trapped

New Graphic Novel Blending Poker Action and Crypto Insights

In a world where poker pros and crypto traders thrive on high stakes and strategy, there is a new project on the horizon that blends the thrill of poker with the storytelling allure of a graphic novel. If you are a lover of poker and the exciting, ever-changing world of digital currencies, then expect to love Trapped, the creation of poker pundit and stand-up comedian Joe Stapleton.

The Allure of the Story

At the heart of Trapped is Joe, a poker prodigy who’s feeling the weight of the game’s evolution. Joe, who used to be a very energetic and unpredictable player, is becoming less invested in the game as it becomes more dependent on mathematical analysis and less on reading his opponents. Does this ring a bell? It is no different from the disappointment felt by many cryptocurrency traders when confronted with algorithmic trading, which replaces intuition and gut sensations with computational accuracy and market volatility.

His life takes a turn when Joe loses his job as a poker commentator, which leaves him resentful and emotionally distant from the game. Anyone who has ever felt the grind of the daily struggle, whether they are traders or poker players, can relate to his aggravation.

All the elements that make poker and cryptocurrency so interesting—the chance to win big or lose it all—are here in this one-of-a-kind mix of action, humor, and personal story. Neil Gibson, creator of Twisted Comics, adds a contemporary and edgy spin to the story, which is sure to please even the new generation of fans.

More Than a Story

The story is deeply personal, inspired by Stapleton’s own experiences in the poker world. But it is also a rewarding experience – we would probably not include it otherwise. Anybody interested in crypto or poker may back Trapped on Kickstarter and have a say in the project’s progression. For just $10, backers can have the book in digital form, and for $20, they can get a physical copy. Pledge levels beyond the basic level unlock more exclusive benefits, such as tickets to Stapleton’s stand-up comedy performances, private poker sessions with the man, and other experiences that combine his comic and poker backgrounds.

The Trapped Kickstarter goes above and above by providing a variety of bonuses for comic book and poker fans. Fans may completely immerse themselves in the Trapped universe with branded merchandise such as playing cards, t-shirts, and sticker

WSOP_Logo

GGPoker’s $500M Acquisition of WSOP Marks New Chapter for Poker’s Top Brand

In a significant shift within the poker industry, Caesars Entertainment has recently announced the sale of the iconic World Series of Poker (WSOP) to Toronto-based iGaming investment firm NSUS Group, known for owning GGPoker and other prominent online gambling platforms. The acquisition, valued at $500 million, includes the intellectual property rights for the WSOP. NSUS Group will make an upfront payment of $250 million, with the remaining amount to be paid over the next five years.

Noting the company’s lengthy partnership with Caesars Entertainment, NSUS Group CEO Michael Kim expressed his excitement about the transaction. He emphasized that GGPoker’s expertise in the field and cutting-edge technology will spearhead WSOP’s future, improving the brand’s worldwide reach and player experience. He further said that under NSUS Group’s leadership, the WSOP is poised to continue its legacy as the premier poker brand while pushing the boundaries of poker’s growth on an international scale.

This is not the first time the WSOP brand has changed hands. Caesars, then operating as Harrah’s, acquired the WSOP and Horseshoe brand in 2004 for $50 million following the Binion family’s loss of control over its casino. The acquisition came at a pivotal moment as the poker boom, ignited by Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 Main Event win, was in full swing. Harrah’s subsequently moved the WSOP from the Las Vegas Strip to the Rio in 2005, where it remained until relocating to the Las Vegas Horseshoe and Paris in 2022.

What About the Events?

Despite the change in ownership, the WSOP’s signature summer events will continue to be hosted at Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas casinos for the next two decades. Caesars will retain the use of WSOP branding at its physical casino locations and maintain preferential rights to host live WSOP Circuit events, according to the press release.

However, with GGPoker’s extensive global operations, there are plans to significantly increase the number of WSOP events, both live and online, across Asia, Europe, South America, and Canada. GGPoker, already a key platform for WSOP events and satellites, is expected to leverage its new ownership to solidify its position as the world’s largest online poker site.

Caesars Digital’s WSOP Online platforms in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada, and New Jersey are also part of the deal. For the time being, Caesars Digital will keep running these online poker rooms, but they will be subject to regulations that prevent them from running P2P real-money poker games online (with a few exceptions, of course).

