Harrington Raceway & Casino in Harrington, Delaware, has been closed since Tuesday because of what the casino is simply calling “technical difficulties.” It has not provided an estimate on when it will reopen.
Delaware Online reports that Harrington Raceway CEO Patti Key contacted the Delaware Lottery on Tuesday around noon to let them know that the casino would have to close. Despite this, however, the casino did not inform the public until Thursday afternoon.
causing a temporary disruption to gaming and computer systems”
In a Facebook post, echoed on the Harrington Raceway & Casino’s homepage, the casino said it is “experiencing technical difficulties that are causing a temporary disruption to gaming and computer systems.”
“We are working diligently to investigate the source of the disruption, confirm its impact on our systems, and restore full functionality to our affected systems as quickly as possible,” the statement continued. “We have significant resources, including cyber security specialists, devoted to this process and our work to resolve this issue is ongoing.”
Patrons wasted lots of time, fuel
Needless to say, Harrington Raceway patrons are none too pleased about the closure. The main gripe is that the casino made no announcement until Thursday afternoon, resulting in people making a trip to the casino only to find it closed, like something out of National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Richard Sies told WBOC that he drove from Baltimore on Thursday, an 88-mile trip, only have to make other plans.
When I pulled in here and saw the parking lot was empty, I knew I was in trouble.”
“When I pulled in here and saw the parking lot was empty, I knew I was in trouble,” said Sies. “I guess now I’m going to go to Delaware Park, which is about two and a half hours from here.”
Vernon Lambert had the same experience, as did Gina Cook and Tonia Cain, who made the 60-mile drive from Annapolis, Maryland. All three decided to head over to Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, which is about 21 miles from Harrington Raceway.
Jerome Fears, a Dover resident, is concerned about a ripple effect, worried that Bally’s will become crowded as would-be Harrington customers head to Dover. That would be good for Bally’s, but could make visitors’ experiences less enjoyable.
Laundry list of unknowns
At this point, about 1pm ET on Friday, the situation is mostly filled with unknowns. What we do know is that Harrington announced in May that it had partnered with International Game Technology to upgrade its systems in order to “further optimize its gaming floor, reward players and elevate excitement through a variety of IGT solutions,” but we do not know if this has anything to do with the problem.
Additionally, Department of Safety and Homeland Security spokesperson Arshon Howard told Delaware Online that the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement “is not investigating any reports of suspicious or criminal activity at Harrington Raceway & Casino.”
But what is unknown at this point, at least publicly, is what the actual technical issues are, if customer data has been breached, why cybersecurity specialists are on the case, if player reward accounts are affected, how the casino will compensate customers who missed out on free play or other promotions, and how New Year’s Eve events will be affected. And, of course, nobody knows when the casino will reopen.
The post Delaware’s Harrington Raceway & Casino Closed Since Tuesday Because of “Technical Difficulties” appeared first on VegasSlotsOnline News.
The initiative aims to familiarize people with responsible gaming practices and introduce them to Wager Score’s automated solution.
Users Can Access an Intelligent Spending Solution
Wager Score is a safe gaming solution focusing on user protection through informed betting decisions. The free app automatically monitors the user’s sports betting expenses, assigning them a personalized affordability score and intelligent spending thresholds. Bettors receive emails and text messages whenever their score changes, preventing them from getting carried away and spending more than they can afford.
The platform features a rich library featuring a thoughtful selection of harm prevention resources. The company also partners with organizations like the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network and Gamble Responsible America. Wager Score focuses significantly on parent education, hoping to stem the rise of underage gambling.
The Platform Relies on Its Network of Partners
Wager Score’s latest collaboration with the Cincinnati Bengals arrives under the slogan Don’t Fumble Your Finances. New signups will get the chance to win four tickets to the Ravens versus Bengals game on 8 January 2022. The awareness campaign is part of Wager Score’s mission to create a more equitable, socially responsible betting industry.
Company co-founder Bo Grey expressed excitement about the initiative. He noted that Wager Score’s state-of-the-art technology and dedicated partners were a great boon to bettors. Grey thanked the Bengals for their support, stating that the team’s efforts would be instrumental in protecting the next generation and mitigating problematic gambling behaviors.
“Together, we are a movement ready to empower Gen Z to take responsible gaming into their own hands and make socially responsible sports betting an industry standard.”
Company co-founder Bo Grey
Bo Grey, Wager Score co-founder
The Bengals partnership is the most recent of several high-profile collaborations for Wager Score. The platform recently teamed up with operator Betfred. The UK-based sportsbook is the official sports betting partner of the Cincinnati Bengals and pledged to provide Wager Score with gaming data to improve the platform’s affordability updates. The two companies also promised to donate $100,000 to the Charles Oakley Foundation.
