Monthly Archives: January 2024

The Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) wrapped up its 14th season over the weekend at the Venetian Las Vegas. It was there that the last mid-major tournament of the year a $1,100 buy-in Main Event took place and presented players their last opportunity to win points to both the GPI Mid-Major and MSPT Player of the Year races.

Both Preston McEwen and Nick Pupillo were there with the former trying to catch the latter in the GPI Mid-Major POY race, but ultimately failed to do so. Likewise, Rob Wazwaz and Umut Ozturk were jockeying for MSPT Season 14 POY points in one of the tightest races in tour history.

On top of it all, you had the actual tournament that attracted 550 runners and ended with a familiar face hoisting the trophy.

At the end of November, poker pro Eric Baldwin topped a field of 274 entries to win the MSPT Venetian $1,100 Main Event for $55,261. It marked the second time the two-time WSOP bracelet winner took down an MSPT Venetian title after having done so in 2019 to the tune of $80,872.

Amazingly, the former Wisconsinite went back-to-back to become a three-time MSPT Venetian champion, the latest score good for $90,692.

I love it when you guys here and that I run so well in MSPTs, Baldwin told MSPT officials after the win. This is such a great tour, and its just ran really well especially here at the Venetian, and being from Wisconsin, its just awesome to play with all the players who travel from all over the country that come here to play it.

He added: This is what I love doing and I always get excited when I see the MSPT on the Venetian schedule so Im looking forward to the next stop here in February.

The MSPT is slated to return to Las Vegas for two events the $1,100 Mystery Bounty Poker Bowl from Feb. 6-8 and the $1,600 Poker Bowl Main Event from Feb. 8-10.

Others to cash the tournament were Shannon Shorr (10th - $8,853), Ben Moon (14th - $6,025), Stanley Lee (16th - $6,025), Ping Liu (19th - $5,066), Jack Salter (24th - $3,722), Jared Jaffee (28th - $3,254), Aaron Massey (33rd - $3,254), Hayley Hanna (36th - $2,882), Stephen Song (42nd - $2,882), and Christina Read (44th - $2,882).

Check out the MSPT Hub on PokerNews here!

Its been a great year for Umut Ozturk, who earlier in the year became just the 13th player to win their way into the MSPT Hall of Fame. He then amassed a record 17 cashes on the MSPT in 2023 including a record five Top 10 finishers which included a $101,336 win in Februarys MSPT Hollywood Casino.

However, with 16 cashes of his own, Rob Wazwaz was right up there with him, and the duo engaged in a back-and-forth race down the stretch.

After Wazwaz failed to find a Day 2 bag, Ozturk locked up the Season 14 POY title. He wasnt done, however, as the Minnesotan not only advanced to Day 2 but went on to finish in 23rd place for $4,314 and an additional 300 POY points.

All told, Ozturk has $327,507 in MSPT earnings, of which $244,620 came in 2014!

*Images courtesy of MSPT.

Executive Editor US, PokerNews Podcast co-host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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Eric Baldwin Goes Back-to-Back at MSPT Venetian; Umut Ozturk Wins Tight POY Race - PokerNews.com

In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, the poker content space has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in 2023. From engaging poker vloggers to the advent of innovative platforms like "Game of Gold," the poker community is thriving in a new era of excitement and engagement.

We're no longer limited to watching televised tournaments or reading strategy articles. The rise of poker vloggers has ushered in a new era, providing a captivating and personal perspective on the game.

Vloggers such as Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen, and Ethan "Rampage" Yau, along with a whole list of other pioneers have gained massive followings by sharing their poker adventures, strategy insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the poker lifestyle.

These vloggers offer more than just card-playing action; they provide a narrative that resonates with both seasoned players and newcomers to the game. The combination of poker knowledge, storytelling, and a touch of humor has turned these vloggers into influential figures within the poker community, contributing significantly to the boost in interest as well as bringing new players into the game.

At the inaugural World Series of Poker Paradise, PokerNews spoke to some of the biggest names in the poker content sphere. Daniel Negreanu, Kevin Martin and chess superstar Alexandra Botez gave their thought on the poker content boom and shared their thoughts on how they see it stepping up a gear in the coming years.

What made you want to get into the space?

