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Another Live-Online Poker Option Unveiled with Partypoker Championship Malta Series

The online-liv hybrid partypoker Championship Malta features 50 live and online events running March 17-31.

Partypoker continues the site’s trend of offering online-live hybrid events with another series kicking off this month. The partypoker Championship (PPC) Malta festival features 50 live and online events running March 17-31 in conjunction with Portomaso Casino.

The schedule includes a €550 Main Event that features both online and live qualifiers and comes with a €500,000 guarantee.

During the pandemic, several major live tournament series transitioned online. Party seems to be taking an interesting approach in offering players the best of a live and online series.

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Partypoker Malta highlights

The series follows another online-live hybrid Grand Prix UK, which continues through March 14. The PPC Matla now offers both online and live players even more action.

In the PPC Matla Main Event, players will find four Day 1 starting flights running on March 17, 20, 24, and 27. Another four live Day flights play out at Portomaso Casino on April 2 and 3. Day 2 also commences on April 3 and brings the event to a conclusion.

Those who advance either live or online then see the Day 2 action play out live in Malta on April 3. Players can then expect the full partypoker LIVE experience. The entire festival is made up of three types of events:

  • online only
  • live only
  • hybrid events

Online players will find several nice highlights to check out with some nice guaranteed prize pools. A $55 Grand Prix KO runs from March 17-24 with a $200,000 guarantee. A $320 Knockout Championship is also planned for March 24-28 with a $400,000 guarantee.

Plenty of satellites planned

Players have plenty of opportunities to get in the PPC Malta action. Main Event satellites are already underway and follow the Phase tournament format.

That includes opportunities for players with smaller bankrolls. Qualifiers start at just €0.01 and run every day. These events award at least 10 tickets for €2.20 satellites.

Those advancing in those events take their chips through with them to the €11 Phase 2. Players in the top 20% in that phase  move on to the €55 weekly final on Thursdays.

The first final takes place on March 17 with at least 25 €550 Main Event Online Day 1 seats up for grabs. Players can also buy into any stage of the qualification tree. The €55 weekly final also allows for direct buy-ins.

Following all the online events, the PPC Malta action shifts to the Portomaso Casino for the live events. Some interesting side events include a €2,200 High Roller, a fun “Win the Button” event, and a fast-paced turbo tournament. Here’s a look at the complete schedule.

Partypoker Championship Malta 2022

DateEventBuy-in
Macrh 17Main Event Online Day 1: €500K Gtd€550
March 20Main Event Online Day 1: €500K Gtd€550
March 24Main Event Online Day 1: €500K Gtd€550
March 27Main Event Online Day 1: €500K Gtd€550
March 31Live Main Event Satellite€60
March 31Live High Roller Satellite€220
March 31Main Event Live Day 1: €500K Gtd€550
March 31Live High Roller Satellite€220
March 31Live High Roller Day 1€2,200
March 31Live Main Event Satellite€60
April 1Live Turbo Bounty Day 1€250
April 1Live Main Event Satellite€60
April 1Live High Roller Day 2€2,200
April 1Live Main Event Satellite€60
April 1Main Event Live Day 1: €500K Gtd€550
April 1Live Main Event Satellite€60
April 1Live Main Event Satellite€60
April 2Live Main Event Day 1: €550K Gtd€550
April 2Live Main Event Day 1: €550K Gtd€550
April 2Win the Button Day 1: €225K Gtd€550
April 3Live Main Event Day 1: €550K Gtd€550
April 3Live Main Event Day 2: €550K Gtd
April 3Portomaso Cup Day 1€340
April 3Win the Button Day 1€225
April 4Deepstack Day 1€250
April 4Live Main Event Day 3: €550K Gtd
April 4Live Turbo Finale Day 1€165

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ROLLING ON: Partypoker Continues McLaren F1 Partnership With Video Game, Pit Crew Interview

Partypoker announced on Monday that its sposnsorship deal with McLaren Racing would continue into 2022 and begin with a new video game launch.

Formula One remains a popular partnership target for online poker operators. Partypoker announced on Monday that its sposnsorship deal with McLaren Racing would continue into 2022 and begin with a new video game launch.

The poker site gave a look at what players and racing fans can expect as part of the announcement. Party promises even additional games, promotions, bonus content, and more for players and poker fans throughout the year.

“We are very proud and excited ahead of another season of our partnership with McLaren Racing,” party brands managing director Vic Walia said in a news release. “Once again, we will be able to offer new content to partypoker players and bring the brands to new audiences.

“This should be another thrilling year for Formula 1 and we cannot wait to be a part of it. We are very proud and excited ahead of another season of our partnership with McLaren Racing. Once again, we will be able to offer new content to partypoker players and bring the brands to new audiences.”

Video game debut coming to partypoker

One of the first promotions out of the gate is the release of a new video game. This follows the launch of the partnership in 2021 that included special racing-inspired poker tournaments, prizes, and more.

Like those efforts, the video game will also be featured in the partypoker gaming platform.