Ohio Is at the Forefront of Wager Score’s Efforts
Wager Score’s recent efforts have focused significantly on Ohio as the state prepares to launch its regulated sports betting market on 1 January. Bengals VP and chief marketing officer Brian Sells lauded the company’s responsible gaming and education efforts, reaffirming the team’s dedication to the well-being of their fans and community.
“This partnership will empower sports fans with resources that can help protect their financial health and mitigate risks of a problem play.”
Bengals VP and chief marketing officer Brian Sells
Brian Sells, Bengals VP, and chief marketing officer Ohio recently introduced its own responsible gambling campaign, joining the fight to protect consumers. The state administration’s efforts are inspired by an evidence-based approach, placing sports bettors and casino gamblers at the highest risk of developing an addiction. Ohio hopes to start the fight against problem gambling on the right foot, and the efforts of platforms like Wager Score and its partners are a significant cornerstone in these efforts.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board’s (NGCB) monthly update revealed that operators in the Silver state won $1.22 billion, extending its billion-dollar streak to 21 months. Despite yearly revenue set to smash 2021’s record-setting profits, the recent slide may signal an end to Nevada’s seemingly unstoppable momentum.
November’s Results Elicited Mixed Emotions
November’s $1.22 billion total gaming revenue marks an impressive achievement for Nevada’s casinos. The state’s gambling industry smashed 2021’s results, easily surpassing them with a month to spare. Nevada casinos already made $13.5 billion, 100 million more than last year’s $13.4 billion. December’s results should push that number past $14 billion, setting a new record for the Silver State.
However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows for Nevada’s casinos. Despite robust November revenue, the number still marks a 7.62% year-on-year decrease. The Las Vegas Strip suffered the most, recording a significant 11% gross gaming revenue (GGR) drop to $669.5 million. NGCB chief economic analyst Michael Lawton remained optimistic, noting that yearly growth was fantastic despite the recent downturn.
Through the first 11 months of the calendar year, every major market in the state is up calendar-year-to-date through November.
Michael Lawton, NGCB chief economic analyst
Despite Lawton’s reassurances, official metrics remain worrying. Sparks, South Lake Tahoe, and Wendover were the only areas experiencing a net year-on-year growth. The Strip, which contributes the most to the state’s gaming market, underperformed. Table games suffered the most, with baccarat plummeting by 37% and blackjack revenue dropping by 26%. The 2% slots increase was not enough to offset these losses.
Nevada’s sportsbook revenue fell woefully short of November 2021’s $72 million, landing at just $37.7 million. The staggering 48% drop is partially the result of Mattress Mack’s $75 million victory, whose aftermath continues to reverberate across several states. Even without the significant payouts, overall metrics remained unimpressive.
Nevada’s Streak May Be Heading to an End
The overall industry slowdown appears to match the analysts’ September forecasts. Hospitality-focused consulting firm B Global predicted that growing pressures like rising inflation and domestic factors would negatively impact the market. However, they estimated that the gambling industry would at least maintain its billion-dollar streak until the end of the year, meaning that the coveted $14 billion yearly revenue target is still safe.
The state’s new $12 minimum hourly wage should provide a safety net for workers but is generally not expected to impact casino revenue. Conventional economic wisdom dictates that profits cannot rise forever. Every boom eventually leads to a bust, meaning Nevada’s casinos should likely take measures to prepare for a potential downturn. December’s results will show whether this month’s drop was a one-off occurrence or the start of a worrying trend.
Remembering Those Poker Players and Personalities Who Passed Away in 2022
The New Year is not only an opportunity for poker players to look ahead, perhaps setting new resolutions and goals, but also a chance to look back at the year gone by. In 2022, that entails remembering those players who passed on.
Here’s a look at some of those we lost over the past year.
Louie Anderson
Back in January, Comedian Louie Anderson passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. He was no stranger to mainstream audiences as he performed a clean stand-up comedy routine for decades, won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2016 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in FX’s Baskets, and hosted Family Feud from 1999-2002.
Anderson’s career is well-documented, but did you know that he once joined the poker world?
In the mid-2000s, Anderson briefly represented PokerStars, the largest online poker site in the world, even sporting their patch while playing in the 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Unfortunately, Anderson did not cash that tournament.
Paul Strohm
Paul Strohm, one of the most respected players in the mid-major poker scene, especially on the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS), and a competitor in the famed Kansas City Monday Night Poker Game passed away in late January.
The unfortunate news was shared by Strohm’s three sons – Scott, Nick, and Brian – in a social media post to his Facebook account:
“We are devastated to have to let you know that last Thursday Paul passed away peacefully in his sleep with us by his side. He had been privately battling cancer and was focused on living his best life. I think we can all agree he succeeded. We encourage you all to please share any story/picture/video you have of him on this post or his page. Thank you so much for being a part of his life- his family and friends meant more to him than anything. Our father was a hero to each of us and we loved him deeply. He will be greatly missed by us and countless other friends and family.”