Botez: "I started playing poker when I was a kid because my dad taught me. Then I got invited to a heads-up championship where they were bringing some content creators in. And basically, I've been playing more and more poker ever since."

Negreanu: "It was natural. It wasn't even something I thought of. It was something I did before anyone called it the content creation space."

Martin: "I love storytelling. I love connecting with people on the internet. But there's a lot of money to be made, and that's the honest truth. I just saw the dollars, and I was like, I knew I could do good at it. So that's a big motivating factor for me.

Why do you think poker content is so sought after now?

Botez: "Everyone's jumping on it. I actually think it's just the start of poker content. I think a lot of people are getting into poker content now, and even though it already looks big, I think it's just the start."

Negreanu: "I mean, there's a lot of cool people doing a lot of cool things. So, it's another way in which you can promote the game. And for a lot of people these days, it's a way to brand themselves that they didn't have, you know, they don't have any anymore like it used to be, get on TV, ESPN. And that's how you make a name for yourself today; you make great content. People love it."

Martin: The industry is booming. There's a lot of money in this industry. Views are very valuable to companies and series. There's just a massive market for it, and everybody is so excited about the game right now. It's just like this big mix of energy. I'm so excited about the poker industry right now."

How do you see it evolving?

Botez: "The next step for poker content that I want to focus on is making it more accessible so that it's not just, you know, the grinders who are watching it, but casual players can enjoy it as well."

Negreanu: "I think with Game of Gold, the show, I think we're gonna have a lot more people think creatively about ways in which we can promote the game that aren't the same cookie cutter methods, right? I mean, I think we'll see a lot more cool reality slash poker stuff in the future."

Martin: "Better storytelling, more characters, not just the strategy of the hands, but like, what does this person mean at this table? What does the money mean? What's their story? And just like, really, that storytelling aspect is just gonna get better and better, and people are realizing that."

Who are some of your favorite poker content creators, and why?

Botez: "I've watched a lot of poker content creators. I really love the way Rampage explains his thought process. I like Daniel's beginner beginner videos. I think they're really accessible. I love what Wolfgang Poker is doing with shorts, and the list goes on.

Negreanu: "We have to be honest here, right? Really nobody except I do sometimes have Fedor Holz's videos come up my feed and, I, I think he's really good at explaining concepts, and I even pick up things every once in a while. I just listen to his stuff. I love Fedor's stuff."

Martin: "Oh man, DNegs is hammering out vlogs. I love the blue-collar poker story. There's a lot of kids trying to spin it up, like Next Gen Poker, I like Frankie Cucchiara all these young kids that are really getting into the game and being creative. There's just like so many people doing good work"

Wolfgang Poker's journey from a passionate poker player to a one-million-subscriber empire builder exemplifies the potential trajectory for poker vlogging in the coming years. As the poker content space continues to expand and evolve, it's anticipated that more creators will follow in Wolfgang Poker's footsteps, leveraging the power of vlogging to not only showcase their poker prowess but also to build engaged and loyal communities.

As Wolfgang Poker's subscriber count continues to climb, the monetization potential of poker vlogging becomes increasingly evident. With one million subscribers, creators like Wolfgang Poker can explore various revenue streams, including sponsorships, partnerships, and merchandise. This opens up new opportunities for collaboration between poker vloggers and the industry, creating mutually beneficial relationships that contribute to the growth of both creators and the poker community.

Poker vlogging, through creators like Wolfgang Poker, is helping reshape the public perception of poker. It's no longer confined to the serious, stoic atmosphere. Instead, it's presented as a dynamic and engaging activity, rich with strategic depth yet accessible to a broader audience. This shift in perception has the potential to bring in the next generation and redefine the way poker is experienced and enjoyed.

In a groundbreaking move for the poker community, major casinos, including ARIA Resort and Casino, Bellagio, and other properties under MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, have introduced a supportive policy for poker vloggers. This progressive initiative, announced by MGM Resorts Director of Poker Strategy Sean McCormack, signals a shift in the industry's approach towards content creators and their role in showcasing the excitement of poker and casino gaming.

Under the new policy, poker vloggers are permitted to film cash game sessions and tournament runs, as well as other casino activities such as table games and slots. To do so, content creators must undergo an approval process and adhere to specific guidelines.

