Do You Know These Top Tips for Winning Your Way to EPT Live Events on PokerStars?

Do You Know These Top Tips for Winning Your Way to EPT Live Events on PokerStars?



Just a few weeks ago, Razvan Belea reigned supreme in the 2023 EPT €5,300 Paris Main Event for a huge €1,170,000. And what makes the story even greater is that Belea booked his seat at the table for a tenth of the buy-in after winning a ticket from $530 online satellite on PokerStars.

Belea’s accomplishment is also less than a year removed from when Grzegorz Glowny, another online qualifier, took down the rescheduled 2021 EPT €5,300 Prague Main Event.

The online satellites to PokerStars Live Events, such as the EPT, are a fantastic way for players looking to play marquee events for the first time at a fraction of the price. So, PokerNews thought it’d be wise to share some top tips for online satellites to help players boost their chances of winning their way to coveted live poker tournaments.

Early Stage Play for Online Satellites

The early stages of an online satellite are the bits between the events start and when the average stack reaches the 25-30 big blind mark. At this point, you want to treat the satellite like a regular multi-table tournament.

The goal here is to gain as many chips as possible with your strong hands while also keeping an eye on protecting your stack. This is the stage where you want to identify the weak and strong players in the field so you can adapt your game accordingly for further down the line. Knowing which players you want to avoid in the middle and late stages of the satellite will help you avoid getting into some tricky spots where your tournament life could be on the line.

PokerStars Qualifier Razvan Belea Cruises to Victory in 2023 EPT Paris €5,300 Main Event (€1,170,000)

Middle Stage Play for Online Satellites

As mentioned, the middle stages of an online satellite are when the average stack is at the 25-big blind mark. Perhaps half the field or so remains, but there is still quite some time before the bubble nears.

This is where you may want to change your usual MTT strategy up. Tournament survival becomes the primary goal, and adding chips to stay ahead of the short stacks is extremely important.

If you’ve been tackling the satellite with a tight image, you can use this against players you’ve tagged as folders and passive players. Much of the field will try to fold into places that payout a seat, so you do not want to miss out on opportunities to steal the blinds.

And again, you want to go for max value with your made hands. There ate very few reasons to try and get trappy as it may result in you missing out on picking up a handful of crucial chips, which could be all the difference in you getting or falling short of the prize.

End/Bubble Stage Play for Online Satellites

Survival becomes even more crucial if you are near the bubble in the online satellite you’re playing. If you’re in the middle of a pack with just one or two eliminations until the bubble bursts, you’re a lock to win the ticket/seat. So, you should never put yourself in a position where you’re entire stack is on the line.

Yes, the table captain may likely be raising with any two cards, but the goal in satellites is to win the ticket, not the tournament. Whether you win your seat with a stack of 100 big blinds or have a virtual chip and a chair, you both receive the same prize.

Online Qualifier Grzegorz Glowny Wins 2021 EPT Prague Main Event (€692,252)

Start Your PokerStars Journey With a $600 Welcome Bonus

Those of you who do not already have a PokerStars account can download the excellent software via PokerNews. Make your first deposit using the bonus code “STARS600”, and PokerStars matches your deposit 100% up to a maximum of $600. In fact, your first three deposits in the first 90 days after creating your account are matched 100% up to a combined maximum of $600.

Name Surname
Calum Grant

Editor & Live Reporter

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





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Probe into PokerStars Results in $4M Settlement with US SEC

Danish Gambling Authority Scores Win Against Illegal Bingo Operator


It was back in 2020 when the gaming and entertainment giant, Flutter Entertainment, purchased PokerStars from The Stars Group. This deal expanded further the brands owned by Flutter but brought unexpected consequences, a report released by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reveals. On Monday, the SEC issued a statement claiming that it uncovered that the previous owner of PokerStars, The Stars Group (TSG), allegedly completed payments to third-party consultants in Russia.

The payments of approximately $8.9 million, allegedly were completed between May 26, 2015, and May 15, 2020. Those payments, according to the SEC, sought to support the legalization of poker in Russia, thus paving the way for PokerStars. The SEC alleged that during the period, the company did not maintain “a sufficient system of internal accounting controls over its operations in Russia with respect to third-party consultants.” Allegedly the payments in the country were used for Russian government officials New Year’s gifts and settle payments to the Russian regulatory body in charge of censorship filters of the internet, Roskomnadzor.

