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US ONLINE POKER PLANS: Weekly previews and schedules for the week of June 22-28

The mini US online poker boom continues this week with plenty of major series for players across the country. Look for major events from Global Poker and PokerStars, and PartyPoker offers some World Poker Tour action this week.

WSOP.com also continues offering major tournaments daily with online bracelet events kicking off next week. Here’s your complete online poker guide and schedules for this week.

  • Global Poker – The Summer Series sizzles this week for players around the US and Canada.
  • Partypoker/BorgataPoker.com/BetMGM – The WPT Online Poker Open offers some big value for players in New Jersey.
  • PokerStars – Players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania can jump in the Summer Series action with nice six-figure guarantees.
  • WSOP.com – Look for the WSOP Online bracelet series beginning July 1.

Where can you play online poker?

American online players have a few options to get in the action. The markets are still small in comparison to large international poker markets. However, here are four states currently offering legal online poker for real money.

New Jersey

  • PokerStars NJ – The largest online poker operator in world offers plenty of cash game and tournament action in New Jersey. New players depositing $20 receive $30 in free cash and $10 worth of Spin & Go tickets.
  • partypoker/BorgataPoker – partypoker is one of the best-known online brands around the world. New partypoker players get a free $25 via $10 in poker money, $10 in casino chips, and $5 in poker tournament tickets. Those using the BorgataPoker skin can earn $10 in cash with a $10 bonus.
  • WSOP.com/888poker – Players on the World Series of Poker-affiliated site have the option of a shared liquidity pool with Nevada and Delaware. Players can qualify for WSOP events in Las Vegas and circuit tournaments. The site is run on software by 888poker, which also operates in the state. WSOP offers new players a free $10. 888poker offers $20 in free play and up to a $1,500 deposit bonus.

Nevada

  • WSOP.com – WSOP.com offers players plenty of cash game and tournament action with a shared liquidity market with WSOP online poker and 888poker in New Jersey and Delaware.

Pennsylvania

  • PokerStars PA – New players at PokerStars PA can claim a $30 free play bonus and up to $600 match bonus. PokerStars also partners with FOX Bet in the state for sports betting. Players utilizing the FOX Bet’s new player offer will earn a free $20 for signing up that can be used for poker or sports betting.

Delaware

  • Doverdowns.com, Delawarepark.com, Harringtonraceway.com – These offer online poker in Delaware, however, it’s run through 888poker. The platform has a shared liquidity market with New Jersey and Nevada.

Other states

Those in other states have more limited options when it comes to online poker. Sweepstakes poker sites offer players a chance to play for cash and prizes. 

Global Poker may be an option for players in other states (and much of Canada as well). The company’s model is based on social gaming. Players can purchase Gold Coins for ring games and tournaments.

As a bonus, players receive Sweeps Coins – which can be used in tournaments and ring games. Unlike Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes. New players can earn a free $20 Sweeps Coin package with a verified account.

Check out this week’s US online poker events

Here’s a look at some upcoming poker festivals, events, and promotions available to American players.

Global Poker

Sunscreen not required for big Summer Series

The Summer Series gets underway June 22 and runs through July 12. The sweepstakes poker site continues to ramp up its offerings to players.

The new festival features 45 Gold Coin and 45 Sweeps Coin events with guarantees of GC427,000,000 and SC2,135,000. The series promises plenty of action for players across the country.

The series is capped by three main events on July 12. The SC540 Main Event features a SC500,000 guarantee. There are also two SC218 main events, one with an SC80,000 guarantee and a turbo version with SC50,000.

Winners take home trophies for every Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins tournament. They’ll also earn a Champion Pack, which includes exclusive Global Poker merchandise. Here’s a look at the complete schedule.

