Category Archives: Poker

The popular Poker in the Ears Podcast, a PokerStars production, released its 305th episode on Thursday, and it was headlined by guest Lexy Gavin-Mather.

Gavin-Mather is an author, poker pro, and teaches a poker training course. She joined hosts Joe Stapleton and James Hartigan for an interesting conversation about her experiences with the poker world.

But before the guest appeared, "Uncle Daddy Joe Stapleton" and his "Work Wife" explained that Will Jaffe, a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner and comedic poker X personality, was the original guest slated to appear on Episode 305. Jaffe couldn't make it because he was too busy playing poker.

The conversation with Gavin-Mather started with the poker pro sharing her story about how and when she got into poker. Her entrance into the game began in 2009, right after she graduated college, on PokerStars, and her first live tournament cash came in 2013. Much like many other online poker players following the infamous Black Friday scandal on April 15, 2011, she had to make some changes.

"After Black Friday, I did the whole move to Canada thing with a bunch of pros and started grinding up there," Gavin-Mather said. "I used to mass multi-table, 24 tables."

More than a decade ago, she won an online package to a live event and transitioned more to playing live poker, mostly cash games. But she does have over $600,000 in live tournament cashes, according to The Hendon Mob.

Gavin-Mather credited the many poker pros she befriended, dated, or lived with in the past who helped her grow as a poker player. Some names she dropped included Greg Merson and Ankush Mandavia.

"I credit them for so much of my career," Gavin-Mather said of her early days poker pro friends. "I was a losing player when I first started playing online. I used to mass multi-table micro stakes, you know, and I was struggling beating 5-cent/10-cent for the longest time. I would just sit behind them and I would watch them, and I'd be like 'why'd you do that?"

Life Outside Poker: Farah Galfond on Days of Our Lives, Balancing Poker & Family

The Poker in the Ears guest would go on to discuss the lifestyle online poker grinders in their 20's had back in the post-Black Friday era. She then turned her attention to her spouse, Bob Mather, a fellow poker player and enthusiast.

"It was unexpected and the best thing to ever come out of my poker career for me," she said about her husband.

Gavin-Mather continued to say that she'd been friends with her now husband "for a very long time," and had met at Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles.

"The summer of 2019, we just kind of fell in love at the (World Series of Poker)."

Many poker pros find it difficult to build long-term relationships, but that hasn't been the case for Gavin-Mather, who told Stapes and Hartigan that Bob Mather has been supportive of her career, and referred to her marriage as "a team."

"I don't think I could have done it without him and his support," the poker pro said of her supportive spouse.

Not only is Gavin-Mather a poker author and pro, she also has a successful YouTube channel, which she uses to vlog her poker life and share some valuable poker tips for her audience.

To listen to the full conversation on Poker in the Ears, click on the link below or search for it on SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

There are thousands of online poker tournaments taking place every day, which is far too many to keep track of, even for the most organized of people. You lose out on a potential big score every time you fail to register for a tournament.

PokerNews has created an Online Poker Tournament Calendar for PokerStars players to use, helping them to plan ahead and create a grinding schedule, or fire up some events they weren't aware were in-play or about to start. Check it out!

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Poker in the Ears Episode 305: Lexy Gavin-Mather Tells Her Poker Story - PokerNews.com

A leading poker and gaming marketing agency, Above the Felt, partnered with the landmark Potawatomi Casino Hotel for the grand opening of the Milwaukee-based casinos state-of-the-art poker room scheduled for May 2024. The partnership, bringing the flagship poker event to Wisconsin, represents a significant milestone in Above the Felts expansion in the Mid-West United States.

Grand Opening Festivities:

According to the agencys press release, the upcoming poker event will bring along some of the best poker players from Above the Felts talent pool and content creators and promoters. The new-age agency boasting of creating winning relationships between its talent roster and clients will use the poker room grand opening to make a connection with regional players and make the milestone event an unforgettable experience. According to Above the Felt, the Potawatomi Casino Hotel resort will be home to the grand opening and the main poker event scheduled for 2 May 2024.

Featuring Three Poker Experts:

The event is reportedly expected to heat the atmosphere and feature three prominent personalities from the poker industry. As reported, poker players Matt Berkey, Jamie Kerstetter, and Jaman Burton will attend the festivities and join the tables to exercise their poker skills. Even more, the trilling of aces will invite poker players to take advantage of a unique opportunity to join them for a special meet-up cash game.

Commenting on the milestone poker room grand opening, Tom Wheaton, Founder & CEO at Above the Felt reportedly said: We are proud to join forces with Potawatomi Casino Hotel to celebrate this occasion. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to enhancing the poker experience for poker players in the region by bringing together top poker talent to interact with players, fans, and followers alike.

Sharing excitement about the latest partnership, Michael Hall, Director of Table Games at Potawatomi Casino, commented: We are thrilled to partner with Above the Felt for the grand opening of our new poker room. This event marks a significant milestone for Potawatomi Casino Hotel, and we look forward to providing an unparalleled experience for poker enthusiasts with Matt, Jamie, Jaman and Tom on-site.

Connecting Poker Enthusiasts:

The unique personalities featured in the event expressed their excitement about the upcoming grand opening. According to the press release, Matt Berkey, an award-winning player well-known for his high-stake poker skills, is honored to participate in the poker room grand opening festivities at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Its a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow poker enthusiasts at their typical stakes and share in the competition of the game together, he said.

Jamie Kerstetter, a distinguished broadcaster and poker player, considers events like these essential for fostering camaraderie and excitement within the poker community. Kerstetter added: I cant wait to engage with fans and create memorable experiences together!