Matter Resolved via Cease and Desist

According to the SEC, the alleged payments represented a breach of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In light of the allegations, the SEC and PokerStars’ new owner, Flutter, agreed to resolve the issue via cease and desist. Flutter did not admit, nor deny the claims of the SEC but has agreed to close the matter and pay a $4 million penalty. Still, the Commission acknowledged that Flutter has engaged in remedial action and cooperated on the matter. Moreover, in light of the invasion of Ukraine, the company also withdrew from Russia early last year.

Without admitting or denying the findings, Flutter agreed to cease and desist from future violations. Flutter further agreed to pay a penalty of $4 million,

explains a statement released by the US Securities and Exchange Commission

A spokesperson for Flutter deemed the allegations as a “legacy issue” from a period before the company owned The Stars Group. The spokesperson explained that after Flutter acquired TSG it implemented changes to ensure compliance with its high standards.

Recently, PokerStars announced it extended its partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing. The refreshed collaboration came just in time for the start of the new Formula 1 season and is expected to deliver benefits for the duo.



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PokerStars US SCOOP Offering $5 Million in Guarantees in PA, NJ & MI

PokerStars US SCOOP Offering $5 Million in Guarantees in PA, NJ & MI


  Event No. Event Name Date Day Time Guarantee Buy-in

  1 SCOOP 01-H: $200 8-Game [8-Game Championship], $20K Gtd 17-Mar Friday 19:00 $20,000 $200

  1 SCOOP 01-L: $20 8-Game [8-Game Championship], $4K Gtd 17-Mar Friday 19:30 $4,000 $20

  1 SCOOP 01-M: $50 8-Game [8-Game Championship], $7.5K Gtd 17-Mar Friday 20:00 $7,500 $50

  2 SCOOP 02-H: $250 NLHE [7-Max, Turbo Night Fight], $25K Gtd 17-Mar Friday 20:30 $25,000 $250

  2 SCOOP 02-L: $30 NLHE [7-Max, Turbo Night Fight], $7.5K Gtd 17-Mar Friday 20:30 $7,500 $30

  2 SCOOP 02-M: $100 NLHE [7-Max, Turbo Night Fight], $15K Gtd 17-Mar Friday 21:00 $15,000 $100

  3 SCOOP 03-H: $250 NLHE [Kickoff Championship], $75K Gtd 18-Mar Saturday 18:00 $75,000 $250

  3 SCOOP 03-L: $30 NLHE [Kickoff Championship], $15K Gtd 18-Mar Saturday 18:00 $15,000 $30

  3 SCOOP 03-M: $100 NLHE [Kickoff Championship], $40K Gtd 18-Mar Saturday 18:30 $40,000 $100

  4 SCOOP 04-H: $100 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo, Progressive KO], $25K Gtd 18-Mar Saturday 20:00 $25,000 $100

  4 SCOOP 04-L: $10 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo, Progressive KO], $4K Gtd 18-Mar Saturday 20:00 $4,000 $10

  4 SCOOP 04-M: $30 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo, Progressive KO], $10K Gtd 18-Mar Saturday 20:30 $10,000 $30

  5 SCOOP 05-H: $100 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo, Zoom], $20K Gtd 18-Mar Saturday 22:00 $20,000 $100

