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Poker Industry PRO: Record-Setting $65 Million Guaranteed For SCOOP’s 10th Birthday

PokerStars SCOOP will make history in May as the largest online tournament series ever held.

PokerStars’ Spring Championship of Online Poker is celebrating its tenth year with a $65 million guaranteed prize pool spread over 183 tournaments, making it the largest ever tournament series hosted online. There will be at least one tournament offering $1 million in guaranteed prize money every day.

SCOOP now overtakes its compatriot WCOOP as the largest online tournament series PokerStars has held. Back in September 2017, WCOOP made waves when it announced its $60 million schedule; now SCOOP’s May outing will take back the crown.

Read the full article on pokerfuse →

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None Of The NY Budget Is Coming From Online Poker Or Going To Ailing Casinos

Online poker’s hopes in New York this year aren’t dead. The problem is the issue is far from a priority. In fact, with several far more pressing issues, the NY casino industry already has plenty on its plate.

What does not help online poker’s hopes is that there is no money earmarked in the state budget from online poker tax revenue. In other words, no one expects online poker to pass as a law this year, or else the cash-strapped state would have made a note of the money it would generate.

NY budget does not include sports betting or online poker

The best hope for online poker this year is to piggyback its way into regulation on sports bettings’ coattails. The budget, which passed at the end of last month, indicates online poker on its own is basically a lost cause this year.

The Senate tried to include online poker and sports betting money in the budget, but the Assembly and Gov. Andrew Cuomo would not budge on the matter.

Now, as you may know, there is an existing sports betting law on the books. However, unsure how the Supreme Court will rule in New Jersey’s sports betting case this summer, the state did not count any chickens including it in the budget.

However, should sports betting laws change at the federal level, the New York law will need clarification before it can go into effect. Moreover, there will likely be talks about mobile wagering, which is the likely point to tie online poker into the puzzle as well.

Until then though, all online poker advocates can really do is wait and hope that SCOTUS decides to overturn the federal ban on sports wagering.

NY budget does not include a casino bailout either

The absence of online poker revenue wasn’t the only omission in the budget relevant to casinos. Despite pleas from both del Lago and Rivers Schenectady, the government stood pat on its stance not to help out the ailing commercial casinos.

It turns out del Lago was not the only casino seeking help. Rivers hoped to reduce its payments to the state in order to use the money towards marketing efforts. No lawmakers were sympathetic to the properties’ plights. Cuomo was particularly harsh with his words for the casinos:

“The upstate gaming casinos are private concerns. They bid, they made an investment and some of them will say they’re not doing as well as they hoped or would have expected but they’re private concerns, and I don’t want to get into the business of bailing out private concerns.

“We did casino gaming to create facilities, generate economic development to create jobs and it has done that. These facilities have done billions of dollars of construction and they employ thousands of people. So to the extent you have a casino saying ‘You know what … I’m not meeting my expectations, I should get help from the state,’ I’m not sympathetic to that.”

Given his words, and the lack of sympathy from within the local gaming industry, it was fairly unsurprising the casinos’ desperate pleas did not result in any financial help. It looks like, on multiple fronts, NY gambling proponents are on the outside of the budget looking in this year.

The post None Of The NY Budget Is Coming From Online Poker Or Going To Ailing Casinos appeared first on Play NY.

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After PGCB Approval, Boyd Looking Ahead To Online Gambling

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) voted to approve the Category 3 Slot Machine Licensee change from Valley Forge Casino Resort to Boyd Gaming.

As part of the decision, Boyd Gaming, based in Las Vegas, Nevada agreed to pay a change of control fee to the Commonwealth of $1.35 million. That fee is in addition to the total cash consideration of $280.5 million for the property.

Boyd Gaming presented its case to the PGCB

Boyd Gaming’s executive management team presented its case for acquiring Montgomery County‘s Valley Forge Casino Resort before the PGCB. The presentation happened ahead of the board’s vote to approve the sale.

During their appearance, Boyd Gaming discussed:

Of those items, online gaming certainly stands out as noteworthy knowing that online gaming was a motivating factor in the purchase of Valley Forge.

“Online gaming is important to us,” Boyd Gaming President and CEO Keith Smith told the PGCB. “The Valley Forge acquisition directly aligns with the Company’s long-term growth strategy of acquiring assets in strong and growing markets that generate substantial free cash flow.”

Boyd Gaming isn’t new to online gambling. It ran the Borgata online casino in New Jersey before selling its 50-percent stake in the operation. As New Jersey online casinos continue to set revenue records, it is easy to understand Boyd’s desire to get back into the online gaming market.

