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HEATING UP: Global Poker Offers More Big Guarantee Action with Summer Series

Summer may mean lounging by the pool and working on a tan, but it also means online poker. And fresh off two big series, Global Poker is back with its Summer Series from June 22 to July 12.

The series 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.

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What is Global Poker and how does it work?

Global Poker is a unique sweepstake poker site available to players in the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec). More of a social gaming-style site, players can play for free with a virtual currency called Gold Coins (GC).

Those who purchase more Gold Coins receive Sweeps Coins (SC) as a bonus. These can also be used in separate tournaments and ring games. They can also be redeemed for cash prizes and gift cards. 

The site has seen massive growth during the Coronavirus pandemic and continues adding to its platform. Global Poker is a browser-based mobile poker experience and can be played on a mobile device as well.

What to expect from the Global Poker Summer Series

Players have a lot to play for in the Summer Series. Event buy-ins range from SC33 to SC540.

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.

Some of the highlights on the schedule include these events:

  • 1A: SC218 Deepstack –  SC50,000 guaranteed (June 22)
  • 2A: SC110 NLHE [2R1A] – SC50,000 guaranteed (June 23)
  • 8A: SC218 NLHE Six-Max Deepstack – SC50,000 guaranteed (June 29)
  • 10A: SC33 NLHE Rebuy – SC40,000 guaranteed (Jly 1)
  • 14A: SC327 Sunday Scrimmage Deepstack – SC200,000 guaranteed (July 5)
  • 17A: SC33 NLHE Rebuy – SC40,000 guaranteed (July 8)

Winners take home trophies for every Gold Coin and Sweeps Coin tournament. They’ll also earn a Champion Pack, which includes exclusive Global Poker merchandise.

Satellites for the series begin June 15. Here’s a look at the complete schedule:

Global Poker Summer Series 2020

Date Tourney Name 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

Global Poker piles on promotions for Summer Series

Beyond plenty of big Sweeps Coin action, Global Poker has several other reasons to play during the series. As in past series, look for Pop-up Freerolls at random times between noon and 8 p.m. (ET). 

Pop-up tournaments are listed only an hour ahead of time and Summer Series tournament tickets on the line.

All Champion Pack winners are also eligible to enter the Hometown Heroes promotion. Those wearing Global Poker gear and showing off their trophy on social media will pick up added prizes.

Players sharing and tagging Global Poker on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can win the following:

  • In front of a hometown civic building – SC20
  • In front of hometown welcome sign –SC20
  • At local casino or card room – SC20
  • A 30-second video in a local poker tournament wearing and saying, “I love Global Poker” – SC100
  • Winning a tournament wearing Global Poker gear and sharing the winner’s photo (must qualify for Hendon Mob) – SC1,000.

The Summer Series kicks off with two big SC218 events on June 22.

For a complete review of the site an an exclusive USPoker signup bonus, click here.

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GARDEN STATE FIESTA: Partypoker, WPT Join Forces Again in New Jersey

The partnership between partypoker and the World Poker Tour continues to grow. After running successful series on the international platform, on Wednesday the companies announced the launch of the new WPT Online Poker Open for players in New Jersey.

The series runs June 21-28 with 12 events plus a $400 championship on June 28 with $300,000 guaranteed. The network includes BorgataPoker and BetMGM and players can participate on any of the three sites.

“WPT and partypoker US Network are coming together to provide the New Jersey network of online players the opportunity to compete in a world-class event and take part in a familiar WPT experience,” WPT Vice President of Global Tour Management Angelica Hael said in a news release.

“We look forward to our first event with partypoker US Network and a great start to a long-term partnership.”

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What can NJ partypoker players expect?

Just like an official WPT event, players can expect plenty of promotion and marketing effort. Along with the prize money, the winner receives a WPT trophy and a VIP experience in Las Vegas.

That includes an $11,000 package for entry into the next WPT live event. That will be the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic at Bellagio in Las Vegas ($10,400 buy-in).