“Coming soon, the first exciting launch of the year will allow partypoker players to compete in a new McLaren Racing arcade game,” the company noted in a news release.

“Players can give themselves the chance to win prizes, including exclusive McLaren Racing rewards and merchandise that can be won throughout the 2022 Formula 1 season.”

More details on the video game are coming soon.

Back on the track

On the track, the start of the F1 season is just weeks away. Partypoker’s logo will again be featured on McLaren’s car during several races this season.

The company also continues its “See the Unseen” video series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the racing team. Fans can expect to see the final partypoker episodes with members of McLaren Racing.

These episodes follow interviews from last season with driver Daniel Ricciardo and CEO Zak Brown.

The partypoker video team recently caught up with the McLaren pit crew members as part of the series. They offered insight into how much work goes into preparing cars for a race weekend.

“My favorite part of the race weekend is easily qualifying,” top race mechanic Andrew Salt noted in the video.

“The car has to be turned around very quickly. That includes changing the front wing settings, changing the tires, putting fuel in the car. Sometimes we have to complete all of that within a minute. It’s an adrenaline rush from start to finish.”

Finding the winner’s circle

Other pit crew members commented on how it feels when the team comes through with a win. 

“Seeing our cars on the podium is a massive thing,” build test technician James Herbert said.

“It’s so rewarding when you see the reaction on the drivers’ faces and everyone at the track. We talk about it on the Monday after a race, even if it’s not such a good race, but everyone is more hyped up if you’ve had a good one.”

All episodes can be seen in full at the partypoker McLaren Racing hub.

Partypoker will release more information about the company’s plans with McLaren Racing for 2022 in the coming weeks.

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Online-Live Hybrid Series Heads to Partypoker, Dusk Till Dawn With Grand Prix UK; Magic Cards Return

The Grand Prix Spring Edition from PartyPoker runs March 16 – April 3 with buy-ins from $0.55 to $109 with a total of $3 million guaranteed.

Partypoker is teaming up with Dusk Till Dawn Poker Club in the United Kingdom for the Grand Prix UK from Feb. 27 to March 14. The festival becomes the first online-live hybrid partypoker series.

That means opportunities for online poker players to enter events in whichever format they choose. Players will find a $625,000 guaranteed prize pool and the series brings something new to the platform.

“The resumption of normal service in the live poker calendar is something we’ve been looking forward to for what feels like a very long time,” partypoker head of poker room management Chris Donnachie said in a news release. 

“Creating a hybrid series of live and online events will allow more players to get involved in the festival, no matter where they are located. The combination of live and online events in the Grand Prix UK will change the way players engage with our poker festivals and we’re eager to see how this inaugural hybrid series is received.”

Details on the partypoker Grand Prix UK

The first week of the festival brings a $109 Seven-Max PKO online event. The tournament comes with a $250,000 guarantee. An $11 Mini Knockout also gets underway with a guarantee of $50,000. Players will find numerous starting flights in both events.

The £150 Main Event kicks off on March 6 with several Day 1 flights and a £150,000 guarantee. There will be several ways for players to buy into the tournament including: 

  • buying into partypoker holding tanks
  • Luxon Pay
  • cash at Dusk Till Dawn

Live action begins when Dusk Till Dawn hosts part of the Main Event from March 10-13. A total of 12 Main Event Day 1 flights are planned, with nine running online and three running live.

The second and final day of action is set for March 13 with all players reaching Day 2 making it in the money.

Geared toward recreational players

With the Grand Prix UK, party is once again reaching out to recreational players. To accommodate this player segment, three of the online starting flights will be in the “Sprint” format.

Levels last just three minutes, speeding up the process and allowing competitors to get into the money faster.

Players of all bankrolls can battle for a shot to be a Main Event champion. Numerous online satellites are planned with buy-ins starting from just one cent.

Those registering for the championship online also have a chance for some added value. These participants are automatically entered into a “Last Longer” competition.

The top 10 finishers in the Last Longer receive a range of prizes including: 

  • a $22 Grand Prix Mini ticket
  • an official golden chip card protector
  • a collectors’ merchandise goodie bag

The winner of the Last Longer earns a £550 ticket for a future live event at Dusk Till Dawn.

The $22 Mini Main Event also offers nine starting flights and a $50,000 guarantee. The tournament concludes on the final day of the series.

The last day of the festival also brings a $109 Super109 Six-Max PKO with a $75,000 guarantee. Here’s a look at the complete schedule.