2020 Global Poker Summer Series

Date Tournament SC Buyin SC Guarantee
Monday, June 22,
2020		 Event 01A – NLHE [Deep] 218 50,000
Monday, June 22,
2020		 Event 01B – NLHE [Turbo] 218 30,000
Tuesday, June 23,
2020		 Event 02A – NLHE [2R1A] 110 50,000
Tuesday, June 23,
2020		 Event 02B – NLHE [2R1A, Turbo] 110 30,000
Wednesday, June
24, 2020		 Event 03A – NLHE [Rebuy] 33 40,000
Wednesday, June
24, 2020		 Event 03B – NLHE [Rebuy, Turbo] 33 25,000
Thursday, June 25,
2020		 Event 04A – NLHE [Bounties, Deep] 218 40,000
Thursday, June 25,
2020		 Event 04B – NLHE [Bounties, Turbo] 218 25,000
Friday, June 26,
2020		 Event 05A – NLHE [2x-Chance, Deep] 218 50,000
Friday, June 26,
2020		 Event 05B – NLHE [2x-Chance, Turbo] 218 30,000
Saturday, June 27,
2020		 Event 06A – NLHE [Super Bounties, Deep] 218 30,000
Saturday, June 27,
2020		 Event 06B – NLHE [Super Bounties, Turbo] 218 15,000
Sunday, June 28,
2020		 Event 07A – Sunday Scrimmage [Deep] 218 100,000
Sunday, June 28,
2020		 Event 07B – NLHE [Deep] 218 50,000
Sunday, June 28,
2020		 Event 07C – NLHE [Turbo] 218 30,000
Monday, June 29, Event 08A – NLHE [6-Max, Deep] 218 50,000
Monday, June 29,
2020		 Event 08B – NLHE [6-Max, Turbo] 218 25,000
Tuesday, June 30,
2020		 Event 09A – NLHE [1R1A] 110 50,000
Tuesday, June 30,
2020		 Event 09B – NLHE [1R1A, Turbo] 110 30,000
Wednesday, July 1,
2020		 Event 10A – NLHE [Rebuy] 33 40,000
Wednesday, July 1,
2020		 Event 10B – NLHE [Rebuy, Turbo] 33 25,000
Thursday, July 2,
2020		 Event 11A – NLHE [Bounties, Deep] 218 40,000
Thursday, July 2,
2020		 Event 11B – NLHE [Bounties, Turbo] 218 25,000
Friday, July 3, 2020 Event 12A – PLO [Deep] 218 25,000
Friday, July 3, 2020 Event 12B – PLO [Turbo] 218 15,000
Saturday, July 4,
2020		 Event 13A – NLHE [Bounties, Deep] 218 25,000
Saturday, July 4,
2020		 Event 13B – NLHE [Bounties, Turbo] 218 15,000
Sunday, July 5,
2020		 Event 14A – NLHE Sunday Scrimmage [Deep] 327 200,000
Sunday, July 5,
2020		 Event 14B – NLHE [Deep] 218 50,000
Sunday, July 5,
2020		 Event 14C – NLHE [Turbo] 218 30,000
Monday, July 6,
2020		 Event 15A – NLHE [Deep] 218 50,000
Monday, July 6,
2020		 Event 15B – NLHE [Turbo] 218 30,000
Tuesday, July 7,
2020		 Event 16A – NLHE [1R1A] 110 50,000
Tuesday, July 7,
2020		 Event 16B – NLHE [1R1A, Turbo] 110 30,000
Wednesday, July 8,
2020		 Event 17A – NLHE [Rebuy] 33 40,000
Wednesday, July 8,
2020		 Event 17B – NLHE [Rebuy, Turbo] 33 25,000
Thursday, July 9,
2020		 Event 18A – NLHE [Bounties, 6-Max, Deep] 218 30,000
Thursday, July 9,
2020		 Event 18B – NLHE [Bounties, 6-Max, Turbo] 218 15,000
Friday, July 10,
2020		 Event 19A – NLHE [2x-Chance, Deep] 218 40,000
Friday, July 10,
2020		 Event 19B – NLHE [2x-Chance, Turbo] 218 25,000
Saturday, July 11,
2020		 Event 20A – NLHE [Super Bounties, 6-Max, Deep] 218 30,000
Saturday, July 11,
2020		 Event 20B – NLHE [Super Bounties, 6-Max, Turbo] 218 15,000
Sunday, July 12,
2020		 Main Event A – NLHE Guaranteed [Deep] 540 500,000
Sunday, July 12,
2020		 Event Main Event B – NLHE [Deep] 218 80,000
Sunday, July 12,
2020		 Event Main Event C – NLHE [Turbo] 218 50,000

Players in luck with Global daily and weekly events

Players have plenty other events throughout the week to look forward to at Global Poker. That includes numerous daily and weekly events with major guarantees. There is something for every bankroll and here’s a look at some of what to expect, including the weekend majors.

Global Poker 2020 Weekly Tournaments

Event Buy-in Time (ET)
Daily SC500 Guaranteed [6-Max] SC 22.00 3:30 p.m.
Daily SC500 Guaranteed [1R1A] SC3.30 4 p.m.
Daily SC100 Guaranteed [6-Max, Turbo] SC 3.30 4:30 p.m.
Daily SC1,250 Guaranteed [Deep] SC11 6 p.m.
Deep Eleven SC6,000 Guaranteed [Deep] SC11 6 p.m.
Deep Six Dive SC8,500 Guaranteed [6-Max, Deep] SC55 6:45 p.m.
Daily SC1,000 Guaranteed SC22 7:30 p.m.
The Brawl SC15,000 Guaranteed [Rebuy] SC5.50 8 p.m.
Daily SC7,000 Guaranteed [Rebuy] SC5.50 8 p.m.
Triple Threat SC20,000 Guaranteed [2R1A] SC33 8:30 p.m.
Daily SC10,000 Guaranteed [2R1A] SC33 8:30 p.m.
Daily SC4,000 Guaranteed [Deep] SC55 9 p.m.
Tuesday Tussle SC10,000 Guaranteed [Deep] SC110 9 p.m.
Thursday Throttle SC7,500 Guaranteed [Turbo] SC110 9 p.m.
Daily SC2,000 Guaranteed [1R1A] SC22.00 9:30 p.m.
Daily PLO SC500 Guaranteed [2R1A, 6-Max] SC11 9:40 p.m.
Deep Freeze SC10,000 Guaranteed [Deep] SC55 10 p.m.
Daily SC1,500 Guaranteed [6-Max] SC33 10 p.m.
Daily SC1,500 Guaranteed [1R1A, 6-Max] SC22 10:30 p.m.
Daily SC3,000 Guaranteed [1R1A] SC11 11 p.m.
The Cubed SC5,000 Guaranteed [1R1A] SC11 11 p.m.
Daily SC 500 Guaranteed SC22 11:30 PM
NightCap SC3,000 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC21.40 midnight
Night Shift SC2,000 Guaranteed [Big Ante, Turbo] SC22 12:30 a.m.
Night Owl SC2,000 Guaranteed [6-Max, Hyper-Turbo] SC21.40 1 a.m.
Night Out SC1,500 Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] SC21.40 1:30 a.m.
WEEKEND MAJORS
Saturday Swish SC6,000 Guaranteed [Deep] SC55 5:30 p.m.
Sunday Teaser SC 20,000 Guaranteed [Deep] SC110 3 p.m.
Sunday – Weekend SC1,000 Guaranteed [Rebuy, Turbo] SC5.50 3:45 p.m.
Sunday Scrimmage SC 50,000 Guaranteed [Deep] SC218 5:30 p.m.

For a complete Global Poker review including an exclusive new player bonus up to $1,000, click here.

PokerStars

Summer Series offers a massive poker vacation in NJ, PA

Players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are in luck this week with the PokerStars Summer Series heating up. The series runs in both states from June 18-28.