Before this policy, the absence of clear-cut rules led to uncertainty for poker vloggers seeking to capture content within casino environments. Approval was often at the discretion of individual poker rooms and managers. Now, with established guidelines and approval processes in place, the poker vlogging community has a standardized approach to collaborating with major casinos.

While currently applicable only to MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, McCormack envisions the policy expanding to include other locations. He foresees potential partnerships between casinos and content creators, creating a win-win scenario. McCormack stated, "There's a road to where we monetize this for the content creators... a double win-win for the content creators and then a win for the casino."

In embracing poker vloggers, casinos are not just opening their doors to content creators but are also laying the foundation for a collaborative and innovative future where both parties stand to benefit.

Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game. Calum's proudest poker achievement is winning the only tournament he has ever played in Las Vegas, the prestigious $60 Flamingo evening event.

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Top Stories of 2023, #4: New Era of Poker Content is Booming - PokerNews.com

Since its inception in December 2012, Run It Once has been a cornerstone in the world of poker training, providing poker enthusiasts with unparalleled insights and strategies to hone their skills at the tables. Over the years, the commitment to excellence has fueled a prolific release schedule, delivering two videos a day, every day, for over a decade.

The journey has been marked by a diverse lineup of over 160 coaches, each contributing a unique perspective to the art and science of poker. These coaches have not only shared their expertise but have also played a pivotal role in creating a community of dedicated learners and passionate players. The wealth of knowledge exchanged on the platform has empowered countless individuals to elevate their game and navigate the complex world of poker with confidence.

In the relentless pursuit of excellence, Run It Once has recently announced a substantial upgrade to the coaching roster with the additions of high-stakes crushers Justin Bonomo, Dan Smith, Jeremy Ausmus, Ryan Leng, and Jason Koon. These players bring a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and proven success at the highest levels of the game. It's not just about learning poker; it's about learning from the very best.

As Run It Once reflects on its past accomplishments, it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing top-tier poker education in a format that's accessible and engaging. The platform is more than just a training ground; it's a dynamic community where players of all levels can come together to share their passion for the game.

Looking ahead, the future of Run It Once is bright. With an ever-expanding roster of top-tier coaches, they are poised to continue setting the standard for poker training. The goal is to empower players to not only understand the game but to thrive in it, armed with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the intricacies of modern poker.

Prices for the new Run It Once Elite plan increase on January 6th, but you still have the opportunity to lock in a lower price. Sign up or renew your membership before January 6th, and youll be able to keep your membership at the lower price for as long as you maintain your Elite membership. Learn more about the new Elite plan and lock in the lowest prices possible by heading to Run It Once.

In the meantime, why not feast your eyes on this free Run It Once video, where Jason Koon explores how having a passion for poker is key to a player's longevity in the game?

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Run It Once Poker Training: A Legacy of Excellence and a Bright Future Ahead - PokerNews.com

It has been a long time since we last had a super user scandal in online poker, which is why the announcement from GGPoker came about as quite a shock to the community.

Namely, in its official release, the operator acknowledged that a player had managed to take advantage of a software vulnerability, which gave them access to the information they should not have access to.

According to the report from GGPokers investigation team, the player, going under the alias Moneytaker69, discovered and took advantage of this security loophole. This individual accumulated winnings totaling thousands of dollars, including winning the GGMasters tournament for nearly $50,000, before being identified and subsequently banned from the platform.

While the operator has fixed the vulnerability and announced plans to reimburse all players they identified as affected by Moneytaker69s activities, the story created quite a stir in the poker world, shaking the foundations of trust between players and the operator, which is an essential element of online poker.

GGPoker was quite transparent with the explanation of how it all went down, which indicates the software leak is now patched, so this particular vulnerability no longer represents a risk.

In the past, super user scandals were mostly generated from the server side of things, where a certain player would be given administrator privileges, allowing them access to other players hole card information. However, the most recent case originated on the client side.

According to the official report, the player in question was able to tamper with the GGPoker client, taking advantage of a vulnerability connected to the software Thumbs Up/Down Table Reaction feature. On the Windows client, this particular feature utilizes the Adobe Air framework, which includes certain attack vectors that Moneytaker69 was able to identify and take advantage of.

This exploit did not give them access to other players hole cards, but it allowed them to see all in equities on flops and turns, giving them a massive unfair edge over other players.