An award-winning poker content creator, Jaman Burton, feels the same vibe as his fellow poker experts. Im excited to be partnering with Potawatomi Casino Hotel, one of the leading casinos and newest poker rooms in the state of Wisconsin, he said. It will be a lot of fun to share my passion for poker and connect with fellow players in such an immersive setting.

Expanding Talent Pool:

As reported, the poker room grand opening ceremony is set for 2 May 2024. The visitors of the Potawatomi Casino Hotel will have the opportunity to engage in the festivities and attend some thrilling poker action. Poker celebrations will reportedly begin at 12 p.m. to run all day long and mark the significant partnership between Above the Felt and the established casino brand in Wisconsin. Lastly, the event will also mark a milestone in Above the Felts expansion in the Mid-West region, which is set to bring more players to its remarkable talent pool.

Read more here:

Above the Felt's Poker Room Grand Opening in Wisconsin - World Casino Directory

Crandell Addington, a legendary Texas poker pro, has passed away at age 85.

The Poker Hall of Famer cashed four times in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event three times in the 1970s including runner-up finishes to Johnny Moss (1974), Doyle Brunson (1976), and Bobby Baldwin (1978).

Addington, born June 2, 1938 in Graham, Texas, passed away April 14, 2024. He competed in the first ever World Series of Poker in 1970 against Brunson, Moss, Amarillo Slim, Puggy Pearson, Sailor Roberts, and Carl Cannon. Back then, poker's world championship event was tiny and in its infancy, and the winner Moss was determined by a vote.

The late poker legend still holds the record for most WSOP Main Event final table appearances with seven. His last WSOP cash came in the 1989 Main Event, a 36th place finish for $7,500.

Addington was one of the lone remaining Texas road gamblers from the 1960s and 1970s. He came up in poker competing against the likes of Brunson, Moss, and Amarillo Slim, all Texans and fellow Poker Hall of Famers. In 2005, Addington joined the crew in the HOF, and was inducted alongside Jack Binion.

Poker was far from the only thing Addington is known for. The Southwestern University graduate with degrees in economics and accounting put that college education to good use after leaving Nevada to return to his Texas roots in San Antonio. He was an entrepreneur and the CEO, Chairman, and Director of Phoenix Biotechnology, a cancer treatment research organization.

A Celebration of Life memorial is set for Mr. Addington on April 26 at the Paisanos Restaurant in Lincoln Heights, Texas, not far from his home in San Antonio.

Poker Hall of Famer Crandell Addington Reveals Secrets from Early Days of WSOP

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Poker Hall of Famer Crandell Addington Passes Away at 85 - PokerNews.com

US poker players have a wide selection of offshore poker sites to choose from, the challenge is narrowing them down to find the online casino with the biggest bonuses, the widest selection of poker variations to play, as well as modern features and site design.

In this guide, we rank our favorite online poker sites and discuss everything you need to know about the various benefits, events, pros & cons, and unique features offered at the best offshore poker casinos. Keep reading to find out more.

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The offshore sites weve ranked below offer the best selection of bonuses and unique gaming opportunities for US online poker players.

Players can take advantage of a variety of games and perks at each of the offshore poker sites on our list. Weve provided more details about each of them below so that you can get an idea of how they reached the top of our rankings.

Multi-table events, cash games, entertaining poker variations, and incentives BetOnline has them all. If you are one of the low stakes players, BetOnline poker is perfect for you. Still, the operator also provides higher stakes for experienced players.

Poker fans can play cash games and tournaments featuring Texas Holdem, Omaha, and Omaha H/L at BetOnline. Cash game blinds begin at $0.05, and while there are some free tournaments, there arent many freerolls. Numerous tournaments are hosted every day, along with sit-and-go events that are offered 24 hours a day.

In addition to credit/debit cards, BetOnline accepts crypto deposits. While using a credit card in order to make a deposit involves a relatively hefty fee of 9.75%, using cryptocurrency is fee-free. Payouts generally require up to five days to process, while certain payments can be processed in less than ten minutes.

The BetOnline poker sign-up 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000, and the wagering requirements are reasonable. Players can benefit from a variety of ongoing poker promotions on the website, including the Rake & Rise Rewards and Mystery Bounty Tournament.

Since its debut in 2011, this website has grown significantly in popularity. Bovada poker room offers a variety of cash games with low rakes. It also provides a huge selection of events, including knockout and turbo tournaments, anonymous tables along with a reasonable welcome bonus.

Bovada features Texas Holdem and Omaha, which includes Omaha Hi/Lo. While Texas Hold em dominates in cash games and tournaments, many other tournament variations, including turbo tournaments, are available to US poker players.

Bovada offers a wide range of deposit options, such as credit/debit cards and crypto deposits, including Bitcoin and Litecoin. When it comes to the withdrawal option choice, there is an array of cryptos, bank wire transfers, and a few other methods. There may be fees connected to a number of withdrawal options, including credit card transactions, but not with cryptocurrencies.

While there arent many promotions on this site, there is a good poker welcome offer that doubles the first amount you deposit by 100% up to $500. Still, it does have a terrific loyalty program that rewards any recreational player for playing more. As you climb the loyalty tiers, points not only let you access new payment options but they also give you the chance to win cash and tickets at major poker tournaments.

Lucky Block, an exceptional offshore online crypto casino, welcomes gambling enthusiasts with 21 poker games, a vibrant live casino, and an extensive collection of approximately 6,000 thrilling casino games. Casino Hold Em and Caribbean Stud poker are available in addition to the normal live lobby sections. Plus, a variety of video poker variations can be played.