“We continually strive to offer opportunities for players to enjoy the game they love on a safe, secure and hassle-free network,” partypoker US director of poker Ray Stefanelli said. “We are excited to combine the prestige of WPT with the offering of our poker network to provide a championship-caliber trophy event to players in New Jersey.”  

The entire WPT Online Poker Open series promises a total of more than $370,000 in guaranteed prize pools. Beyond the main event a few other events that stand out include:

  • $5 PLO Six-Max Rebuy – $1,000 guaranteed (Event 1, June 21)
  • $109 Green Chip Bounty NLHE – $7,500 guaranteed (Event 4, June 23)
  • $215 NLHE – $20,000 guaranteed (Event 6, June 24)
  • $215 No Limit Hold’em – $15,000 guaranteed (Event 9, June 26)

Buy-ins range from $5 to $400 with something for every bankroll. Players also have a shot to qualify for the main event at a bargain price.

Players will find four daily qualifiers starting for as little as $5. In addition, there will also be a $45 daily satellite at 7:30 p.m. (ET) daily until the main event. Here’s a look at the complete schedule:

2020 partypoker US WPT Online Poker Open

Date Time (ET) Tournament Buy-in Guarantee
6/21/2020 7:30 p.m. SATELLITE: WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN – 10 seats guaranteed NLH $45
6/22/2020 6:30 p.m. #1 – PLO 6-Max Rebuy $5 $1,000
6/22/2020 7 p.m. #2 – R/A NLH $10 $2,500
6/22/2020 7:30 p.m. SATELLITE: WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN – 10 seats guaranteed NLH $45
6/23/2020 6:30 p.m. #3 – Red Chip Bounty NLH $10 $2,000
6/23/2020 7:30 p.m. #4 – Green Chip Bounty NLH $109 $7,500
6/23/2020 7:30 p.m. SATELLITE: WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN – 10 seats guaranteed NLH $45
6/23/2020 8 p.m. PHASE into WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN $45 $300,000
6/24/2020 6:30 p.m. #5 – NLH $5 $1,500
6/24/2020 7:30 p.m. SATELLITE: WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN – 10 seats guaranteed NLH $45
6/24/2020 8 p.m. #6 – NLH $215 $20,000
6/25/2020 6:30 p.m. #7 – NLHE R & A $10 $2,500
6/25/2020 7:30 p.m. SATELLITE: WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN – 10 seats guaranteed NLH $45
6/25/2020 8 p.m. PHASE into WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN $45 $300,000
6/26/2020 6:30 p.m. #8 – NLH $5 $2,000
6/26/2020 7:30 p.m. SATELLITE: WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN – 10 seats guaranteed NLH $45
6/26/2020 8 p.m. #9 – NLH $215 $15,000
6/27/2020 7 p.m. #10 – NLHE R & A $10 $2,500
6/27/2020 7:30 p.m. SATELLITE: WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN – 10 seats guaranteed NLH $45
6/27/2020 7:30 p.m. #11 – Black Chip Bounty NLH $320 $15,000
6/28/2020 3 p.m. HYPER SATELLITE: WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN – 10 seats guaranteed NLH $45
6/28/2020 5 p.m. WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN – Main Event $400 $300,000
6/28/2020 7:30 p.m. #12 – Red Chip Bounty NLH $20 $2,000

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US online poker market continues to grow including New Jersey

The new partypoker/WPT New Jersey series comes after the platform has ramped up its online series in recent weeks. Real-money online poker is legal in:

All four states have seen record players and prize pools in March and April because of the Coronavirus pandemic. May is expected to produce big numbers as well.

In New Jersey, online poker reached a record revenue of $3.6 million in March. That was topped in April with $5.1 million.

The WPT has transitioned during the pandemic to focus more on online events. That has included tour-branded partypoker events around the world and its own ClubWPT sweepstakes poker site. 

PokerStars and WSOP.com have also been running major series over the last few months. Partypoker and WPT are also now making waves with a nice addition to the Garden State online poker scene.