In PA, players will find 38 events with an overall guarantee of $750,000. In NJ look for 40 events an overall guarantee of $500,000. Buy-ins  range from $20 to $500, with something for every bankroll. Here’s a look at the schedules for both states.

2020 PokerStars PA Summer Series

Date Tournament/buy-in Guarantee
June 18 $100 Summer Series Kick-Off [8-Max] $30,000
June 18 $20 Summer Series Mini Kick-Off [8-Max] $7,500
June 18 $200 Thursday Thrill SE [Progressive KO] $25,000
June 18 $30 Mini Thrill [Progressive KO] $12,500
June 18 $75 NLHE 8-Max $10,000
June 19 $50 Escalating Antes $10,000
June 19 $20 NLHE 6-Max $6,000
June 20 $100 NLHE 6-Max $20,000
June 20 $50 PLO 6-Max $5,000
June 20 $75 Progressive KO [8-Max] $7,500
June 21 $75 NLHE 6-Max $20,000
June 21 $100 Sunday Special SE $100,000
June 21 $25 Mini Special $15,000
June 21 $75 Progressive KO [8-Max] $12,500
June 21 $50 Sunday Supersonic SE $10,000
June 22 $20 NLHE 4-Max $7,500
June 22 $50 Battle Royale SE [Progressive KO, 6-Max] $15,000
June 22 $75 NLHE 8-Max $7,500
June 23 $200 Super Tuesday SE $35,000
June 23 $20 Mini Super Tuesday $15,000
June 23 $50 Progressive KO [8-Max] $7,500
June 24 $50 NLHE 6-Max $10,000
June 24 $500 High Roller [6-Max] $35,000
June 24 $20 PLO 8-Max [Progressive KO] $5,000
June 25 $200 Thursday Thrill SE [Progressive KO] $30,000
June 25 $20 Mini Thrill [Progressive KO] $15,000
June 25 $100 NLHE 6-Max $12,500
June 26 $50 NL Omaha Hi/Lo [6-Max] $5,000
June 26 $100 NLHE 6-Max [Progressive KO] $25,000
June 26 $20 NLHE 8-Max $5,000
June 27 $30 NLHE $7,500
June 27 $100 NLHE 8-Max [Progressive KO] $20,000
June 27 $50 PLO 6-Max $3,500
June 28 $20 NLHE 6-Max [Progressive KO] $10,000
June 28 $200 Main Event $150,000
June 28 $50 Mini Main $25,000
June 28 $100 PLO 6-Max $10,000
June 28 $75 Series Wrap-Up [8-Max] $10,000

2020 PokerStars NJ Summer Series

Date Event Format Buyin Guarantee
June 18 1 Series Kick-Off $100 $15,000
June 18 2 Mini Kick-Off $20 $5,000
June 18 3 Thursday Thrill SE $200 $15,000
June 18 4 Mini Thrill $20 $6,000
June 18 5 Turbo $75 $5,000
June 19 6 Nightly Stars SE $100 $10,000
June 19 7 Escalating Antes $150 $10,000
June 19 8 6-Max Turbo $50 $7,000
June 20 9 Deepstack $150 $12,500
June 20 10 Saturday Speedway $50 $6,000
June 20 11 Hyper PKO $100 $6,000
June 21 12 6-Max $75 $20,000
June 21 13 Sunday Special SE $200 $45,000
June 21 14 Mini Special $25 $6,500
June 21 15 Progressive KO $50 $7,500
June 21 16 Sunday Supersonic SE $75 $8,000
June 22 17 4-Max $150 $15,000
June 22 18 Battle Royale SE $50 $7,500
June 22 19 BigStack Turbo $30 $5,000
June 23 20 Super Tuesday SE $250 $25,000
June 23 21 Mini Super Tuesday $30 $10,000
June 23 22 Turbo PKO $50 $5,000
June 24 23 6-Max Deep Turbo $50 $8,000
June 24 24 High Roller $750 $22,000
June 24 25 PL Omaha PKO $100 $5,000
June 25 26 Thursday Thrill SE $250 $20,000
June 25 27 Mini Thrill $30 $7,500
June 25 28 6-Max Turbo $150 $10,000
June 26 29 Rebuy $50 $8,500
June 26 30 6-Max PKO $150 $10,000
June 26 31 Deep Hyper Turbo $200 $6,500
June 27 32 Deepstack $75 $8,500
June 27 33 PKO $100 $10,000
June 27 34 PLO Turbo $50 $3,500
June 27 35 Deep Hyper Turbo $100 $6,000
June 28 36 6-Max PKO $150 $15,000
June 28 37 Main Event $300 $75,000
June 28 38 Mini Main $50 $16,500
June 28 39 PL Omaha $100 $7,500
June 28 40 Series Wrap-Up $100 $8,500

For a complete PokerStars review including $30 in free play and a deposit bonus of up to $600, click here.

Partypoker/BorgataPoker/BetMGM

NJ online players can chase WPT glory this week

Like other platforms, partypoker US has added more and more tournament series in recent weeks for players in New Jersey. That gets even bigger this week with the launch of the WPT Online Poker Open.

The series comes after the World Poker Tour and partypoker have partnered on several international online series in recent months. The highlight of the Online Poker Open is the $400 championship on June 28 with $300,000 guaranteed.

The champion also earns a WPT trophy and a VIP experience in Las Vegas. That includes an $11,000 package for entry into the the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic at Bellagio ($10,400 buy-in).

The series also features several other events with a wide range of buy-in and is also available on the BorgataPoker and BetMGM skins. Here’s a look at the complete schedule:

2020 partypoker US WPT Online Poker Open

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Partypoker NJ adds new daily tournaments

Partypoker also recently added a few other regular events with nice guarantees including:

  • $10K Daily – Jump in this $109 event for a $10,000 guarantee.
  • Mega Tuesday – $12,000 guaranteed in this $535 six-max tournament.
  • Old School Tuesday – $35 buy-in with a $750 guarantee with no late entries.
  • Mega Thursday – $7,500 guaranteed for a $320 buy-in.
  • Sunday $35K – A $215 buy-in with $35,000 guaranteed.