  6 SCOOP 06-H: $100 NLHE [Progressive KO, Sunday Warm Up], $20K Gtd 19-Mar Sunday 15:00 $20,000 $100

  6 SCOOP 06-L: $10 NLHE [Progressive KO, Sunday Warm Up], $4K Gtd 19-Mar Sunday 15:00 $4,000 $10

  6 SCOOP 06-M: $30 NLHE [Progressive KO, Sunday Warm Up], $10K Gtd 19-Mar Sunday 15:30 $10,000 $30

  7 SCOOP 07-M: $100 NLHE [Sunday Special Championship], $125K Gtd 19-Mar Sunday 17:00 $125,000 $100

  7 SCOOP 07-H: $500 NLHE [Sunday Special Championship], $100K Gtd 19-Mar Sunday 17:30 $100,000 $500

  7 SCOOP 07-L: $10 NLHE [Sunday Special Championship], $20K Gtd 19-Mar Sunday 17:30 $20,000 $10

  8 SCOOP 08-H: $200 NLHE [Turbo, Sunday Second Chance], $30K Gtd 19-Mar Sunday 20:00 $30,000 $200

  8 SCOOP 08-L: $20 NLHE [Turbo, Sunday Second Chance], $7.5K Gtd 19-Mar Sunday 20:00 $7,500 $20

  8 SCOOP 08-M: $50 NLHE [Turbo, Sunday Second Chance], $12.5K Gtd 19-Mar Sunday 20:30 $12,500 $50

  11 SCOOP 11-L: $10 Razz [Mixed Game Monday: Razz], $1K Gtd 20-Mar Monday 18:00 $1,000 $10

  9 SCOOP 09-H: $300 NLHE [6-Max, Battle Royale Championship], $50K Gtd 20-Mar Monday 19:00 $50,000 $300

  9 SCOOP 09-L: $30 NLHE [6-Max, Battle Royale Championship], $10K Gtd 20-Mar Monday 19:00 $10,000 $30

  9 SCOOP 09-M: $100 NLHE [6-Max, Battle Royale Championship], $25K Gtd 20-Mar Monday 19:30 $25,000 $100

  10 SCOOP 10-H: $100 PLO8 [PLO8], $12.5K Gtd 20-Mar Monday 20:30 $12,500 $100

  10 SCOOP 10-L: $10 PLO8 [PLO8], $2.5K Gtd 20-Mar Monday 20:30 $2,500 $10

  10 SCOOP 10-M: $30 PLO8 [PLO8], $5K Gtd 20-Mar Monday 21:00 $5,000 $30

  12 SCOOP 12-H: $1,000 NLHE [Freezeout Championship], $60K Gtd 21-Mar Tuesday 19:00 $60,000 $1,000

  13 SCOOP 13-H: $100 NLHE [Progressive KO, 6-Max Big KO], $20K Gtd 21-Mar Tuesday 19:30 $20,000 $100

  12 SCOOP 12-M: $250 NLHE [Freezeout Championship], $30K Gtd 21-Mar Tuesday 20:00 $30,000 $250

  13 SCOOP 13-M: $30 NLHE [Progressive KO, 6-Max Big KO], $12.5K Gtd 21-Mar Tuesday 20:30 $10,000 $30

  12 SCOOP 12-L: $100 NLHE [Freezeout Championship], $20K Gtd 21-Mar Tuesday 21:00 $20,000 $100

  13 SCOOP 13-L: $10 NLHE [Progressive KO, 6-Max Big KO], $5K Gtd 21-Mar Tuesday 21:30 $4,000 $10

  14 SCOOP 14-H: $200 PLO [PLO Championship], $20K Gtd 22-Mar Wednesday 19:00 $20,000 $200

  14 SCOOP 14-L: $20 PLO [PLO Championship], $5K Gtd 22-Mar Wednesday 19:00 $5,000 $20

  14 SCOOP 14-M: $50 PLO [PLO Championship], $10K Gtd 22-Mar Wednesday 19:30 $10,000 $50

  15 SCOOP 15-H: $250 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo Storm], $30K Gtd 22-Mar Wednesday 21:00 $30,000 $250

  15 SCOOP 15-L: $30 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo Storm], $10K Gtd 22-Mar Wednesday 21:00 $10,000 $30

  15 SCOOP 15-M: $100 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo Storm], $25K Gtd 22-Mar Wednesday 21:30 $25,000 $100