2022 partypoker Grand Prix UK

DateEventTournamentBuy-in
Feb. 271Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
Feb. 272Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
Feb. 271Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
Feb. 272Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
Feb. 271Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
Feb. 272Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
Feb. 281Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
Feb. 282Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
Feb. 281Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
Feb. 282Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
Feb. 281Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
Feb. 282Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 11Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 12Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 11Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 12Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 11Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 12Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 21Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 22Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 21Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 22Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 21Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 22Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 31Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 32Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 31Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 32Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 31Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 32Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 41Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 42Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 41Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 42Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 41Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 42Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 51Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 52Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 51Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 52Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 51Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 52Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 61Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 62Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 63Main Event - Day 1 : £150K GTD [200 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 61Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 62Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 63Main Event - Day 1 Sprint : £150K GTD [50 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 61Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 62Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 71Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 72Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 71Knockout - Online Day 1 : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$109
March 72Mini Knockout - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]$11
March 73Main Event - Day 1 : £150K GTD [150 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 71Knockout - Online Final Day : $250K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]-
March 72Mini Knockout - Online Final Day : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 7-Max PKO]-
March 73Main Event - Day 1 Sprint : £150K GTD [50 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 84Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 83Main Event - Day 1 : £150K GTD [150 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 84Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 84Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 94Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 93Main Event - Day 1 : £150K GTD [150 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 94Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 94Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 104Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 103Main Event - Day 1 : £150K GTD [150 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 103Main Event - Day 1 : £150K GTD [150 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 104Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 104Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 114Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 113Main Event - Day 1 : £150K GTD [200 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 113Main Event - Day 1 : £150K GTD [150 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 114Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 114Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 123Main Event - Day 1 : £150K GTD [200 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 124Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 124Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 123Main Event - Day 1 Sprint : £150K GTD [50 Cap, 2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]£150 ($204)
March 124Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 133Main Event - Final Day : £150K GTD [2-Day Live Event, Day 2 Live at Dusk Till Dawn]-
March 134Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 134Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 134Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 144Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 144Mini Main Event - Online Day 1 : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]$22
March 145Super109 - Online 1 Day Event : $75K GTD [1-Day Online Event, 6-Max PKO]$109
March 144Mini Main Event - Online Final Day : $50K GTD [2-Day Online Event, 8-Max]-

Free prizes up for grabs with Magic Cards

In other site news, the Magic Cards promotion returns to partypoker this month, offering players a chance at free prizes.

The site is giving away a daily free pick and players can earn an additional higher-value pick by playing fastforward, cash, or SPINS games.

Players competing in those games are in luck with Magic Cards, which runs through March 1. After playing any qualifying formats, they can head to the “Offers/Promotions” section.

Players then start a poker journey to earn a daily pick. Those participating choose one of four cards and each selection could reveal an instant prize.

Rewards can include poker tickets, free sports bets, free casino spins, cash prizes, and more. The promotions section shows when they can next unlock a Magic Cards pick.

Beyond the daily free pick, players can give themselves an extra chance to win each day. Players contributing $3 in rake earn a second daily pick.

“We are bringing Magic Cards back as a non-intrusive engagement layer to create extra winning moments for all our players,” partypoker’s promotions and planning manager Robin van den Heuvel said, “and create more enjoyment for their favorite fastforward, cash, and SPINS games.”

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KNOCKOUT: KO Series Wraps Up at Partypoker; Online Qualifiers Begin For Irish Poker Open

The KO Series recently wrapped up at partypoker and online qualifiers have also begun for the Irish Poker Open.

The KO Series recently concluded at partypoker with “Joel Osteen” taking the $320 High Main Event for $66,149.

That event attracted 1,915 entries for a  $574,500 prize pool with “b_bernardinh0” finishing runner-up for a total payday of $41,366.

The win brought an end to the bounty-busting action last weekend. The series featured 53 events and produced some other big winners as well. Here’s a look at the series and some other news from partypoker.

More partypoker Main Event winners

The high buy-in Main Event wasn’t the only main event for players to check out during the series. The $33 Medium version also attracted 7,266 entries.

Of those, 1,054 returned for Day 2. In the end, “Snakeyes21” and “Roronoa_Zoro89” reached a deal in heads-up play. Roronoa_Zoro89 took the top spot as part of the agreement for $18,043 with Snakeyes21 as runner-up for $11,717.

In the final main event, “g4rm_HAHA” turned a $3.30 buy-in into a score of $1,833. That event brought in more than 5,800 entries.

Irish Poker Open qualifiers get underway

In other news, partypoker Live will partner to run the Irish Poker Open live for the first time since 2019. The series is set for April 11-18 at Citywest Hotel Dublin.

Partypoker hosted the series online in 2020 and 2021, but the popular European festival returns to the live felt this year. Those looking to qualify can head to the site for numerous qualifying opportunities.

The $1,050 Main Event runs April 13-18 with players able to secure a seat online in satellites starting at just one cent.

Centrolls award tickets to the €4.40 Phase 1 events. Those then moving on earn a seat in a €22 Phase 2 tournament. These players can then advance to a €109 final for a chance to win a Main Event seat.

For a complete Irish Poker Open preview and schedule, click here.

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Market Updates: Ontario Regulations Restrict Online Poker; Partypoker Pulls Out of Russia

WSOP.ca and GGPoker are hosting the WSOP Winter Circuit Ontario from Dec. 4 – Jan. 9 with $5 million guaranteed.

Canada has long been a card-playing hotspot and that goes for online poker as well. However, players in the province of Ontario may have received some unwelcome news recently.

