The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) approved the sale of 10 acres of land on the Las Vegas Strip. The deal, which will see the entity sell the parcel to Brett Torino and Paul Kanavos for $12.5 million per acre, was unanimously approved by LVCVA’s directors.
The $125 million deal will see the land passed to the experienced real estate developers. The 10 acres have historic value for Las Vegas as they were once a part of the famous Riviera property.
The Riviera was a large casino resort that first opened in 1955. After decades in business, the resort and its associated land were acquired by the LVCVA in a $182.5 deal. The agency’s plan was to use the land to erect an expansion of the Las Vegas Global Business District.
In 2015, the LVCVA closed the Riviera and by 2016 it had wrapped up the demolition of the old casino resort. Now, it has secured the sale of an extra parcel of land it didn’t need for the expansion of the Las Vegas Global Business District.
Torino and Kanavos Might Revitalize the Northern Part of the Strip
Brett Torino and Paul Kanavos are seasoned developers with experience in developing Vegas properties. However, they didn’t reveal their plans for the 10 acres of former Riviera land. Still, Torino and Kanavos did say that they picked the location because of its attractive location. While they didn’t confirm anything outright, they implied that a hotel and/or an entertainment complex might be what the future of the plot hides.
The upcoming property might attract more pedestrians toward the northern end of the Strip. According to Steve Hill, the president and chief executive of the LVCVA, Torino and Kanavos’ project is certain to appeal to their neighbors.
The two businessmen have until September 11 to close the deal. If the sale is not completed within that time frame, the LVCVA plans to relist the parcel.
The Current Deal Comes in the Wake of a Failed Sale
This isn’t the first time that the LVCVA has tried to sell this 10-acre plot. Back in 2021, the company agreed to sell the land to Claudio Fischer, a Chilean billionaire. The mogul already owns several casinos in South America and might have resurrected the Riviera or at least the idea of it in some way. Fischer had agreed to buy the land in a $120 million deal but eventually backed out of it.
The billionaire cited the high interest rates as the reason for canceling the agreement.
AviaGames is the company behind the popular Bingo Tour app and is most famous for its Pocket7Games platform allowing users to earn real money while playing. The developer realizes the value of accessibility in today’s dynamic online environment, making its newest WebGame project a significant milestone. AviaGames has worked hard to create a fun and engaging experience, retaining existing players while opening the doors for a significantly broader user base.
The WebGame Supports Most Mobile Devices
Pocket7Games WebGame opens up AviaGames’ roster of games, branching out from a dedicated app to a browser-based solution. The new update allows users to enjoy their favorite skill-based titles anytime, anywhere. The browser version of Pocket7Games already supports over 80% of the app’s functionality. Vital features like prize withdrawals remain fully functional, allowing players to claim their winnings seamlessly and without issue.
Transitioning to a 100% browser-based experience can be challenging, but the AviaGames team has managed to preserve most of the app’s features. Gameplay remains the same, so barring some slight layout and interaction updates, returning players should feel right at home. AviaGames founder and CEO Vickie Chen noted that the changes would help bring Pocket7Games’ titles to even more users.
AviaGames is focused on… creating an inclusive space where all gamers can come and enjoy their favorite games, no matter what platform they are on.
Vickie Chen, AviaGames founder, and CEO
Existing players can interchangeably use the app and the WebGame, keeping their gameplay and prize history in sync. The browser-based portal currently only works on mobile devices, and AviaGames has not mentioned whether they intend to expand the functionality to desktops. Users attempting to open the website via a PC instead receive a QR code to download the Pocket7Games app.
AviaGames has made waves in the mobile social competition market thanks to its diverse selection of engaging titles, promising players real-money rewards. The developer’s Pocket7Games platform offers access to over 15 unique skill-based games across several genres. The most popular games like Bingo Tour, Match ‘n Flip, and 21 Gold are also standalone apps.
The developer recently partnered with the nonprofit organization Women Who Code to celebrate international women’s history month with several events on the Pocket7Game platform. Such seasonal offerings allow AviaGames to keep its players engaged and contribute to worthy causes like supporting diverse women in technology careers. The event also had special promotions for new users, encouraging hesitant players to sign up.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Alabama’s only recognized tribe, just launched a new pro-gambling campaign. The initiative seeks to gather support for the legalization of more gaming and lottery verticals under the slogan “Winning for Alabama.”