For a complete BorgataPoker review including an exclusive $20 new player signup bonus and up to a $600 deposit bonus, click here. Also check out reviews and bonuses from partypoker NJ and BetMGM.

WSOP.com

WSOP Online bracelet events approaching

Players ate WSOP.com won’t find a major tournament this week, but there is plenty in store for players beginning July 1. The site is launching the WSOP Online series with 31 gold bracelet events, one for every day of the month.

Series organizers are working to replace some of the excitement of the annual live WSOP in Las Vegas. The festival is available to players in New Jersey and Nevada. Players can expect buy-ins ranging from $400 to $3,200. The $1,000 main event is scheduled for July 31 to close out the series.

That won’t be the end of the bracelet hunting. The WSOP has partnered with GGPoker to offer another 54 bracelet events.

The site will run additional events as well similar to the recent Online Super Series, which attracted big numbers. Here’s a complete look at the WSOP.com US schedule.

WSOP Online Series 2020 – New Jersey and Nevada

Event Date Time (PT) Event Buy-In
1 July 1 (W) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Kick-Off $500
2 July 2 (Th) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em 8-Handed Deepstack $1,000
3 July 3 (F) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em $400
4 July 4 (Sa) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Super Turbo $500
5 July 5 (Su) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Freezeout $1,000
6 July 6 (M) 3:00 p.m. PLO8 6-Handed $600
7 July 7 (Tu) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Knockout Deepstack $800
8 July 8 (W) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Freezeout $500
9 July 9 (Th) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em 6-Max $1,000
10 July 10 (F) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em MonsterStack $600
11 July 11 (Sa) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Turbo Deepstack 6-Handed $500
12 July 12 (Su) 3:00 p.m. The BIG 500 No Limit Hold’em $500
13 July 13 (M) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em High Roller Freezeout $1,500
14 July 14 (Tu) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em High Roller $3,200
15 July 15 (W) 3:00 p.m. PLO 8-Max HR $1,000
16 July 16 (Th) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Turbo $500
17 July 17 (F) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’emÊ $777
18 July 18 (Sa) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em 8-Handed Turbo DeepStack $1,000
19 July 19 (Su) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em $400
20 July 20 (M) 3:00 p.m. PLO 6-Handed $500
21 July 21 (Tu) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em 6-Handed $777
22 July 22 (W) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Turbo Deepstack $500
23 July 23 (Th) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Knockout $500
24 July 24 (F) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em 8-Handed $400
25 July 25 (Sa) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Summer Saver $500
26 July 26 (Su) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Grande Finale $500
27 July 27 (M) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Freezeout $400
28 July 28 (Tu) 3:00 p.m. Omaha 8 6-Max $1,000
29 July 29 (W) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Turbo Deepstack 6-Handed $600
30 July 30 (Th) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Seniors Event $500
31 July 31 (F) 3:00 p.m. No Limit Hold’em Championship $1,000

Player of the Week competition gives players $1,000 weekly

WSOP.com recently launched the Online Player of the Week social media promotion. Players simply have to Tweet their best hand of the week from WSOP.com and tag #WSOPPOTW to be entered.

The site will choose a weekly winner for $1,000 in prizes. Weekly prizes include:

  • $500 cash
  • Two $215 Sunday $100,000 tournament tickets
  • $70 in BLAST tickets – two $30 tickets and two $5 tickets

For a complete WSOP.com review including an exclusive $10 in free play and a new player bonus up to $1,000, click here for Nevada players. Click here for New Jersey players.

The post US ONLINE POKER PLANS: Weekly previews and schedules for the week of June 22-28 appeared first on .

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CA Judge Sides With Flynt That CA Cardroom Licensing Laws Are Problematic

Hustler founder Larry Flynt has long taken aim at a California law barring cardroom operators from investing in out-of-state casinos. And last week, U.S. District Judge John Mendez sided with him, at least in part. Mendez is calling for a deeper look into the law, denying state officials’ efforts to spike Flynt’s lawsuit.

Flynt is a porn mogul who owns Hustler Casino and Larry Flynt’s Lucky Lady Casino, both located in California. He claims he’s been unable to broaden his gambling portfolio outside of California because of a 1986 law designed to keep the mob out of casinos and legal cardrooms.

Flynt has argued that the law is outdated. He notes that former California politicians and governors have said the same. Fellow cardroom owners  Haig Kelegian Sr. and Haig Kelegian Jr. are joining Flynt in this legal fight. Flynt also pointed out that legislators have exempted other businesses from the law. Moreover, he points out that casinos are now heavily regulated to identify and eliminate organized crime

Judge and Flynt both push to change CA cardroom law

As evidence, Flynt cited a 2002 nonpartisan study funded by the state that suggested updating the law. In 2016, then-Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a bill that would have exempted Hollywood Park Casino owners from the law. But, in the veto message, he encouraged legislators to “thoughtfully examine those laws and amend them so that all participants in the industry receive the same benefits and opportunities.”

Judging by last week’s ruling, it looks like there is momentum towards doing just that. From the 14-page ruling:

“Defendants fail to illustrate how these allegations are insufficient as a matter of law. To the extent that plaintiffs’ dormant commerce doctrine claims rest upon an indirect-regulation theory of liability, the court denies defendants’ motion to dismiss.”

Flynt also says the law could have the unintended effect of incentivizing him to divest from his business outside of gambling. Mendez appears to believe that has some merit.

Other gambling operators who would like to see a change in the law are keeping a close eye on the case. Enacted in 1986, the Gambling Registration Act was designed to keep the mob out of California gambling operations by restricting financial resources. The law works both ways. California residents with gaming licenses can’t operate out of state. Conversely, out-of-state residents who own gambling entities are not allowed to own a California cardroom license.