For a complete review of partypoker in New Jersey including an exclusive free $25 Signup Bonus, click here.

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BUILDING AND BOOMING: Global Poker Continues Adding Events and Features to Platform

It’s been a huge few months for Global Poker. After some massive tournament series, the sweepstakes poker site continues adding to its platform.

In recent weeks that has included new daily events as well as other interesting promotions and features. That has ranged from enhancements of its browser-based poker system to the addition of bounty tournaments and more. Here’s a look at what’s going on at Global Poker.

Global Poker revamps gaming platform

Players heading to the tables in recent weeks probably noticed some changes. The new Global Poker software has a slightly new look and still in beta testing.

The revamp has included some brightened table themes and avatars appear to be a bit larger. Tournament lobbies appear more organized and players will find some nice filtering options.

The new look has also made the custom bet feature a bit easier. Players can now type in their bet and press “enter” or “return” on a keyboard to input that action. Taking notes on players is also a simple process.

Added changes include fixing some game alerts and sound effect synchronization issues. Global’s platform can also easily be played on a mobile device.

The site continues to work on its product and players can also still opt in to the classic version as well. Global is a safe social gaming alternative for US players.

Bounty tournaments now part of the Global Poker mix

After already adding more daily events, Global has also begun offering bounty tournaments. These popular tournaments allow for everyone to grab a little cash whether making it in the money or not.

Bounties offer some added fun to the action. Those new to these events should know that a percentage of each buy-in goes toward the bounty pool.

In a bounty tournament, simply eliminate an opponent and win that player’s bounty too. Here’s a look at the Global Poker bounty percentages of each buy-in:

  • Bounty – 20% to the bounty pool
  • Super Bounty – 50% to the bounty pool
  • Total Bounty – 100% to the bounty pool

In addition, Global Poker is offering two different types of bounty events. In the “classic” format, part of each buy-in is placed on players’ heads.

A player eliminating another player simply earns the bonus. The overall winner keeps his or her own bonus.

In a “progressive” bounty, when a player knocks out another player that player only receives half the bounty. The other half is then added to the winning player’s own bounty.

This increases the bounty on that player’s head and makes better players more of a target. These are sometimes referred to as PKO (progressive knockout) tournaments and can be a lot of fun.

Even more tournaments added to the daily schedule

Since the Coronavirus pandemic, Global Poker has surged in popularity among players across the US and Canada. The site has moved to meet demand by offering even more daily and weekly events with major guarantees.

The site offers something for every bankroll and here’s a look at some of the site’s tournaments throughout the week.

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.

Newsletter freerolls offer a shot at free cash

Everybody likes a shot at some free cash. Global Poker offers players just that opportunity. Players would be wise to check their inbox each week for a chance to enter the Newsletter Freebuy.

This freeroll features SC1,500 up for grabs and available for players. Simply click a link in the email newsletter to register for this event.

Players can also take advantage of unlimited rebuys for SC1 and an add-on for SC1. This event offers plenty of fun at a bargain price.

How does Global Poker work and where can you play?

Global Poker is a unique sweepstake poker site available to players in the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec). More of a social gaming-style site, players can play for free with a virtual currency called Gold Coins (GC).

Those who purchase more Gold Coins receive Sweeps Coins (SC) as a bonus. These can also be used in separate tournaments and ring games. They can also be redeemed for cash prizes and gift cards. 

The site is a great social poker option giving players the chance to win real money.

For a complete Global Poker review including an exclusive sign-up bonus of 5,000 Gold Coins, click here.

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OPEN FOR DEBATE: WSOP Online Bracelet Plans Draw Varied Reactions Among Players

Opinions in the world of poker are as common as bad beat stories. That’s certainly the case this week with the announcement of a new World Series of Poker online series.

The new WSOP Online summer festival will greatly ramp up the number of bracelets won online. With the WSOP postponed until fall, organizers are trying to offer a chance at gold for players stuck at home. This also becomes the first time international playershttps://www.pokerscout.com/world/

can win a bracelet as well. 