GGPoker engineers identified and closed the vulnerability on December 16 and issued a patch that was meant to put a stop to the exploit. However, Moneytaker69 was already in possession of the altered client and, by blocking automatic updates, was able to continue taking advantage of the exploit.

Soon after, a security patch was issued, preventing any further data leakage inside the software, permanently closing the exploit, and also preventing users from tampering with the client in the future to make any similar changes.

By the time the exploit was identified and finally shut down, the player was able to unfairly win thousands of dollars from other players. According to GGPoker, the offending player has since been banned, and all affected players have been identified and will be reimbursed with nearly $30,000 in full within the next 24 hours. Tournament players who were affected by 'Moneytaker69s actions will also be reimbursed accordingly, within the same time frame.

The operator also issued an apology to the entire poker community, realizing that an incident like this can deeply shake the trust in online poker. Following the incident, the operator has reportedly proceeded down the path of doubling their security team and hiring some of the best security professionals.

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

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GGPoker's Shocking Security Breach Allowed a User to Gain Massive Advantage - Pokerfuse

For the 13th year, poker pro and media personality Bernard Lee celebrated the holiday season by providing for children and families experiencing homelessness in the Boston area.

Through his charitable initiative, the Full House Charity Program, Lee gave 38 homeless families holiday packages that included clothing, books, games, toys and supplies. Keeping with tradition, Lee also provided each family with a stuffed animal.

Whenever the holiday season approaches, my children and I become excited to continue our family holiday tradition, Lee said in a press release. We look forward to this time of year as we enjoy finding the perfect gifts for these children. This event brings so much happiness to my family as we love the thought of these children opening their personalized gift packages."

He continued: "We are so very blessed to have a wonderful partner in FamilyAid, who delivers these packages to specific families in the Boston area. Even though my children are grown and in college, we all still look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.

In honor of the "lucky" 13th year of providing gifts, Lee, host of the Bernard Lee Poker Show, took specific requests for the gift packages, which were provided through FamilyAid, a Boston-based nonprofit and a leading provider for homeless families.

FamilyAid is thrilled and grateful that Bernard Lee is again providing gifts to the children in our shelters this holiday season. His generosity comes at a time when families are facing more limited financial resources and housing challenges than ever. We hear from families every day that providing holiday gifts is daunting, if not impossible, said FamilyAid President Larry Seamans. Thanks to Bernard and his family, children in our care will have presents to enjoy and parents will be relieved to see their childrens joy during this holiday season. We once again thankful to Bernard and his children for their continued generosity and support.

Lee founded the Full House Charity Program in February 2011 and has since provided over $100,000 in goods and funds for children-focused organizations in New England. Since its founding, the Full House Charity Program has helped over 500 families and 800 children.

*Images courtesy of Bernard Lee.

Excerpt from:

Bernard Lee Celebrates 13th Year of Helping Boston-Area Homeless Families - PokerNews.com

Texas has had poker for years. Whether its legal or not is open to interpretation.

Its a complex situation. Under state law, most forms of gambling are illegal. There are a few exceptions including the state lottery, three tribal casinos, horse and greyhound racing, bingo, and various raffles.

The states gambling laws are also vague just a few words of the Texas Penal Code have allowed dozens of private poker clubs to operate as legitimate businesses.

But the ambiguity of the law has also created a problem since the wording isnt clear, prosecutors in some localities have pursued charges against the owners and operators of private poker clubs and tried to force their closure. Charges were dismissed in some cases, but club owners and operators across Texas have complained of harassment by city and county officials.

Recently, competing legislation has been filed in the Texas Legislature to either clarify state law and make the private poker clubs unambiguously legal, or to tweak the wordage of the Texas Penal Code to make them illegal once and for all. Bills calling for either of these outcomes fell short in 2023 and wont be reintroduced until 2025 at the earliest.

Supporters of legalized sports betting also failed to get a bill across the finish line before the legislature adjourned in May. Its likely that legal real money online poker is still several years away in the Lone Star State, and would likely be preceded by the legalization of sports betting.

Most forms of gambling in Texas are illegal, but there are some exceptions. Chapter 47.02c of the Texas Penal Code provides several carve-outs:

The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, and the Tigua Indians of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo own and operate the aforementioned tribal casinos, respectively. Each is recognized by the federal government and are therefore exempt from Texas prohibitions on gaming.

