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.

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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.

doyle-brunson

Poker Community Honors Doyle Brunson

On October 2, 2023, the global community of poker paid tribute to a poker icon by the name of Doyle Brunson, who is regarded as the ‘Godfather of Poker.’ Doyle won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 1976 and 1977 with the now-famous 10-2 hand, part of why he is considered a legend.

Famous poker players Andrew Neeme, Brad Owen, and Doug Polk, who operate the Lodge Card Club, collaborated with the poker player agency Poker Royalty to honor Doyle Brunson on his birthday. They announced a thrilling incentive for those who were willing to try their luck with the legendary ten-deuce.

Winners of hands where the hole cards were 10-2 will be put into a raffle tonight at midnight if they scored trips or better with those cards. One fortunate participant won the big prize of $10,200 on October 3.

More Goodies

There was a special event tonight with a $102 buy-in and a $2,000 guaranteed prize pool for those who couldn’t get enough activity. Both tournament and cash game players were eligible for this promotion, which offered a total of $10,200 in prizes. Even the high hand qualification was dropped to tens full of deuces (until 10:00 pm) in poker venues under the Live! name in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Hanover, Maryland.

At the Peppermill Casino in Reno, Nevada, between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., players who made a flush or full house with 10-2 were awarded $100. WPT Prime Madrid poker festival participants who won a hand with 10-2 were entered into a drawing for a $1,100 place in the WPT Prime Championship. An exciting $1,000 Cash Giveaway competition was also open to ClubWPT VIP and Diamond members.

While not much of the growing crypto poker world was involved, it was certainly a great way to commemorate someone who had such a huge impact on the game we know and love. Maybe next year.

Why Doyle Was Such a Big Deal

Doyle Brunson won the World Series of Poker Main Event twice (1976 and 1977), placing him in a tie for second place all-time alongside giants like Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan. However, his legacy goes much beyond his ten career bracelets. With 17 bracelets, Phil Hellmuth is far and away the leader. Brunson built his wealth in the high-stakes cash games in Las Vegas, but he won around $6.2 million in live poker tournaments.

Brunson is well-known not just for his skill at the poker table, but also for writing “Super/System,” which is usually considered the most important book on the subject. He worked with a team of specialists to develop “Super/System 2.”

hasbullish

Defi Meets Poker with the Launch of Hasbullish

By fusing the excitement of poker with the possibilities of decentralized finance (Defi), Hasbullish is ushering in a new era in the Defi industry. A group of the best poker professionals in the world has banded together to create this Binance Smart Chain (BSC) coin, which was conceptualized by a former professional poker player. With such star power, it is no wonder that there is so much excitement about the project.

As elite poker players compete in real-time on Hasbullish’s virtual casino floor, community members have the opportunity to interact with and learn from them. Players benefit from this one-of-a-kind experience since it enables them to get insight into the tactics and methods used by the industry’s most accomplished professionals. What’s more, the poker professionals are reinvesting their profits into the token, which is driving its value higher.

The overarching objective is to provide a welcoming environment where members of the community may watch each other play poker in real-time on the VC, engage in constructive conversation, and improve their poker skills. There will be a lot of freebies on the live stream, so it may serve as a training ground for future earnings.

Interesting Launch and Upcoming Poker App

Hasbullish’s initiator challenged Hasbulla to a heads-up charity poker match as a means of promoting the site and luring more of the world’s best poker players to join the community for the tournament’s proceeds. They also want to collaborate with Hasbulla to publicize his non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and items and to negotiate discounts for their investors on those products.

As part of its mission to build the greatest crypto poker community and provide full-scale sponsorship packages for professional players, Hasbullish is also designing a fully functional poker app. The company is also reaching out to influential YouTubers in the hopes that they will draw even more users to the service.

A Solid Marketing Plan

Hasbullish’s comprehensive marketing plan includes a week at the top of Reddit CMS trending with new updates, pinned calls in active chat lounges, a PFP contest, a full press release package published on over 450 outlets, and ongoing discussions with influential people in the industry to bring them on board. In addition to seeking a location to host tournaments, the company is interested in collaborating with other poker groups.

For poker and crypto enthusiasts, joining Hasbullish will put you in the front of the DeFi revolution and provide you the opportunity to grow your wealth through the efforts of introducing your friends. Enjoy the excitement of poker and the possibility of Defi rewards with the finest referral rates in the industry.

888poker-egr

888poker Bags Two Awards at the Annual EGR Awards on Its 20th Anniversary

This year marks 888poker’s 20th anniversary, and as a special gift, eGaming Review (EGR) has given the company some recognition. For their pioneering work in the online gambling business over the last two decades, EGR has awarded 888poker with two of their most prestigious awards.

In general, a lot has happened for 888poker this year. The company was singled out for the many changes and updates it made to its software throughout the year, including the debut of Mystery Bounty Tournaments and a host of other exciting and novel tournament series that kept players returning to the site all year long (and counting, as there is still one more Knockout Games festival to go).