  18 SCOOP 18-L: $10 NLHE [Rebuy + Addon], $5K Gtd 23-Mar Thursday 18:00 $5,000 $100

  16 SCOOP 16-H: $250 NLHE [Total KO Thrill], $35K Gtd 23-Mar Thursday 19:00 $35,000 $250

  16 SCOOP 16-L: $25 NLHE [Total KO Thrill], $4K Gtd 23-Mar Thursday 19:00 $4,000 $25

  16 SCOOP 16-M: $100 NLHE [Total KO Thrill], $10K Gtd 23-Mar Thursday 19:30 $10,000 $100

  17 SCOOP 17-H: $100 NLHE [4-Max], $20K Gtd 23-Mar Thursday 20:30 $20,000 $100

  17 SCOOP 17-L: $10 NLHE [4-Max], $4K Gtd 23-Mar Thursday 20:30 $4,000 $10

  17 SCOOP 17-M: $30 NLHE [4-Max], $8K Gtd 23-Mar Thursday 21:00 $8,000 $30

  18 SCOOP 18-M: $30 NLHE [Rebuy + Addon], $12K Gtd 24-Mar Friday 18:00 $12,000 $30

  19 SCOOP 19-H: $500 NLHE [7-Max, Friday Night Championship], $50K Gtd 24-Mar Friday 19:00 $50,000 $500

  19 SCOOP 19-L: $50 NLHE [7-Max, Friday Night Championship], $12.5K Gtd 24-Mar Friday 19:00 $12,500 $50

  19 SCOOP 19-M: $200 NLHE [7-Max, Friday Night Championship], $30K Gtd 24-Mar Friday 19:30 $30,000 $200

  20 SCOOP 20-H: $100 NLHE [6-Max, Win the Button], $20K Gtd 24-Mar Friday 20:30 $20,000 $100

  20 SCOOP 20-L: $10 NLHE [6-Max, Win the Button], $4K Gtd 24-Mar Friday 20:30 $4,000 $10

  20 SCOOP 20-M: $30 NLHE [6-Max, Win the Button], $8K Gtd 24-Mar Friday 21:00 $8,000 $30

  18 SCOOP 18-H: $100 NLHE [Rebuy + Addon], $30K Gtd 25-Mar Saturday 19:00 $30,000 $10

  21 SCOOP 21-L: $30 NLHE [Turbo, KO Special Trainer], $7.5K Gtd 25-Mar Saturday 19:30 $7,500 $30

  21 SCOOP 21-H: $250 NLHE [Turbo, KO Special Trainer], $30K Gtd 25-Mar Saturday 20:00 $30,000 $250

  21 SCOOP 21-M: $100 NLHE [Turbo, KO Special Trainer], $15K Gtd 25-Mar Saturday 20:30 $15,000 $100

  5 SCOOP 05-M: $30 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo, Zoom], $10K Gtd 25-Mar Saturday 22:00 $7,500 $30