According to The Hendon Mob, Strohm had $117,322 in lifetime career earnings dating back to 2017 including a career-high $26,058 for finishing 10th in the RGPS Council Bluffs Main Event back in June 2021. He had two other five-figure scores on his poker résumé – $11,634 for taking ninth in the 2019 World Series of Poker Circuit Ameristar St. Charles $1,700 Main Event and $10,512 for finishing 36th in the 2020 World Poker Tour (WPT) Fallsview.
Kelvin Beattie
Old school online poker legend Kelvin “aces_up4108” Beattie, a former No. 1 ranked Australian player and owner of the PokerNerve training site, passed away at the end of February after a long battle with cancer.
“He fought so hard over the past 10 months, never giving up and we are devastated having lost him,” his family said in a statement. Beattie had previously been diagnosed with cancer but several years ago went into remission. After regaining his health, he dove back into poker in Asia and created PokerNerve. Unfortunately, his cancer returned during the pandemic, and was given only a few months to live.
In the early 2010s, Beattie was a feared online player racking up more than $4.5 million in winnings, including a coveted PokerStars WCOOP title. He was also a 10x Triple Crown winner. In the live realm, Beattie had $194,574 in lifetime earnings according to The Hendon Mob. That included a career-best $26,706 for finishing eighth in the 2017 Macau Poker Cup Event #12: HK$50,000 NLH.
Shane Warne
In March, Australian cricket legend and keen poker player Shane Warne has died after a suspected heart attack while in Thailand. The former 888poker Team Pro was 52 years old.
A brief statement from Warne’s management team broke the news.
Warne is widely regarded as one of the best spin bowlers to have ever played the game of cricket. His incredible record on the international stage for Australia showed the cricketing world what a superstar he was.
Poker was a also large part of Warne’s life; his website even has a section dedicated to the game. There, he compares poker to professional cricket and describes his love of tournament poker and the World Series of Poker in particular.
888poker signed Warne to their roster of professional poker players and ambassadors in January 2008. He remained with 888poker until January 2015.
According to The Hendon Mob Database, Warne accumulated $161,325 in live tournament cashes from 18 results. His third-place finish in an A$10,200 High Stakes Event at the 2010 Victorian Poker Championship earned Warne A$40,000 ($35,899) which remained his largest-ever haul.
Other poker-related highlights of Warne’s career include a 22nd place in the 2014 WSOP Asia-Pacific Main Event won by Scott Davies, a fourth-place finish an A$2,500 No-Limit Hold’em event at the 2018 Aussie Millions worth A$41,225 ($33,320), and a cash worth $17,282 in the 2015 WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas.
George Epstein w/ Robbie Strazynski
Members of the poker community mourned the loss of Los Angeles resident and renowned poker columnist George Epstein (pictured left above alongside Robbie Strazynski), who passed away on the morning of March 29 at the age of 95.
Epstein, a member of the Senior Poker Hall of Fame, was born in Boston in 1926 and attended the University of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before having “a distinguished career as an aerospace engineer,” according to an obituary published by the Los Angeles Times.
After retiring in the 1990s, Epstein, a veteran who served in the Navy during World War II, began a “second career” in the poker industry that included writing columns for various poker sites and publishing poker strategy books.
One of those books, Hold’em or Fold’em?: An Algorithm for Making the Key Decision, offers strategy to improve limit Hold’em play, while The Art of Bluffing and Other Forms of Deception in Poker walks through when and how to make a move against your opponents.
Epstein was also an accomplished poker columnist and had his writing published by the likes of Poker Player Newspaper, Gaming Today and Cardplayer Lifestyle, where he published a hundred articles and earned the moniker of “Senior contributor.”
Moe Moeini
In April, Five people, including former World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit ring champion Mohammad “Moe” Moeini, were shot dead during a Southern Mississippi killing spree.
According to Fox 8, the suspect, 32-year-old Jeremy Alesunder Reynolds, barricaded himself inside the Canal Grocery store in Biloxi, a poker hotbed, before police tear-gassed the building. He was found dead inside the store but authorities haven’t yet released the cause of death.
Reynolds is said to have shot and killed Moeini, 51, and two others at the Broadway Inn Express motel, a business owned by the poker player, before allegedly leaving the scene of the crime. Police and witnesses say he then carjacked 52-year-old William Waltman whom he also shot and killed.
Mohammad was a respected and beloved poker player who won the 2014 WSOP Circuit Biloxi Main Event for $106,101, beating out 301 entrants. In total, he cashed in nine Circuit events and two bracelet tournaments in Las Vegas.
“Moe” racked up over $520,000 in overall live tournament cashes according to the Hendon Mob. His most recent cash came in January 2020, a ninth-place finish for $7,707 in a $2,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em Tournament in his hometown of Biloxi.
“Just terrible sadness. Moe was just such a good guy. He was always one of the nicest people in the poker room,” Friend and fellow poker player Scott Weinberg told WWLTV New Orleans. “It’s a small community in the poker room so we all kind of know each other and we’re all friends and it’s tough on everybody.”