Your username, email, and password are the only information you need to provide throughout the simple sign-up process. This instant play option provides a level of anonymity that is unparalleled by other real-money online poker sites. Lucky Block shines as a premier choice for US gamblers, featuring a mobile app that easily syncs with its desktop platform for a smooth gaming experience.

The depositing options available to crypto players from the United States include Litecoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin. Deposits start at 0.0001, and withdrawals at 0.0002. Besides, you dont have to worry about unexpected costs or payment limits.

Lucky Block offers a substantial welcome bonus of up to 25,000 and 50 free spins. Once you use that one up, you may be able to benefit from other Lucky Block promotions and bonuses like reload bonuses.

In December 2021, Everygame replaced Intertops as one of the first offshore poker sites, making it one of the best new casinos in the US. There are several reasons why Everygame poker is a great pick as your next offshore poker site.

To start with, you will receive a sizable 36% rakeback from Everygame, which will be transferred into your offshore gambling account in $10 increments which is quite different from the first three poker rooms we reviewed. Both cash games and tournaments are eligible for this rakeback. This incentive is not given out automatically, you must contact the website and ask for it.

The two poker variants offered inside Everygame poker room are Texas Holdem and, of course, Omaha. In cash games, blinds normally begin at $0.02/$0.04, while experienced players may notice significantly higher blinds. Numerous tournaments are offered throughout the day, as well as freerolls, such as a monthly freeroll for anyone who makes deposits of $25 or more.

You can make deposits with credit or debit cards. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin are supported, along with a few other payment methods. Luckily, there is more than one withdrawal option, but the majority of users choose cryptocurrencies or bank wire transfers. While withdrawals might happen quickly, deposits might require up to five days. Withdrawals of cryptocurrency are free. However, some processes, such as bank wire transfers, have a $50 fee.

You can get 20 free casino spins in addition to a 200% deposit bonus of up to $1,000. Additionally, there is a no-deposit incentive. The proper approach to take part in the loyalty program is to accumulate recurring player points when you play, climb the levels, and win prizes. The 36% rakeback, which is distributed in $10 increments each day, is an additional benefit.

Although SportsBetting.ag is generally recognized as a sportsbook, it also offers a fantastic poker platform. The most well-known poker site in the US, BetOnline, is a member of the exact same online poker network as this one.

Thanks to the Chico Poker Network, you can choose from a variety of poker titles, and there are always plenty of players willing to challenge you. The incredible selection of games offered by SportsBetting.ag is made possible by the renowned network it utilizes. Texas Holdem is the most popular variant, although Omaha and Omaha H/L are also available.

Numerous cash games are readily accessible, and tournaments start almost immediately. Freerolls and some significantly large multi-table tournaments are also available to players from the States.

One of SportsBetting.ags biggest selling point is the diversity of cryptocurrencies it accepts. There are 18 choices, and each one enables rapid, cost-free transactions. Credit/debit cards and a few common payment methods are also accepted. Several cryptos support payouts, with the majority of them requiring a $20 minimum payout. Using cryptocurrency is free in comparison with other methods that could charge fees.

Everyone playing at SportsBetting.ag receives a welcome bonus, and additional benefits are available all year long. Apart from the 8 days of complimentary tournament tickets you get, you can also claim the 100% deposit bonus of up to $1,000.

Heres an overview of the features that the best offshore poker sites offer to players from the US.

To help you make wise choices and play responsibly and safely, lets discuss the criteria we use to select the best offshore poker sites for US Gamblers.

LicensingSoftware and Game SelectionCasino BonusesPayment Methods

Always make sure the offshore poker casino sites you select are regulated by an established organization and have a current license. A trustworthy offshore operator must possess a valid gaming license from an established authority. Authorities in charge of licensing ensure that the offshore poker site abides by stringent rules on player safety, security, and game fairness. Curacao, Malta, and Kahnawake are a few well-known licensing jurisdictions.

The greatest offshore operators offer a variety of poker titles that appeal to players of all experience levels and tastes. Search for offshore sites that offer standard game types like Texas Holdem and Omaha, as well as specialized games and tournaments. Also, consider the websites software quality. User-friendly interfaces, smooth gambling, and reliable performance are essential to an enjoyable poker session.

The right promotions and bonuses can greatly improve your gambling experience by adding value and providing chances to increase your bankroll. The top offshore poker casinos provide a variety of promos, such as freerolls, welcome bonuses, as well as loyalty programs. However, its important to carefully read the terms and conditions of any deal because some can have hefty wagering requirements.

Its essential to have secure and practical payment options when gambling on an offshore website. Top offshore sites provide a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including a variety of cryptocurrencies, e-wallets and credit cards. Additionally, take into account whether there is SSL encryption, how quickly transactions are processed, and how much they cost, as these are signs of a poker site that puts players needs above everything else.

Offshore operators have become a popular choice for US poker enthusiasts seeking a larger selection of games and higher incentives. However, given the growing popularity of offshore poker gambling, it is crucial for participants to be aware of the pros and cons of playing at even the best offshore poker sites.

Access to the best offshore poker sites is permitted for US citizens, but gambling laws vary from state to state. Because these offshore sites are exempt from US legal requirements, they are free to run and function according to local laws in other countries.

It is against the law for US-based online poker operators to take players from jurisdictions in which this or any form of internet gambling is prohibited. Since there are no regulations preventing Americans from playing offshore poker online, doing so is completely lawful.

Opening a new account on an offshore poker site is a pretty easy process. Were going to walk you through the registration process using BetOnline, our top-rated offshore poker site, as an example in order to assist you.

