuses, tournaments, buy-in flexibility, and prize pools. Read our full reviews to decide which poker casino is best for you. Remember to bookmark this page, as we frequently update it with the latest top-notch poker sites.

Established 2012

#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Welcome bonus for new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to 100 | Min. deposit is 20 | No max cash out | Wagering is 35x bonus | Maximum bet with an active bonus is 5 | Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse | Cashback is cash with no restrictions | Skrill & Neteller deposits excluded | Cashback applies to deposits where no bonus is included - Full Terms Apply

Gambling can be addictive and can quickly become compulsive if great care is not taken. As such, the best poker sites should promote these responsible gambling tools to help users stay in control:

All poker sites regulated by the UK Gambling Commission must give users the option to self-exclude.

The self exclusion tool should be utilised the moment a customer realises their gambling has become problematic. Should you wish to seek help for gambling-related harm, there are several UK charities and institutions you can turn to for support, advice and information:

We recommend PokerStars, Virgin Games, Grosvenor Casino, The Vic and LeoVegas as our top poker sites for UK players. Each brings something unique while they each offer an all-around experience of excellent games, top prizes, lucrative bonuses and usability.

Yes, absolutely, playing online poker is safe. However, there are things you can do to guarantee a safe experience. For example, select a poker site that is fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, can prove its games are fair and has security features to protect players. Each of the best poker sites we highlight meets all of these criteria.

LeoVegas is currently our top pick for mobile poker experience. The brand has a mobile-friendly interface that makes playing poker on the move easy. You can access all games including live dealer options from iOS and Android, and also claim bonuses, deposit/withdraw, and speak to customer support from your smartphone or tablet.

Which poker game you play depends on your taste and gameplay style. Perhaps you like the drama and bluffing of Texas Holdem or playing against the dealer in Caribbean Stud. Maybe you enjoy the tension of not knowing which card is coming next or prefer to hold all your cards like in Seven Card Stud.

Gambling expert Wouter Schuurbiers is a former Belgian Omaha Poker Championship winner with an extensive background in the iGaming industry. He has spent almost 10 years working across Customer Support, Social Media and SEO for various online betting and casino companies.

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The Best Poker Sites for Real Money in {{ - The Independent

Everygame Poker keeps surprising its fans with fantastic rewards that can help increase the chances of winning grand prizes. This week, the company decided to award all players with additional free spins for the two sweetest games in the whole collection: Triple Juicy Drops and Super Sweets. Spins will be available from January 15 to January 22.

But thats not all next weekend is just around the corner, and this is when the new game straight from Betsofts studio, Plinko Rush, will be launched. This game type is completely new in the companys portfolio, so the players are impatient to see whats cooking in Betsoft.

Two games that award additional free spins:

When it comes to hit releases that will award the players with additional Free Spins, theyre already popular among the players. Triple Juicy Drops features Multiplying Wilds, Prize Wheels, as well as three Jackpots that can award the players fantastic prizes. The symbols are in the form of brightly colored fruits that are floating in pink fruit punch. Scatter symbols can activate the Free Spins round followed by Wilds that multiply the prize by 2x or 3x. Three Prize Wheels are available: Mini, Super, and Mega. They award instant cash prizes and free spins.

The players will get 50 Free Spins with the coupon code LEMONDROP50, and the minimum deposit is $25.

Super Sweets game features candy-shaped symbols that are accompanied by Sticky Wilds that can grant the player a free spin. If three Golden Ticket symbols land on the reels, the player gets five free and sticky wilds. If Candy Surprises appear on the reels 2, 3, and 4, the player would be awarded with re-spin or unlocking the free spins round.

The players can be awarded 100 Free Spins on this slot game. The minimum deposit is $50, and the coupon code is VANILLA100.

Great fun with new Plinko Rush release:

Betsofts new game release, Plinko Rush, is based on the TV game show from America, The Price is Right. The gameboard is in the form of pyramids, and pins that look like the ones in the pinball arcade game are placed on it. When the game begins, Gold Balls on the top of the pyramid are released, and they start going through the pins all the way to the bottom.

The chosen Risk Setting can affect the final result of the game and impact the value of the Multiplier. The win can go from .2x to 888x the base bet. The High-Risk setting results in the best wins at the end of the game.

The number of pins on the board, as well as a number of Gold Balls, depends on the players wishes, and it affects the volatility of the game.

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EveryGame Poker Awards the Players with Extra Free Spins - World Casino Directory

If the season concluding $1 million Championship Freeroll did anything for players on the high roller PokerGO Tour circuit, it told them that they needed to be in the Top 40 players in 2024. The rewards for the last 12 months were obvious, as German player Daniel Smiljkovic won the $500,000 top prize just last week, crowned the winner of a tournament he didnt even pay to enter. Qualifying points are everything for players and the PGT Kick Off the first tournament series which qualifies for PGT Points saw some of the best in the world hoping to get their year off to the strongest start possible.