Todd Terry
Former professional poker player and attorney Todd Terry passed away in May after a nearly decade-long battle with a devastating neurological disease.
Terry, who made numerous deep runs at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and on the World Poker Tour (WPT) and was a known and respected voice in the poker forum community, died in Los Angeles on May 17 after his battle with the incurable Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), according to his obituary in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He was 48.
Terry, originally from Solon, Ohio, graduated from Harvard College and New York University Law School before becoming a practicing defense attorney in Manhattan, where he was “involved in several high-profile, front-page news trials,” as stated in his obituary.
He eventually gave up his career in law to become a professional poker player, a second career that allowed him to travel the world competing in tournaments.
According to The Hendon Mob, Terry racked up $2.4 million in lifetime earnings, including a career-best score of $434,767 from a runner-up finish at the 2009 Borgata Winter Open in the $3,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Championship event.
Two years earlier, Terry finished second in a $2,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em event at the 2007 WSOP for $353,875. While he was never able to get his hands on a WSOP bracelet, he did win a Circuit ring at the 2006 WSOP Circuit Atlantic City stop in a $1,500 buy-in event for $96,525.
Terry had his last cash in 2015 and sadly had to retire from poker as a result of his worsening health condition.
Bob Ciaffone
In May, the poker world received the sad news that Bob Ciaffone, an accomplished poker author and longtime Card Player Magazine columnist, passed away at the age of 81.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on December 10, 1940, Ciaffone learned to play poker decades earlier at the age of nine after being taught by his mother. A year later, their family relocated to Sagniaw, Michigan, and by the time he was 15 he was excelling at several different kinds of games.
He would attend the University of Notre Dame but despite being the highest-ranked student on entrance exams, he eventually dropped out after spending too much time playing pool.
In addition to his poker and pool accomplishments, Ciaffone excelled at bridge, backgammon, and chess. The U.S. Chess Federation awarded him the title of Life Master (he also got the same title from the American Contract Bridge League), and he also previously served as the president of the Michigan Chess Association.
He was so respected in the poker industry that the New Jersey Casino Control Commission used him to help establish rules when they opened their poker rooms, something Florida officials did as well years later.
Ciaffone authored five poker books including Robert’s Rules of Poker, Middle Limit Poker, Pot-Limit and No-Limit Poker, Omaha Poker: The Action, and Improve Your Poker.
As a player, Ciaffone had career earnings of $347,106 according to The Hendon Mob. His most notable performance and biggest cash of $125,000 came when he finished third in the 1987 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event to runner-up Frank Henderson and champ Johnny Chan.
Warren “Grumpa” Griffith (left) w/ Ken Tilden
Warren “Grumpa” Griffith, a double amputee who survived multiple strokes and heart attacks and dreamed of playing at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), has passed away at the age of 73 back in May.
A Massachusetts native and poker enthusiast, Grumpa’s story touched the hearts of poker players from Daniel Negreanu to Maria Ho when he made the trip West to the 2015 WSOP. The beloved Grumpa passed peacefully on May 12 after a long battle with heart disease, according to his obituary.
Grumpa, who was affectionately given his nickname by his five granddaughters for his cranky temperament, was a massive poker fan who always wanted to travel to Las Vegas to take his shot at winning a bracelet and life-changing money. Despite a myriad of health problems, Grumpa achieved his goal in 2015 and played in the WSOP’s inaugural “The Colossus” event as a part of a Blaycation group.
Rich Korbin
Rich Korbin, a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner who began working for PokerStars during the poker site’s early days, passed in June of a heart attack at age 73, news that devastated many within the poker community.
The poker enthusiast grew up in Ardsley, New York where he attended Ardsley High School, a public school in Westchester. He’d go on to live in the Denver, Colorado area, Vancouver, Canada, and Las Vegas, his most recent residency.
When news began spreading of Korbin’s passing on social media, numerous poker players and industry personnel chimed in to share memories.
“So sad. I was fortunate to spend a lot time with Richie over the past few years and really enjoy it. He had so many great stories about his time at pokerstars (and others). I will miss him- such a nice guy. RIP my friend,” poker pro Ari Engel tweeted.
Korbin was the director of marketing for PokerStars, the online poker site he represented for 17 years.
“Damn, played with Rich over the years in the stud mix at Bellagio. Always really nice and had a great sense of Humor. Rest In Peace Rich,” Ronnie Bardah tweeted.
“Richie cruised with us years and years ago. He couldn’t believe the wonderful time that he had, he boasted about it and said he couldn’t wait to go again,” Jan Fisher, a partner at Card Player Cruises, said.
“So sorry to hear! I spent a lot of time w him at the tables several years ago – always very friendly. He was definitely one I perked up and listened to every word he had to say,” poker pro Jon Turner wrote.