“It’s Time to Stop Leaving Money on the Table”
Currently, gaming in The Heart of Dixie is fairly restricted. While not all gambling is prohibited, the state only allows Class II gaming properties. This means that customers can freely enjoy bingo machines but are barred from wagering on sports or playing table games and traditional slots.
With the 2023 legislative session incoming, the Poarch Band seeks to gather support for a new bill. No actual measure has been introduced yet but the tribe hopes to secure strong backing from Alabamans in advance.
In a short new ad, people from all backgrounds talk about the potential benefits of introducing Class III casinos in Alabama. According to them, casino taxes, estimated at around $700 million a year, will greatly benefit the local economy. This money would then be used to fund infrastructure, internet infrastructure, education, healthcare and public safety projects. In addition, the casino expansion would create 12,000 new jobs.
A Major Deal with NASA
In the meantime, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians just secured a monumental $217 million non-gaming contract with NASA. As announced by the tribe, its PCI Productions subsidiary has been designated to manage scaled-up communications operations in NASA’s HQ and mission directorates. Furthermore, PCI Productions will assist NASA with public and interagency messaging.
The deal kicks in on June 1 and will see PCI support NASA for 16 months. The deal can be further extended by 20 months or two one-year periods.
Tim McElyea, CEO of PCI Productions, called the agreement a “culmination” of his company’s existing relationship with NASA. PCI Productions, known as Media Fusion prior to its acquisition by the tribe, has been working with NASA for decades.
In an interview with Tribal Business News, McElyea said:
For me personally, the contract award is the culmination of a life’s work. When this opportunity came up, it became that much bigger as a result of that growing relationship.
Tim McElyea, CEO, PCI Productions
The agreement is notably the biggest contract PCI Productions has ever signed. It will augment the Poarch Band’s federal contracting, which is a major source of non-gaming revenue for the tribe.
The innovative entertainment company that is continuously growing and globally recognized, Gauselmann Group, announced a senior-level hire Wednesday. The company confirmed it hired the services of Stefan Bruns, an expert within the iGaming and casino industry with decades of experience.
Bruns joins Gauselmann Group as its newest Management Board member. As a part of the company, in the newly created role, he will oversee its online gambling and sports betting operations. As the new member of the Management Board, Bruns will be in charge of strategic processes related to the expansion of the company within the online sports betting vertical.
At the same time, his responsibilities will include strengthening Gauselmann’s position within the land-based sector. Joining the company, Bruns is also expected to spearhead the expansion of its virtual slot gaming portfolio and help it grow further on an international level.
“I would like to express my thanks for the trust placed in me and I look forward to tackling the challenging tasks that lie ahead.“
Stefan Bruns, incoming member of the Management Board of Gauselmann Group
Sharing his excitement, Bruns said that he is delighted to engage in the new role and tackle future challenges. He pointed out that further growth of the company’s products within strategic online gaming and sports betting markets will be a top priority considering his new role. Finally, Bruns said that growing further the position of the Merkur brand, one of Gauselmann’s companies, will also be among his priorities.
A Strategic Appointment
Although the appointment was announced this week, Bruns will assume his new role with the company effective from April 1, 2023. The latest appointment comes as no surprise, considering Bruns’ extensive experience within the gambling sector.
In fact, back in 2014, he first joined Gauselmann and to date holds the role of coordinator for board issues. What’s more back in February 2017, he was appointed to the role of senior managing director at Merkur Casino International. He has held the role since he was appointed and it currently remains unclear if the new position would impact this or not.
“I am delighted to welcome Stefan Bruns, who has held management positions in the company for nine years, as a new member of the Management Board.“
Paul Gauselmann, chairman of the Management Board and founder of Gauselmann Group
Paul Gauselmann, Gauselmann Group’s founder and chairman of the Management Board, acknowledged that Bruns has held management-level positions with the company and welcomed him to the Management Board. Finally, the company’s founder predicted that Bruns’ extensive experience will help him in his new role, which in turn, is expected to also strengthen the position of Gauselmann within the ever-growing gambling market.