  22 SCOOP 22-H: $100 NLHE [Marathon], $15K Gtd 26-Mar Sunday 14:00 $15,000 $100

  22 SCOOP 22-L: $10 NLHE [Marathon], $3K Gtd 26-Mar Sunday 14:00 $3,000 $10

  22 SCOOP 22-M: $30 NLHE [Marathon], $7.5K Gtd 26-Mar Sunday 14:30 $7,500 $30

  23 SCOOP 23-M: $200 NLHE [KO Special Championship], $125K Gtd 26-Mar Sunday 17:00 $125,000 $200

  23 SCOOP 23-H: $1,000 NLHE [KO Special Championship], $100K Gtd 26-Mar Sunday 17:30 $100,000 $1,000

  23 SCOOP 23-L: $20 NLHE [KO Special Championship], $20K Gtd 26-Mar Sunday 17:30 $20,000 $20

  24 SCOOP 24-L: $10 NLHE [Hyper-Turbo, Supersonic Sendoff], $3K Gtd 26-Mar Sunday 21:00 $3,000 $10

  24 SCOOP 24-H: $100 NLHE [Hyper-Turbo, Supersonic Sendoff], $15K Gtd 26-Mar Sunday 21:30 $15,000 $100

  24 SCOOP 24-M: $30 NLHE [Hyper-Turbo, Supersonic Sendoff], $6K Gtd 26-Mar Sunday 22:00 $6,000 $30

  11 SCOOP 11-M: $30 PL Badugi [Progressive KO, Mixed Game Monday: PL Badugi], $2K Gtd 27-Mar Monday 18:00 $2,000 $30

  25 SCOOP 25-H: $100 PLO [Progressive KO, PLO Royale], $10K Gtd 27-Mar Monday 19:00 $10,000 $100

  25 SCOOP 25-L: $10 PLO [Progressive KO, PLO Royale], $2.5K Gtd 27-Mar Monday 19:00 $2,500 $10

  25 SCOOP 25-M: $30 PLO [Progressive KO, PLO Royale], $5K Gtd 27-Mar Monday 19:30 $5,000 $30

  26 SCOOP 26-M: $100 NLHE [Classic 9-Max], $15K Gtd 27-Mar Monday 20:00 $15,000 $100

  26 SCOOP 26-H: $250 NLHE [Classic 9-Max], $30K Gtd 27-Mar Monday 20:30 $30,000 $250

  26 SCOOP 26-L: $30 NLHE [Classic 9-Max], $5K Gtd 27-Mar Monday 20:30 $5,000 $30

  27 SCOOP 27-H: $1,000 NLHE [Super Tuesday Championship], $75K Gtd 28-Mar Tuesday 19:00 $75,000 $1,000

  27 SCOOP 27-L: $50 NLHE [Super Tuesday Championship], $25K Gtd 28-Mar Tuesday 19:00 $25,000 $50

  27 SCOOP 27-M: $250 NLHE [Super Tuesday Championship], $60K Gtd 28-Mar Tuesday 19:30 $60,000 $250

  28 SCOOP 28-H: $100 NLHE [6-Max, Hyper-Turbo, Adrenaline], $20K Gtd 28-Mar Tuesday 21:00 $20,000 $100

  28 SCOOP 28-L: $10 NLHE [6-Max, Hyper-Turbo, Adrenaline], $5K Gtd 28-Mar Tuesday 21:00 $5,000 $10

  28 SCOOP 28-M: $30 NLHE [6-Max, Hyper-Turbo, Adrenaline], $8K Gtd 28-Mar Tuesday 21:30 $8,000 $30

  29 SCOOP 29-H: $300 NLHE [6-Max, Storm Championship], $50K Gtd 29-Mar Wednesday 19:00 $50,000 $300

  29 SCOOP 29-L: $30 NLHE [6-Max, Storm Championship], $10K Gtd 29-Mar Wednesday 19:00 $10,000 $30

  29 SCOOP 29-M: $100 NLHE [6-Max, Storm Championship], $25K Gtd 29-Mar Wednesday 19:30 $25,000 $100

  30 SCOOP 30-H: $100 NLHE [Turbo, Progressive Total KO, 5-Max TKO], $12.5K Gtd 29-Mar Wednesday 20:30 $12,500 $100

  30 SCOOP 30-L: $10 NLHE [Turbo, Progressive Total KO, 5-Max TKO], $5K Gtd 29-Mar Wednesday 20:30 $5,000 $10

  30 SCOOP 30-M: $30 NLHE [Turbo, Progressive Total KO, 5-Max TKO], $10K Gtd 29-Mar Wednesday 21:00 $10,000 $30

  31 SCOOP 31-H: $100 5-Card PLO [5-Card PLO], $5K Gtd 29-Mar Wednesday 21:30 $5,000 $100

  32 SCOOP 32-H: $500 NLHE [Thrill Championship], $70K Gtd 30-Mar Thursday 19:00 $70,000 $500

  32 SCOOP 32-L: $50 NLHE [Thrill Championship], $20K Gtd 30-Mar Thursday 19:00 $20,000 $50

  32 SCOOP 32-M: $200 NLHE [Thrill Championship], $40K Gtd 30-Mar Thursday 19:30 $40,000 $200

  33 SCOOP 33-H: $100 FL 2-7 Triple Draw [Triple Draw], $5K Gtd 30-Mar Thursday 20:30 $5,000 $100

  33 SCOOP 33-L: $10 FL 2-7 Triple Draw [Triple Draw], $1K Gtd 30-Mar Thursday 20:30 $1,000 $10

  33 SCOOP 33-M: $30 FL 2-7 Triple Draw [Triple Draw], $2K Gtd 30-Mar Thursday 21:00 $2,000 $30

  31 SCOOP 31-M: $30 5-Card PLO [5-Card PLO], $2K Gtd 30-Mar Thursday 21:30 $2,000 $30

  34 SCOOP 34-H: $250 NLHE [Progressive KO, 7-Max Big KO’s], $40K Gtd 31-Mar Friday 19:00 $40,000 $250

  34 SCOOP 34-L: $25 NLHE [Progressive KO, 7-Max Big KO’s], $5K Gtd 31-Mar Friday 19:00 $5,000 $25

  34 SCOOP 34-M: $100 NLHE [Progressive KO, 7-Max Big KO’s], $15K Gtd 31-Mar Friday 19:30 $15,000 $100