As a poker player, Korbin won a World Series of Poker bracelet in 2001, a career-best $159,080 score in a $2,500 limit seven card stud hi-lo tournament. In that event, he beat a tough final table that included Poker Hall of Famer John Juanda and former Main Event champion Chris Ferguson, who was one of the top players in the game at the time.
Galen Kester
In July, the poker community learned the sad news that Galen Kester, a well-known player in Tunica, Mississippi, passed away.
“Galen Kester was a legend in Tunica, and played in enormous cash games with a great cast of characters,” Johnny Grooms posted on social media.
In 2001, Kester won a World Series of Poker gold bracelet when he topped a 145-player field to win Event #8: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha for a career-high $167,035. He did so by defeating Poker Hall of Famer David “Devilfish” Ulliott in heads-up play and besting a final table that included Freddy Deeb and Jay Heimowitz, as well as deep runs by Erik Seidel (10th place) and Johnny Chan (14th place).
According to the Hendon Mob, Kester amassed just over $1.2 million in lifetime tournament earnings dating back to 2001. That put him fifth on Mississippi’s all-time money list at the time of his passing.
Kester also won the 2012 Gold Strike World Poker Open $3,000 Main Event in Tunica for $165,000, took down the Fourth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open $1,060 Pot-Limit Omaha tournament for $152,096 in 2003, and was victorious in the 2006 Gold Strike World Poker Open $2,070 NLH event for $101,212. He also had a deep run in the 2006 WSOP Main Event finishing in 173rd place for $47,006.
Panayote “Pete the Greek” Vilandos
The poker world lost another character as word circulated that three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet winner Pete “Pete the Greek” Vilandos, whose real name was Panayote Vilandos, passed away back on July 24 at the age of 82.
Vilandos, who was born May 30, 1940, arrived in the United States as an immigrant from Greece when he was just 27 years old. Despite having already earned a degree at the University of Athens, he went on to graduate from the University of Houston where he earned a degree in electrical engineering.
According to The Hendon Mob, Vilandos had $3,266,764 in lifetime earnings dating back to 1990. Of that, $2,520,167 came in WSOP-related cashes including a trio of gold bracelets. His first came at the 1995 WSOP when he won Event #10: $1,500 Pot-Limit Hold’em for $148,500, while the second came at the 2009 WSOP when he topped a 2,506-player field to win Event #24: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em for $607,256.
Amazingly, that win came less than two weeks after he finished runner-up to Steve Sung for $473,282 in Event #4: $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em, a tournament that attracted 6,012 runners.
Jan Suchanek
The poker world is mourning the loss of Australian poker player Jan Suchanek, who passed away in September.
Suchanek had $1.1 million in live tournament cashes, according to Hendon Mob, highlighted by his memorable deep run in the 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event. He finished in 49th place out of 6,737 for a career-best $142,447.
Irish poker pro Dara O’Kearney, a friend of Suchanek’s, wrote a glowing tribute to his late pal.
As O’Kearney explained, Suchanek was born in Prague in April 1967, but grew up in Canada. He returned to his native land following college where he began to make a living betting on sports. From there, he moved to New Zealand before ending up in Melbourne, Australia.
On the felt, the late poker player was known as an aggressive gambler who wasn’t afraid to play a big pot. He was a tough competitor but also made many friends in the game due to his charming personality.
Suchanek never won a WSOP bracelet but he came close in a 2014 $1,500 10-game mix 6-handed tournament, taking second place to Bryn Kenney for $94,618, his second largest career score.
O’Kearney wrote that his friend became ill with stomach problems earlier this month and he quickly became concerned. Although his passing is tragic, as “Doke” explained in his blog post, Suchanek lived a happy life full of love.
Elias Theodorou
Former UFC fighter and poker player Elias Theodorou passed away in September at the age of 34 after a private battle with colon cancer, according to a statement from his family.
“He passed peacefully at home with his family and loved ones in his corner after a hard-fought fight with colon cancer that metastasized,” the statement on Instagram read.
The Canadian mixed martial artist, whose death was first reported by BJPenn.com, vlogged his poker journey for GGPoker and was one of a handful of celebrities who teamed up with GGPoker and the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2020 to raise money during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to being a fierce opponent in the ring, Theodorou was a force at the poker table and even landed a sponsorship with GGPoker during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March 2020, Theodorou was one of a handful of celebrities who played a $1,111 COVID Charity event as part of WSOP Online Super Circuit on the leading poker site, an event that raised $175,000 for the Nevada Community Foundation’s Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund.
The next year, Theodorou vlogged his poker journey in the 18-part “Gloves & Shoves” series with GGPoker Twitch Squad member Patrick Tardif, which included a December 2021 video documenting Theodorou playing his first poker tournaments in Las Vegas earlier that year.