CA cardroom owners hoping courts overturn license law

Mendez originally rejected the matter in 2017, asserting that the plaintiffs’ claims fell outside the statute of limitations. Flynt, Kelegian Sr., and Kelegian Jr. appealed in 2019, and a Ninth Circuit Panel demanded Mendez restart the clock.

“That all three licensees continue to be precluded from exploring other investment opportunities is not a consequence of the commission’s decision, as the dissent would have us conclude, but rather a result of the continued existence of the statutes themselves and the realistic threat of future enforcement,” Ninth Circuit Judge Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain wrote.

One of the primary areas of dispute is that Flynt says the law is an attempt to regulate interstate commerce. While Mendez sided with the state in saying the law doesn’t directly do so, he left the door open by allowing Flynt to argue it indirectly does. Mendez gave the plaintiffs 20 days to amend their complaint.

So they did. The response:

“Thus, with respect to Mr. Flynt’s investment in an out-of-state adult entertainment establishment, the California ownership restrictions currently impact the ability of a cardroom licensee to maintain an ownership interest in an entity that has nothing to do with gambling, to the extent that the majority owner in that entity elects to pursue an ownership interest in an out-of-state casino-style gambling entity in excess of 1%.”

Flynt, Kelegian Sr., and Kelegian Jr. are not seeking damages. However, they are hoping the court finds the law unconstitutional.

The post CA Judge Sides With Flynt That CA Cardroom Licensing Laws Are Problematic appeared first on Play CA.

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LIFE, LUCK, & POKER: Maria Konnikova’s New Book Chronicles Her Unique Poker Journey

Poker has taken the spotlight during the Coronavirus pandemic and the game gets a bit more publicity this week. Bestselling author, New Yorker writer, and now poker player Maria Konnikova releases a new book this week and her life in poker is a major focus.

For those not familiar, in 2017 Konnikova looked to explore how luck plays a role in people’s lives. Her research led to poker followed by tutoring from one of the biggest names in the game – Erik Seidel.

That eventually led to nice tournament success. The highlight was winning a $1,650 event at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure for $84,600. For a time, Konnikova even served as an ambassador for the site.

She now documents her life in poker as well as an exploration of psychology and philosophy in The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win. The book is published by Penguin Press and debuts Tuesday. Konnikova spoke with USPoker about the book, learning the game, and playing online poker.

Taking a seat at the poker table

At first, Konnikova didn’t even know the rankings of hands. She seemed an unlikely person to jump head-first into major tournament poker.

“I  didn’t know anything about poker,” she says. “I wanted to write a book about luck.  I wanted to explore the role that luck plays in our lives, and how we can learn to tell the difference between what is luck and what is skill.”

Her studies of game theory had her returning again and again to poker. It seemed the more she studied, the more the game intrigued her.

“You realize that the game of poker was best suited to model human decision-making  because it’s a game of incomplete information,” she says, “and everything about life is a game of incomplete information.”

Three years later, Konnikova is now a regular at the tables. The book takes readers on her own personal journey, but mixes in much more. The author attributes much of her success to Seidel’s help.

“I was incredibly lucky that I decided to work with Erik Seidel,” she says. “He was my first choice and said yes. He introduced me to poker. He introduced me to this world and he loves the game. He instilled that love to me and introduced me to the most phenomenal players who love the game. They could do anything and be anything, but they chose to be poker players.

“I think that my experience in the poker world was colored by that from the get-go, and I really did fall in love with the game. I think that there are so many great minds in it.”

That isn’t to say everything has been rosy during her time at the tables. In the book she makes note of some rough treatment from other players. However, Konnikova didn’t let that deter her.

“I think it’s a fascinating world,” she says. “Sure, there are some assholes, but there are assholes everywhere. I came from the media and there are assholes in the media world. It’s not like poker has an exclusive right to assholes. There are some things that I would change, but I love the game and love the people in general.”

Online poker as a starting point

While Konnikova has found success in some major tournaments, she began at the online poker tables. A native New Yorker, her location made this a fairly easy starting point.

“Before I played live, Erik made me start off playing online,” she says. “I started off going to New Jersey multiple days a week to play. It’s really great to get experience, but I don’t like it nearly as much [as playing live] to be perfectly honest. And it’s exhausting.”

Some of that had to do with the frustrations of having to travel to play. She doesn’t drive and has to rely on mass transit. Running deep in a tournament can also mean a long stay in the Garden State, requiring a late trip home.

She stuck at it, however, but needed some education initially on the state of online poker. Playing online was critical to her quick learning curve.

“Among everyone I consult, there is a consensus: I have to play online if I want to improve on any sort of manageable timescale,” she writes in Biggest Bluff. “The only problem is that online poker is illegal in New York, my home state.

“At first the news confuses me. We have lotteries galore. And fantasy sports ads greet me all over the city. Surely poker is more skill-based than all of the above?”

As her poker tale progresses, Konnikova and her readers learn plenty about the skill needed for poker success. And she’s not quite finished with online poker.

Back to the online poker tables

Like other players, the Coronavirus pandemic has sidelined Konnikova from major tournaments. The new book would have actually debuted at the World Series of Poker, but those plans are now obviously scrapped.

Trips back to New Jersey are now back on her poker schedule. That includes some bracelet hunting.

The new WSOP Online series debuts on WSOP.com on July 1 and offers 31 bracelet tournaments. Konnikova would love to snag her own bracelet, which would also be a nice addition to her book promotion.

Like others, she has her own opinions on adding so many bracelet events online. But that won’t stop her from playing.

“I don’t think online bracelet events should necessarily exist because I do think there’s a lot of potential for cheating and shenanigans online,” she says. “That said, it’s happening so why not see if I can go out there and play a few events. It almost seems lazy not to.”