The opening event of the series saw a terrific field of 89 players pay the $5,000 buy-in and take their seats. Only 13 players were paid, including a seven strong final table. With Coleman holding a marginal lead overnight from British-born and Vegas-based legend Stephen Chidwick, Coleman opened the eliminations by busting the Russian player Viktor Ustimov.

Next to go was Clemen Deng in sixth before another Russian, Nikita Kalinin, lost his stack in fifth place. American superstar Jeremy Ausmus busted in fourth his ace-eight lost to Colemans ace-ten. Coleman now had a massive lead, with 60% of the chips in play and just two players between him and victory. Soon, that was only one as Chidwicks king-ten lost to Aram Zobians ace-queen, cashing for $55,625.

Heads-up, Zobian and Coleman took turns having the chip lead but eventually Coleman doubled up with another dominating ace. Zobian, now behind, shoved with queen-eight, but once again he was dominated, Colemans queen-nine proving to be the winning hand when a board of A-J-6-T-7 proclaimed Coleman the winner of the opening event.

The second event of the PGT Kick Off series saw a familiar name at the top of the payouts, as Dylan Weisman claimed his latest PGT title. The Mixed Games series winner in the past won his first No Limit Holdem title on the tour as he defeated Russian player Sergei Kislinskii heads-up for the top prize of $121,500.

A total field of 90 players the biggest of the series in pure entrant-terms saw players such as Joao Simao and Jeremy Ausmus both cash outside the final table of seven players. After Sean Winter bubbled the final table in eighth place, Victoria Livschitz busted in seventh place for $18,000 after Jeremy Becker won a coinflip when his pocket nines held against Livschitzs ace-ten.

After Jesse Lonis busted in sixth place for $22,500, David Coleman busted in fifth place for $31,500 for his second score in two events. He wasnt able to win this time, however, and was followed from the felt by two ore high-scoring Americans in Matthew McEwan (4th for $40,500) and Jeremy Becker (3rd for $56,250) as Weisman cut through the short-handed field.

With a huge lead of 10-to-1 in chips, Weisman didnt take long to finish off Kislinskii, the Russian all-in with king-three, which was unlucky to be dominated and beaten by Weismans king-four. Its a chop half of the time, but that never looked like happening after a dramatic flop of 4-4-2 landed. Both men were on their feet after the three of hearts landed on the turn and the nine of spades closed out the tournament.

Its hard to think of too many more popular players than Justin Young. Blessed with the kind of ready with that comedians need ghost writers for, Young showed his experience as he took home the top prize of $105,850 at Colemans expense as the Event #1 winner finished as runner-up, taking a big lead on the PGT 2024 Leaderboard as a result.

Playing the third of the first four events that cost $5,000 to play were 73 entrants. Only 11 players were paid this time, with Dylan Weisman (10th for $10,950) making consecutive money finishes. With Dylan Linde (8th for $14,600) and Ryan Riess (7th for $14,600) just missing out on deep runs, Young began his ascent to the top of the payouts when he ousted Dylan DeStefano in fourth place.

With three remaining, it took just one sensational hand to end the entire event. Young got it in pre-flop with the biggest stack and pocket eights. Kristen Foxen called off her stack with pocket queens and Coleman second in chips at the time called his stack off with pocket kings. A flop of T-8-6 sprung Young into the lead in the hand and after no paint on turn and river, he had the title and a six-figure top prize. Foxen, all-in and at risk with pocket queens, hadnt even made the heads-up battle this time.

The fourth event saw 41 players enter the fray, with six players paid. Another cash for Victoria Livschitz came in sixth place for $12,300. Losing to the ever-present David Coleman at his fourth final table, Livschitz lost with the dominating hand, her ace-jack falling to Colemans ace-three when a board of Q-8-3-9-2 landed to send her to the rail with her min-cash.

Out in fifth was Justin Bonomo, who won $16,400 for his efforts when his pocket queens started and ended the day behind Jeremy Beckers pocket kings. Becker then busted Nikita Kalinin in fourth for $22,550 before Becker himself was busted in third place for $30,750.

When just two players remained, David Coleman held a strong lead, holding around 70% of the chips in play. Russian player Viktor Ustimov was another quality heads-up opponent, but in the key battles between American and Russian players in the series, the home crowd got the better of their enemies, and sure enough, Colemans king-three won against Ustimovs ace-king when a three landed on the flop and nothing came to spike his tyres on another race to the finish line in first place.

My spidey senses say this isnt good for me.