On the homepage, click the Join (Sign Up) button to begin the registration process. You will need to fill in the requested information on the form that will be provided.

Making your initial deposit requires going to the cashier. There are numerous payment options available. You can enter the promo code to be eligible for a welcome deal after choosing the payment method and amount.

Head over to the BetOnline poker room and start playing your favorite poker games.

For many poker enthusiasts in the US, state-licensed sites are off the table, so they often turn to offshore platforms to play online. If youre weighing your options between regulated and offshore sites, here are some important factors to think about:

Choosing between regulated and offshore poker sites isnt a black-and-white decision. You can enjoy the best of both worlds, whether youre playing in a state with regulated sites or using reputable offshore platforms to ensure a safe and fun poker experience.

Read the original:

Best Offshore Poker Sites for the US Players in 2024 - ReadWrite

Online poker sites PokerStars and Bwin must refund over $450,000 to cover losses by players on their sites, a Dutch court ruled on Wednesday.

In a significant ruling that may have widespread ramifications for both players and sites, two Dutch players sought reimbursement for losses incurred on PokerStars and Bwin while the sites operated in the Netherlands without proper licensing.

The court eventually ruled the gambling agreements null and void, meaning the losses which occurred between 2006 and 2021 must be repaid.

As reported by De Telegraaf and CasinoNieuws, the Overijssel District Court heard the case of two players who had lost money on the poker sites before the legalization of online gambling in the Netherlands in October 2021.

The players argued that since these casinos operated without licenses in the country, the gaming agreements each player agreed to were null and void. Therefore the sites should reimburse the losses.

PokerStars argued that even if the agreement were to be nullified, it doesn't necessitate a refund as most of the lost money in poker flows to other players. However, the court disagreed, emphasizing that the money went to PokerStars and was held in their PokerStars account, rather than being directly transferred to other players.

Although both sites have the right to appeal the six-figure ruling, the judgment has been declared provisionally enforceable by the judge and therefore must comply immediately. The ruling also sets a precedent for hundreds of other cases that have yet to come before Dutch courts.

Dutch Poker Players Set to Receive Millions in Taxes Back After Settlement Agreement

Layer Benzi Loonstein, who represented the poker players in these lawsuits, called it a "groundbreaking ruling", saying they'd been working intensely on the case for 18 months.

"This is the first time that the judge has ordered online casinos to refund the bets made to players," said Loonstein. "The gambling companies have clearly ignored their duty of care.

"The gambling companies have clearly ignored their duty of care"

"They can be reached 24/7 by people, while they do not see the damage being done. I assist clients who have gambled away their deceased parents' inheritance in a few days or whose savings account that was intended for their old age has disappeared. Such stories are very poignant. These are situations that the gambling companies are not aware of.

"With the rulings made, the court has shown that the behavior of the online casinos was unacceptable and that the losses must now be reimbursed."

According to Casinonieuws, PokerStars will have to repay 230,705 in losses as well as interest, legal and judicial costs. Meanwhile, Bwin must repay 187,622 along with interest and legal costs.

This isn't the first time poker has been the subject of Dutch courts, with a judge ruling against player refunds in 2015 and a seven-year trial in 2014 ruling that poker was a game of skill, not chance.

However, the Amsterdam Court of Appeals later overturned this ruling in 2016.

Based in the United Kingdom, Will started working for PokerNews as a freelance live reporter in 2015 and joined the full-time staff in 2019. He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German. He also holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.

Read more:

"Groundbreaking Ruling" Sees Poker Sites Ordered to Refund Losses to Players - PokerNews.com

Fifteen-time Circuit ring winner Josh Reichard is hungry to add a World Poker Tour (WPT) title to his poker resume, and he's in great shape to do so after bagging a massive chip lead with 16 players left in the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship.

The Wisconsin crusher ended Day 3 with a stack of over 200 big blinds after also bagging the Day 2 chip lead. If the momentum keeps up, he will have his name on the Mike Sexton WPT Championship Cup and will earn the top prize of $839,300.

Though he has heaps, Reichard will have to get through a field that includes poker prodigies Landon Tice and Jesse Lonis, the latter of whom hasn't busted a Main Event in this venue in eight tournament days as he chopped the Lucky Hearts Poker Open Championship in January three ways for $404,267.

The field also includes 2018 WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic winner Dylan Linde, the only WPT Champions Club member remaining in the field. The poker author's deep run comes just weeks after he won a $10,000 High Roller on the WPT Voyage for $230,467.

Read About Day 2 of the WPT SHRPS!

There were 101 players who returned for Day 3 after an eventful Day 2 that included the bursting of the money bubble, and Reichard led the way with a stack 3,100,000. He only further amassed chips from there as the field shrunk by more than three-quarters and ended up putting 22,200,000 in the bag.

He's far in front of the next closest in chips, Alex Queen with 14,250,000, who himself is far in front of Wasim Assaf with 6,750,000.

Tice sits fifth in the chip counts while Lonis is further down the list, though both should be counting themselves lucky to advance. During Level 27, the two played a dramatic hand where Lonis was all in with pocket sixes against the ace-nine of Tice.

Lonis flopped a set to take a decent lead ahead of the gutshot of Tice, who hit his straight on the turn before the river put the same straight on the board to result in a chop.

"What a f***in' game, huh?" Tice said with a smile as the dealer divided the pot.

Ace-nine was also lucky for Mukul Pahuja, who doubled through Reichard despite being dominated by ace-queen. It was but a small setback for Reichard as he went on to eliminate Pahuja, Danny Panagatos and Chad Trentacosta to the end Day 3.