The lifeline afforded to the dozens of private poker clubs across Texas is enshrined in the preceding section of the Texas Penal Code specifically, Chapter 47.02b.

The clause provides a defense to prosecution for gambling offenses. It states that a person shall not be considered to have run afoul of Texas gambling laws if:

The words private place and economic benefit are at the heart of what some perceive to be a loophole in Texas law. Thats because they offer private poker clubs the opportunity to qualify as legitimate businesses.

Since the clubs dont take a rake (or percentage) for hosting a poker event, there is no economic benefit. Instead, the clubs make money by levying membership fees and other charges, such as for the amount of time a player is at the tables typically at half-hour or hourly rates. Some clubs also serve food and alcohol.

In a nutshell: Private poker clubs in Texas operate in a legally gray area.

It should be noted that Texas isnt the only state with private poker clubs. According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), so-called card houses also operate in five other states California, Florida, Minnesota, Montana, and Washington state.

Until recently, law enforcement typically did not interfere with the private poker clubs. The most consequential case involving a crackdown was in 1994 with the case Gaudio v. State. The Texas Court of Appeals ruled that an individual (Gaudio) could not legally run a private poker game from his apartment and use rake proceeds to pay for the apartments expenses.

Gaudio established a legal precedent, and private poker clubs came away with the understanding that they could not touch the pot. Rather, they would adopt a new business model of levying membership and seat rental fees.

But the outward success of some of the larger private poker clubs attracted the attention of local authorities. In May 2019, Harris County which is home to the states biggest city, Houston pursued money laundering, gambling promotion, and organized crime charges against two large clubs in Houston. Players were not targeted for prosecution.

Shortly after the raid, Rep. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) asked Republican AG Ken Paxton to issue a formal opinion on whether he thought the membership and seating fees constituted a rake. Paxton declined, citing pending litigation at the time between clubs in Austin and San Antonio.

That decision annoyed prosecutors and law enforcement in Harris County and Houston. But prosecutors dropped the charges and returned more than $200,000 in seized gambling proceeds three months later after it was revealed that several members of the Harris County District Attorneys Office were frequent club patrons and one served as a political consultant for a club.

Authorities also raided private poker clubs in Flint in March 2022, in Watauga in October 2022, and in Dallas in May 2023.

The increasingly hostile atmosphere has spooked private poker clubs and their members, but many are fighting back. Players in Texas have organized to resist efforts to close the poker halls. They have also backed legislation to clarify the states gaming laws so that there is no question they qualify as legitimate businesses.

One group, Texans for Texas Holdem (TFTH), was founded by professional poker player Doug Polk. The group frets that there are three ways that private poker clubs in Texas could be forced to close:

Polk co-owns The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, one of four clubs to form TFTH. The other members of the group are Texas Card House (which has multiple locations), SA Card House in San Antonio, and Champions Poker Club in Dallas.

TFTH supported a bill introduced by Rep. Ryan Guillen (R-Rio Grande City) in the last legislative session. HB 2345 called for codifying that economic benefit means direct winnings from a game of skill or luck, and that private place means a place where the public needs a valid membership.

The bill passed the House in May but died before a Senate committee later that month. The Texas Legislature only meets in odd-numbered years, so the earliest that a new bill to protect the private poker clubs could be introduced is January 14, 2025.

Conversely, HB 732 represented an existential threat to the clubs. The bill, introduced by Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston), would have changed private place to private residence thereby rendering all private poker clubs in non-residential areas illegal.

Besides being introduced in November 2022, Wus bill saw no action.

The website PokerAtlas lists 60 active private poker clubs as of December 2023. They are:

Online poker in Texas is likely several years away from becoming a reality, considering most forms of gambling are illegal. The state doesnt even have sports betting yet, and that vertical is usually seen as a precursor to a launch of online poker (and casino gaming).

A bill to legalize mobile sports betting, HB 1942, was introduced in the Texas House of Representatives in February 2023 and won passage three months later. But the bill was dead on arrival in the Senate due to opposition from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and other Republicans in the Senate.

My experience and my knowledge is that we arent even anywhere close to having 15 or 16 votes for casinos, Patrick told KTVT-TV in Fort Worth on December 1. When the session was over, there was not a hue and cry from voters calling their senators or their House members.