  35 SCOOP 35-H: $100 NLHE [Turbo, Main Event Trainer], $20K Gtd 31-Mar Friday 21:00 $20,000 $100

  35 SCOOP 35-L: $10 NLHE [Turbo, Main Event Trainer], $4K Gtd 31-Mar Friday 21:00 $4,000 $10

  31 SCOOP 31-L: $10 5-Card PLO [5-Card PLO], $1K Gtd 31-Mar Friday 21:30 $1,000 $10

  35 SCOOP 35-M: $30 NLHE [Turbo, Main Event Trainer], $10K Gtd 31-Mar Friday 21:30 $10,000 $30

  36 SCOOP 36-H: $250 NLHE [Deepstack Championship], $35K Gtd 1-Apr Saturday 19:00 $35,000 $250

  36 SCOOP 36-L: $30 NLHE [Deepstack Championship], $8.5K Gtd 1-Apr Saturday 19:00 $8,500 $30

  36 SCOOP 36-M: $100 NLHE [Deepstack Championship], $22.5K Gtd 1-Apr Saturday 19:30 $22,500 $100

  37 SCOOP 37-H: $100 NLHE [Main Event Parlay], $15K Gtd 1-Apr Saturday 20:30 $15,000 $100

  37 SCOOP 37-L: $10 NLHE [Main Event Parlay], $3K Gtd 1-Apr Saturday 20:30 $3,000 $10

  37 SCOOP 37-M: $30 NLHE [Main Event Parlay], $6.5K Gtd 1-Apr Saturday 21:00 $6,500 $30

  5 SCOOP 05-L: $10 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo, Zoom], $5K Gtd 1-Apr Saturday 22:00 $5,000 $10

  38 SCOOP 38-M: $300 NLHE [Main Event], $300K Gtd 2-Apr Sunday 17:00 $300,000 $300

  38 SCOOP 38-L: $50 NLHE [Mini Main Event], $50K Gtd 2-Apr Sunday 17:30 $50,000 $50

  38 SCOOP 38-H: $2,500 NLHE [High Roller Main Event], $125K Gtd 2-Apr Sunday 18:00 $125,000 $2,500

  39 SCOOP 39-H: $200 NLHE [Turbo, Main Second Chance], $35K Gtd 2-Apr Sunday 20:00 $35,000 $200

  39 SCOOP 39-L: $20 NLHE [Turbo, Main Second Chance], $7.5K Gtd 2-Apr Sunday 20:00 $7,500 $20

  39 SCOOP 39-M: $50 NLHE [Turbo, Main Second Chance], $15K Gtd 2-Apr Sunday 20:30 $15,000 $50

  40 SCOOP 40-H: $100 NLHE [6-Max, Hyper-Turbo, Sunday Adrenaline PKO], $15K Gtd 2-Apr Sunday 22:00 $15,000 $100

  40 SCOOP 40-L: $10 NLHE [6-Max, Hyper-Turbo, Sunday Adrenaline PKO], $5K Gtd 2-Apr Sunday 22:00 $5,000 $10

  40 SCOOP 40-M: $30 NLHE [6-Max, Hyper-Turbo, Sunday Adrenaline PKO], $7.5K Gtd 2-Apr Sunday 22:30 $7,500 $30

  42 SCOOP 42-H: $100 NLHE [Phase II, Championship], $125K Gtd 3-Apr Monday 18:00 $125,000 $100

  42 SCOOP 42-L: $10 NLHE [Phase II, Championship], $30K Gtd 3-Apr Monday 18:00 $30,000 $10

  11 SCOOP 11-H: $100 HORSE [Mixed Game Monday: HORSE], $5K Gtd 3-Apr Monday 18:00 $5,000 $100

  42 SCOOP 42-M: $30 NLHE [Phase II, Championship], $45K Gtd 3-Apr Monday 18:30 $45,000 $30

  41 SCOOP 41-H: $250 NLHE [The Closer], $50K Gtd 3-Apr Monday 19:00 $50,000 $250

  41 SCOOP 41-L: $30 NLHE [The Closer], $12.5K Gtd 3-Apr Monday 19:00 $12,500 $30

  41 SCOOP 41-M: $100 NLHE [The Closer], $30K Gtd 3-Apr Monday 19:30 $30,000 $100





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SOFTSWISS Strengthens Global Foothold with RocketPlay Casino Deal

SOFTSWISS Strengthens Global Foothold with RocketPlay Casino Deal


The award-winning and fast-growing provider of online gaming and betting software has announced the launch of its new solution as a means of expanding its global reach.  

Jackpot Aggregator to Offer a Superior User Experience 

SOFTSWISS’s Jackpot Aggregator provides a one-of-a-kind, multi-purpose “Jackpot as a Service” business model that strengthens online casinos’ list of offerings while helping boost player acquisition and retention numbers. 

As explained by SOFTSWISS, jackpots can considerably improve brand competitiveness and draw in fresh players while retaining existing customers. At the same time, they are effectively used for expanding lifetime value and bet amounts while resulting in increased operator revenue. 

Accordingly, the provider’s jackpot software module is expected to assist its partners, including its fresh RocketPlay Casino partner, with boosting the value proposition of their online gaming brand. The Jackpot Aggregator solution will be initially used by RocketPlay Casino to make sure that its Mystic Jackpots campaign will be running as smoothly and effortlessly as possible.