While the four jurisdictions work to resolve licensing issues and make adjustments to the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which currently permits WSOP to share player pools across New Jersey, Michigan, and Nevada, the online poker rooms may temporarily close.

cat3

CAT³ Poker Launches Innovative Meme Token for Blockchain Poker Community

By merging the excitement of poker with the advantages of blockchain technology, CAT³ Poker is about to shake up the online poker market. The platform promises to provide a one-of-a-kind and exciting experience for both players and investors alike, with a particular emphasis on openness, security, and community interaction.

Built to provide value, transparency, and engagement, the CAT³ token is the engine that drives the Cat³ Poker ecosystem. In contrast to pump-and-dump scams or meme currencies that have no practical use, provides genuine rewards and utility for all those participating.

The operations of the platform are dependent on the token, and it holds a total quantity of 21 million tokens. Early backers will have a great chance to become a part of the community and reap the rewards of the platform’s expansion when the presale begins on July 11, 2024. 5% of the entire supply will be given out as an airdrop, and there will be a continuous 1% total supply airdrop worth $50,000 at launch.

Key Features

  • Blockchain Security: With its strong blockchain foundation, CAT³ Poker ensures that all transactions are safe and open. The reliability and safety of all users are improved by this technical base.
  • Community-Driven Profit Sharing: It offers a novel profit-sharing mechanism that is driven by the community, and it distributes all revenues to token holders in full. By incorporating them into the platform, investors become partial owners and stand to gain directly from its success.
  • Decentralized Governance: On the platform, token holders have a say in important decisions thanks to decentralized governance. In addition to ensuring openness and democratic decision-making, this mechanism gives the community more authority.

Community Involvement

Building a strong community is a top priority for CAT³ Poker. To foster involvement and innovation among users, they want to hold contests and events regularly. An airdrop event and meme contest are being planned by CAT³ to launch this effort. All are invited to take part and earn rewards.

CubeCat, the mascot of the platform, reflects the joyful and participatory attitude of the community, which is what makes CAT3 Poker more than simply a gaming site; it is a place where people can connect and interact with themselves.

Careful planning is essential to the platform’s future as it strives to ensure ongoing innovation and improvement. To maintain its position as a leading player in the online poker business, the operator plans to implement regular improvements and implement a comprehensive worldwide growth strategy.

vegas-infinite-flutter

Vegas Infinite: Immersive Mobile Casino Adventure Now on Android

An Android version of Flutter Entertainment’s virtual reality social casino, Vegas Infinite, is now available in Google Play’s Early Access program. Hot on the heels of last year’s VR-optional PC edition, this latest release gives players even more ways to enjoy the application without a headset.

A Highly Anticipated Update

The highly anticipated release for Android smartphones is the culmination of Vegas Infinite’s recent rebranding and growth, which have catapulted it to new heights. With support for iOS and iPad soon to follow, gamers will never have to miss a moment of the excitement of high-stakes gambling.

Director of Virtual Reality and Innovation at PokerStars, James O’Reilly, was astounded by the Android version’s advancement after months of development. He stressed that the game has been remade from the ground up on Android, making it easy to play without compromising the original’s diverse and rich experience.

“Vegas Infinite stands apart for the quality of our environments, the authenticity of our games, and the participation of our community, so we had already set ourselves a very high bar.”

James O’Reilly, PokerStars Director of VR and Innovation

This is, however, just a milestone in the platform’s solid track record.

Described as a “groundbreaking virtual reality experience” by PokerStars, a Flutter subsidiary, Vegas Infinite made a splash when it launched in 2018. With a rebranding and an expansion beyond poker, last year’s upgrades elevated it to the next level, providing a more authentic metaverse gambling experience. An adaptable PC version, giving users the option to play in either the standard or VR modes, was launched not long after the rebranding. They were certainly playing the long game.