Patrick hinted that supporters of mobile sports betting were nave in thinking it would be legalized anytime soon. Big things dont happen overnight, he said. You dont just wave a magic wand, you have to get in the trenches and grind it out.

Yes, but it operates in a legally gray area. Private poker clubs are able to operate because they charge membership fees from players instead of taking a portion (or rake) from the pot.

Estimate vary, but the group Texans for Texas Holdem (TFTH) estimated that there were more than 75 private poker clubs in Texas in 2023.

There are clubs all over Texas, but most are clustered in four major metropolitan areas Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. There are also many clubs in Amarillo, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Fort Worth, Galveston, Lubbock, Midland, and Waco.

Many private poker clubs in Texas run daily cash games and tournaments. Some have cash games spread limits of 2/4 Limit, 1/3 No Limit, 2/5 No Limit, 1/3 Pot Limit and 5/5 Pot Limit Omaha (PLO). Daily tournaments have featured Deep Stacks, Turbos, Bounties and PLO.

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

Originally posted here:

Poker in Texas: The Complete Guide - Pokerfuse

The New Jersey online poker market marked its decade of operation last month. The first sites opened in November 2013. Since then, they have generated $270 million in revenue.

There have been five sites operational during this time, but only three are active today. The WSOP/888 network, operating under the Caesars license, is the states top contributor. It has reported over $100 million in revenue since it launched, an average monthly rate of $865k.

Following closely behind are the trio on the BetMGM Poker NJ network BetMGM, partypoker, and Borgata. They have reported a combined all-time revenue of $95 million and an average monthly intake of $787k. Both networks have been active in the Garden State since the inception of the online poker market.

PokerStars NJ entered the scene nearly three years later and operates under the Resorts license. It has generated $71.3 million over its 93 months of operation, averaging $767.5k per month.

Ultimate Gaming, in partnership with the Trump Taj license, had a modest run, generating only $562k over ten months before its closure. Betfair, operating under the Trump Plaza license, posted a negligible $140 in its entire online poker revenue, with both sites shutting down within the first year.

Last verified: January 2024

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Bet With Your Head, Not Over It. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

The New Jersey online poker market has experienced a rollercoaster ride over the past decade,

In its inaugural year, spanning November 2013 to October 2014, NJ online poker rooms collectively generated $28.3 million in revenue. Fast forward a decade to the corresponding period from November 2022 to October 2023, and the poker rooms have notched up nearly the same amount, with slightly higher revenues reaching $28.8 million.

However, within this ten-year span, the market witnessed a series of highs and lows. Following its launch, the initial excitement and growth were short-lived. wo networks Ultimate Gaming and Betfair ceased operations within the first 12 months. The second year was markedly lower than the first.

Positive developments emerged when, in January 2015, 888poker NJ and WSOP NJ shared player liquidity on a limited basis. Then the entry of PokerStars in March 2016 sparked a surge of interest in the market. Third-year revenue of $26.3 million beat the prior year.

This boost in online poker revenues proved temporary and it shrank each year over the next four. The period from November 2018 to October 2019 the markets sixth hit an all-time low of $21 million.

A turning point occurred with the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, leading to a mini-boom in online poker. Revenue from November 2019 to October 2020 skyrocketed to $36.6 million, marking a nearly 75% increase compared to the previous year and setting an all-time high period that has yet to be repeated.

As the world gradually reopened, the market experienced a decline. It dipped in 2020 and 2021, though never falling back down to prepandemic levels.

Then in its tenth year, the market rebounded yet again. The catalyst for was PokerStars connecting its New Jersey player pool with Michigan on January 1, 2023, allowing the operator to reclaim the top spot with $9.7 million in revenue for 2023.

Today, NJ online poker revenues appear to have circled back to where they began. While the revenue figures may not show consistent linear growth, the overall picture reflects the markets ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

While $270 million may appear substantial, it pales in comparison to the revenues generated by its counterpart NJ online casino. In the span of a decade, NJ online casinos have amassed a staggering total revenue of nearly $7 billion, contributing over $1 billion in state tax revenue.

The online casinos operating under the Golden Nugget license stand out as the primary revenue driver, surpassing $2 billion since the markets inception.