The broadcaster behind Bally Sports regional sports networks (RSN), Diamond Sports Group (DSG) announced Tuesday it is in the process of finalizing a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) with companies that hold the majority of its debt, as well as Sinclair Broadcast Group. This is a strategic move that ultimately seeks to eliminate a debt of more than $8 billion that is outstanding for the company.
However, in order to implement the RSA, DSG confirmed that it filed for Chapter 11 protection with the US Bankruptcy Court within the Southern District of Texas. Ultimately, the company’s plan is to strengthen its balance sheet by implementing the restructuring and using the proceedings. At the same time, DSG plans to continue the broadcasting of high-quality sports content in the US.
The latest announcement reveals that DSG plans to keep Bally Sports operational during the complex Chapter 11 process. Moreover, DSG said that it currently has some $425 million in cash which can help with the restructuring and boost its business.
“The RSA Diamond is finalizing with creditors and Sinclair provides that Diamond will separate its business from Sinclair and become a standalone company,“
reads a statement released by Diamond Sports Group
The RSA Represents a Strategic Move
David Preschlack, DSG’s CEO, explained: “The DSG Board of Managers has been evaluating strategic opportunities with the support of its advisors and in coordination with creditors to position the Company for long-term success and has determined that the best path forward for the Company and its stakeholders is to restructure through a Chapter 11 process.”
The CEO added that the company is engaging in this process in an effort to strengthen its balance sheet, reset its capital structure and eliminate some $8 billion in debt. Preschlack added: “The financial flexibility attained through this restructuring will allow DSG to evolve our business while continuing to provide exceptional live sports productions for our fans.”
According to Preschlack, DSG will not stop broadcasting games that ultimately help connect sports teams and leagues with their fans. Finally, he said that the company hopes to be revitalized by the restructuring and become even stronger than before.
Kentucky may soon legalize sports betting as a new bill continues to gain traction. House Bill 511 seeks to allow wagering on sports at the state’s horse racing tracks, bringing a new gambling vertical to the state. In addition, racing tracks would be able to partner with up to three online operators, allowing local customers to play online.
Now, the Bill, which passed a House vote on Monday, also passed through a state Senate committee. Despite this, many challenges remain.
Kentucky Closer to Sports Betting than Ever
House Bill 511 is but the latest effort to bring sports flutters to the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has been trying to legalize punts since 2018 when the PASPA was repealed. However, previous efforts have ended in failure.
Despite the past misfirings, there is now a real chance for Kentucky to welcome sports betting. No bill has previously been able to pass the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. Not only that but the committee voted resoundingly in favor of HB 511, with 9 votes in favor of the measure against one that opposed it.
Many believe that Governor Andy Beshear is in favor of sports betting and would sign the bill into law, meaning that the only challenge to Kentucky becoming the 37th state to allow sports betting is the Senate. Beshear’s campaign from four years ago prominently highlighted his pro-gambling stance.
Rep. Meredith Will Seek Supporters
While HB 511 has a real chance of passing, it is still too early to rejoice as the Senate will pose the greatest threat to the measure yet. Under local laws, the bill must receive at least three-fifths of the Senate votes to pass. In addition, passing HB 511 would be a race against time since there are but four days remaining in this year’s legislative session.
Luckily, a planned recess period in the legislative session may work in favor of the bill as it would provide its supporters with enough time to convince other senators to vote in favor of the bill. State Rep. Michael Meredith admitted that the pro-gambling camp is still a few votes short of passing the bill.
The legislative session will continue on March 29-30 when the fate of sports betting in Kentucky will be conclusively decided, at least for now.
Earlier this month, a Kentucky House committee also cleared HB 594 which imposes a ban on “gray” video game machines with cash payouts.
PokerStars Play offers players around the world a chance to play FREE online poker and casino games. However, with such a vast array of exciting games to spend your free chips on, which games are the best? Here are the top 5 best PokerStars Play games that you have to play.
What is PokerStars Play?
Launched in 2017, PokerStars Play is a free app to play Texas Hold’em games available for Android and iOS users. However, over the years it developed further and now offers players globally a chance to play free online poker and casino games against other players around the world.