In late January, provincial officials released a launch date for the Ontario private online poker market. The new rules, however, may leave players locked out of the international player pool.

Instead, players will find themselves in a “ringed-in” environment, similar to the state-by-state approach currently in the United States.

“On (Jan. 28), the province revealed the launch date for its new market, April 4,” Online Poker Report noted. “On that date, companies without an operating agreement will have to cease serving Ontario customers. Those that don’t comply will find themselves on the province’s black list.

“Those who do launch in the new market will have to comply with its regulations. Among these, Online Poker Report has learned, is the stipulation that Ontario poker sites cannot share traffic with other jurisdictions.”

 

A new playing field

Where the market is exactly headed remains an open question at this point. Until now, Ontario players could play in the open market on major sites like PokerStars and partypoker.

These sites would now have to re-enter the regulated market and provide a separate platform within the province. This would be a major departure from the historical online poker scene in the country and set it apart from other Canadian provinces.

“‘Sharing traffic’ is not allowed as pooled liquidity is not permitted in the Ontario regulated market,” a provincial gaming regulator told OPR.

Players in Quebec, British Columbia, and Manitoba have the option of official government-sanctioned sites. Those sites in Quebec and British Columbia already have a shared network and liquidity. Ontario could possibly join that at some point.

However, players in those other provinces also have the option of playing internationally in a gray market. Ontario players may not have that option.

Under the new regulations, poker platforms are disincentivized in Ontario under the plan. An operator that continues offering poker to Ontarians could be blackballed from ever offering legalized poker, sports betting, and other online gaming. That would curtail significant revenue generators in the province.

Players concerned about market changes 

Operators haven’t responded yet to the change in the Ontario market. The moves have left some players disappointed in how the process has played out.

Mike Millard, 33, live in Whitby, Ontario, just outside Toronto. He’s a part-time player who works in digital media strategy by day. However, Millard plays poker about 24 hours a week as a second job.

“I grind most of my schedule on partypoker, but fill the schedule with PokerStars and GGPoker tournaments sprinkled in,” he says.

For major series, Millard may even take the entire time off work. The new changes have him frustrated with where online poker is headed in his home province.

“To anyone – like me – who thought the new Ontario regulations were a good thing … this is absolutely brutal news for poker players based in Ontario,” he recently noted on Twitter.

“I’m really curious how successful this will be. With the ability to play on all major sites and anti-government sentiment regarding their involvement with live casino poker, I can’t see why anyone would play on an Ontario-only site.”

Another ringed-in market?

Ringed-in markets allow players only to compete against other players in the same jurisdiction. In other words, Ontario players would be limited to playing against others in that province only.

The potential player pool for these players would shrink from the global market to Ontario’s almost 14.6 million people. These types of “ringed-in” or “fenced-in” markets have limited success as seen in US states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

India and Italy also feature similar setups for players in those countries. Ontario’s population comes in just ahead of Pennsylvania’s 12.8 million in the US. The Keystone State is the US’s largest online poker market by comparison.

Another reason operators may want to comply is the potential to operate or continue doing business in the US. As more states expand online gaming, companies don’t want to be seen as operating illegally in other countries.

“US regulators tend not to look kindly on operators who serve black markets,” OPR notes. “Even if Ontario can’t directly force operators to comply, the threat of losing market access in the US will be sufficient in most cases.”

 

Partypoker exits Russia

In other news along these same lines as not serving black markets, partypoker also pulled out of Russia last week. Parent company Entain cited legal concerns for the move.

“It’s correct we are removing services from various locations due to regulatory issues,” party Twitch and community manager Colette Stewart noted on the site’s Discord server.

Russia is a large market that has seen considerable online poker growth recently. However, Entertain has worked to shift to regulated markets in recent years and left other markets as well.

PokerStars has made similar moves in some markets in recent years, but remains operating in Russia as of now. The company’s European Poker Tour also has a stop scheduled for Sochi from March 18-27.

888poker, GGPoker, and some other sites still operate in the country.

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GOING GREEN: Live Irish Poker Open Returns, Partypoker Qualifiers Get Underway

After a two-year hiatus, the Irish Poker Open returns to the live felt April 11-18 with qualifying opportunities available at partypoker.

After a two-year hiatus, the Irish Poker Open returns to the live felt April 11-18 at Citywest Hotel Dublin. Players will find  42 tournaments with buy-ins ranging from €100 to €5,000, including 14 championship events.

“We have always said how exciting it is to launch the Irish Poker Open each year, however, the launch of Irish Poker Open 2022 definitely feels a little extra special, given the particularly difficult times people have gone through over the last two years,” festival organizers Paul O’Reilly and JP McCann noted in a news release.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming all of our Irish and international players back to the Irish felt, whilst ensuring that player and staff safety remain at the forefront of our minds.

Partypoker will once again be offering online qualifying opportunities for those hoping to punch a ticket to Ireland. 