What To Expect

  • Full Redesign: The game’s depth and complexity have been preserved throughout the rebuilding process, which also prioritized making it easy to play on Android.
  • Immersive Gameplay: Players may virtually converse with others while interacting with objects, seeing cards, handling chips, and shaking and tossing dice.
  • Innovative Avatar System: With additional features coming shortly, players may choose from thirty different personalized character designs.
  • Cross-Platform Bonuses: Players receive credits for personalizing clothing and accessories, as well as a 30,000-chip welcome bonus and free chip top-ups every eight hours.
  • Safety Tools: Features that may be customized for each player include player reports, spending limitations, and breaks. The development of Vegas Infinite has consistently emphasized player safety. To maintain this promise, the game employs ToxMod, a live chat monitoring platform driven by artificial intelligence, in conjunction with its devoted moderation personnel. In addition, a variety of in-game safety measures are at the player’s disposal, enabling them to take breaks as required, set spending limits, report problematic conduct, and customize their degree of contact with other players.
wsop

WSOP Online Debuts Multi-State Poker Network in the United States

In an exciting announcement, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and the World Series of Poker (WSOP) have gone live with WSOP Online, an all-new platform for real-money poker. This revolutionary project is the first of its kind to pool liquidity across three states that are now fast-rising poker havens. Specifically, it unites player pools in Michigan, Nevada, and New Jersey into a single network.

Updates to the platform include mobile support for up to four tables, more game variations (such as Omaha), and the ability to participate in multi-flight re-entry tournaments. More new features that players may anticipate include in-app gift drops and game adaptations like Mystery Bounty.

Caesars Digital’s VP of online poker, Danielle Barille, was quite complimentary of the new platform, calling it a huge win for their players. For players in all three states, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) online events will provide the year’s largest prize pools, elevating the experience and offering increased value.

Same Exciting Tournaments

The much-awaited 55th World Series of Poker began play at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas on May 28. This coincided with the debut of WSOP Online. There will be 30 online bracelet events running from June 1st to July 21st, making this year’s series the most extensive schedule to date.

There will be an official gold bracelet event every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the series. The events start at $333 for Triple Treys No Limit Hold’em and run all the way up to the $10,000 WSOP Online Championship on July 11. Exclusive satellites to live events will also be playable on WSOP Online, with buy-ins as little as $1.

And there is more. There are five hybrid-format high-roller events available on WSOP Online for players with large bankrolls. Participating in these tournaments will be even more exciting since the final tables will be held live at the WSOP in Las Vegas.

How to Get In On the Fun

To ensure a smooth transition to the new platform, existing players from Nevada and New Jersey were invited to complete pre-registration. A player’s existing balance, tournament tickets, and reward points would be credited to their account no later than 72 hours after the platform becomes live. The existing service was available to players until May 27th, after which they needed to reinstall the WSOP Online app.

Transferring the data is only possible if players create a new WSOP Online account before July 31. Following this date, any remaining funds will be sent to the addresses they have listed in their accounts. Still, it is an exciting development and it will be very interesting to see how it impacts other aspects of online poker.

poker-on-laptop

Pennsylvania’s Poker Revolution Gains Momentum with #GrowPAPoker Movement

Players, industry insiders, and activists from Pennsylvania’s online poker community came together this week in a historic display of unity for the #GrowPAPoker campaign, marking a historic juncture for this community. Starting on May 7th, when word got out about this effort, the whole poker community came together on X to show their support. Together, these groups worked to rally support for the campaign and get it off the ground.

Protesters gathered outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, with placards reading “Let Pennsylvania Poker Flourish” and “Shared Liquidity Now” and wearing poker-themed outfits. By all accounts, this was the most effective means of attracting the attention of powerful legislators who could do anything about it.

To keep the ball rolling, PokerStars PA invited all registered players to a special freeroll event that they were conducting during the week. This action emphasized the value of the #GrowPAPoker campaign and emphasized the role that operator support plays in propelling the expansion of online poker.

Why #GrowPAPoker?

If Pennsylvania were to be included in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), the state would be allowed to combine its player pools with those of other member jurisdictions, such as Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Delaware. This would pave the way for online poker to keep growing in the US.

The group’s overarching goal is to increase operator income and player numbers by getting shared liquidity in online poker legalized. But is that all?

Shared liquidity is being proposed at a critical moment for the online poker scene in Pennsylvania, which has seen only modest growth since it started in 2019. Proponents argue that operators would benefit from an increased player pool and stronger income streams as a result of integration with nearby jurisdictions like Nevada and New Jersey. Also, they are confident that players would also enjoy getting a more exciting and dynamic gaming experience.

Big Day for US Poker

Pushing Pennsylvania to join the MSIGA is, in some ways, also an essential first step in reviving the US online poker scene. More players means more traffic, more tournament guarantees, and more tax income for the states. Additionally, this cooperative effort may act as an inspiration for other states to think about regulating online poker, which would support the growth of the industry across the country.