The casino’s chief commercial officer Yuriy Mogyr called the new deal a “great opportunity to work with SOFTSWISS to leverage the Jackpot Aggregator.” Mogyr also expressed their desire to offer a fantastic gaming experience while announcing their eagerness to observe the effects of the new partnership. 

RocketPlay to Reach Its Player Retention Goals with SOFTSWISS

The campaign that is run by the crypto-friendly casino that offers multi-currency payment alternatives to players counts three different prize levels with the top reward reaching €22,200 ($23,640). RocketPlay has already built an impressive portfolio that hosts more than 3,000 slots from over 40 software providers and gaming studios, along with roulette games, live dealer titles, and a series of additional gaming options.

The agreement inked with the Curacao-licensed gaming platform will help SOFTWSWISS extend its client portfolio with the casino that is “famous for their extensive game choices and fair practices,” according to SOFTSWISS’ head of Jackpot Aggregator Aliaskei Douhin. Douhin added SOFTSWISS will offer its support throughout RocketPlay’s jackpot campaign and guarantee the casino will reach its player retention goals.

In general, casinos that decide to use the Jackpot Aggregator will be given access to SOFTSWISS’ custom virtual jackpot system that will be easily integrated with any existing project, whether it is a game provider, a game aggregator, or an online casino.

At the start of the month, SOFTSWISS announced it was selected to deliver its Jackpot Aggregator solution across all of Cleopatra Group’s six casinos. The decision marked the first time that the solution would power an entire casino group. 



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How are Slot Machines Made?

Mechanic Inside machinery how slots are made reels construction casino machine how its made


Intro

Slot machines were first invented in San Francisco by a car mechanic who was looking to provide entertainment for his customers as they were waiting for their cars to be fixed. He made a cast iron cabinet that housed 3 mechanically spinning reels. The reels had multiple symbols on them, and if you were lucky enough to see the same 3 symbols on all 3 reels, you would be a winner!

Slot machines have now evolved and gained massive popularity. These machines are now run by computers that can be found primarily in casinos, but also in many unlikely places from arcades to local pubs. These slot machines are now technological devices that use advanced software.



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Michigan to Promote Safer Gambling with “Don’t Regret the Bet”

Michigan to Promote Safer Gambling with “Don’t Regret the Bet”


The Michigan Gaming Control Board, Michigan’s gaming regulator, has unveiled a new statewide responsible gambling campaign. The initiative is called Don’t Regret the Bet and seeks to incentivize moderation in wagering.

The multi-media campaign will is delivered in partnership with King Media and will be aired on TV, local radio and across many digital channels. In addition, the campaign will be promoted through billboards and at various retail stores and gas stations. Don’t Regret the Bet ads will also appear during broadcasts of professional sporting events.

The launch of the campaign will be accompanied by the launch of an educational site of the same name. Michigan citizens can visit dontregretthebet.org, which launches later today, to learn more about the initiative and how to play responsibly.

The MGCB noted that funding for the campaign was included in the agency’s FY23 budget, as approved by the Michigan Legislature in 2022. The regulator included ongoing funding for the campaign in its FY24 budget request.

The Campaign Launches In Just the Right Time

The Control Board and King Media commented on the launch of Don’t Regret the Bet, sharing their sentiments about the campaign. Henry Williams, the executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, said that the timing of the educational campaign couldn’t have been better, considering that March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Starting in March, Michigan residents will hear and see new public service messages on local TV and radio stations and on popular social media platforms reminding them to enjoy gaming responsibly.

Henry Williams, executive director, MGCB

Williams added that the yearlong campaign is a “crucial step” in the MGCB’s ongoing efforts to “reach the public with information, tips and tactics promoting responsible gaming.”

Meanwhile, Coleen King, the president and founder of King Media, said that his team is honored to power the MGCB’s responsible gambling initiative. King explained that Don’t Regret the Bet is a campaign that will surely make a difference.

Don’t Regret the Bet is a campaign that will have a positive impact on individuals and communities across Michigan, and that aligns perfectly with our focus on meaningful work.

Coleen King, president, King Media

The new campaign is in line with Michigan’s efforts to make gambling safer for the citizens. Three weeks ago, a local senator proposed legislation that would fight teenage gambling addiction. Teenage gambling is a considerable problem that many markets believe should be tackled as quickly and efficiently as possible.