Getting more women into poker

In recent years, there has been a push by many in poker to get more women in the game. Females usually make up only 3-5 percent of a tournament field, and Konnikova experienced this disparity first hand.

Biggest Bluff tracks Konnikova’s play in this mostly-male pastime. She offers some advice for other women interested in getting in the action.

“I think that it’s really important to realize that yes it’s 3 percent female and a 97 percent male world,” she says. “Yes, when you first get into it, it may feel uncomfortable. But keep your eye on the bigger picture.

Maria Konnikova

“This can be a really beautiful game and if you persist, if you get better, and are able to move up in stakes in the poker world, you will become more comfortable and people will become nicer and friendlier.

Konnikova had her own experiences in this regard and details some of those in the book. She hopes some women will find inspiration in her own story.

“That’s probably why a lot of women don’t end up playing poker because it’s not hospitable,” she says. “I had a lot of bad stuff happen to me. I’ve been called everything under the sun. I’ve been propositioned. Lots of nasty things have taken place and had I not had Erik and that entire group – Phil Galfond, Jason Koon, Isaac Haxton, and all these incredible guys who had my back – had I not had seen how many good, decent, and amazing people were in the game, I may have quit.

“I may have been discouraged. I think some people when they walk into a casino, if one of their first experiences was like one of my first experiences, they’ll walk right out and never come back. I hope my book shows them that there’s more there.”

* Poker table photo by Joe Giron/WPT; Maria Konnikova photo by Landon Speers

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After Long COVID-19 Closures, LA Cardrooms Reopen

Five Los Angeles-area cardrooms received authorization to reopen Friday.

Commerce Casino, Bicycle Club, Hustler Casino, and Gardens Casino opened their doors Friday morning.

Hollywood Park Casino announced plans to reopen Monday, June 22.

Major Los Angeles-area poker rooms were kept waiting for reopening timelines after smaller venues were allowed to reopen earlier this month.

All operational cardrooms in the state closed voluntarily in mid-March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since June 12, most nonessential businesses have reopened in accordance with guidelines issued by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Cardrooms in Phase 3 of CA reopening plan

Gov. Newsom’s office outlined a four-stage reopening strategy.

Phase 1 represents stay-at-home restrictions in full, while Phase 4 denotes the end of all restrictions.

The second phase outlines the reopening of businesses that pose a lower risk for transmission of the coronavirus. Phase 3 represents businesses with a higher risk.

Cardrooms were included in the state’s Phase 3 strategy, along with dine-in restaurants, bars, movie theaters, hair and nail salons, and tattoo parlors.

So far, 51 of the state’s 58 counties have entered Phase 3 status, with many nonessential businesses, including cardrooms, now authorized to reopen.

Of the seven counties that have not yet received Phase 3 approval, six are located in the Bay Area. Imperial County in the southeast corner of the state rounds out the list.

Los Angeles County was included in the June 12 Phase 3 plan. However, larger cardrooms remained shuttered until today.

Cardrooms have different standards to meet across state

California cardrooms vary widely from one another.

Ranging in size from one to nearly 200 tables, California cardrooms have different operating policies, physical lay-outs, and staffing requirements.

The California Gambling Control Commission worked with multiple state agencies, including the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), to develop a reopening strategy for cardrooms and casinos.

However, the commission’s guidelines did not issue a sweeping, one-size-fits-all reopening strategy for all cardrooms.

In order to receive authorization to reopen, each cardroom must meet the following conditions:

  • The county in which the cardroom resides has provided certification that it has met criteria set forth by the CDPH
  • The state approves the county’s application
  • The cardroom’s written safety plan meets County Public Health standards

CDPH criteria include the following:

  • Number of local COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population
  • Responsiveness and availability of local hospitals to handle a potential health care surge
  • Vulnerable population numbers
  • Demonstrable ability to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing
  • Demonstrable ability to conduct COVID-19 testing

Cardrooms located in areas with high infection rates are expected to have a more difficult time meeting transmission rate criteria.

On the whole, cardrooms will look very different when they do reopen.

Safety plans will be as diverse as the cardrooms themselves. Social distancing requirements will also leave tables shorthanded.

Commerce Casino, the world’s largest poker venue, will limit tables to eight players. Players must wear face masks.

Cardrooms are major contributors to local economy

Cardroom closures in the Los Angeles area along led to the loss of more than 10,000 jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue.

Statewide cardrooms employ over 32,000 people and contribute $1.6 billion in wages and benefits, according to the California Gaming Association.

In addition, California cardrooms contribute $500 million in state and local taxes, as well as economic benefits of more than $2 billion.

With Phase 3 businesses reopening on June 12, California reached new milestones in coronavirus statistics over the weekend.

More than 151,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 and more than 5,000 have died, according to a June 15 update from CDPH.

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RIDING THE WAVE: Online Poker Revenue Falls, But Numbers Remain High Overall

States with online gambling continue to see a rise in revenue. For poker that included some declines from March and April, but nice revenue numbers nonetheless.

The continued big revenue figures fall in line with a trend since the Coronavirus pandemic began. The legal online poker industry set records in March and April, so a slight decline seemed inevitable.

Overall, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania all set new revenue records for online gaming. With many casinos set to open in the next few months, can this trend continue?

New Jersey scores big, online poker dips

How much higher can the online gaming roller coaster go? New Jersey set another record in May with $86 million in online casino revenue. May comes in $6 million ahead of April’s total.. 

NJ saw $10 million of this revenue from online sports betting. The reemergence of UFC fights and NASCAR allowed betters to get back in the action. 

Online poker was down slightly from the previous month, but still scored its second biggest month on record with $4.5 million. This is a 151% increase year over year.

Pokerstars narrowly beat out WSOP for the top poker site for May with $1.746 million. WSOP.com was just behind that with $1.745 million. Partypoker, with its BorgataPoker and BetMGM skins, followed with just over $1 million.