The final event of the PGT Kick Off series saw players put up a $10,000 entry fee, double the cost of the buy-in in the first four events. Heading out before the money this time were Event #2 winner Dylan Weisman (10th) and bubble boy Jim Collopy. Battling over the prizepool of $500,000 were the final eight, led by Daniel Negreanu with 2.5 million chips, with Aram Zobian (1.63m) and Sam Laskowitz (1.49m) his closest rivals.

Late on the penultimate day, Dylan Linde (8th for $20,000) and Eric Baldwin (7th for $20,000) busted, as the remaining half dozen players reconvened the next day to play down to a winner and the $165,000 top prize. The player who busted in sixth place was Japanese professional Masashi Oya, who began with just a handful of blinds and lost with king-ten to Alex Foxens ace-five when a five landed to send him home with $30,000.

One of the most entertaining clashes was between two players who woke up together as the day began, Kristen and Alex Foxen. One bet from the latter on the river saw Kristen toss her cards away in her husbands direction.

It feels like youre taunting me, he laughed, and Kristen joined in. Alex busted soon after, cashing for $40,000 when his pocket aces were unlucky to fall when the chips were committed pre-flop against Kristens pocket queens. A board of Q-5-4-2-8 saw Alex depart, and in busting her other half, Kristen rocketed to the top of the leaderboard along with Negreanu.

Aram Zobian departed in fourth for $50,000, before Sam Laskowitz lost to Kristen Foxen too, busting in third place for $70,000. Two Canadians remained but only one could win. With the stacks fairly even, a board of K-T-3-Q-8 saw Foxen bet 1 million chips. Negreanu, holding king-nine, wasnt feeling confident.

My spidey senses say this isnt good for me, he said. [But] if I fold this, theyll laugh at me. Man, Im so dead. How can I be dead, though?

Eventually, Negreanu made the call but although he had the right instinct when talking through the hand, he couldnt find the right fold, which was shown to him when Foxen turned over king-three for a flopped two pair. Losing in the final hand with king-nine again, Negreanu saw Foxens jack-six hit a jack on the flop to win the top prize of $165,000.

After the battle Negreanu congratulated Foxen on X, formerly known as Twitter. Well, sort of.

Five PGT Kick Off events produced four winners, with David Coleman taking two of the titles on offer. That means that Coleman has a strong lead over the field, with double the PGT Points of everyone on the Top 10 Leaderboard with only Foxen remotely close to the America at the top of the leaderboard.

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PGT Kick Off Dominated by David Coleman: Negreanu and Foxen Also Win - Tight Poker

This week saw popular YouTube star and triple WSOP bracelet winner Doug Polk and financial investor, high stakes cash game player and prop bettor extraordinaire Bill Perkins combine for a seven-figure loss at the poker felt.

Fans of Doug Polk will know that the Texas-based World Series of Poker legend is part of a triumvirate of poker room co-owners. With a big stake in The Lodge Card Club in Texas, Doug Polk and World Poker Tour ambassadors Brad Owen and Andrew Neeme have successfully grown the clubs tournament and, in particular, cash game action in the past year.

This week, the line-up at The Lodge was incredible. With Doug Polk joined by big names such as Perkins and one of the most entertaining players of 2023, Nik Airball Arcot, there were always going to be fireworks. True enough, the action was explosive and at blinds of $200/$400 with a $400 big blind ante, every pot was worth winning.

The Lodge Card Club, in Austin, Texas, welcomed several players to the long cash game session, with the action taking place over the course of 12 hours, beginning at 3pm local time and ending at the same time in the small hours. With the action streamed, once again poker fans were enthralled as they got to see some of their poker heroes battle with those they love to hate. Who won or lost? Lets take a look at the tale of the tape.

Whilst Doug Polk endured a losing session largely due to the biggest pot in poker history, the biggest loser on the night was Bill Perkins. The hedge fund manager, who penned a life advice book entitled Die With Zero, did his very best to make some small steps towards doing just that as he trimmed a thick wedge of $741,100 off his immense personal fortune. One particular hand on a board of Q-8-4-6-8 was painful in the extreme. Holding just pocket fives, Perkins lost a pot worth $160,800 to local man Alex. It was not Perkins night, but his vivacious personality never dimmed and once again he proved just how good he is or the game, whether youre sharing the felt with him or tuning in online.

Doug Polk didnt lose as much as Perkins, but in dropping the biggest pot in Lodge Card Club history, he put himself at the bottom of a mountain he couldnt then surmount.

On the river of a board showing 9-3-2-J-8 with two failed flush draws on it, Polk bluffed with just a suited ace-four, betting $186,000. Alex it was again who called, showing pocket jacks for turned trips, and that was good enough to scoop the record $707,800 pot.