So far, the results are looking good. The activists vowed to keep fighting for shared liquidity until it becomes a legal requirement in Pennsylvania. With the support of legislators, industry leaders, and a committed player base, the #GrowPAPoker campaign is about to have a lasting impact on the future of online poker in the state.

 

crypto-poker

Has Blockchain Succeeded in Reshaping Online Poker?

Online poker tournaments will seemingly be the next big thing in the gambling industry to be transformed by blockchain technology. In fact, in some ways, this is already happening.

It is easy to see how we got here. First, the widespread use of collusion and cheating has been an issue in online poker events for quite some time. Blockchain technology’s immutability and transparency make it ideal for addressing these concerns directly. It is possible to record every transaction and move made during games, which guarantees a fair playing field that is free from manipulation. Furthermore, due to its decentralized nature, blockchain greatly reduces the likelihood of theft or mismanagement, increasing the security of player funds.

Today, a major shift has occurred with the implementation of smart contracts into poker tournaments. The rules and compensation are automatically determined and enforced by these self-executing contracts, which have conditions encoded straight into code.

But it is not just the tournaments and money that blockchain technology is protecting. Privacy concerns have long plagued online poker players, who are sometimes compelled to provide personal details on more conventional sites. Blockchain technology presents an elegant solution to this problem. By limiting player identification to their wallet addresses alone, poker operators can prevent fraud and identity theft while also protecting players’ privacy.

Expanded Horizons

The use of blockchain in poker is not all about fixing issues though. This is especially true in 2024 when more people than ever are aware of it in one way or the other. Blockchain technology opens the door to a world without borders, where anyone may participate regardless of their location, banking status, or currency limits, in contrast to more traditional platforms.

Furthermore, it may serve as a platform for international events, uniting players from many cultural backgrounds and promoting poker potentially as a game of skill. Not only does this improve the game as a whole, but it also opens up great possibilities for gamers all over the globe to band together and compete.

Looking Ahead

Crypto and blockchain technology seem to have limitless future applications in the poker industry. An increasing number of online poker sites are accepting digital currencies as a key payment option, giving players more freedom and safety in their financial dealings, thanks to the widespread acceptance of cryptocurrencies. Even more so, as blockchain technology evolves, new and fascinating gaming platforms and features will emerge, giving online poker players even more to look forward to.

vbet-uspf

Ukrainian Sport Poker Federation and VBET Announce Spring Pick Series

VBET and the Ukrainian Sport Poker Federation have just launched the Spring Pick Series, which will provide poker players from all over the world with a once-in-a-lifetime chance. This series, set to take place from March 4th to March 21st, 2024, is going to be more than just a poker tournament; it’s going to be an exciting adventure where players can show off their skills and compete for valuable cash prizes and special invitations to the prominent Ukrainian Championship of Sports Poker.

If you are a poker enthusiast, the Spring Pick Series is your stepping stone to the prestigious Ukrainian Championship of Sports Poker, where you may put your skills to the test against the best in the world. The Sonata Hotel in Lviv will host the spectacular event from March 21st to March 31st, 2024. Competitors are preparing for an exciting challenge where talent, strategy, and pure drive will decide the winners, with a guaranteed prize pool of over €150,000 ($163,443). Expectations are high.

More Goodies

To turn up the excitement, the Championship is split into three well-planned qualification phases, with eight thrilling events in each. There is an additional level of opulence and competitiveness in the closed Final of the Championship when the top three finishers from each qualifying stage get the coveted permits to compete.

Throughout the designated time, players are invited to join the tournaments held on the Stretch Network poker platform to fully immerse themselves in the amazing action. The entire gaming experience is further enhanced by the presence of this user-friendly platform, which not only makes participation very easy to do but also provides players with a plethora of options to strive for success and claim distinctive awards.

VBET’s Growth Streak

As a whole, the partnership highlights VBET’s persistent commitment to creating fulfilling experiences for its active community of contributors and partners. As the global gaming business evolves, VBET maintains its position as an innovator and pioneer by always challenging the status quo and redefining what it means to be excellent. But the company is not stopping there.

Expanding its reach outside the poker world, VBET has also recently established a revolutionary partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), highlighting its dedication to the merging of entertainment and sports.

The AFA is a symbol of unparalleled athletic achievement, as they are the current football champions and have a legendary history that includes three World Cup wins. With VBET as its European regional betting partner for the Argentina national team, this partnership is sure to increase the excitement and thrill of the beautiful game.