As news trickled out, USPoker reached out to several experienced players to gauge reaction. Some had a positive reception and were excited about the series. Others believe additional events water down the series and importance of a bracelet.

A quick glance at the WSOP Online

With the actual series in doubt, the WSOP Online offers a co-branded festival awarding bracelets throughout the summer. That includes a total of 85 bracelets given out this summer.

Organizers promise plenty of pomp and circumstance to coincide with events including coverage from Poker Central. Here’s a look at what to expect.

WSOP.com

  • Number of bracelet events – 31 
  • Dates – July 1-31 (one event per day)
  • States available to players – Nevada and New Jersey
  • Game formats – Mostly No Limit Hold’em events with a few Omaha tournaments
  • Buy-in range – $400 to $3,200

A few highlights include the $1,000 NLHE Championship on July 31 to close the WSOP.com side of the series. The $500 Kickoff on July 1 should be popular as well as $1,500 and $3,200 high roller events on July 13-14.

GGPoker

  • Number of bracelet events – 54
  • Dates – July 19 to Sept. 16
  • Locations available to players – Around the world including Canada and Mexico
  • Game formats – No schedule yet, but many formats and extra non-bracelet events expected as in the recent WSOP Super Online Circuit Series
  • Buy-in range – Not known yet, but Super Series buy-ins ranged from $33 to $25,000.

GGPoker has been one of the fastest-growing online poker sites and this becomes the second series sponsored with WSOP. Players should look forward to numerous events beyond the bracelet events and big guarantees.

Daniel Negreanu is now a brand ambassador for GG and was quick to trumpet his excitement for the series.

 

Phil Hellmuth is ready to go for WSOP Online

The thought among players about winning so many bracelets online seems to fall into two camps. One side believes the WSOP Online solves a problem – not having the annual series this summer in Las Vegas. The series also can keep online poker in the news and further the cause of acceptance in the US.

Another group believes the additional online bracelets dilute the WSOP product. They argue that a bracelet is special and events like this take off some of that luster.

Count 15-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth among those in full support. When informed of the new series on Monday, he booked his stay at the Aria casino resort in Las Vegas for all of July.

“I think online poker is legitimate,” he told USPoker on Monday. “I’m looking forward to battling tens of thousands of poker players for WSOP gold this summer.”

Hellmuth remains the only winner of both the WSOP Main Event (1989) and WSOP Europe Main Event (2012). While he doesn’t have an online bracelet, he came close in 2019 – taking fifth in a $400 event for $39,640. Hellmuth plans on playing the GGPoker half of the new series as well. 

“I’ll either go to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, or Vancouver, Canada,” he says. “I’m hoping that if it’s Vancouver, I’ll be close to other poker players playing in tournaments. If Cabo, I’m already set up well down there.”

Support for series, playing online in Las Vegas

Brian Altman has been in a unique situation during the Coronavirus pandemic. The two-time World Poker Tour champion was to play the final table of the Borgata Winter Poker Open in Las Vegas on April 1.

The event would be filmed for television on April 1. He booked a stay in Las Vegas after playing the WPT Rolling Thunder in March. What was supposed to be a short stay to prepare for the final table turned into an online poker sabbatical.

In March’s WSOP Online Super Series, Altman won a $215 Turbo event for $32,781. Still in Las Vegas, he’s looking forward to more action and a chance to win a bracelet this summer.

“I’m not sure of my exact schedule, but I plan on playing some of the events,” says Altman, who has two WSOP Circuit rings and is still looking for his first bracelet. “I think it’s great the WSOP is adapting to these unique times and running online events across two different sites.

“That being said, this situation highlights the need for the expansion of regulated poker in the United States, so that people from all states can play against each other, and perhaps once again participate in a worldwide player pool.”

Limited states for WSOP.com players frustrates many

Other players will be out of the mix. South Florida player Tony Ruberto has two WPT titles and one WSOPC championship ring.

Traveling for the online events isn’t in his plans. His situation highlights the difficulties of having bracelet tournaments in such a limited number of states.