What to expect from the series

Europe’s longest-running poker festival ran online at partypoker over the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the action is once again live and continues the momentum the live game has garnered in recent months.

The Irish Open is one of the more popular European poker series. Players have some major action to look forward to. Plenty of Irish-themed entertainment is also on the menu for players heading to Dublin.

The €1,150 Main Event kicks off on April 13 with four starting flights before the championship event concludes on April 18. The last Main Event ran in 2019 with 1,807 players producing a €1.8 million prize pool.

Several other big events are also on tap rhis year including two championship events kicking off the series. The $350 No Limit Hold’em Six-Max and  €350 Eight-Game Mix are both set for April 11.

The €250 Mini Irish Open also begins on April 17 for those seeking a main event championship at a bargain price. A $1,100 Mystery Bounty event begins on the same day and should bring some added fun to the series.

Qualifying online at partypoker

Partypoker played host to the Irish Open over the last two years. Brazil’s Pablo Silva won the 2020 online event with Pavel Veksler taking the title in 2021.

The series may be returning to the live felt, but party is once again offering players a chance to qualify online for a much lower price point. The first €109 Main Event satellite is set for Feb. 6 and guarantees at least 10 Main Event seats.

However players can earn a seat into the satellite in qualifiers starting at just €0.01. These events then feed into the €22 Phase 2 satellites, where players can win a €109 entry. Here’s a look at the complete Irish Poker Open schedule.

2022 Partypoker Live Irish Open

DateTournament
April 11Event 1: Championship Event – €350 NLH 6-Max
April 11Event 2: Championship Event – €350 Mixed 8 Game
April 11Event 3: €150 NLH
April 11Event 4: €150 PLO
April 11Event 5: €115 Main Event Satellite – 5 Seats Guaranteed
April 11Event 6: €530 Satellite to €5,000 High Roller Satellite
April 12Event 7: Championship Event €350 NLH Head’s-Up (64 CAP) Round 1
April 12Event 7: Championship Event €350 NLH Head’s-Up (64 CAP) Round 2
April 12Event 8: €530 Satellite to €5,000 High Roller Satellite
April 12Event 9: €250 “THMC” The Hendon Mob Championship
April 12Event 7: Championship Event €350 NLH Head’s-Up (64 CAP) Round 3
April 12Event 10: €150 PLO Deepstack
April 12Event 11: Irish Open €115 Main Event Satellite – 10 Seats Guaranteed
April 12Event 12: Championship Event €5,000 High Roller Day 1
April 13Event 7: Championship Event €350 NLH Head’s-Up (64 CAP) 1/4 FINAL
April 13Event 13 Irish Open MAIN EVENT €1,150 Day 1A
April 13Event 14: €115 Main Event Satellite – 5 Seats Guaranteed
April 13Event 12: Championship Event €5,000 High Roller Final Day
April 13Event 15: Championship Event €350 America’s Cup
April 13Event 7: Championship Event €350 NLH Head’s-Up (64 CAP) Semi FINAL
April 13Event 16: €115 Main Event Satellite – 5 Seats Guaranteed
April 13Event 7: Championship Event €350 NLH Head’s-Up (64 CAP) FINAL
April 13Event 17: €150 NLH Deepstack
April 13Event 18: €115 Main Event Satellite – 20 Seats Guaranteed
April 14Event 13 Irish Open MAIN EVENT €1,150 Day 1B
April 14Event 19: €115 Main Event Satellite – 5 Seats Guaranteed
April 14Event 20: Championship Event €250 Irish Open Ladies
April 14Event 21: Championship Event €250 Irish Open Shortdeck
April 14Event 22: €115 Main Event Satellite – 5 Seats Guaranteed
April 14Event 23: €150 PLO Deepstack
April 14Event 24: €115 Main Event Satellite – 20 Seats Guaranteed
April 15Event 13 Irish Open MAIN EVENT €1,150 Day 1C
April 15Event 25: €115 Main Event Turbo Satellite – 5 Seats Guaranteed
April 15Event 26: €115 Main Event Turbo Satellite – 5 Seats Guaranteed
April 15Event 27: €115 Main Event Turbo Satellite – 5 Seats Guaranteed
April 15Event 28: €150 NLH Deepstack
April 15Event 13 Irish Open MAIN EVENT €1,150 Day 1D Turbo
April 16Event 13 Irish Open MAIN EVENT €1,150 Day 2
April 16Event 29 Championship Event – JP Poker Masters Day 1
April 16Event 30 NLH (€25 Scalps) Bounty
April 16Event 31: Championship Event Irish Open PLO 6-Max Day 1
April 16Event 32: Irish Open €2,000 High Roller 8-Max Day 1
April 16Event 13 Irish Open MAIN EVENT €1,150 Day 3
April 17Event 29 JP Poker Masters Final Day
April 17Event 31: Irish Open PLO 6-Max Final Day
April 17Event 32: Irish Open €2,000 High Roller 8-Max Final Day
April 17Event 33: Championship Event Mini Irish Open Day 1
April 17Event 34: €1,100 NLH Mystery Bounty 8-Max Day 1
April 17Event 35: Championship Event Liam Flood Memorial Turbo
April 17Event 36: NLH Deepstack Turbo
April 18Event 33: Championship Event – Mini Irish Open Final Day
April 18Event 37: Championship Event – Irish Open Seniors (50 Years Young)
April 18Event 13 Irish Open MAIN EVENT €1,150 Final Day
April 18Event 34: €1,100 NLH Mystery Bounty 8-Max Final Day
April 18Event 38: PLO 6-Max Deepstack Turbo
April 18Event 39: Tag Team Event
April 18Event 40: €1,100 PLO 8-Max
April 18Event 41: NLH 6-Max Deepstack Turbo
April 18Event 42: NLH Deepstack Hyper Turbo