PokerStars Play only uses free chips. While you can make in-app purchases to buy extra chips, there are no real money games available to play. What you can do is practice poker in a risk-free environment, try all the latest slot games and compete against players throughout the world to try top the ranking leagues.
Remember: The PokerStars Play app lets you play for play money only. In case you want to play for real money and you live in a country where you are allowed to do so, just head to the PokerStars website!
How Does PokerStars Play Work?
PokerStars Play works as a free app where each day, you can earn free chips through quizzes, scratchcards and free bonuses to play all your favorite poker and casino games.
First, you need to download the app. To do so, visit the App Store for iOS or the Play Store for Android, search ‘PokerStars Play’ and select download. Once you have it, you need to open a gaming account. The process is stupid-simple and it won’t take you more than 30 seconds to go through it. The best part? As soon as the account is set, you get 50,000 FREE chips to play your first games as a no-deposit bonus! Can you turn that 50,000 into a million?
How Good is the PokerStars Play App?
The PokerStars Play app is a fun way to play some risk-free games at the world’s largest poker room.
With online poker being still under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act 2006 (UIGEA), this cute social app is your best chance to savor the poker days of old. From the crazy Scandinavians who will raise every hand to the loose and impatient Italians who will spend more time in the in-game chat than actually thinking about the best ways to play their hands, PokerStars Play is a great app to have.
#5. Omaha Poker
Omaha Poker is a hugely popular variation on the classical game of Texas Hold’em Poker, but with a few exciting differences. Find out more about Omaha Poker, how to play it on PokerStars Play and just why you have to play this game.
What is Omaha Poker on PokerStars Play?
Omaha Poker is a form of poker that follows the same concepts as regular Texas Hold’em, however, it’s even more drama-filled and packed with action.
The main difference is that you have four hole cards instead of the standard two. The community cards are the same, with three on the flop, one on the turn and one on the river, but you must use exactly two hole cards and exactly three community cards to make the best possible hand. Therefore, if you have four aces as your hole cards, you do not have four-of-a-kind, but rather just a pair of aces - as you can only use two of your four hole cards. Equally, if all five community cards are hearts, you do not have a flush unless you are holding two hearts yourself in your hole cards.
Play Omaha Poker on PokerStars Play
PokerStars Play is the perfect app to play Omaha Poker on, especially if you’re a beginner to the game. With buy-ins to suit all skill levels, you don’t even have to wager large amounts of your free chips. Simply choose the buy-in that you’re happy to compete at, take on multiple opponents at the table and build up your Omaha knowledge. If you’ve played Omaha before, or if you feel ready to take on the higher stakes, there are plenty of tables available to join with large buy-ins.
#4 - Poker Quiz
Play PokerStars Play’s fun quiz mini-game and earn free chips to play online poker and slot games. It’s not just about the prizes though. PokerStars Play’s free quizzes will also develop your basic poker knowledge, helping you learn the fundamentals of the game. Here’s more about PokerStars Play’s mini-game quizzes.
What are PokerStars Play Quizzes?
PokerStars Play quiz is a mini-game option where players can win free chips. The concept is simple - three lives, 10 seconds per question and a load of bonus free chips if you get enough questions right. The more questions you get right, the more free chips you can win, but be careful! The questions start off easy but get progressively more difficult. Put your poker knowledge to the test!
How to Play PokerStars Play Quizzes
To play PokerStars Play quizzes, go to the home screen menu, look in the bottom-left corner and select the question mark icon labeled ‘Quiz.’ This will then open the mini-game, where you can start answering questions and earning free chip rewards. Once your three lives have run out, you can either wait 24 hours for your hearts to be replenished OR buy three extra hearts for 20,000 chips.
So, while you can invest in more lives, you’re under no obligation to do so. All it is is poker questions and potentially a bucket load of free chips. What’s not to like? Play PokerStars Play’s quizzes now and use your knowledge to earn easy chips.
#3 - Scratchcards
Gone are the days where scratchcards are those dodgy freebies you get in papers where you win every time, but to claim your prize you have to jump through hoops and often pay a lot of money for the privilege. PokerStars Play offers FREE scratchcards where you can win real, free chip prizes, bonuses and rewards. Here’s how PokerStars Play scratchcards work.