Hawaii Considering Online Poker and Sports Betting Bill

As we go deeper into 2024, proposed legislation in Hawaii seeks to legalize online poker and sports betting, marking a major departure from the state’s traditionally rigid attitude toward gambling. Senator Ronald Kouchi, a Democrat, is the driving force behind this bill, which has the potential to bring about a sea change in a state that up until now has not had any legal casinos or card rooms.

Ambitious Plans for Revenue Sharing

If approved, the bill would pave the way for the Aloha State to welcome its first casino as well as other forms of internet gambling including poker and sports betting. A fundamental component of the plan is a revenue-sharing agreement with one casino operator, where the state’s portion gets smaller over time.

The proceeds that are produced via all of this will be designated for the wildfire fund of the state, to reduce the destructive effects of wildfires such as those that occurred in Maui in August.

The bill also seeks to establish a regulatory framework that protects Hawaii residents while collecting taxes from online gambling, since it recognizes that many locals use offshore gaming sites. Supporters of the proposal want to divert monies from offshore online sports betting and poker into public coffers, which they believe would be good for everyone in the state.

Currently, the bill does not include provisions to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows shared liquidity among poker operators in other states. However, this aspect of the bill may evolve as the legislative process progresses.

A Growing Trend

Whether Hawaii’s unique approach, coupled with its focus on wildfire relief, will garner enough support to pass the bill remains to be seen. Still, the proposed legislation in Hawaii reflects a broader trend across the United States, with other states like New York and Maryland also exploring the possibility of legalizing online poker.

The regulated US online poker market is currently dominated by operators like WSOP/888 network, BetMGM, and PokerStars, each with a significant presence across several states. Now iPoker is poised to join the fray and players in state markets like Hawaii may soon have more options. The exact timeline for iPoker’s entry remains uncertain, but there’s optimism about significant progress soon. iPoker’s potential presence in the US market could unfold through partnerships or its network by late 2024 or 2025, promising an exciting period of growth and diversification.

poker-2024

What to Look Forward to In the World of Poker in 2024

2023 finally came to a close, but the best is yet to come for poker enthusiasts. With a plethora of incredible deals from different operators, be ready to greet 2024 in grand style. In addition to being the ideal way to commemorate the season, it is also an excellent way to be ready for an amazing year of poker and casino gaming.

PokerStars’ 2024 European Poker Tour

The 2024 calendar for the European Poker Tour (EPT) was unveiled, with an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. Starting in February in Paris’s Le Palais des Congrès, the tour will make its way to Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, Cyprus, and Prague, among other famous locations, with the hopes of hosting a more grandiose event.

The first event of the season, EPT Paris, will take place from February 14th to the 25th in the newly expanded Le Palais des Congrès. In the following week, from April 24th through May 4th, the legendary EPT Monte-Carlo will continue its storied history as part of the EPT schedule.

Casino Barcelona, the site of PokerStars’ biggest ever sponsored live event in 2023, will play home to EPT Barcelona from August 26th through the 8th at the same time. The Merit Royal Diamond Hotel, Casino & Spa in Cyprus will play home to EPT Cyprus from October 9–20, continuing the island’s involvement in the circuit after a successful debut in 2023.

Last but not least, the 2024 season concludes with EPT Prague, which takes place from December 4–15. This year’s event aims to shatter its record for the largest Main Event field.

The online tournament entry options are provided by PokerStars. For example, satellites are running for the EPT Paris that provide Main Event tickets and lodging packages.

World Series of Poker (WSOP) Events

The 55th annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) will take place at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas from May 28th to July 17th. After sixteen years in the Rio Convention Center, the event will head to the Strip for the third year in a row. With a great venue in the bag, Ty Stewart, WSOP’s senior vice president, looks forward to surpassing the success of 2023, aiming for a groundbreaking 2024 event.

There will be four beginning flights for the Main Event No-limit Hold ’em World Championship, which is a $10,000 buy-in event, from July 3–17. Defending the Main Event title and taking home a whopping $12.1 million in 2023, Daniel Weinman beat off an unprecedented field of more than 10,000 competitors.

Other notable events on the schedule include the “Mystery Millions,” the renowned “Millionaire Maker,” the Seniors Championship, and the Ladies Championship.