Boyd Gaming sets its sight on a national presence

The presentation and subsequent approval finalized a process that began last fall. That is when Boyd Gaming first announced its intention to buy the King Of Prussia property.

Towards the second half of 2017, Boyd Gaming went on a buying spree of sorts. It purchased four Pinnacle Entertainment properties just days before it announced its objective of adding Valley Forge Casino Resort to its portfolio.

Boyd Gaming views Valley Forge as a way of re-entering the Northeast market in a position of strength. Boyd finds the potential for sharing online player pools between states with regulated online gaming and opportunities to cross-market with other Boyd casinos extremely attractive.

“The acquisition of Valley Forge Casino Resort is another excellent opportunity to further grow and diversify our nationwide portfolio. With this acquisition, we will expand into the second-largest gaming state in the country, establishing a presence in a densely populated, high-traffic area just west of Philadelphia,” Smith said in a Dec. 2018 press release.

The future of Boyd Gaming

Boyd is most likely celebrating its choice after Valley Forge posted the highest year-over-year revenue gain of all Pennsylvania casinos in February. They have been out front posting impressive growth numbers for the past few months.

Once the approval processes finish all pending sales, Boyd expects its portfolio to contain:

  • 30 properties in 11 states
  • 1.8 million square feet of casino space
  • 40,000 slot machines
  • 1,000 table games
  • 11,300 hotel rooms
  • 300+ restaurants and bars
  • 27,000+ team members

It has already been established that online gaming is important to Boyd. But they aren’t the only operator to set their sights towards the launch of online gambling in the state. It is likely most of the land-based casinos in Pennsylvania will seek to launch an online casino sometime later this year. Especially now that properties know there will be unlimited skins to help lure potential partners to the state.

 

The post After PGCB Approval, Boyd Looking Ahead To Online Gambling appeared first on Play Pennsylvania.

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Meat And Greet: EatAHoagie, AKA Twitch Streamer Anthony Cicali

Anthony Cicali wears many hats during the day, but his most important role is that of single father to two young boys. Besides holding down a full-time job, he considers himself a semi-professional poker player and is a producer for independent films. One of his movies, Deadly Gamble, even received a full distribution contract.

Recently, he added another hat to the mix – PlayUSA Twitch streamer extraordinaire (that just may be his official title).

What makes him extraordinary? He thinks it is his people skills.

“I think one of my best qualities is I’ve always been able to talk to anyone. I’m able to connect with people and talk to them in chat. I’m really good at getting a conversation going.”

Anthony and his relationship to XXX

If you look at his Twitter bio, it reads:

“CEO of BuyBackKing.com, a single dad, XXX, poker, actor, gym rat, crypto, slots.”

When asked which of those, besides being a single dad, describes him the most, he responded, “XXX. But it’s not what you think.”

Get your minds out of the gutter, people, because it isn’t what you think.

XXX is a philosophy Anthony lives by. He explains, “XXX relates to a theme of straight-edge philosophy. I don’t drink. I don’t do drugs. I live a very disciplined lifestyle. I’m very focused on my things and goals in life.”

This philosophy helps him remain dedicated to the things he is passionate about. It allows him to wear the many hats he enjoys wearing and stay present and attentive to his kids.

XXX on the surface seems at odds with his roles of semi-professional poker player and PlayUSA Twitch star. Anthony disagrees.

“Some people think that online gambling is just throwing your money away. If you’re very disciplined with your actions, and you play within your limits, you can have a lot of fun and even make some money.”

To help people understand, Anthony uses golf as an example. “How many times do people get paid back for playing golf? Zero, right? They just enjoy doing it. It’s all about bankroll management – whether online gambling or playing golf. You play when you can afford it.”

PLayUSA Twitch stream

The challenges of livestreaming

With the rise in popularity of livestreaming content, it seems as if everybody believes they can stream their way to fame.

It takes more than showing up and playing a few slots to turn fame into a fortune – or at least enough to keep your lights on. It takes some skill, a little bit of luck and an off-the-charts personality.

Just like any job, there are challenges and a learning curve. And while Anthony has the personality part down, the technical skills part of the job he’s still trying to figure out.

“I’m not super technical, and I’m still learning – a lot. When I first started streaming, I paid someone to do my full setup. I knew I wanted to stream, but I didn’t really know what that meant. It’s coming together pretty good, though.”