Day 4 will get underway on Tuesday, April 23 at noon local time with blinds at the same 50,000/100,000/100,000 as when play concluded on Day 3. The event will play down to six players, who will bag up before heading to Las Vegas for the televised final table on May 29.

PokerNews will be back on-site tomorrow for more coverage of the SHRPS action, and live updates from the event can be found on the WPT site in the meantime.

*Images courtesy Joe Giron & WPT

More here:

Josh Reichard Leads Final 16 in WPT SHRPS; Lonis, Linde & Tice in Contention - PokerNews.com

One poker pro gave up a big stack last week because something much more important was happening.

While poker players are notoriously late for a lot of things, the start of Day 2 with a chip lead is not one of them. It would take something very special for them to forfeit the stack entirely.

That is exactly what Nick Yunis did on Day 2 of the $1,100 Triple Stack event at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open in Florida. He bagged 509,000 chips which was the 11th biggest stack in an event with a $136,570.

His reasoning was very good, however, the birth of his new son:

This is not the first time this has happened. Jason Koon famously forfeited in the $250,000 Super High Roller (and got a refund) when his wife went into labour.

Yunis told PokerNews that he had a backer in this particular event who had no issue with forfeiting his stack. It no doubt helped that he won the $1,100 Deep Stack event in this series earlier this month for $34,005.

What was your reason for forfeiting a big stack on Day 2? Let us know in the comments:

Barry Carter is the editor of PokerStrategy.com and the co-author of The Mental Game of Poker 1 & 2, Poker Satellite Strategy, PKO Poker Strategy, Endgame Poker Strategy, GTO Poker Simplified, Mystery Bounty Poker Strategy and Beyond GTO.

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News: Poker player forfeits chip lead for birth of his son - pokerstrategy.com

Last updated: April 23, 2024 06:37 EDT | 24 min read

If youre looking to play poker online using Tether than you have come to the right place. After visiting and testing dozens of Tether poker sites, we selected 6 poker sites to feature as the very best Tether poker sites in 2024.

Continue reading below to find out what makes each of these poker sites unique. Also, you will learn more about USDT poker in general and what to look for when visiting and playing at the top Tether poker sites. So with that, lets get into it.

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First on our list of the top Tether online poker sites is CoinPoker. CoinPoker was first established in 2017, and since then as quickly become a top destination for online poker. This is because they are fully licensed and regulated, thus offer a safe environment for online poker players.

More importantly, CoinPoker features several different crypto poker games such as Texas HoldEm, Pot Limit Omaha, and even 5-Card Omaha. Furthermore, you will find poker tournaments with large prizes and tables that are great for both beginners and experienced players.

In terms of banking, you can use USDT. All payouts and withdrawals are rather instant and there are no added fees. This is one of the best features at CoinPoker.

Lastly, CoinPoker is known for offering bonuses and promotions to both new and existing customers. Their flagship welcome offer allows you to earn up to 100% of $1,100 (in the form of CHP, which is their own token). This bonus is one of the best available across all crypto gambling sites.

Visit CoinPoker

BetOnline takes the second spot on our list of featured Tether casino sites with poker. At BetOnline, you will receive access to 25 video poker games and live poker games, including live Texas HoldEm. Moreover, BetOnline functions as a sportsbook and casino if you are interested in betting beyond just poker.

In terms of the Tether video poker, there are single-hand and multi-hand variants, including but not limited to Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, and Joker Poker. Also, the live poker games run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here, the buy-ins are reasonable and the quality of play is pretty high.

If you prefer, you can download a poker app from BetOnline, which exclusively features poker games. As opposed to navigating to the poker section via the online casino.

In terms of the bonus, BetOnline offers a $1,000 deposit match bonus, which is on par with the crypto bonus featured at CoinPoker. Its a very competitive offer and a great choice if you are looking for a new poker bonus to claim.

Visit BetOnline

Bovada is another top poker site that also accepts Tether. Like BetOnline, Bovada functions as a sportsbook and a crypto casino. However, the poker section does not disappoint as they feature both live poker and video poker games.

The best part about Bovada is their selection of poker tournaments. There are tournament games running daily and all of them feature great prizes. Additionally, there are cash games and as mentioned dozens of video poker games inside the casino section. All-in-all, Bovada provides a good selection of game formats and game types.

In terms of banking, you can use USDT to deposit and withdrawal funds. The payout timeline isnt as fast as CoinPoker but we were impressed with the easy process.

Overall, Bovada features 40 poker tables, tournaments, and video poker and that is what makes it a great online poker site. We highly encourage you to check out Bovada if youre looking for a new Tether poker site.

Visit Bovada

Everygame is another top USDT poker site we believe is among the very best. The poker room at Everygame stands out as it features several live poker games running all day.

In terms of the games, Texas HoldEm and Omaha are the most popular games at Everygame. Also, the buy-ins are manageable. Additionally, players can participate in freeroll tournaments, eliminating the need for buy-ins altogether.

New players can claim a generous welcome bonus upon signing up at Everygame. Upon making your first deposit, you gain access to an extra $2,000 in funds, with Everygame matching 200% of your initial deposit. This bonus remains valid for up to 90 days from the date of activation.

Overall, Everygame offers a great poker section (including video poker) as well as a sportsbook and casino making it a great poker site if youre looking for a new Tether poker casino.

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Ignition stands out as another casino offering excellent USDT poker games. Since its launch in 2016, Ignition Poker has garnered a dedicated following, establishing itself as a safe and secure online poker platform where you can use USDT to deposit.