What are PokerStars Play Scratchcards?
PokerStars Play scratchcards are fun ways to earn and win free chips. Each day, you’ll have a free scratchcard available to play for a chance to win up to 1 million free chips. Also, if you want more scratchcard action, you can purchase extra bonus cards and win up to 1 billion chips!
How to Win at PokerStars Play Scratchcards Winning at PokerStars Play scratchcards is simple. PokerStars Play ones resemble traditional scratchcards in the sense that you need to reveal three matching symbols to win a prize. To scratch the card, rub your finger over it on your phone screen until all the symbols are revealed.
You aren’t guaranteed to win every time, but if you do the chips you win will be automatically added to your account balance, ready for you to play with.
#2 - Hold’em Poker
Hold’em Poker is by far the most popular and most played variant of poker in the world. Two hole cards, five community cards… may the best hand win. Here’s more about what Hold’em Poker is and why you have to give it a go at PokerStars Play.
What is Hold’em Poker?
Hold’em Poker, also known as No-limit Hold’em or Texas Hold’em, is perhaps the simplest poker game to learn and is the variant that most people think of when mentioning ‘poker.’
It starts with every player being dealt two hole cards, with a round of betting then commences. The hand is then either won (if only one player is left in the hand as all others have folded), or it will go to what’s called a ‘Flop’ if there is more than one person left in the hand. The flop is where three community cards are dealt. Another round of betting then begins before the turn card is dealt.
If both players are still in the hand, another round of betting occurs before the final river card comes and the ultimate round of betting begins. If two or more players are still left in the hand (haven’t folded) by the end of the river betting, we go to what’s called ‘Showdown’ where players reveal their cards and the one with the best hand wins all the chips in the pot that have accumulated over the multiple rounds of betting.
Sound complicated? Don’t worry, the concept is easy to pick up and once you play a few hands you’ll get into the swing of things. HOWEVER, it’s not all just about the cards you’re dealt. Luck is a factor, but so too is deception and bluffing. Analyze your opponents’ play, pick the opportune moments to bluff and implement strategic thinking to defeat the opposition and take home the lucrative chip prizes on offer!
Play Hold’em Poker on PokerStars Play
Delve into the intriguing and lucrative world of poker, and battle against players worldwide when you play Poker on PokerStars Play.
PokerStars Play Hold’em Poker Tournaments
There are various different Hold’em Poker tournaments you can play on PokerStars Play. Regardless of how many chips you want to stake, there’s a tournament with the right buy-in for you. Battle your way through multiple opponents to be the last one standing and win huge chip prizes. What’s more, PokerStars Play hosts ‘Jackpot Tournaments,’ meaning even more chips are on offer with a chance to win 5,000x your buy-in!
PokerStars Play Hold’em Cash Games
PokerStars Play offers an array of different Hold’em cash game tables for you to play at. While tournaments offer intense action and nail-biting drama, cash games are slightly more relaxed - but still bring a whole lot of excitement to your virtual table.
True grinders of the game understand and appreciate the value of cash games in poker. They’re ideal environments to learn, practice and refine your poker skills. Once you feel comfortable, hit the cash game tables and truly prove your poker skill by grinding up your chips bankroll.
Buy in for as little as 4,000 chips and get your grind started. Equally, if you fancy quite literally upping the stakes and putting it all on the line, the high-roller tables have a buy-in of 2 billion chips - can you handle the high-stakes scene?
#1 - Wild Wild West 2120 Slot
Wild Wild West 2120 is a fun slot with bonus free games, four separate jackpots and scatter and wild symbols. Join in the action now and find out why Wild Wild West 2120 is a slot not to be missed on PokerStars Play.
What is the Wild Wild West 2120 Slot?
With 30 win paylines, scatter and wild symbols and a wacky, Wild-West theme, PokerStars Play’s Wild Wild West 2120 takes all the fundamentals of a classic, traditional slot game but adds a western-themed twist. Players can play this free slot from as little as 750 chips per spin, and each turn has a chance to win a ‘Grand Jackpot’ paying up to 5,000x the spin bet.