PlayUSA pays Anthony to play various online slots and live dealer casino games on its Twitch channel. As part of his job, not only does he manage the technical stuff, but he is encouraged to create unique ways to engage the audience.

The key to success, Anthony says, is “multitasking.” Apparently, a great set up doesn’t hurt either.

“I have three large screens that I run off,” Anthony elaborates. “I call it my command center. My monitor has two additional monitors connected to it. It helps me separate everything so I can monitor the chat, run the games, and award the prizes to the audience. Oh, and play the games, too.”

The job is pretty much what Anthony expected. However, there is one thing that still surprises him.

“I’ve actually had a lot more fun with the slots than I thought. And I’m doing better on them, too. I’m still trying to figure out what three stars equals,” Anthony said laughing. “There’s a lot more to figure out when your jackpot actually hit. I’m not sure I realized how much fun playing the slots would be.”

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Favorite online casino games

Anthony has been streaming online slots and live dealer games for over month. During that time, he has developed a liking to live-dealer Roulette because he feels it is his strongest game outside of poker.

“I know Roulette frontwards and backward,” Anthony explains. “Long-term, the game is random. But with the human element of a real dealer, there is an actual edge if the dealer is someone that’s done it over and over again.”

“A Roulette dealer can spin the ball so many times a day, and he’s doing it at the same speed. You can watch and see where they’re putting the ball down and make some educated guesses based on past patterns where the ball will land.”

Advice for someone new to online casino games

Anthony may not be new to online gambling because he has been playing online poker for a while now. He is new, however to online casino games.

Anthony remembers what it is like to be new and feeling hesitant to start because you don’t want to mess up. He shared some advice with us.

“Online casinos have demos of everything. Start by practicing with play money. And of course, come hang out with me, or any of the guys on Twitch and watch us play. Ask us questions, that’s what we’re there for.”

“Then when you feel comfortable, play at the lower stakes. Going back to bankroll management, set a limit and play because you want to have fun.”

How Anthony keeps all the balls in the air

There is another side to Anthony that we haven’t mentioned yet. We were saving the best for last. Anthony puts a lot of importance on giving back.

It started after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast back in 2005. He went down and worked with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild homes. Since then, he tries to plan a volunteer trip every year. Last year, he went and helped out in Houston after the floods and this year is looking forward to working with Habit for Humanity.

Whether he’s a dad, livestreamer, or philanthropist, Anthony has a lot of balls in the air. Keeping them from falling has to be a big challenge. So, what’s his secret?

“A lot of caffeine. Again, going back to my lifestyle, I try to eat pretty well. I work out almost every day. I keep my energy levels pretty high. And I’m very good at power napping, squeezing in 15-, 20-minute naps when I can. But seriously, it’s the caffeine.”

Bottom line, Anthony boils his success down to proper time management and keeping everything scheduled. Making time is easy when you do the things you love and are passionate about.

Hang out and win with Anthony

Besides his great personality, you can expect a lot of trivia games on Anthony’s livestreams.

“I love trivia. I’m like a Jeopardy! nerd. I’m sort of known as the trivia guy. Playing trivia seems to have connected with people and keeps them active in the chat. A great chat makes the stream more fun and interactive. It’s almost like they’re playing a game, too.”

Want to play some trivia with Anthony? Here is his upcoming PlayUSA Twitch schedule:

April 5 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)
April 11 at 9:30 p.m. (ET)
April 15 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)
April 26 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)
April 29 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)

The post Meat And Greet: EatAHoagie, AKA Twitch Streamer Anthony Cicali appeared first on Play USA.

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With Gambling Expansion, Things Are Looking Up For PA Racetracks

Slot machines at the state’s 12 operating casinos generated a whopping $239 million in tax money for the local horse racing industry last year, according to a newly released Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board report.

The board released its Annual Racetrack Casino Benchmark Report this week. The report generally details the impact of Pennsylvania casinos on the Commonwealth’s horse racing industry.

The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund

The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund was created to provide financial resources to the horse racing industry. It uses the tax money generated by casinos.

In fact, 10 percent of the revenue generated by slot machine play at all PA casinos is earmarked for the fund. In 2017, that amounted to $239 million. Although that represented a decrease of 2.5 percent compared to 2016.

The $239 million in tax revenue generated for the fund in 2017 was earmarked for things like:

  • Enhancements of race purses
  • Assisting breeding operations located in the state
  • Providing health and pension benefits for horsemen
  • To support local agricultural initiatives

The authorization of slots at racetracks in PA was initially approved by lawmakers in an effort to bolster the struggling horse racing industry. The effort appears to be working. Not only are tax revenues being regularly funneled into avenues supporting the industry, but the industry has now seen growth and improvements as a result.