At Ignition, you can explore the nuances of different poker variants, including Texas Holdem and Omaha. Additionally, there are an array of video poker titles including but not limited to Jacks or Better to Joker Poker and Deuces Wild. All-in-all, you have access to an enticing selection of video poker games upon joining the casino.

Moreover, Ignition offers generous $3,000 welcome bonus upon making your first crypto deposit. This bonus can be split, allowing you to allocate $1,500 towards poker and another $1,500 towards other casino games. With a manageable rollover requirement of 25x, Ignition presents an attractive proposition for both poker enthusiasts and casino gamers alike.

Visit Ignition

The last Tether poker site we wanted to highlight is Juicy Stakes. Juicy is most known for its affiliation with the Horizon Poker Network, sharing its platform with Everygame. Therefore, you know there are quality poker games available.

Like CoinPoker, Juicy Stakes offers very fast payouts and processes deposits rather instantly, especially when you opt to use USDT. Additionally, you can choose other banking option such as eWallets, Visa, Mastercard, and others.

In terms of poker, there are daily tournaments across multiple categories. From Bounty Tournaments featuring modest buy-ins starting at $1.10 to lucrative bounties valued at up to $500, theres something for everyone looking to test their skills and win big.

Lastly, there is an enticing welcome bonus at Juicy Stakes. Upon joining, you can benefit from a generous 200% deposit match, covering deposits of up to $1,000. Additionally, a monthly reload bonus requiring just a $25 deposit ensures that players are continually rewarded for their loyalty and engagement with the platform.

Visit Juicy Stakes

The below table features a quick summary of what each of the best Tether poker sites offer.

In short, yes, Tether poker sites are legal and legitimate. This is because these online poker sites are hosted, licensed, and regulated by offshore governments. Meaning, countries such as Panama and Curacao review and regulated these poker sites to ensure they offer fair poker games and do not violate any online gambling industry rules.

Because the poker sites obtain their licenses from offshore governments, they are available to other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom and not subjected to each individual countries own regulations.

There are numerous valid reasons why you should considering playing poker at the top USDT poker sites featured here. Below are the top 5 reasons we feel strongly about.

First and foremost, USDT poker sites are a great way to keep your banking info to yourself and enjoy anonymous poker. This is because the sites allow you to deposit using cryptocurrency and receive real money payouts via cryptocurrency. By using crypto, you are able to protect your personal information and personal banking information. Thus, you are able to remain anonymous.

The second best reason to consider USDT online poker sites is the fact that you will have access to dozens of top poker games. You will see various video poker varieties as well as live poker games across each of the best Tether poker sites weve recommended. This sort of variety is hard to find elsewhere.

Another reason to consider Tether poker sites are the bonuses. Online poker sites are known for offering competitive bonuses to new and existing players as a marketing tactic to help attract and retain users. Therefore, you are able to benefit from the competition by receiving excellent bonus offers, which can help you pad your winnings.

Quicker payouts and cryptocurrency are two things that go hand-in-hand. When you opt to use cryptocurrency such as Tether you will experience instant payouts and oftentimes zero additional fees. As opposed to having to wait days and endure fees if you were to use fiat banking methods such as credit cards.

Lastly, Tether poker sites are known for having higher betting limits, fewer payout limits, fewer fees, and overall less regulation in terms of fees and betting limits. As a result, you have a more casino-like environment, where you can simply just bring your money and play and not have to worry about being limited in terms of how you want to bet or how you want to be paid.

When it comes to choosing the best Tether poker casino site that is right for you, we urge you to consider the following factors. Ranking each factor is subjective, however, if you consider any or all of these you will most likely have an easier time narrowing down your top choices.

Tether online poker sites are not too much different from regular poker sites. That said, there are a few key differences that stand out. Below, we highlight how each are unique.

The unique features of Tether poker sites mostly related to the banking system offered at the poker sites. In other words, because Tether is a cryptocurrency, deposits and payouts are fairly instant and have little to no fees associated with them. This is always the case at other top poker sites and fiat poker websites.

Additionally, there are fewer limitations (as mentioned above) in terms of betting limits, payout requests, etc. This creates a player-friendly environment that shifts the emphasis towards the overall gaming quality and games offered as opposed to on-site regulations and limits.

All-in-all, Tether poker sites are known to be best for poker players that are most interested in quick banking, competitive and unique games, and players who are interested in claiming lucrative rewards and/or being rewarded for their ongoing play.

At fiat poker sites, you will notice a difference in terms of the deposit and payout wait times. More specifically with the payouts. Fiat payouts historically take at least 24 hours (if not longer) to process. Moreover, you will likely have to pay an additional fee to process the payment.

And because you are using a fiat banking method such as a debit or credit card, you are not able to remain anonymous. Whereas at Tether poker sites, you can remain anonymous.

Despite these limitations, fiat poker sites are still beneficial in some ways. They will carry some of the same game types as Tether poker sites and have cash games running 24/7 (just like USDT sites). So, if you are in need of a backup option you can look into fiat poker sites. However, Tether poker sites offer the best value overall.

After visiting and testing dozens of Tether online poker sites weve narrowed down our list by keying in on the following ranking factors. These factors were some of the more important aspects we considered when assigning each USDT poker site a rating.

The most important ranking factor we considered was the sites licensing status. We looked for an active license from a reputable agency or government. Each of the best Tether casinos have licenses, which means they are not rigged and have proven their legitimacy to independent governments. Thus, you can rest assured they offer fair poker games.