“Unfortunately I live in Miami and we aren’t allowed to play at WSOP.com,” he says.

Online poker is only legally available in New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. In 2019, Michigan and West Virginia also legalized but haven’t gone live yet. Hopes are high among players that the game sees further US expansion in coming years.

Added WSOP online events have another effect – offering a wide range of players an opportunity to play in bracelet events. Poker legend Doyle Brunson, 86, left the WSOP behind because of long hours needed at the table.

WSOP Online may just offer the “Godfather of Poker” a shot at bracelet No. 11. He indicated as such on Twitter on Monday.

 

Not a fan of new WSOP online bracelet approach

The number of bracelets at the annual summer WSOP in Las Vegas had already been climbing in recent years. Some players feel this trend has now spilled over online and devalues winning a bracelet.

Two-time bracelet winner Brandon Shack-Harris falls in this category and took to Twitter with his views on Monday. If a live series is indeed held in the fall, Shack-Harris believes the new series is bracelet “double dipping.”

“I’ve had nothing but great interactions with WSOP chairmen and staff, and take pride in competing on their platform,” he noted. “I’m not trying to create heat for them, but I have concerns about the quality of their product and potentially how they view the quality of their product given the decision to go ahead with a large online format that awards a trophy with a prestigious history attached to it.”

Shack-Harris argues that large non-bracelet summer series could still attract big numbers. Recent series in the US and internationally back up that assertion.

“My assumption is that a chance at a bracelet is what people feel is necessary to generate traffic, but I think it’s short sighted and only hurts the overall health of the product,” the two-time bracelet winner notes. “I also feel people are always happy to compete in online series in general – I would and I’m not a no limit grinder.”

Mixed feelings, but the WSOP show must go on

Three-time bracelet winner Ben Yu looks at the new series from a business perspective. Players revere a WSOP bracelet and see it as a huge accomplishment. But during uncertain economic times, running the series online helps a company struggling after weeks of having casinos shut down.

“It’s unfortunate to have an event that incentivizes travel to Nevada, New Jersey, and abroad in the middle of a pandemic,” he says. “But I understand their desire to continue business and it’s still much better than having any kind of live event.

“Going forward, I predict WSOP will continue to use the draw of bracelets to run events players will criticize. But the WSOP has very different incentives from those most vocal, and those players don’t have much leverage. I don’t have a strong opinion on the topic. Disclaimer: I’ll probably play the Nevada ones.”

As a Las Vegas resident, Dylan Linde plans on playing bracelet events in Nevada and possibly abroad on GGPoker. A WPT champion, he’s still seeking his first bracelet and has a measured view on the new series.

Linde sees some positive aspects including the well-being of the game and huge prize pool possibilities. The added bracelets, however, make him worry about the value of poker’s ultimate trophy.

“I certainly will play them but I’m not certain of my feelings on them,” he says. “On one hand, I think keeping people’s interest in the WSOP alive is good and that helps the health of the game.

“On the other hand I’m worried that the buy-ins and number of events will dilute people’s awe of a bracelet. I think that awe drives many recreational players to play – as well as pros. Although, until last month no one had won a circuit ring for $3.2 million.”

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3 CA Card Rooms Have To Sell After Repeated Legal Violations

Three California casinos, Paso Robles Central Coast Casino, Magnolia House Casino in Rancho Cordova, and Casino Marysville, will have to pay $165,000 in recovery and fines and must be sold thanks to “an inability or unwillingness to comply with California law,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced.

The settlement is a result of the casinos’ failure to meet their obligations under the California Gambling Control Act of 1998. It requires all gambling establishments to operate in a manner suitable to protect public health, safety, and general welfare.

State orders all three CA card rooms sold

“You either play by the rules or you can expect to pay the price,” Becerra said. “Gambling regulations are about protecting the public and making sure the wrong people don’t put their thumb on the scale. If card rooms can’t hold up their end of the bargain, then we’ll take action — and these settlements are proof of that. At the California Department of Justice, our special agents and legal team stand ready to uphold our state’s gaming laws.”