Live racing handle on the rise

According to the report, total dollars wagered on live races held at the six racetracks operating in Pennsylvania went up three percent in 2017. In fact, it exceeded $700 million.

This represented the first year-over-year increase in live racing handle in Pennsylvania since 2013.

However, authors of the Annual Racetrack Casino Benchmark Report say the uptick can be directly attributed an increase in wagers on Pennsylvania races by patrons outside of the Commonwealth. Total dollars wagered on Pennsylvania races at the six racetracks, nine off-track wagering facilities, and through electronic wagering offered by licensed racetracks, all declined last year.

But even more growth may be on the way.

As a part of the comprehensive state-wide gambling expansion approved by lawmakers in October 2017, casinos in Pennsylvania without racetracks now have the option to offer pari-mutuel wagering on live horse racing.

Plus, a portion of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund has now been earmarked for marketing horse racing. It is being used under the direction of the State Horse Racing Commission.

More on exactly where Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund money goes, revenue generated by horse racing facilities in the state, and improvements being made at these facilities can be found in the full Racetrack Casino Benchmark Report on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board website.

Horse racing and casinos in PA

The six horse racing tracks in Pennsylvania with casino operations that feature both slots and table games include:

Parx Casino also happens to be the top-grossing casino and gaming operation in the entire state.

The post With Gambling Expansion, Things Are Looking Up For PA Racetracks appeared first on Play Pennsylvania.

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PokerStars Blocks Play Money Games In Washington State

On Wednesday, the Washington State Gambling Commission tweeted that it has been receiving questions about free online casino and poker sites, such as PokerStars, denying access to state residents.

What prompted PokerStars to stop offering play money poker?

A recent ruling by Ninth Circuit of U.S. Court of Appeals stated that social casino games are illegal under the State of Washington’s existing gambling laws.

It began back in 2015 after a woman lost over $1,000 in virtual chips. She sued Churchill Downs, the then-parent company of Big Fish Casino over the loss.

Under Washington law, gambling is “risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance.”

It all boils down to what constitutes value. Value, according to the law, includes anything that can be exchanged for money or the “the extension of a service, entertainment, or a privilege of playing a game or scheme without charge.”

The appeals court reversed the decision of the lower court ruling that virtual chips are not a thing of value.

Big Fish Casino prohibited the sale of virtual chips for money, but it did require players to use virtual chips to play their games. That means virtual chips have a value because players cannot play without them.

With virtual chips now defined as having value, it stands to reason, play money casino and poker games are in violation of Washington States gambling laws.

PokerStars responds to blocking play money games

USPoker requested comment from PokerStars on the matter this week and received the following statement from a company spokesperson:

“On Thursday, March 29, 2018, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that, under Washington State law, free-to-play games violate state gambling regulations. As a result, The Stars Group is immediately taking actions to block play related to social gaming from Washington State. We are reviewing the rulings and ensuring that our activities are in line with state regulations. We are hopeful the law will be clarified and that when it is, we will be able to reinstate all Washington players at their current status.”

The statement falls in line with the jurisdiction review policy on the PokerStars website.

“Our management team regularly reviews our operations along with independent 3rd party professionals to assess the business risks and opportunities for our brands on a market-by-market basis.”

PokerStars taking precautions

PokerStars blocking access to its play money site in Washington is smart. It tells the U.S. gaming market that it isn’t leaving anything to chance.

Back in 2013, Nevada became the first state to regulate and legalize online poker. The bill included bad actor language in its legislation.

A bad actor is any company that allowed U.S. citizens to play poker on its site after the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006.

Labeled a bad actor, PokerStars was not allowed to enter the market in Nevada when it launched.

It was 2011 when the Department of Justice shut down U.S. online gaming sites. Since that time, PokerStars has been diligent in its dealing in the U.S. gaming market.

Currently, Pennsylvania is preparing for online gaming, and PokerStars intends to be “among the first operators to launch.”

PokerStars operates in New Jersey under the Resorts AC gaming license. Mohegan Sun manages Resorts and owns Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania.

A partnership between any Pennsylvania casino and PokerStars is only speculation at this time. And it’s likely New Jersey and Pennsylvania is just the beginning for PokerStars.

It is reasonable to think PokerStars has an eye on expanding in the U.S. beyond New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Especially as the debate around online gaming legislation continues in several states.

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