Next on our list is poker variety. Each of the best Tether poker sites feature several poker variations and game formats. The sites with the most variety earned a higher score. But all-in-all, each site offers a ton of variety and games that run 24/7, which is great news for any type of poker player.

Another aspect we look into is the banking system. In addition to Tether, we check to see if the poker site features alternative cryptocurrencies. Also, we test out the deposit and payout processes to see how long each take and if there are any fees. Overall, banking is a critical aspect of any good poker site and all of our Tether poker sites scored very well in this area.

Bonuses and promotions are also an important ranking factor. Online poker sites with competitive bonuses instantly score better than sites without bonuses. We also check to see if the site will reward existing customers and not just limit their rewards to new players.

Lastly, we test each site to see what their interface is like. This includes testing the site on mobile and desktop across Windows and Mac operating systems. The best developed sites will score higher but overall every site we featured has done a good job at developing a responsive poker site that works well on any device type.

As mentioned, the best Tether poker sites are known for offering a ton of poker game variety. As such, below are the top formats you will encounter at USDT poker sites.

Arguably the most popular format of poker is live poker. This game resembles in-person poker as you will be playing against real players via digital poker tables. Its the most entertaining, engaging, and competitive form of online poker there is. It is different from video poker due to the fact that you competing against other players.

Another popular poker game format is video poker. Video poker leverages random number generators (RNGs) to produce fair, and engaging video poker game varieties such as Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Video poker can be played at just about every top Tether casino and it does not require other players to participate.

The best online poker sites will feature tournaments as well. USDT poker tournaments offer a unique competitive environment to win large prizes and test your skills against other players.

Another popular format to callout are cash table games. Cash table games allow you to come and go as you please and play poker games with real money on the line (e.g. chips equate to cash).

Sit-and-Go tournaments are smaller tournament-like poker games. Here, you the final player left at the table will be the winner and earn cash prizes. There are buy-ins required but the prizes will oftentimes be quite large.

Within each poker format are poker games. In other words, there are several forms of online poker games each with their own set of rules. Below, are the most popular types of Tether poker games you will find across our top recommend sites.

The most popular Tether poker game is Texas HoldEm. Here, you receive two hole cards and then use five community cards to make your poker hand.

Omaha poker is a poker game where you will receive four hole cards. You must use two of the four hole cards and combine them with three community cards to build your final hand.

Next on our featured game list is 7 Card Stud. This poker game does not have any community cards. Instead, your hole cards are face down and you will receive up to five face up cards, which can be used to make your final poker hand.

Omaha Hi-Lo is when players will compete for a high and low halves of the final poker pot. Meaning, you can win with either the highest or best poker hand or the lowest hand.

Badgui is another popular Tether poker game. Here, the goal of the game is to build the lowest poker hand possible using only four cards.

Accessing quality bonuses is one of the best parts about Tether online poker casinos. With that said, we wanted to quickly summarize the main types of bonuses you will likely encounter across each of the top Tether casinos. Check them out, below.

The most common bonus found at Tether online poker sites is the welcome bonus. Here, the site will offer you bonus funds when you first sign-up. This bonus is only redeemable one time and only if you are a brand new customer.

Another common bonus featured at Tether casino sites is the no deposit bonus. This is a bonus where the casino will offer you additional funds without requiring you to deposit any of your own money. This is bonus is less common for newer players and more common among VIP customers.

A fairly common ongoing promotion across Tether poker sites is the reload bonus. Essentially, this bonus is another deposit match or deposit bonus but more often than not the amount is lower and there is a time limit to claim it.

The top poker websites are known to offer players free poker chips from time to time. This is akin to free spins for slot players. With this bonus, you can receive free poker chips to use during your next game, which is always nice no matter how good of a poker player you are.

A Tether poker site would not be complete without a VIP rewards program. The VIP rewards will vary depending on the Tether poker site but some common bonuses include special reload bonuses, free poker chips, and lower wager requirements.

The table below quickly highlights the top bonuses found at each of the best USDT online poker sites

As mentioned throughout this guide, there are many reasons to consider playing poker at a Tether poker site. However, there are a few downsides as well. Below, we aim to be as objective as possible with our top pros and cons list.

Getting started at a Tether poker site is a fairly simple process. However, if you are unsure about the process you can follow our short step-by-step guide below.

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The 6 Best Tether Poker Sites in 2024 USDT Poker Sites Reviewed - Cryptonews

If you ever needed proof that live tournament poker is as popular in Australia than it has ever been, the WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship is it. Some 1,395 players piled into The Star Gold Coast over three starting flights, each paying AU$2,000 and creating an AU$2,511,000 (US$1,611,811) prize pool.

The bumper attendance was not only a record for the WPT Prime Gold Coast but also the largest of any WPT Prime event (that had three starting days) in the tour's history. Lorenz Schollhorn will forever be known as this mammoth-sized tournament's champion.

The WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship's prize pool was distributed among the top 177 finishers. It should have been 175, but Paul Murray, Jesse Stanley, and Omer Silajdzija busted at the same time on the bubble and they chopped up a $2,211 min-cash.

Seasoned grinders such as Will Davies, the WPT Anchor Lynn Gilmartin, Kahle Burns, Billy "The Croc" Argyros, Sean Ragozzini, Kannapong Thanarattrakul, and Guy Taylor, finished in the money places but missed out on a final table appearance. Those who did navigate their way to the final table secured an AU$40,140 (US$25,766) payout.

Martin Ward's time at the final table was short-lived because he bowed out during the first hand. Schollhorn min-raised to 500,000 from the cutoff with ace-queen before snap-calling Ward's eight big blind shove, which he made with the dominated ace-eight of diamonds. Schollhorn's queen-kicker played, and Ward was gone.