Though all three will have to sell, the settlement permits the casinos to resume operations in the interim once Gov. Gavin Newsom allows card rooms to reopen. All 70 in California are currently shut down because of COVID-19 and Newsom hasn’t said when the card rooms can reopen. The trio involved in the settlement must straighten out their cash management and provide weekly accounting to state regulators in order to do so.

The findings for each casino very slightly, but there are common themes. Among them:

  • Failure to maintain adequate financing
  • Improper use of third-party funds
  • Failure to disclose full information to regulators

Here’s a quick look at each card room and what the California Department of Justice found.

Magnolia House Casino

  • Card room unable to maintain sufficient funds to cover the cost of patrons cashing out their chips
  • Card room operated at a dangerously low level of funding
  • Improperly used third-party funds for its own benefit
  • Failed to disclose full and true information regarding its operations to regulators
  • Failed to take corrective action despite numerous warnings from regulators

The settlement also prohibits majority stakeholder Thomas B. Sheridan from operating a gambling establishment under CGCC’s jurisdiction for life. He’ll also have to pay $50,000 toward costs associated with the investigation and prosecution.

In an interview in January, Sheridan said he had fixed the “deficiency on the cash” and was anxious to reopen, according to The Sacramento Bee.

Paso Robles Central Coast Casino

  • Card room failed to maintain adequate financing
  • Card rooms ignored notifications to correct non-compliance issues
  • Impeded regulators by failing to provide requested surveillance footage
  • Improperly used third-party funds for its own benefit

In addition to selling, owner and sole shareholder Donald Ezzell will have to operate under additional oversight conditions in the interim. He’ll also pay $65,000 toward costs associated with the investigation and prosecution.

The CGCC approved the stipulated settlement on May 28, the last of the three casinos.

Casino Marysville

  • Card room violated state and local laws governing the manner in which controlled games must be conducted
  • Demonstrated a pattern and practice of an unwillingness or inability to comply with the law

Owner and sole shareholder Sau Phong will have to pay $50,000 in fines.

Newsom will issue reopening guidance for card rooms on June 8. Many tribal California casinos are already open, putting card rooms in a tough position.

It will be fascinating to monitor the buying process. We’ll keep you posted with the latest developments.

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Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Mike Postle And Stone’s Gambling Hall

On Wednesday afternoon, a U.S. District judge dismissed a federal lawsuit against poker player Mike Postle for allegedly cheating in livestreamed cash games at Stones Gambling Hall.

In his action, Judge William B. Shubb of the Eastern District of California additionally dismissed lawsuits against Stones Gambling Hall and its poker room manager, Justin Kuraitis.

Latest twist in livestreamed poker cheating saga

The dismissals represent the latest twist in a story that has, at times, captivated the poker world’s attention over the last nine months. Postle’s accusers first went public with their claims last September, filing their lawsuit in October.

The lawsuit contained multiple causes of action against each of the defendants. The lawsuit lists more than 80 plaintiffs, with Maryland-based lawyer Maurice “Mac” VerStandig heading the legal team representing them.

All of the plaintiffs are poker players who played in games versus Postle on the “Stones Live Poker” livestream which debuted in January 2018. They have alleged Postle received information about his opponents’ hole cards as he was playing, thereby enabling him to win at statistically improbable rates.

Postle is alleged to have won more than $250,000 in the games, booking victories in 94% of the sessions in which he played during 2018 and 2019. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs collectively sought $30 million in damages from the defendants.

Judge explains dismissal, leaves door open for plaintiffs to amend

In April, the defendants in the case filed motions to dismiss, their filings joined together under the one brought by King’s Casino LLC, operator of Stones Gambling Hall. The causes of action against them covered a variety of different complaints, including negligence, negligent misrepresentation, constructive fraud, fraud, and libel.