Given he lost that epic hand, Polk actually made a very decent recovery over the ensuing hours, but still ended down to the tune of $288,900 on the night. With lifetime winnings of $10.4 million in live tournaments alone, the co-owner of the club will certainly cope but it proves how tough the table really was on the night and early morning.

Over the course of the mammoth session, players may have bought in for a minimum of $100,000 but they each left with very different amounts. The biggest loser on the night was Perkins (-$741,100), with Doug Polk himself ($-288,900) shipping over a quarter of a million. Bulldog was bitten for $75,200, while Nik Airball just ended up in the red, losing $71,600 across the session.

The biggest winner on the night was Alex, who after taking down the biggest ever pot at the Lodge against Polk, also won big in that hand where tens topped foves against Perkins. Overall, Alex cashed out for an incredible profit of $590,100 on the night, with Brown Balla $+$255,500) and Taras (+$237,400) also banking huge profits. Charles had $436,800 on the table as the clock was called but only $93,800 of that was that which he didnt put on the table himself.

Want to watch the session in full and see exactly how experienced cash game players Doug Polk and Bill Perkins lost over a million dollars at the poker felt in Texas? Of course you do. Here it is in all its glory:

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Doug Polk and Bill Perkins Drop a Million in Epic Texas Cash Game - Tight Poker

It is an ongoing effort, and we will continue to do all in our power to ensure we keep poker fun and fair, and listening to our players will continue to be a key factor to progress on this front 888poker refunded over $350k to players in 2023 as part of its continuing crackdown on fraudulent accounts that use prohibited tools, pokerfuse has learned.

The operator, sharing data with pokerfuse, disclosed that it took decisive action by blocking 161 accounts throughout the year. These accounts were identified for utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) or real-time assistance (RTA) during online poker tables.

In response, 888poker not only banned these accounts but also initiated refunds totaling $362,893, compensating 4068 players who had been adversely affected by these illicit activities.

Our continued progress in tackling bots stems from the understanding that it is crucial in order to ensure that 888poker continues to provide an enjoyable, safe, and level playing field for all our players, Matan Krakow, Head of Poker Offering at 888poker told pokerfuse.

The operator said that out of the $363k total, $250k was directly paid from the operators own pockets. The operator did this when it was not possible to reclaim funds from blocked accounts.

888 highlighted that their success in combating fraudulent accounts resulted not only from increased resources in detection capabilities, but also acknowledged the support and collaboration of the player community. According to Krakow, players play an important role to play in helping provide [them] with vital information about players they think are using AI and RTA.

The Head of Poker Offering at 888 further explained that the site continues to consult with advisors who are top notch in terms of analyzing hand histories and detecting non-human patterns. Feedback received indicates that, after rigorous work in recent years, 888poker stands out favorably compared to competitors, boasting a clean and safe playing environment.

It is an ongoing effort, and we will continue to do all in our power to ensure we keep poker fun and fair, and listening to our players will continue to be a key factor to progress on this front, Krakow stated in a statement to pokerfuse.

The disclosure of this data comes amid a surge in reports of cheating. Recent accusations targeted the US-facing offshore unregulated platform ACR Poker, where hundreds of accounts were alleged to be operated by bots (bot farm), accumulating over $10 million in winnings in recent years. Similar concerns were raised regarding social poker apps such as PokerBros.

Weeks ago GGPoker was hit with a massive superuser scandal after a security breach that granted a player access to flop and turn all-in equities, providing an unfair advantage over opponents.

Although the recent revelation of data regarding fraudulent activities may seem like a response to the ongoing discussions surrounding cheating in online poker, this is not the first time that 888 has been transparent about its initiatives to safeguard gaming integrity and share such information.

In 2021, 888 took steps to create a fair and level playing field for all players, joining the growing trend of transparency among operators in how they uphold game integrity. The commitment included regular reporting of figures.

In its first public disclosure three years ago, the platform announced 85 fraudulent accounts were detected for using AI software, recovering nearly $100,000 and compensating over 4000 players.

The following year, in 2022, the platform refunded almost $300,000 to 6801 players, reflecting a 32% year-over-year increase in the detection of fraudulent accounts. The latest figures now reveal a new record, with the operator reimbursing $362,000 to 4068 players, marking a 26% annual increase.

These latest statistics suggest that the operator has either enhanced its detection capabilities or that there has been a rise in fraudulent activities. Naturally, the platform would likely attribute the former to increased investments and the adoption of new, sophisticated detection methods.

Over the past few years we have continuously enhanced our AI and data capabilities when it comes to deducing playing patterns that indicate abnormal behaviour, Amit Berkovich, VP Head of Poker at 888, said in a recent interview with Poker Industry PRO.

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

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888poker Refunded $350k to Players Affected by Bots and RTA in 2023 - Pokerfuse