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JACKPOT: Partypoker Player Scores $1.2M in SPINS Game; KO Series Continues This Week

One lucky partypoker player recently turned a $100 SPINS entry into a $1.2 million jackpot. Plenty of action also remains in the KO Series.

One lucky partypoker player recently turned a $100 SPINS entry into a $1.2 million jackpot.

The player known as “AfterH0urs” bought into the three-handed tournament along with “patotecomoherma” and “YIYOOO”. A short time later a massive payout headed his way.

The quick-action sit and go tournament turned into a dream come true. The feat brought the ultimate online poker payout and some life-changing money.

Winning big at partypoker

SPINS are partyopker’s version of jackpot-style sit and go. The winner-take-all tournaments play quickly with the prize pool determined randomly before play begins.

Win multipliers range from 2x a player’s buy-in to 240,000x. Prize pools can reach as high as $1.2 million for SPINS priced for as little as $5.

The tournament can also award players with prize packages to partypoker LIVE events and online festivals.

Heads-up for seven figures

The latest $1 million jackpot event saw two players remaining after YIYOOO was knocked out on the fifth hand. AfterH0urs and patotecomoherma both held even chip stacks at 5.5 big blinds going into the deciding hand.

Patotecomoherma shoved all in holding K-4 off-suit from the button and AfterH0urs called with A-6 off-suit. The flop came out A-9-5, giving AfterH0urs top pair.

The turn brought a 4, giving Patotecomoherma bottom pair and only five outs going into the river. When a 6 came on the river, the board gave AfterH0urs two pair and sealed the victory for a cool million bucks.

That huge payout, however, was a fact that the winning player was unaware of at the time. AfterH0urs didn’t realize how high the jackpot was when he began playing the tournament.

“It seemed like just a standard morning,” AfterH0urs said after the win. “I was playing around 10-11 tables and did not even notice the jackpot for quite some time.

“I continued with my multiple table gameplay and a single, slightly different, table finally caught my attention. I checked the prize pool and could not believe my eyes … $1.2 million.”

The new millionaire quickly focused and used the skills he’d learned through playing many other SPINS.

“I focused on the table, applied the tactics and decisions I knew were profitable, and I managed to win,” AfterH0urs said. “What is next you ask? Proper investment and a little bit of fun enjoying life!”

KO Series continues this week

Players looking for their own big payouts have plenty of action remaining to check out in the KO Series. The festival runs through Feb. 7 with some major events still on the schedule.

The KO Series featured 53 events with buy-ins ranging from $1.10 to $1,050. Most events feature Low, Medium, and High price points to appeal to players of all bankrolls.

The series features several “Weekender” events offering some nice prize pools. These events return on Friday. Here’s a look at those buy-in levels and guarantees for these three-day events:

  • $2.20 – $10,000 guaranteed
  • $22 – $100,000 guaranteed
  • $215 High – $150,000 guaranteed

Another set of two-day turbo Weekender events begins on Sunday with the same buy-in levels. The three Main Events also wrap up on Monday after several starting flights throughout the series.The $320 High version comes with a $500,000 guarantee.

The $22 Medium and $3.30 Low Main Events feature guarantees of $200,000 and $20,000, respectively. Here’s a look at the remaining events on the schedule.