Ivan Leow
On Saturday, September 17, co-founder of Triton Poker Ivan Leow, 39, unexpectedly passed away from an apparent heart attack. Leow’s passing came during the highly-successful Triton Cyprus. As a result, all remaining Triton Cyprus events, which began on September 5 and were slated to run through the 19th, have been canceled so those there have the opportunity to “mourn his passing together.”
“Ivan was a hugely popular member of the Triton family. He was warm, generous, and enormous fun both at the tables and off – a loyal friend to us all. He was also a fantastic poker player, with a lifelong passion for the game,” Triton Poker said in a statement.
“Ivan was a very special person, who lived life to the full, was always smiling, and loved the game of poker. He will be sincerely missed by his family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.”
From Paul & Richard,
— Triton Poker (@tritonpoker)
According to The Hendon Mob, Leow had just over $13.1 million in lifetime tournament earnings dating back to 2015. That put him third on Malaysia’s all-time money list behind only Paul Phua and Richard Yong.
Leow’s largest score of $2.46 million came in August 2021 when he finished runner-up Wiktor Malinowski in the Merit Poker Super High Roller Bowl Europe. In 2018, when Leow won an astounding $5,691,986 in tournament play, he won the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Europe €100,000 Leon’s High Roller for $1,422,140, which came less than two months after he took down the partypoker LIVE MILLIONS Russia Super High Roller for $1,133,555.
Ramsey Doumani
Southern California poker player Ramsey Doumani passed away in December. Known by his first name to viewers, Ramsey was previously a regular player on Live at the Bike. He was popular among those who watched the longstanding live-streamed poker show.
Many poker players shared memories of the late poker player on social media, including Ryan Feldman, the former Live at the Bike producer.
“Yesterday, we lost a great member of the LA poker community. Ramsey was beloved by everyone who knew him. He was young and full of energy and love. Please pray for his family and friends at this difficult time,” Feldman, who now runs the competing Hustler Casino Live show, tweeted on Tuesday.
Yesterday, we lost a great member of the LA poker community. Ramsey was beloved by everyone who knew him. He was yo… https://t.co/OEuOpAkXQ5
— Ryan Feldman (@TheRyanFeldman)
Poker vlogger Andrew Neeme also tweeted out some love to his friend on social media. The World Poker Tour ambassador shared a video of a bad beat he lost on Live at the Bike against Ramsey a few years ago.
“Very sad to hear that we lost Ramsey. So fun loving, warm, and such a supportive dude who’d tell you how much he loved you. Think he hated folding even more than me. Took us out in DTLA for some memorable nights involving arcade bars & high speed electric bikes. He’ll be missed,” Neeme wrote.
Others Who Passed in 2022
Others who the poker world lost in 2022 were Tim Kleeman, Thierry De Quick, and Sam Khouiss. PokerNews offers condolences to the friends and families of all those lost in 2022.
Rush Street Gaming expanded the scope of Konami Gaming’s SYNKROS casino management system to cover the company’s new world-class casino destination, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Fifth Rivers Casino with SYNKROS
Rush Street Gaming selected the SYNKROS casino management system for its new land-based casino that is set to become the first permanent casino in Virginia when it opens to the public on January 15, 2023. Rivers Casino Portsmouth is set to become the fifth casino for Rush Street Gaming to utilize the SYNKROS system.
Commenting on the announcement, Roy Corby, general manager at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, outlined Konami Gaming’s SYNKROS as the system that is set to power this “state-of-the-art gaming and entertainment complex” that was “built from the ground up” and is “fully equipped for real-time, personalized rewards and loyalty engagement.”
“It equips the property to achieve its immediate and long-term technology goals while ensuring constant operational management across the casino,” Corby added.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth’s 1,448 gaming machines, 57 table games, poker room, sportsbook, restaurant and retail offerings, as well as entertainment venues, will be linked via Konami’s casino management system to deliver seamless rewards, offers, communications and more.
Tim Drehkoff, chief executive officer of Rush Street Gaming, hailed Konami Gaming as the “reliable partner” and its SYNKROS casino management system as the “robust ecosystem” an organization striving “to be a leader in each of its markets” such as Rush Street Gaming should have in place, confident “in the guest experience SYNKROS helps support on the technology front.”
Upon its opening next year, Rivers Casino Portsmouth will take advantage of SYNKROS’ comprehensive marketing suite the casino operator has been utilizing to deliver its Rush Rewards loyalty program across its other casinos under the Rivers brand.
Commitment to Latest Technology
On behalf of Konami Gaming, Tom Jingoli, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the company, outlined the “entrepreneurial commitment to future technology” continually displayed by Rush Street Gaming that is underlying the casino operator’s “strong expansion and leading casino development across major metropolitan markets.”
“Rivers Casino Portsmouth is the latest in a string of successful ground-up Rush Street developments that we’re honored to support with the latest SYNKROS tools and technology,” Jingoli concluded.