Eighth place was settled a mere six hands later. Having lost all but two big blinds when Chin Yaw Chan cracked his pocket kings with pocket tens, Marco Perri pushed all in from under the gun with king-ten. Chan called in late position with pocket eights, and Schollorn came along for the ride in the big blind with seven-five offsuit. Both active players checked down the board, and Chan's snowmen claimed the pot and Perri's tournament life.

ZERO RAKE in WPT Global's $2.5M GTD Warm Up Festival; Full Schedule Released

The frantic pace continued, with Dylan Desmarchelier falling in seventh place on only the tenth hand of the final table. Travis Endersby min-raised to 500,000 with king-queen in late position, Desmarchelier three-bet all-in for 1,750,000 with pocket sixes, and Endersby called. The race was over almost as quickly as it began, thanks to the door card being a king. Neither the turn, nor the river came to Desmarchelier's rescue, and he had to make do with a seventh-place finish.

Endersby claimed his second scalp of the final table when he sent Rikiya Jibiki to the showers. Again, the chips went into the middle preflop, Jibiki three-bet shoving with ace-ten of hearts, and Endersby calling with pocket jacks. A queen-high board meant Endersby's fish hooks remained good, and Jibiki headed for the cashier's desk.

Five-handed play lasted 42 hands, ending with Chan's demise. From the small blind, Chan open-shoved for around ten big blinds with jack-ten of diamonds, only for Andres Vasquez to snap him off with pocket queen. Vasque flopped a set and improved to quads on the river.

Michael Fraser's participation ended a couple of hands later, pushing all-in for 15 big blinds with queen-ten only to lose to the pocket tens of Schollhorn, which propelled Schollorn into the chip lead.

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Schollhorn's stack increased again when he added Endersby's chips to it. After defending his big blind from a min-raise, Endersby check-called a continuation bet on the king-high flop, and did the same again on the five of spades turn. Endersby checked for a third time on the nine of diamonds river, which had paired the board. Schollhorn set Endersby all-in for his last 19 big blinds, and Endersby couldn't let his king-eight go, which is a shame considering Schollhorn had turned a set and improved to a full house with his pocket fives.

That hand gave Schollhorn a chip advantage of more than two-to-one over Vasquez. Schollhorn drew first blood, but Vasquez refused to back down. However, the final hand of the WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship played in such a way that someone was destined to go broke.

With blinds of 250,000/500,000/500,000a, Vasque raised to 1,250,000, and Schollhorn called. A ten-eight-five flop with two diamonds was greeted with a check from Schollhorn, a bet of 1,650,000 from Vasquez, and a check-raise to 4,800,000 from the chip leader. Vasquez moved all-in, and Schollhorn called.

Vasquez was in front with his pocket jacks, but Schollhorn's king-jack of diamonds had plenty of outs. The nine of clubs on the turn was not one of them, but the nine of diamonds on the river was. Vasquez busted in second place, leaving Schollhorn to take down the record-breaking WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship.

Your next chance to play in a WPT Prime event is between May 12 and 21, when the tour heads to Montreal. Also in May, from May 23 to 27, WPT Prime Vietnam takes place.

Once May is out of the way, there is WPT Prime Sanremo, WPT Prime Taiwan, WPT Prime UK, WPT Prime Liechtenstein, and WPT Prime Paris between June and October.

Remember, you can win your way into WPT Prime Main Events online at WPT Global. WPT Prime Passport satellites are available, awarding you a seat and some expenses into any WPT Prime tournament of your choosing.

Originally posted here:

Lorenz Schollhorn Wins the Biggest-Ever WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship - PokerNews.com

A Tarpon Springs man facing a murder charge in his housemates death used the victims shotgun to ambush him after a night of drinking and poker, according to new details included in an arrest affidavit.

The shooting occurred at 2:42 a.m. Tuesday at a home on the 1100 block of Clarissa Court, according to Tarpon Springs police.

Officers arrived at the home to find Luke R. Barker, 45, suffering from three gunshot wounds. Barker was taken to a local hospital, where he died.

His housemate, Richard Lewis, 54, was arrested on a first-degree murder charge.

According to an arrest affidavit released Wednesday morning, Lewis came home after a night of drinking and playing poker at a local bar and took possession of the victims pump action, camo colored shotgun.

Lewis took the victims shotgun from beside the victims bed, loaded it with three shotgun rounds, cycled all three rounds to ensure the shotgun worked, and then reloaded it, the affidavit states.

Lewis then loaded all three rounds again, putting one round into the chamber, and ensuring the safety was off.

Lewis said he then waited for Barker to get home.

When the victim laid on his bed, (Lewis) admitted he walked in the back door and fired one round at the victim, the affidavit states. Lewis said he heard Barker say, Ow, ow, ow.

Lewis told officers he chambered a second round and fired again and chambered a third round and fired again, then saw Barker fall to the floor, the affidavit states.

Lewis said he then walked outside, threw the shotgun in the yard and sat on an outside couch waiting for law enforcement to arrive, the affidavit states.

Lewis told police that he was tired of being put down, verbally abused and insulted in front of his friends, the affidavit states.

I did it because I wanted to, the affidavit quotes him as saying, also noting that he had been read his rights. It was not an accident.

Property records show that Barker owned the home.

Lewis was being held at the Pinellas County Jail without bail on Wednesday morning. A plea had not yet been entered on his behalf.

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Tarpon man used housemate's shotgun to ambush him after night of poker, police say - Tampa Bay Times