{"id":48396,"date":"2021-03-10T22:05:28","date_gmt":"2021-03-10T22:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pokerscout.com\/?p=48396"},"modified":"2021-03-11T21:48:00","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T21:48:00","slug":"chip-chatter-wpt-numbers-online-poker-legalization-joe-mckeehan-vegas-poker-rooms-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pokerscout.com\/chip-chatter-wpt-numbers-online-poker-legalization-joe-mckeehan-vegas-poker-rooms-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"CHIP CHATTER: WPT Numbers, Online Poker Legalization, Joe McKeehan, Vegas Poker Rooms, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Online poker<\/strong> has seen huge numbers around the world. One year after the Coronavirus pandemic<\/strong> began, the industry continues to thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several states have made some noise about legalization<\/strong> as well. Live poker is also slowly returning with the World Poker Tour<\/strong> and other properties seeing nice results.<\/span><\/p>\n

One WPT player also had a shot at two titles in two days. This month, Chip Chatter<\/em><\/strong> takes a look at some of these issues as well as some of other news in the world of poker.<\/span><\/p>\n

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States to watch for online poker legalization<\/span><\/h2>\n

The January Wire Act<\/strong> ruling seems to have quickened the pace of states looking to legalize online gaming, including poker. Budget deficits caused by the Coronavirus pandemic play a big part of that as states search for revenue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Illinois<\/strong> appears to be one of the most likely. The legislation even includes wording to fast-track potential operators.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s been discussed over the past few years,\u201d bill co-sponsor Rep. Jonathan Carroll<\/strong> (D) told USPoker<\/em>. \u201cBut with the success with online sports wagering it seemed like an appropriate time to further explore this idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Connecticut<\/strong> also seems likely to legalize online poker. Gov. Ned Lamont<\/strong> (D) supports online gaming and also reached an agreement with the Mohegan Tribe<\/strong>, which owns and operates the Mohegan Sun casino.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mashantucket Pequot<\/strong>, owner and operator of Foxwoods Casino<\/strong>, may be close to a deal as well. That could clear the way for eventual passage of a bill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAssuming all parties agree and a bill passes in the legislature, the deal would allow both tribes to offer sports betting and online casino games,\u201d notes Online Poker Report<\/em>. \u201cIn return, the state\u2019s lottery would get to offer certain products online, as well as open its own sportsbooks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

North Dakota<\/strong> legislators are also considering legalization with a statewide referendum possibly in the works. Missouri<\/strong> has also introduced legislation giving the go-ahead to sports betting as well as online gaming and poker.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not all good news for online poker however. Kentucky\u2019s bill has been delayed for at least a year. Legalization in Indiana also seems unlikely this year. The good news for players is that the issue is suddenly seeing some traction.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s next for partypoker and WSOP.com?<\/span><\/h2>\n

With Michigan now allowing online poker, PokerStars<\/strong> remains the only operator in the state as of now. No timetable has been given for when partypoker<\/strong>\/BetMGM<\/strong> and WSOP.com<\/strong> might enter the market.<\/span><\/p>\n

Neither operator has gone live in Pennsylvania<\/strong>, where GGPoker is also working to be a player. With the Wire Act in the rearview mirror, interstate compacts are inevitable.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s a good bet WSOP.com and partypoker will enter either of the markets this year. WSOP.com has even alluded to adding another state to the 2021 WSOP Online Circuit<\/strong> schedule.<\/p>\n

Party, WSOP.com, and PokerStars are all in position to greatly expand their player pools. Adding Illinois and Connecticut could only add to the momentum.<\/span><\/p>\n

WPT live events continue crushing guarantees<\/span><\/h2>\n

Another event, another major prize pool. The WPT held its second major US event March 5-9<\/strong> since restarting.<\/span><\/p>\n

The $5,000 WPT Venetian<\/strong> attracted a field of 937 entries<\/strong> for a $4.3 million<\/strong> prize pool. That\u2019s a huge leap over the $1.5 million<\/strong> guarantee.<\/span><\/p>\n

That comes after the Lucky Hearts Poker Open<\/strong> at the Seminole Hard Rock brought in 1,573 entries<\/strong> in January. That produced a prize pool of $5 million<\/strong>, a massive increase to the $1 million guarantee.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Las Vegas,\u00a0 Qing Liu<\/strong> came out on top for $752,880<\/strong> and now has a chance to win his second tour title in two days. After winning on Tuesday, Liu plays in another final table on Wednesday.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Qing Liu won more than $750,000 at the WPT Venetian. (photo by Joe Giron\/WPT)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The WPT recently announced that delayed final tables from 2020 would now be played in March<\/strong> and May<\/strong>. Liu also qualified for the final table of the WPT Gardens Poker Championship<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

That event was set to be played on Wednesday and Liu has a chance at back-to-back titles. Liu overcame a 2-to-1 chip disadvantage<\/strong> when heads-up to win the title. Can he do it again on Wednesday?<\/span><\/p>\n

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“I don’t think so,” Liutold WPT.com. “I used up all my luck today. Tomorrow I won’t be so lucky.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

That remains to be seen. Liu will sit fifth in chips when the Gardens action resumes in the PokerGO Studio<\/strong>. Chance Kornuth returns as chip leader. Here\u2019s a look at the remaining final tables left to play:<\/span><\/p>\n