The site’s outstanding year was crowned by two prizes at the annual EGR ceremony: Poker Operator of the Year and Casino Operator of the Year.

High-Level Recognition

In the online gambling sector, EGR is a trusted authority, and its yearly awards have come to symbolize excellence and longevity. A panel of impartial experts from outside the organization evaluates candidates for these prizes, providing a fair representation of the many perspectives within the sector.

The awards serve to recognize and celebrate the top businesses in their respective fields, honoring their achievements in areas such as software, company culture, customer service, and overall market impact. Awards were given to 888poker in part because of their 20 years of devotion to the industry, but it wasn’t the only factor. A large part of this year’s success may be attributed to the company’s dedication to constant development and progress.

Huge Developments for 888poker

For 888poker to achieve this level of success in recent years, a lot of work was required. In the last year and a half, the operator has improved its software in all its markets, expanded the number of tournament series it provides (both online and offline), developed new game formats, and strengthened its overall position in the market.

The latest overhaul of the 888poker online poker app’s playing interface was perhaps the most significant update in recent times. 888poker’s new Poker 8 platform is now live in the vast majority of its global markets. In 2022, the operator also expanded into several additional markets, including Pennsylvania and Michigan.

All players, not just those in the United States, may now make use of the improved features of the Poker 8 software thanks to its worldwide release. The operator has also boosted its media profile by reshuffling its ambassador and stream teams, which now include Ian Simpson, Cauê Moura, and boxing champion Chris Eubank Jr.

ape-in-poker

Ape In Poker Launches Gaming Platforms Featuring Web3 and Crypto

Having operated an online casino and sportsbook for more than five years, the creators of Ape In Poker have announced the launch of their Poker Room Cashier, an online platform connecting conventional casino gaming with cryptocurrencies. The company’s goal is to provide gamers with dynamic, immersive experiences, and this is the first step in their transition to Web3 technology to make that a reality.

Though not the first to accept cryptocurrencies, Ape In Poker boasts that its instant cashout mechanism gets players their money “easily, quickly, and efficiently.” Even more, the teller machine will accept a wide variety of blockchain currencies, starting with Solana and moving on to Ethereum and eventually Bitcoin.

Future updates will allow players to interact with one another in a fully immersive environment. Ape In Poker is developing a Mixed Reality casino experience that includes the whole gamut of a traditional visit, from entering the establishment to selecting a table based on visual cues, to putting a wager, to interacting with other players, to collecting winnings and leaving the premises.

Executives have an overwhelming sense of optimism and confidence in the outcome of this endeavor. The introduction of the Genesis Players Card NFT was announced at the end of August to coincide with the launch of the updated Poker Room Cashier. Holders of NFTs will get access to a variety of benefits and features, both virtually and physically. All rakes paid on winning hands for the rest of their lives will be discounted for holders of this card.

Other Partnerships

Ape In Poker is expanding its brand via some fruitful collaborations in addition to the development of groundbreaking new products. It was only recently announced that Kenna James, a professional poker player, will be partnering with Ape In Poker for its offerings. The operator believes that by teaming up with James, the product will be more widely distributed throughout the online poker community.

“Not only is Ape In Poker the next phase of online gambling, but it’s the next stage of my career. With the momentum of this project combined with the incredible technology behind it, there’s no way I was passing up this opportunity. This is a game changer.”

~ Kenna James

To mark the occasion of James’s hiring, Ape In Poker will hold a tournament on October 7 of that year, with the top two finishers in the event receiving private lessons from the poker pro himself.

infinitepoker

Infinity Entertainment Expands Portfolio with New Poker Offering

The team behind the popular and secure online casino infinitybet.ag, Infinity Entertainment, has unveiled a new poker site at www.infinitypoker.io. The introduction of this new service significantly broadens the scope of the operator’s market position inside an industry that is both highly profitable and intensely competitive.

Because of their unscrupulous business tactics and lack of transparency, many online casinos and sportsbooks have closed their doors or come under fire in recent years. One company that has defied the odds and survived is Infinity Entertainment. It has done so by winning the confidence and devotion of gamers all around the world.

InfinityPoker.io was released by the company to satisfy the growing demand for online poker games from the company’s user base.

“Overwhelming player demands for our gaming products is proof-positive of the quality of the games we deliver and the trust our players have in us to provide online gaming experiences they trust.”  ~ Infinity Entertainment spokesperson.

The new platform comes with a selection of poker gaming applications, and there are six different impressive poker games available to play across five different online platforms. Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, Omaha Hi-Lo, Badugi, and 2-7 Triple Draw are just some of the games you may play. Additionally, InfinityPoker.io provides new players with the opportunity to participate in free roll events.

Crypto-Focused Future

Games from the industry’s most well-known software developers, such as Evolution Studios, may be found on the gaming website. In addition to this, it provides a casino centered on cryptocurrencies as well as sportsbook options including competitive lines and exclusive live betting on sports markets. It is thus reasonable to assume that the crypto functionalities in question will also be accessible through the recently released poker platform.