Wild Wild West 2120 Slot Jackpots
Unlikely to win the Grand Jackpot? Perhaps. But the chances of you hitting any jackpot is much greater than you might think. As well as the Grand, there are also ‘Major,’ ‘Minor’ and ‘Mini’ Jackpots to be won that will boost your chip balance and give you a healthy top-up. While the Grand Jackpot is tough to win, the Mini Jackpot is hit often. How’s your luck? Will you be the next Grand, Major or Minor Jackpot winner on the Wild Wild West 2120 Slot, will you have to settle for the Mini Jackpot or will you be running cold and miss all four? Only one way to find out!
How to Win Jackpots on the Wild Wild West 2120 Slot on PokerStars Play
There are different requirements to win each different Wild Wild West 2120 jackpot on PokerStars Play. For all of them, though, you must hit five-of-a-kind (all five symbols are the same) for any picture symbol - numbered symbols do not count.
You win different jackpots based on which symbol you hit five-of-a-kind on. Another factor in determining which jackpot you’ll win is whether or not a Wild symbol is included in that 5-of-a-kind. If you do not use a Wild symbol, you will win either the Major or the Grand Wild Wild West 2120 Jackpot - depending on which specific symbol you have 5-of-a-kind of.
Wild Wild West 2120 Scatter and Wild Bonuses
The Wild Wild West 2120 Slot on PokerStars Play comes with exciting free spin bonuses that give you the opportunity to win a number of free games. It’s easy to win too! All you have to do is hit three Scatter symbols in one single spin and you’ll win five free spins. Hit four or five Scatter symbols and your free spin bonus increases.
This table shows the amount of free spins you can be awarded for the number of Scatter symbols hit:
Scatter Symbols Hit
Free Spins Awarded
3
10
4
15
5
25
What to do next
Heard enough? Then download the PokerStars Play App now! If you want to know more, then take a look at our full review of PokerStars Play.
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Narrow down the amazing choice at PokerStars Play with our guide to the Top 5 Best Games You Need to Play Right Now! Online poker, slots, scratcher and quizzes - all FREE TO PLAY.
PokerMatch International has released an official commentary on the sanctions against PokerMatch Ukraine. The company’s Ukrainian subsidiary was included in a list of companies that were sanctioned for alleged ties with Russia.
PokerMatch Ukraine was one of 287 companies and 120 individuals that were just sanctioned by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Despite regretting the decision, PokerMatch International said that it doesn’t expect the sanction to impact its global business.
We would like to inform our partners that these sanctions have no impact on the international operations of the PokerMatch brand. The company is not abandoning its plans to develop new regions and continues to provide its existing customers with a full range of services, including fulfilling all its commitments.
PokerMatch International statement
PokerMatch Has Done a Lot to Develop Poker in Ukraine
PokerMatch said that it believes the inclusion of its partner in the sanctions list is a mistake since the PokerMatch brand was one of the first gambling companies to block the accounts of Russian players. In addition, the company said, it was also one of the first companies to block all assets of Russians across its platforms. Lastly, PokerMatch terminated its existing partnerships with Russian companies.
In addition to sanctioning Russia, PokerMatch also helped Ukraine by donating to the Ukrainian army and suffering families.
PokerMatch International continued by pointing out that it played a key role in the revival of sports poker in the Eastern European country. In addition, the poker brand helped Ukraine’s National sports poker team take part in the world sports poker championship in Dublin – an event from which it emerged victorious.
The global poker brand also pointed out that it has supported the opening of numerous clubs in Ukraine.
PokerMatch Hopes Ukraine Will Change Its Mind
PokerMatch International reasserted that it is “devoted” to Ukraine and its people and hopes that the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine will rethink its stance.
We have no doubt that the honest name of the partner will be protected by all available legal means and the state will change its position in relation to the company, devoted to Ukraine.
PokerMatch International statement
Despite everything, PokerMatch congratulated Ukraine on protecting its people from Russian influence amid the ongoing war. The poker company admitted that this demanding undertaking isn’t mistakeproof. However, PokerMatch reasserted that it hopes Ukraine would be open to dialogue and fixing its alleged mistake.