In fact, the most recent data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reveals another record-breaking month for NJ online casinos, collectively yielding $170 million in November. This marks an 18% year-over-year growth, consistently aligning with the upward trend observed over the past two years.

In contrast, NJ online poker sites reported $2.1 million in revenue for the same month, reflecting a 2.4% decline compared to the previous year. Consequently, pokers contribution to the overall igaming revenues in New Jersey remains modest, ranging between 2% to 4%.

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

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Ten Years of NJ Online Poker: Here's How Much the Market Made in a Decade - Pokerfuse

The FBI is investing after a four-time World Series of Poker Circuit winner and recent Mid-Stakes Poker Tour champion was found zip-tied and injured on the side of a road more than a month after his family reported him missing.

George Janssen, the current MSPT Venetian champ, told police he was kidnapped by two or three men who held him captive in a basement in a house somewhere in Toledo for 35 days before dumping him on a rural road near his home of Bad Axe, Mich.

According to Michigans ABC News 12, Janssen was found bound by zip ties and his face bloodied on Dec. 16. He told police the men had extorted him.

Janssens family reported the Michigan online poker pro was missing on Nov. 13, two months after he won the MSPTs $1,600 main event at the Venetian for $82,823. His four WSOP Circuit rings all came online most recently in May playing as georgejanssen in Michigan.

He also won $79,861 for finishing third in MSPTs main event at JACKS casino in Cleveland in September.

According to ABC 12, Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson told the station that Janssen claims he was dropped after he took the kidnappers to a place where he hid some of his money.

From what we gathered, he was being brought up here to recover some money that was hidden to give to these two assailants, Hanson told ABC 12

A family member said Janssen told them hes been the target of extortion for the past two years.

All reports from the sheriffs department, the Bad Axe Police, and the Monroe County Sheriffs Department have been turned over to the FBI.

The FBI will not confirm or deny any investigation that it is working on.

Bob Pajich

Bob Pajich is a poker news reporter, creative writer, and poker player who never met suited connectors he didnt like. For any tips, corrections, complaints or kudos, please contact us.

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World Series of Poker Circuit Champ Found Bound and Bloodied on Side of Rural Michigan Road - CardsChat.com

For Delawareans eager to try the online casino platforms powered by Rush Street Interactive (RSI), your wait is over. For those eager to see legal real money Delaware online poker return, your wait is just beginning.

Such are the competing storylines as RSI officially takes over as the Delaware Lotterys exclusive igaming provider. Along with change to the online casino platform, it means the launch of mobile sports betting in Delaware for the first time.

But it also means the close of online poker, at least for the time being. It is unknown when RSI plans to launch its Run it Once Poker platform in Delaware and other states. While we wait, there will be a blackout for safe, legal online poker in the state.

The stakeholders involved in the transition were not available for immediate comment, but a chat support representative for one of the racinos told pokerfuse that they were not currently offering poker, and that It may be available in the future, but we dont have a timeframe at the moment.

As of Wednesday, the gaming sites for the racinos were all displaying new branding, reflecting the switch from 888 to RSI was official:

A brief statement on the DE Lottery website calls on plaers to play online slots, table games and online sports from the NEW platforms powered by BetRivers.

For the last ten years, regulated online poker has been available on all three sites through a platform powered by 888. These skins were connected to the WSOP USA online poker network, so Delawareans could enjoy access to the biggest US online poker network around, offing tournaments and cash games around the clock.

As of December 27, the online poker rooms have gone offline, with all cash games and tournaments removed from the lobby. A message explains that the servers are unavailable.

The transition from 888 to RSI in Delaware will go down in history as the first time that players in the US gained, then lost, access to regulated, real money online poker.

It did not have to be this way. A section of the request for proposals (RFP) issued by the Lottery for its igaming contract could have required 888 to stay on as the provider of online poker in Delaware until RIO was ready.

But the Lottery confirmed to Poker Industry PRO in an exclusive earlier this month that it wouldnt be asking 888 to stick around rather, there would be an indefinite blackout period for online poker in Delaware.

RSI said it plans to launch the Run It Once (RIO) poker platform in Delaware, but a launch date has not been announced. RSI bought the platform in March 2022 and it remains in development.

Since RIO wasnt ready to go when RSI took over as the Lotterys exclusive igaming provider, an indefinite blackout period has begun for online poker in Delaware.