In the 24-page ruling, Judge Brill offered various reasons for dismissing the different charges. In some cases, he noted causes of action were being “dismissed with leave to amend” should the plaintiffs be able to provide further evidence to support their claims.

For example, the claim of negligent misrepresentation against King’s Casino (i.e., Stones Gambling Hall) stemmed from the plaintiffs’ position that Stones “created ‘an implicit representation’ that players would be ‘protected from the cheating of other players.’” The plaintiffs maintain Stones was, in fact, aware of Postle’s cheating and that “at least one agent of Stones served as a John Doe or Jane Doe confederate of Mr. Postle.”

However, as Judge Brill explains, the “plaintiffs failed to disclose the identity of the alleged confederate.” He notes that the plaintiffs have indicated a readiness to make such a disclosure and identify the accomplice “by name and position.” Thus has the cause of action been dismissed with leave to amend should the plaintiffs return with additional support for their claim.

VerStandig has already indicated that the case will be amended and brought once again.

Stones Gambling Hall, located in Citrus Heights near Sacramento, has remained closed since mid-March in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Legal Online Gambling Seen In A New Light In Aftermath Of Shutdowns

In May 2018, the US Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, opening the door for state-sanctioned legal sports betting.

That was just two years ago, but doesn’t it feel like much longer? It feels as if legalized wagering (outside Nevada) has existed as long as the traditional casino.

There’s no doubt that perceived longevity stems from the country embracing and expanding sports betting with such vigor that it seems as if decades of industry growth has been crammed into a brief window.

Indeed, legalized sports betting in America has grown rapidly over the past two years, particularly online. Without question, it will follow the same trend over the next two years. And the acceptance of online gaming — sports betting, casino and poker — will help states capitalize even more.

Sports betting has had rapid-fire expansion in US

Less than a month after SCOTUS repealed PASPA, Delaware became the first state to accept a legal wager outside Nevada. New Jersey followed soon after and quickly became a power player that now keeps see-sawing back and forth with Nevada for the most lucrative sports betting state.

Its operator-friendliness fueled the fire, and the state’s readiness to allow online gaming resulted in some 84% of $4.6 billion in legal wagers placed over the internet in 2019. Not to be outdone, online casinos and poker have perked up in 2020, as the two verticals have combined for nearly $210 million this year.

Since the PASPA repeal, 18 states and Washington, D.C., have gone live with legalized wagering with 13 of them featuring some variation of online betting. They have combined for more than $20 billion in handle since May 2018, a total that expects to grow exponentially in the near future.

More states appear ready to offer legalized sports betting

Four other states have enacted wagering legislation and await launch. And 16 states have active legislation, a total that seemingly continues to increase with each passing day.

All told, all but 12 states in the country are at least exploring regulated betting.

In late 2019, expansion began out west. Since that time, Oregon and Montana joined Nevada as states with legal sports betting. After Washington passed legislation to do the same, Colorado launched online wagering in May 2020. Then, a big domino fell, as California introduced a bill that, theoretically, would appeal to cardrooms and tribal casinos — though the jury is still out on how successful that compromise will become.

Back east, activity abounded as Virginia and Tennessee targeted summer launches for their respective sports betting industries while Louisiana and Ohio pushed legislation forward.

This all came after Michigan and Illinois introduced retail wagering and as the nation’s capital debuted its mobile platform.

Even before summer officially starts, the nation is abuzz with legalizing wagering, many of which are including the online aspect.

That vertical holds significance, and it is one that states still considering legalization or that already have operational industries need to consider implementing.

Pandemic sheds light on value of online gambling

Without question, the coronavirus pandemic has sent shockwaves around the world. It has hit both the US retail and online gambling industry hard.

Across the US, hundreds of properties were forced to shutter for the better part of two months. Only recently have they begun to reopen. Major sports leagues and organizers elected to suspend and cancel seasons and events, such as the NCAA tournament, the Masters and the Kentucky Derby.

The pandemic caused an experience no one wanted, but one that added more proof to the value of legalized online gambling.