Partypoker KO Series 2021

DateBuy-inFeeLevelEventDayGuarantee
Wed 02 Feb21515HKO Series #37-H 6-Max : $25K Gtd$25,000
Wed 02 Feb222MKO Series #37-M 6-Max : $15K Gtd$15,000
Wed 02 Feb2.20.2LKO Series #37-L 6-Max : $2K Gtd$2,000
Wed 02 Feb32020HKO Series #38-H 7-Max : $75K Gtd$75,000
Wed 02 Feb333MKO Series #38-M 7-Max : $50K Gtd$50,000
Wed 02 Feb3.30.3LKO Series #38-L 7-Max : $7.5K Gtd$7,500
Wed 02 Feb1099HKO Series #39-H 6-Max Turbo: $15K Gtd$15,000
Wed 02 Feb111MKO Series #39-M 6-Max Turbo: $10K Gtd$10,000
Wed 02 Feb1.10.1LKO Series #39-L 6-Max Turbo: $1K Gtd$1,000
Thu 03 Feb32020HKO Series #40-H 7-Max : $30K Gtd$30,000
Thu 03 Feb333MKO Series #40-M 7-Max : $20K Gtd$20,000
Thu 03 Feb3.30.3LKO Series #40-L 7-Max : $3K Gtd$3,000
Thu 03 Feb53030HRKO Series #41-HR 8-Max : $100K Gtd$100,000
Thu 03 Feb555MKO Series #41-M 8-Max : $75K Gtd$75,000
Thu 03 Feb5.50.5LKO Series #41-L 8-Max : $10K Gtd$10,000
Thu 03 Feb21515HKO Series #42-H 6-Max Turbo: $25K Gtd$25,000
Thu 03 Feb222MKO Series #42-M 6-Max Turbo: $15K Gtd$15,000
Thu 03 Feb2.20.2LKO Series #42-L 6-Max Turbo: $2K Gtd$2,000
Fri 04 Feb555MKO Series #43-M 6-Max : $20K Gtd$20,000
Fri 04 Feb5.50.5LKO Series #43-L 6-Max : $5K Gtd$5,000
Fri 04 Feb21515HKO Series #44-H Weekender Day 1A: $150K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1A
Fri 04 Feb222MKO Series #44-M Weekender Day 1A: $100K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1A
Fri 04 Feb2.20.2LKO Series #44-L Weekender Day 1A: $10K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1A
Fri 04 Feb1099HKO Series #45-H 7-Max Turbo: $15K Gtd$15,000
Fri 04 Feb111MKO Series #45-M 7-Max Turbo: $10K Gtd$10,000
Fri 04 Feb1.10.1LKO Series #45-L 7-Max Turbo: $1K Gtd$1,000
Sat 05 Feb1099HKO Series #46-H 8-Max : $20K Gtd$20,000
Sat 05 Feb111MKO Series #46-M 8-Max : $10K Gtd$10,000
Sat 05 Feb1.10.1LKO Series #46-L 8-Max : $1K Gtd$1,000
Sat 05 Feb21515HKO Series #44-H Weekender Day 1B: $150K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1B
Sat 05 Feb222MKO Series #44-M Weekender Day 1B: $100K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1B
Sat 05 Feb2.20.2LKO Series #44-L Weekender Day 1B: $10K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1B
Sat 05 Feb555MKO Series #47-M Mix-Max Turbo: $20K Gtd$20,000
Sat 05 Feb5.50.5LKO Series #47-L Mix-Max Turbo: $5K Gtd$5,000
Sun 06 Feb21515HKO Series #44-H Weekender Day 1C: $150K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1C
Sun 06 Feb222MKO Series #44-M Weekender Day 1C: $100K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1C
Sun 06 Feb2.20.2LKO Series #44-L Weekender Day 1C: $10K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1C
Sun 06 Feb1099HKO Series #48-H 8-Max : $50K Gtd$50,000
Sun 06 Feb111MKO Series #48-M 8-Max : $15K Gtd$15,000
Sun 06 Feb1.10.1LKO Series #48-L 8-Max : $1K Gtd$1,000
Sun 06 Feb21515HKO Series #44-H Weekender Day 1 Turbo: $150K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1 Turbo
Sun 06 Feb222MKO Series #44-M Weekender Day 1 Turbo: $100K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1 Turbo
Sun 06 Feb2.20.2LKO Series #44-L Weekender Day 1 Turbo: $10K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1 Turbo
Sun 06 Feb53030HRKO Series #49-HR 8-Max : $150K Gtd$150,000
Sun 06 Feb555MKO Series #49-M 8-Max : $100K Gtd$100,000
Sun 06 Feb5.50.5LKO Series #49-L 8-Max : $15K Gtd$15,000
Sun 06 Feb105050HRKO Series #50-HR 8-Max : $150K Gtd$150,000
Sun 06 Feb1099HKO Series #50-H 8-Max : $100K Gtd$100,000
Sun 06 Feb111MKO Series #50-M 8-Max : $40K Gtd$40,000
Sun 06 Feb1.10.1LKO Series #50-L 8-Max : $2.5K Gtd$2,500
Sun 06 Feb21515HKO Series #44-H Weekender Day 2: $150K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 2$150,000
Sun 06 Feb222MKO Series #44-M Weekender Day 2: $100K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 2$100,000
Sun 06 Feb2.20.2LKO Series #44-L Weekender Day 2: $10K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 2$10,000
Sun 06 Feb32020HKO Series #08-H Main Event Day 1C: $500K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1C
Sun 06 Feb222MKO Series #08-M Main Event Day 1C: $200K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1C
Sun 06 Feb3.30.3LKO Series #08-L Main Event Day 1C: $20K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1C
Sun 06 Feb21515HKO Series #51-H 8-Max Turbo: $25K Gtd$25,000
Sun 06 Feb222MKO Series #51-M 8-Max Turbo: $15K Gtd$15,000
Sun 06 Feb2.20.2LKO Series #51-L 8-Max Turbo: $2K Gtd$2,000
Mon 07 Feb32020HKO Series #08-H Main Event Day 1D: $500K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1D
Mon 07 Feb333MKO Series #08-M Main Event Day 1D: $200K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1D
Mon 07 Feb3.30.3LKO Series #08-L Main Event Day 1D: $20K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1D
Mon 07 Feb32020HKO Series #08-H Main Event Day 1 Turbo: $500K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1 Turbo
Mon 07 Feb333MKO Series #08-M Main Event Day 1 Turbo: $200K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1 Turbo
Mon 07 Feb3.30.3LKO Series #08-L Main Event Day 1 Turbo: $20K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 1 Turbo
Mon 07 Feb53030HRKO Series #52-HR 8-Max : $100K Gtd$100,000
Mon 07 Feb1099HKO Series #52-H 8-Max : $75K Gtd$75,000
Mon 07 Feb111MKO Series #52-M 8-Max : $30K Gtd$30,000
Mon 07 Feb1.10.1LKO Series #52-L 8-Max : $2.5K Gtd$2,500
Mon 07 Feb32020HKO Series #08-H Main Event Day 2: $500K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 2$500,000
Mon 07 Feb222MKO Series #08-M Main Event Day 2: $200K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 2$200,000
Mon 07 Feb3.30.3LKO Series #08-L Main Event Day 2: $20K Gtd [2-Day Event]Day 2$20,000
Mon 07 Feb32020HKO Series #53-H 7-Max Turbo: $30K Gtd$30,000
Mon 07 Feb333MKO Series #53-M 7-Max Turbo: $20K Gtd$20,000
Mon 07 Feb3.30.3LKO Series #53-L 7-Max Turbo: $3K Gtd$3,000