Even though it is now a well-known brand in the world of online gaming, Infinitybet.ag comes from somewhat modest roots. When it first opened its doors, InfinityBet.ag had a limited bankroll and operated out of a run-down coffee shop. But in the present day, it has established itself as a heavy-hitter in the business, having a vast player network that is devoted to the brand as well as spectacular monthly payments that total multiple millions of dollars.

Gamblers respect them for the effort, honesty, and tenacity that have helped them succeed in a profession where such qualities are seldom acknowledged. InfinityBet.ag is leading the revolution in online gambling by providing players with a safe and secure environment in which to enjoy a wide variety of exciting games, get prompt payments, and have the chance to win lots of money.

poker-live-online

Poker Operators Tightening Integrity Controls

Online poker is more popular than ever. As the game continues to gain more popularity, operators are hard at work trying to find new and interesting ways of ensuring that their customers get the best experiences. One of the areas that they have been improving on is integrity controls. This not only ensures fairness but also makes the platforms more trustworthy.

GGPoker Introduces Poker Integrity Council

The Poker Integrity Council was established by GGPoker as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to defend the integrity of the game via a variety of internal and external investigations. It will be up to the council, which will comprise Jason Koon and Andrew Lichtenberger, Fedor Holz, Seth Davies, and Nick Petrangelo, to examine complaints of cheating and carry out impartial evaluations. They will also be tasked with implementing punishments for suspicious behavior detected at GGPoker tables.

To determine if disciplinary action should be taken in every given matter presented before the council, members will vote. This will, of course, come after investigations into signs of suspicious behavior and analyzing relevant hand histories. Only then will they provide a verdict.

In each matter that is presented before the council, the steps of the procedure will include identifying suspicious behavior, evaluating relevant hand records, and ruling, which will include council members voting on whether disciplinary action is warranted.

If disciplinary action is required, the player may get a warning regarding their conduct. In some cases, GGPoker will temporarily suspend or permanently ban their account, or a player could receive a permanent ban in addition to having their funds confiscated.

PokerStars Implements Ban on Cheaters

In light of the multiple claims of cheating that have been floating around the poker world, PokerStars has decided to take a bold step in protecting the integrity of the game. Players who have been banned for cheating on PokerStars, the biggest online poker site in the world, will also be prohibited from playing in live tournaments that PokerStars organizes in the future.

When deciding whether or not to ban a player from live tournaments, PokerStars follows a “no questions asked” approach. For whatever reason, any player who is evicted from a PokerStars online tournament will not be allowed to participate in any of the company’s live tournaments.

Numerous allegations have been leveled against well-known live and online poker players in the last several months. In light of PokerStars’ new policy, other poker sites may follow suit and take similar measures against players that commit cheating acts such as using prohibited tools, ghosting, and collusion.

online-poker

Michigan Board Greenlights Online Poker Shared Liquidity

The state of Michigan has just become a party to a multijurisdictional poker agreement. This paves the way for residents of the state who play poker online to compete against players from other states. Poker fans in the state will compete against players in Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.

One of Michigan’s top gaming regulators, Henry Williams, was on hand to sign the document granting his state permission to take part in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. The announcement of the state’s participation was initially made public a month ago, but it had to be completed before Michigan could join.

All of this started back in December 2020, when the Michigan Legislature approved a measure that would enable the MGCB to become a member of a multijurisdictional poker compact. Sen. Curtis Hertel, a Democrat who represents East Lansing, was the primary sponsor of bill PA 327, and on December 29, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave her signature on the legislation.

“I am happy to announce Michigan has joined the multistate poker compact, and much of the increased tax revenue from multistate poker will go to support K-12 education in Michigan. By joining, Michigan will almost double the potential pool of participants in multistate poker games.”

Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams

The initial online gambling law (PA 152) that went into force in December 2019 lacked wording that would have enabled players to participate in several jurisdictions. Now, just one game has been exempted from the restriction, and that is poker.

New Requirements for Operators

The Michigan Gaming Control Board notes that licensed operators and related platform providers must fulfill several processes to obtain MGCB clearance to start multistate poker. Guidance on participation criteria for interested parties was published by the organization in April.

The multijurisdictional agreement stipulates that the operators must fulfill all criteria and regulations before starting multistate poker operations, including the need that only states included in the agreement participate. Additionally, they must get clearance for new platforms or platform updates, new remote gaming systems, and new game software.

Multistate poker providers must also seek internet gaming supplier licenses for any new suppliers utilized in conjunction with the poker game, as well as the MGCB registration for any new vendors. The Gaming Control Board may also issue occupational licenses to new multistate poker operators and platform providers.

At the moment, there are three licensed operators and providers that offer online poker in the state of Michigan. These include the MGM Grand Detroit with its partner site BetMGM, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians with its partner site World Series of Poker, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians with its partner site PokerStars.