Will these numbers continue when Atlantic City casinos return? No date for reopening has yet been set.

According to a report from NJ.com, NJ Gov. Phil Murphy said “casinos could reopen by July 4, with certain restrictions in place.” It’s still unknown if this will include the reopening of poker rooms.

WSOP.com and partypoker are planning major events to capitalize on the current state of online. Partypoker hosts the upcoming WPT Online Poker Open, running June 22-28. WSOP.com has also announced an online bracelet series throughout July.

PokerStars has also announced plans for its Summer Series in NJ and PA.

Pennsylvania hefty totals continue despite small online poker decline

Online casino operators in Pennsylvania also saw big numbers in May. The state brought in $55.8 million, up 28% month over month.

The launch of DraftKings online casino aided in the revenue jump. Sportsbooks also are beginning to regain traction with $4.8 million claimed in May.

Rivers Philadelphia entered the winner’s circle for top casino in May. Rivers accumulated $17.5 million in revenue between tables and slots.

Online poker produced more than $4.5 million in revenue. That was down April’s record of $5.2 million. Currently, PokerStars is the only legal online site in the state through its partnership with Mount Airy casino. 

Currently, a few casinos in PA have begun to allow patrons back. Gov. Tom Wolf has implemented a “green zone” policy in the state. The plan allows casinos to reopen once their regional areas are deemed less potentially dangerous for more Coronavirus outbreaks. 

Record month for online gaming in Delaware

Delaware celebrated its highest month ever since launching online casino games. The state brought in $1.1 million in revenue during the month of May. 

Online poker saw growth as well – a record of $93,000 in revenue. This is  a 261% increase year over year.

Online poker in the state operates under partnership between 888poker and the state’s racetrack casinos.

In June, Delaware brick and mortar casinos have begun to reopen with safety precautions in place. Dover Downs is currently running at 60% capacity and has increased cleaning and sanitation requirements.

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NO SWEAT: PokerStars Summer Series Schedule Sizzles for Players in NJ, PA

The action hasn’t slowed down for US online poker players in recent weeks. That goes certainly for PokerStars and the site recently announced its Summer Series for players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Players in PA will find 38 events running from June 18-28 with an overall guarantee of $750,000. While a complete schedule isn’t available yet for the Garden State, NJ players can expect a guarantee of $500,000.

Another big series for PokerStars in US

Online grinders have plenty to look forward to in PA. The Summer Series offers buy-ins for every level, ranging from $20 to $500.

No Limit Hold’em players will be pleased with the schedule. Almost all events are in that form of poker, but with a few Omaha tournaments also thrown in the mix.

The highlight of the series is the $200 Main Event on June 28 with a $200,000 guarantee. There is also a $50 Mini Main Event the same day for a guarantee of $25,000.

The June 21 Sunday Special also offers another big opportunity. The $100 buy-in comes with a $100,000 guarantee.

The $200 Super Tuesday on June 23 features a $35,000 guarantee. Those with high bankrolls should check out the $500 High Roller Six-Max on June 24 for a guarantee of $35,000.

Low rollers will find plenty of action in this series as well. Even some events in the $20-50 range come with five-figure guarantees.

While a New Jersey schedule isn’t available yet, players can expect a similar schedule, only with some smaller guarantees. Here’s a look at the complete PA schedule.

Date Tournament/buy-in Guarantee
June 18 $100 Summer Series Kick-Off [8-Max] $30,000
June 18 $20 Summer Series Mini Kick-Off [8-Max] $7,500
June 18 $200 Thursday Thrill SE [Progressive KO] $25,000
June 18 $30 Mini Thrill [Progressive KO] $12,500
June 18 $75 NLHE 8-Max $10,000
June 19 $50 Escalating Antes $10,000
June 19 $20 NLHE 6-Max $6,000
June 20 $100 NLHE 6-Max $20,000
June 20 $50 PLO 6-Max $5,000
June 20 $75 Progressive KO [8-Max] $7,500
June 21 $75 NLHE 6-Max $20,000
June 21 $100 Sunday Special SE $100,000
June 21 $25 Mini Special $15,000
June 21 $75 Progressive KO [8-Max] $12,500
June 21 $50 Sunday Supersonic SE $10,000
June 22 $20 NLHE 4-Max $7,500
June 22 $50 Battle Royale SE [Progressive KO, 6-Max] $15,000
June 22 $75 NLHE 8-Max $7,500
June 23 $200 Super Tuesday SE $35,000
June 23 $20 Mini Super Tuesday $15,000
June 23 $50 Progressive KO [8-Max] $7,500
June 24 $50 NLHE 6-Max $10,000
June 24 $500 High Roller [6-Max] $35,000
June 24 $20 PLO 8-Max [Progressive KO] $5,000
June 25 $200 Thursday Thrill SE [Progressive KO] $30,000
June 25 $20 Mini Thrill [Progressive KO] $15,000
June 25 $100 NLHE 6-Max $12,500
June 26 $50 NL Omaha Hi/Lo [6-Max] $5,000
June 26 $100 NLHE 6-Max [Progressive KO] $25,000
June 26 $20 NLHE 8-Max $5,000
June 27 $30 NLHE $7,500
June 27 $100 NLHE 8-Max [Progressive KO] $20,000
June 27 $50 PLO 6-Max $3,500
June 28 $20 NLHE 6-Max [Progressive KO] $10,000
June 28 $200 Main Event $150,000
June 28 $50 Mini Main $25,000
June 28 $100 PLO 6-Max $10,000
June 28 $75 Series Wrap-Up [8-Max] $10,000

Summer Series adds to growing online poker momentum in US market

The Summer Series comes as PokerStars continues notching record revenues in Pennsylvania. The site is fresh off the Pennsy-Mania one-off tournament that became the biggest online tournament in the state to date.

The $200 event featured a $250,000 guarantee and attracted a field of 2,774 entries. The prize pool swelled to $515,964 – typifying the massive turnout for major online events the last few months.