The partnership between Rush Street Gaming and Konami Gaming dates back to 2009 when Konami first installed its systems at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, and then expanded to Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Rivers Casino Des Plaines, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, and now Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
Ohio is due to launch sports gambling on Sunday, January 1, 2023, but the state is also keen to ensure that it does its best to protect consumers. This includes the launch of a new dedicated campaign by Ohio For Responsible Gambling.
The program that gets underway is called Pause Before You Play, and it’s based on the Get Set Before You Bet problem gambling education program previously led by Ohio For Responsible Gambling.
Ohio Sets Out to Tackle Problem Gambling Ahead of Betting Launch
Commenting on this program, Ohio Casino Control Commission director of operations and problem gambling services, Amanda Blackford, said that the new initiative will focus on the responsible play while factoring in all the nuances of sports gambling.
The structure of sports gambling in Ohio makes it very easy for people to place bets in real-time and accelerate what concerned observers argue could be “catastrophic losses.” Blackford further added:
In other states that preceded Ohio in legalizing sports betting, we’ve seen higher interest and more struggles with problem gambling. We want people to have fun and be responsible.
Ohio Casino Control Commission director of operations and problem gambling services, Amanda Blackford
Blackford is not alone in hoping that Ohio can start the fight against problem gambling on the right foot. Problem Gambling Network of Ohio executive director Derek Longmeier was similarly pleased with the initiative and hailed its potential long-term successes. He added:
The challenges of problem gambling go far beyond the person placing a bet. Families, children, and businesses, all face consequences with a person’s gambling addiction.
Problem Gambling Network of Ohio executive director Derek Longmeier
The current campaigns by Ohio are inspired by an evidence-based approach with sports gamblers and casino gamblers at the highest risk of developing an addiction. A study dated back to 2017 put the chance of developing a gambling problem as a result of casinos or sports at 24% and 24.3% respectively.
In other words, sports gambling is actually far more likely to end up leading to a problem with gambling after all. “The majority of Ohioans who gamble will stay within their limits,” Longmeier acknowledged. Yet it’s those who won’t who would need the most help. Ohio already has set up several helplines to help tackle the issue, including the Problem Gambling Helpline which is available 24/7 at 1-800-589-9966 or by texting 4HOPE to 741741.
The regulator, which also operates casinos in the Philippines, insisted that the measure was needed so that players would avoid becoming the victims of scams or falling prey to identity theft, or credit card fraud.
PAGCOR Continues to Raise Awareness for Responsible Gambling
PAGCOR reminded players that gambling on such websites was a criminal act that could also have very serious consequences for the people involved. It further denies the government the opportunity to raise tax money that could be forwarded to the benefit of various government and social programs.
This is why PAGCOR expects anyone who wishes to gamble to only do so at licensed and regulated gambling websites that have a license to offer electronic games or electronic bingo games. Meanwhile, PAGCOR has been working to actively limit the reach of illegal gambling in the Philippines.
It has teamed up with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). It’s also working with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and Office of Cybercrime (OOC), along with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Criminals involved in the proliferation of illegal gambling will be held accountable and investigated by a number of regulators and authorities in the country, the regulator reminded.
PAGCOR has reminded licensed operators to uphold AML and KYC standards and requirements in order to better protect gamblers from harm. The regulator further tried to help consumers better understand how to identify and spot a licensed website and avoid the rest, arguing that responsible gambling messages and PAGCOR’s license would be visible on the front page.
PAGCOR has also been investing in the development of a Responsible Gaming Division which is set up to help players participate in gambling responsibly and indeed identify licensed gambling options over murky offshore alternatives.
After no winners were announced Tuesday night in the $565 million Mega Millions jackpot drawing, the Mega Million Jackpot grew to $640 million ($328 million in cash) in the last Mega Millions 2022 drawing, which has yet to take place.
But players don’t have to wait too long, as it’s scheduled for Friday, December 28, at 11 PM ET.
Reason why no one hit the jackpot:
This Tuesday’s lottery drawing is the 21st drawing without a winner.
The main reason why nobody hit the Jackpot in Tuesday’s draw is because nobody picked all 6 numbers which were: the white balls 9, 13, 36, 59 and 61 plus the golden Mega Ball which contained the number 11.
Biggest jackpot of all time:
This new, big jackpot follows the big win of the biggest lottery award ever, the 2.04 billion US dollars Powerball prize, which was won on November 8 in California. However, the winner has not yet claimed the prize!
The $640M jackpot will be the biggest Mega Millions prize ever offered in the last week of any year “and could provide someone with a very happy New Year’s celebration,” according to the lottery website.
In this regard, lottery officials said: “The Mega Millions jackpot was over 600 million US dollars only five times in the 20-year long history of the lottery. It last happened on July 29 when an anonymous partnership purchased a ticket in Illinois to win 1.3 billion US dollars, which is approximately 780 million US dollars in cash.
“That was the second-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won, with the biggest one being 1.5 million US dollars jackpot, which was claimed by a South Carolina ticket buyer in the October 23, 2018, drawing.”