The gaming sites for all three racinos were offering two promos tied to the switchover from 888 on Wednesday.

On the casino side, the Casino Welcome Offer was a promotion where players, after making an initial deposit and using a bonus code (CASINOBACK), could get back 100% of their net losses, with some limits up to $250, on qualified games, and during their first 24 hours of play.

Mobile sports betting, a new product in Delaware, kicked off with an initial deposit promotion of its own. Under the Sports Welcome Offer at all three racinos, first-time players with qualifying first wager losses are eligible to receive a bonus bet equal to their stake, up to $100.

Other than the two promos and the obvious rebranding all branding at the top of the domains were unchanged, but each sites link to online gaming brought players to Bally Casino, Bally Sportsbook, BetRivers Casino, and BetRivers Sportsbook there was no official statement from RSI or the Lottery about the switchover.

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

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Delaware Online Poker Goes Dark as iGaming Moves to Run it Once Parent RSI - Pokerfuse

After nearly eight years as an ambassador for 888poker, Kara Scott has called it a day.

The Canadian TV host, presenter, and poker player Kara Scott joined the 888 team in 2016. In her role, she fronted several of 888s marketing activities, including launching poker podcasts such as The Heart of Poker.

In a candid conversation, we delved into Scotts experiences with 888poker, reflecting on the highlights of her journey and gaining insights into what lies ahead as she bids adieu to the 888 team.

I was born in Canada but lived in the UK, USA, Italy and now Slovenia for most of my adult life. I started playing poker as a kid but didnt find NLHE until 2005 when I was invited to work on a poker TV show in London, England.

It has been a really lovely partnership and Im glad for all the great people Ive had a chance to work with. Traveling around Europe for the 888poker LIVE events is great but there were also some special poker trips for VIP players and contest winners that I hosted in my early days with 888poker and they were so much fun.

Starting my podcast was an interesting challenge for me as it was a new format to tackle. Im used to working on-camera so the radio-style interview stretched some new muscles and it was fun to be nominated for a GPA award for Heart of Poker.

It was gratifying to be with 888poker while they won some meaningful industry awards over the last few years. Being able to see from the inside how hard they work and the care they bring to their jobs made me cheer all the more for them.

Its always great to hear from listeners about the podcasts which ones resonate with them the most, which stories shocked them, which parts made them cry! I love personal stories and I find the nuts and bolts of what makes people tick, fascinating. Hearing from so many great players and people that they loved being on the podcast, and that it was different than anything else theyd done, THAT feels like an accomplishment. I wanted to create something that wasnt already out there and I feel like I achieved that.

Poker is constantly evolving and thats as it should be. I love seeing how companies are pushing the bounds of what we know poker looks like on TV, creating shows that are fun to watch in new ways. There is so much scope for gaining new audiences and players and seeing poker go more and more mainstream is great.

My first love and my career is TV broadcasting. Its huge fun to play poker but for me the game is recreational. Although, that doesnt mean I dont take it seriously! I just have a real affinity for the majority of players in the world who play because they love it, rather than make a living at it. I dont think Id be as good at my job on camera if I didnt know and play the game myself. You cant really fake that enthusiasm and inside knowledge of a community. Im grateful I get to do all sides of my career.

I dont really transition from one brand to another and theres always a good gap between. Its important to me to like the management team and who Ill be working with, and to be able to respect their product. With 888poker, I really liked their focus on recreational players and felt like that aligned well with my own approach to poker. Its also really important that it align with my TV commitments.

There are a lot of great moments to look back on. The earlier days of poker were pretty wild in Las Vegas and I was grateful to the luminaries Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher for inviting me over for some food and to talk about the industry, really early on.

Ive been able to form good friendships with so many people who I respect. Working with, being friends with and learning from Mike Sexton was a real privilege. Getting to host the GPA awards and the European Poker Awards before that, being commissioner for the first GPL, the first year I worked on the WSOP as sideline reporter and then the first time as the break desk anchor there are a ton of great moments and Ive loved all of them and look forward to the ones to come!

Ill be putting my energy into finally finishing some non-poker projects for 2024 but if something comes up that catches my eye, its hard for me to say no to poker!

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

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Farewell Interview with Kara Scott as She Bids Goodbye to 888Poker After Eight Years - Pokerfuse