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Partypoker Joins the NFT Craze, Collectibles Highlight Biggest Moments in Site History 

Partypoker has teamed up with Theta Labs to become the latest poker company to get in on the NFT craze.

Over the last year, poker tours and companies have launched into the world of NFTs. Partypoker now becomes the latest, giving poker fans the chance to own a piece of the site’s history .

For those new to the collectible craze, NFT stands for non-fungible token. They are unique digital files, which can include items such as artwork, music, or videos.

These can also be resold and some are fetching big bucks, depending on rarity. NFTs are a modern twist on the classic sports card and leagues have seen major success by launching their own NFTs.

Partypoker is now teaming up with Theta Labs to offer poker fans a shot to grab some of partypoker’s biggest moments.

“Partypoker has established a history across 20 years full of great hands and epic poker moments that have happened during our live and online events,” partypoker director Vadim Soloveychik said in a news release. “We are happy to give players the opportunity to own their very own piece of poker history in partnership with Theta. I am truly excited for partypoker to join the NFT space.”

What to expect from partypoker NFTs

Theta Labs already has some experience in the poker NFT market. The company announced a partnership with the World Poker Tour last year.

The World Series of Poker also released a batch of NFTs in 2021. Players themselves, such as Phil Ivey and Antonio Esfandiari, have also released NFTs of their own big moments. Partypoker is now getting in on the act as well.

The party collection showcases iconic moments and tournament hands in the history of partypoker and partypoker LIVE. Some will also feature special PokerApes, a series of high-definition images with a partypoker twist. Some of those will feature full 3D artwork and other unique traits.

Theta Labs is a distributed video delivery pioneer, powered by blockchain technology. Theta provides end-to-end infrastructure for decentralized video and powers NFT and metaverse platforms.

A growing partnership beyond poker

The new deal brings something new to poker NFTs. For the first time, players can view available collectibles from an online poker platform.

The partypoker marketplace will feature primary sales of new NFTs and a secondary marketplace for users to trade. Much of that will be available in the partypoker software client.

The agreement may also move beyond the poker brand. Party is owned by Entain Group, a leading global sports betting, gaming, and interactive entertainment group.

The partypoker launch is the first stage of a wider partnership between Entain and Theta. Plans call for NFTs to be developed for brands across the company, incorporating video streaming, metaverse, games, and more.

Theta is one of the first partners working with Ennovate, an Innovation hub launched by Entain in London. Ennovate will invest up to £100 million in technology projects, including many with UK and global partners. The company has earmarked about £40 million specifically for the UK.

“This is an exciting, new, global collaboration,” Theta Labs CEO Mitch Liu said. “For the first time, we are licensing our integrated white-label NFT platform to one of the world’s largest sports betting,  gaming and interactive entertainment groups, and we couldn’t ask for better partners in partypoker and Entain Group.

“Being integrated into the partypoker application enables an NFT user experience as exciting and seamless as possible to customers, powered by Theta Network, Theta edge nodes to support video NFTs and TFUEL for transactions.”

The companies haven’t announced a date yet for the NFT launch, but more details are expected to be released soon.

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