How jackpot winners can withdraw jackpot money:
“All big lottery prizes are big because long odds ensure there are few winners and the long streaks of lottery futility allow jackpots to grow even larger week after week,” according to lottery officials.
There are two ways jackpot winners can withdraw their winnings, such as a one-time cash payment or an annuity option, which gives them an initial payment first, followed by 29 yearly payments.
The most popular lottery in the USA:
Because 45 US states, including the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands, play the Mega Millions lottery, lottery officials say: “The odds of winning this new jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.”
About:
Mega Millions is a multi- jurisdictional US lottery game, offered in 45 US states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands.
The partnership involves Bargame AD, a company operating as a subsidiary of CT Gaming, which has agreed to sell its participation in the business and let MaxBet take over. The deal is still to be cleared by regulators, but all parties are hopeful it may conclude in the first quarter of the new year.
Building Up the Future of MaxBet in Serbia
Commenting on this opportunity, MaxBet CEO Darko Živanov welcomed the opportunity to be expanding the company’s reach in Serbia with a prominent brand. He further hailed El Dorado Slot Clubs’ importance to the company’s growing portfolio and library of games. Živanov added:
We firmly believe in the further growth and development of the slot business segment and the successful implementation of our business skills and experience in running companies in the industry.
MaxBet CEO Darko Živanov
MaxBet is set to continue pushing the boundaries of its business reach in Serbia and the region in general, the executive confirmed. The company was founded back in 1997 and it has been actively seeking to expand its presence in specific markets across the Balkans and beyond.
It has operations in North Macedonia and Montenegro, and it’s set to continue growing. The latest deal allows the company to effectively extend its reach in Serbia through the land-based El Dorado Slot Clubs located all across the country. The clubs themselves are packed with gambling machines and various forms of table gaming entertainment.
Every poker player around the world is putting together plans to have their best ever year at the tables. What better way to kick-start 2023 than by reeling in a guaranteed $1 million prize during the first week of the New Year? It is possible thanks to The Return: a Borgata Championship Event at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa at Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The Borgata is known for hosting incredible tournaments and it continues that trend into 2023 with The Return festival. Running from January 2 through January 8, The Return: A Borgata Championship Event features four action-packed tournaments, including a $3 million guaranteed Main Event that guarantees $1 million to the eventual, worthy champion. Will that champion be you?
The Return is a $5,300 buy-in $3 million guaranteed No-Limit Hold’em event that features a brace of Day 1s. Day 1A shuffles up and deals at 11:00 a.m. on January 4 with Day 1B starting at the same time on January 5. Days 2 and 3 get underway at 11:00 a.m. on January 6 and January 7, respectively, with the final table commencing on January 8; the final table’s starting time depends on when Day 3 concludes.
The structure of The Return is superb. Everyone sits down with 35,000 chips and plays to blinds starting at 100/100 with a 100 big blind antes. Levels 1-8 last 60-minutes, with Day 1 ending after the tenth level. Levels 9-10 and Day 2 last 75-minutes, with Day 2 concluding at the end of the 20th level. Blind levels on Day 3 onwards are 90-minutes long!
The Return: A Borgata Championship Event Schedule
Date
Time
Tournament
Mon 2 Jan
11:00 a.m.
$2,200 NLHE Mystery Bounty Day 1A
7:00 p.m.
$2,200 NLHE Mystery Bounty Day 1B
Tue 3 Jan
12:00 p.m.
NLHE Mystery Bounty Day 2
4:00 p.m.
$600 NLHE Big Stack The Return Qualifier
Wed 4 Jan
11:00 a.m.
$5,300 NLHE The Return Day 1A
Thu 5 Jan
11:00 a.m.
$5,300 NLHE The Return Day 1B
Fri 6 Jan
11:00 a.m.
The Return Day 2
3:00 p.m.
$2,100 NLHE $1,000 Bounty Day 1
Sat 7 Jan
11:00 a.m.
The Return Day 3
1:00 p.m.
NLHE $1,000 Bounty Day 2
2:00 p.m.
$1,100 NLHE Super Survivor
Sun 8 Jan
TBD
The Return Final Table
12:00 p.m.
NLHE Super Survivor Day 2
Before $3 million The Return, there is the Borgata’s first-ever Mystery Bounty event. It costs $2,200 to enter, and guarantees at least $1 million worth of mystery bounties. Rounding off the week-long series are a $2,100 buy-in Bounty Event where you receive $1,000 for every opponent you send to the showers, and a $1,100 Super Survivors tournament where one in ten will walk away with $10,000.
PokerNews‘ live reporting team will be on the ground throughout the series, bringing you all of the action as it happens. Our team is providing updates on the $2,200 Mystery Bounty, the $2,100 Borgata Bounty, and, of course, the $3 million guaranteed The Return Main Event.