In March, the company set a PA online poker record with $3.1 million in revenue. April’s total of $5.3 million then smashed that. May revenues are expected to be released soon.

The company remains the only operator in the state. However, WSOP.com officials confirmed to USPoker in May that it’s currently in the regulatory and licensing process. Partypoker is also believed to be interested in offering poker in the state.

A growing field of online poker events

Other major operators have also been getting in the act. WSOP.com just concluded its Online Circuit Season Finale with 12 championship rings awarded.

The WSOP has also announced 85 online bracelets will be awarded this summer. The WSOP Online series kicks off July 1 and will serve NJ and Nevada players. GGPoker will then offer events to an international audience beginning on July 19.

The WPT and partypoker also recently announced the WPT Online Poker Open for players in New Jersey. The series runs June 21-28 with 12 events and a $370,000 overall guarantee.

The $400 championship on June 28 features a $300,000 guaranteed. The champion earns a nice WPT trophy as well as an $11,000 travel package to play in the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Sweepstakes poker site Global Poker recently announced its own Summer Series as well. The festival features 45 Sweeps Coin events for a guarantee of more than SC2.1 million.

It’s a good time to be an online poker player in the US. As states begin to open up, it will be interesting to see how the numbers shake out. In the meantime, there is plenty of action online with plenty of tournaments and cash games.

For a complete PokerStars PA and NJ review with exclusive USPoker bonuses, click here. 

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BUTT OUT: Could the End of Smoking in Casinos and Poker Rooms Be Near?

Casinos are beginning to open up around the country with new state-mandated safety requirements. With all the new measures put in place, whether to allow smoking is now a regular topic of debate.

Will casinos continue to allow cigarette smoking on the gaming floor? Smoking is currently a fiery topic of discussion among casino and poker room regulars. Will this finally be the end of the casino smoking era?

Casinos and poker rooms reopen with big changes

Multiple states have now opened their casino floors with new health standards. Some casinos will not allow players into the establishment without masks on.

Other orders include increased sanitation machines, plexiglass dividers at poker tables, and limited numbers of players in the casino. 

The Las Vegas Strip casinos reopened last week and one casino took a strong initiative. Park MGM will now be the first smoke-free casino in Las Vegas. The smoking ban includes the entire property, even hotel rooms.

Other MGM properties including the Bellagio appear to have made some changes.

Oneida casinos in Wisconsin are also adding strict requirements when reopening up this month. These requirements include a smoking ban, temperatures checked upon entry, and masks required for players and employees. 

Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, Johns Hopkins Research Center statistics show that COVID-19 has claimed the lives of over 112,000 people have died in the United States alone to date.

States and casinos have evaluated policies in response to the pandemic and focus on health. For some, that has included reassessing smoking policies.

Banning smoking at casino properties gains traction

Other states and cities are making strong moves to ban smoking. On June 9, the Shreveport city council voted 5-2 to ban smoking inside all casinos and bars in the Louisiana city. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is following suit in Michigan. Casinos will be limited to a 15% capacity and that will include a smoking ban.

Studies have listed smoking as a hindrance to Coronavirus recovery. Can the practice survive the post-pandemic casino environment?

“A recent analysis of six studies in China finds that smoking is most likely linked with poorer outcomes in COVID-19 patients,” Cancer.org notes. “This includes a study that received a lot of media attention, which found that among a small sample of COVID-19 patients in China, smokers were more likely to be in the group of patients whose condition worsened while hospitalized.”

Will policies affect casino turnout?

With smoking bans going in place, many may also wonder if this might affect turnout. Casinos have been closed for months and more than 41 million Americans have lost jobs.

In these kinds of economic times, can properties afford to lose potential customers? Could smoking bans be bad for business?

Cigarettes, vapes, and cigars certainly remain legal products in the US. Turning smokers away could be a costly decision. Casino companies may be looking more to recoup losses and bring players back in the doors.

Connecticut casino regular Steven Bruner believes gamblers and poker players won’t be deterred.

“I think players will show up no matter what,” he says.

Working in a smoking environment

Most casinos at least offer a smoking section on the casino floor. However, employees must still work in these areas.

As of 2018, 26 states have laws in place that ban smoking in all enclosed work areas, bars, and restaurants. These include New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nevada. Yet these have exceptions in place for casinos.

Overall, secondhand smoke remains an issue for the industry. Most casinos have smoking sections and high-tech filtration systems, but workers and patrons are still at risk. 

The U.S. Surgeon General took a look at the issue in a 2006 report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Secondhand Smoke.

“100% smoke-free workplace policies are the only effective way to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure in the workplace,” the report notes. “Even sophisticated ventilation systems do not eliminate the health hazards of secondhand smoke.

“Casino, bar, and restaurant workers remain significantly more exposed to toxic secondhand smoke in their job site compared to other segments of the US workforce.”

Proponents of banning smoking also look at the issue from a business angle. Many believe less smoking will attract younger players and employees.

 

Are outdoor smoking areas the solution?

One idea is to have outside smoking areas only. Other ideas include enclosed smoking lounges or cigar bars where smoke doesn’t affect players on the floor. These would be separate from the casino floor.

“Nothing is worse than having a trip ruined with a headache by mistakenly venturing into a smoking zone on the casino floor,” Atlantic City poker player Brian Keane says.

Most smoking areas are currently located in slot machine areas on the casino floor. Currently there are no smoking poker rooms in Atlantic City or Las Vegas.

Bally’s was the last smoking poker room in Atlantic City. Despite the lack of smoking in poker rooms, some properties do allow smoking just outside the poker area.

Currently New Jersey and Pennsylvania casinos do not have hard dates on when casinos will be up and running. As of now, cigarette smoking will still be allowed on the floor in designated areas. 

According to the World Health Organization: “The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year around the world.”

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