Just a few months after breaking attendance and prize pool records at the Wynn in Las Vegas, the World Poker Tour (WPT) announced the return of the WPT World Championship this December to commence Season XXI of the iconic poker tour.
The inaugural WPT World Championship at the Wynn was recently named the 2022 Event of the Year at the Global Poker Awards after drawing 2,960 entrants to nearly double the $15 million guaranteed prize pool. Canada’s Eliot Hudon took down the event for $4.1 million, while England’s Benny Glaser finished runner-up for $2.8 million.
# The 2022 ‘Poker Event of the Year’ is BACK @WynnLasVegas!
— World Poker Tour (@WPT)
This year’s WPT World Championship festival will run from Nov. 29-Dec. 23 and the championship event is scheduled to take place Dec. 12-18. The festival will also feature the WPT Prime Championship from Dec. 7-12 and the WPT Ladies Championship from Dec. 16-18.
“The WPT World Championship festival was such an extraordinary milestone during our 20th season last year, thanks to our partner Wynn Las Vegas and the enthusiastic support of the players,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “It is our hope that we have started a tradition in poker that we can enhance and add to each season. We look forward to making this year’s World Championship even more memorable for players.”
Last year’s WPT World Championship festival was one of the most memorable in recent poker memory. Featuring several $10,000 seat giveaways, a Super Bowl-esque halftime show and meet-up games with the likes of Doyle Brunson and Phil Ivey, it is hardly surprising the championship event smashed attendance records.
Phil Ivey at the 2022 WPT World Championship festival
Wynn Executive Director of Poker Operations Ryan Beauregard, who played an integral role in promoting several of last year’s massive guaranteed tournaments, said that “after paying out more than $53 million in total prize money last December, we are excited for the return of the WPT World Championship at Wynn.”
“Due to last year’s incredible turnout and the strong rapport we built with WPT, we have extended the festival dates and will create a tournament schedule to make 2023 even more memorable,” he said in the press release.
Stephen Song took down the 2022 WPT Prime Championship for $712,650 en route to being named both the overall and Mid-Major Player of the Year, while Lina Niu took down last year’s WPT Ladies Championship for $105,136.
Stephen Song
Other notable tournaments on the schedule include a Seniors event from Dec. 6-8 and the return of the Mystery Bounty event from Dec. 18-21.
The complete schedule for the 2023 WPT World Championship festival will be finalized and made available in the coming months, according to WPT.
Ahead of the upcoming release of the review of the Gambling Act in the UK, the single industry body representing the betting and gaming industry, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), unveiled details of a new study. On Wednesday, the Council released data regarding a study conducted by YouGov that probed into whether or not gamblers favor bonus offers and promotions such as “free bets.”
An overwhelming majority of the gamblers that participated in the recent study confirmed they liked such offers. When asked if gaming and betting companies “should be allowed to offer promotions such as free bets” to their clients, 82% of the respondents agreed.
Moreover, the new study sought to determine the impact of strict regulations on the gambling sector. When asked if a ban on promotions would benefit the black market, 54% of the participants of the survey said yes. According to those responders, tough restrictions that ban promotions are likely to drive some customers to black market operators that are not licensed, but offer promotions.
Michael Dugher, Betting and Gaming Council’s CEO, said that the results of the new study confirm that bettors look at gambling just like other products and they find it appealing to have special offers, even if that represents a small gesture like a free bet. Additionally, the CEO explained that the betting market is “hyper competitive” and there are clients that are using multiple operators.
“This survey reinforces what anyone who knows anything about betting already understands – that betting customers, just like consumers of any other product, value offers like small free bets which are subject to strict controls and restrictions to protect the vulnerable.“
Michael Dugher, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council
According to Dugher, it is clear that restricting offers such as free bets or banning them altogether is likely to negatively impact the experience for the punters. This, in turn, can also jeopardize jobs and hurt businesses, he said. Finally, Dugher said that the study reaffirms that banning gambling promotional offers will likely drive customers to the black market that doesn’t offer any protection.
The results of the new study are not surprising, considering that the BGC has previously voiced its concern with proposals calling for tough restrictions. In fact, recently, the Council unveiled data from another probe that found that 79% of gamblers feared that strict rules for the gambling sector are likely to push people to the black market.