Land-based casinos take a big hit

Consider Michigan and Illinois, two states that unfortunately went live with legalized retail sports betting just before the coronavirus pandemic — and two states that legalized but have yet to launch online platforms.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced revenue numbers for the first four months of 2020, and they were not pretty: reflecting a 39.2% drop compared with the same timeframe of 2019. Similarly, the state pocketed $24.2 million in taxes from its three commercial casinos — nearly $16 million less than the first four months of last year.

Land-based casinos that were closed hurt Michigan. And the same went for Illinois, where the state’s Casino Gaming Association estimated that casinos lost $100 million during the shutdown since mid-March.

Certainly, states in similar situations felt the same blow.

Online gambling shoulders the load elsewhere

While online sports betting provided just a drop in the bucket compared with previous months, what with sports being sidelined, other verticals have picked up the slack.

Only three states offer legalized online casinos and four have online poker. Those areas have seen massive spikes in recent weeks.

In April, New Jersey watched as monthly online sports betting revenue dropped nearly 90% year over year. Again, a byproduct of few sports on which to wager.

The state’s online casinos, though, saw their numbers skyrocket. In March, for example, New Jersey operators collected a whopping $64.8 million to set a state record. Online poker also peaked, coming in at $5.1 million in April. Nearby Pennsylvania experienced a similar trend.

Sports betting handle in the Keystone State plummeted 65% from March to April. And while land-based casino revenue dropped 51% from February to March, online operators combined for a state-record $43.1 million in April. Of note, online poker drew $5.3 million to set a US record for single-month revenue — beating New Jersey’s April total.

Of course, these totals will not make up for the massive losses properties have taken in recent months, but obviously they ease the blow.

 

 

Experts weigh in on the need for online gambling expansion

For years, stakeholders and some lawmakers have advocated for online expansion. The common argument against this move has long been the fear of cannibalizing land-based casinos; the fear that a mobile product would prevent potential customers from visiting brick-and-mortars.

Really, though, digital platforms will create more footfall.

“If you produce a good online experience, they’re going to be much more associated to your brand … than if not,” Max Meltzer, COO of Kambi, said during a recent teleconference. “I just think there’s more of an educational piece, and I think COVID’s done a bit more of a kick-start to that.”

Yaniv Sherman, head of commercial development for the online gambling company 888 Holdings, told the Associated Press that the coronavirus pandemic “has highlighted the need for revenue diversification. “The future is around online growth, and it’s right now, not in 5 or 10 years. We hope to get additional states on board.”

Matt King, CEO of FanDuel, agreed with that sentiment and even went further with it.

“When legislatures return in earnest, we firmly believe the number of states ready to consider accelerating mobile sports betting and online gaming legislation to drive tax revenue will expand substantially,” King told ESPN. “And we also see the industry recognizing this is a unique moment in time, and working more collaboratively to set aside minor differences and get bills across the finish line. Across the board, it’s a time for pragmatism, and we see that producing a real opportunity for significantly expanding the map.”

More states could consider expanding online

Over the next two years, online expansion will accelerate, as estimated by Chris Krafcik, a managing director with Eilers & Krejcik Gaming. “Both activities provide states, whose economies have been massively disrupted by the outbreak, the opportunity to capture new revenue immediately in the form of upfront license fees, and over time through taxes.”

While sports betting and other forms of online gambling reflect a minute percentage of most states’ budgets, that small portion — as well as other forms of online gambling — is much preferred to nothing.

The perception of online gambling has shifted, assured Meltzer during a recent teleconference. The “real trailblazers” have shown an understanding that moving online will generate more revenue and even attract more foot traffic at land-based casinos.

“I think people should be grasping onto the fact that, either way, however you want to run it, there’s a huge opportunity to generate revenues,” Meltzer said. “If I was having a strong coffee with someone … I’d certainly recommend to consider the revenues, just to consider what it can do in terms of retaining staff and growing an environment to attract more customers into your casino. That’s regardless of size. Regardless of size, there’s a model out there that can work for you. That’s my strong belief.”

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