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Flutter Entertainment to Pony Up $4m to SEC Over Russia Payments

Flutter on phone


Violations by PokerStars’ ex-owner

Flutter Entertainment, the Dublin-based owner of several popular gambling brands, has agreed a $4m legacy settlement to clear one of its subsidiaries, PokerStars, of violations committed by its former owner.

breached foreign bribery law

Flutter agreed to pay the fine to settle allegations by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the processing of payments to consultants based in Russia breached foreign bribery law.

The SEC alleged that between 2015 and 2020, PokerStars’ previous owner, the Stars Group, paid about $8.9m to the consultants as part of a push for a legal poker market in Russia. The payments were supposedly varied, ranging from New Year’s gifts to Russian government officials, to the settling up of a consultant’s payments to a Russian state agency.

Cooperation gets settlement done

“This is a legacy issue, related to a period prior to Flutter’s ownership of the Stars Group,” the Wall Street Journal cited a company spokesman as saying. Flutter acquired the Toronto-based Stars Group in 2020, making the alleged violations an inherited issue, but one that nevertheless required a legal resolution.

While not admitting or denying the allegations, Flutter said it was “pleased” about the closure the settlement represented. Flutter also highlighted that once it took over Stars it made:

significant changes to implement a framework of controls.”

The SEC stated Flutter had been cooperative, shared evidence from its own internal investigation, and also encouraged entities outside SEC jurisdiction to provide information.

Flutter looking west

Flutter suspended all PokerStars services in Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, one of the first in an exodus of major brands from Russia. The global brand is also getting closer to a listing on a US stock exchange, given its US dominance through the FanDuel sportsbook.

FanDuel’s market share of the US sports betting market was a staggering 50% in the fourth quarter of 2022, shooting the US revenue of Flutter up 67% to $3.2bn.

The gambling group announced in February that it was seriously considering such a move. In April, Flutter will consult its shareholders on a potential secondary listing in the US.

The post Flutter Entertainment to Pony Up $4m to SEC Over Russia Payments appeared first on VegasSlotsOnline News.

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Golden Entertainment to Sell Nevada and Montana Gaming Operations to J&J Gaming

Golden Entertainment to Sell Nevada and Montana Gaming Operations to J&J Gaming


American gaming company Golden Entertainment unveiled a definitive agreement to divest its gaming operations in the states of Nevada and Montana. As announced by the company, it has agreed to sell these assets to J&J Ventures Gaming for aggregate cash consideration of $322.5 million.

Golden Entertainment explained that the sale of its Nevada-based business will see J&J pay $213.5 million plus an estimated $34 million of purchased cash. Meanwhile, J&J will pay $109 million plus an estimated $5 million of purchased cash for the acquisition of the operator’s Montana assets. Both sales are subject to customary working capital adjustments.

Under the terms of the agreement, J&J Gaming will support the gaming operations of Golden Entertainment’s branded tavern locations in Nevada for the next five years.

Golden noted that the transactions should close near the end of 2023 and are all subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

Sartini Is Optimistic about the Deal

Blake Sartini, Golden Entertainment’s chair and chief executive, addressed the sale in a new statement. He noted that the company’s Distributed Gaming Operations in the two states have been built thanks to two decades of hard work and dedication. Because of that, the CEO praised his team for its exceptional work and the service it has provided to Golden’s route partners.

We believe this transaction will provide further success for our route partners through sharing of best practices and new technology. We anticipate our Distributed Gaming team members will continue to serve our route partners with the same dedication under J&J Gaming’s ownership.

Blake Sartini, chair & CEO, Golden Entertainment

Sartini added that he is confident in J&J Gaming’s future success and that this confidence is highlighted by the latter company’s decision to support Golden’s wholly-owned tavern portfolio. The CEO concluded that these transactions will allow the company to focus its management team and capital on its portfolio of casinos and taverns in the Silver State, thus creating additional value for shareholders.

In 2022, Golden Entertainment also signed an agreement to sell its Rocky Gap Casino Resort to Century Casinos. The $260 million deal further highlighted Golden’s ambition to streamline its business and reduce losses. 2022 saw the company’s revenues fluctuate, which may have prompted the company to proceed with the current deal.

Currently, Golden Entertainment operates around 16,800 slots, more than 100 gaming tables and 6,200+ hotel rooms. The company owns nine casinos in Southern Nevada and one in Maryland in addition to 60 traditional taverns in Nevada.



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Jefffrr8 Reels In One of the Largest-Ever Scores in Ontario Online Poker History at 888poker

Jefffrr8 Reels In One of the Largest-Ever Scores in Ontario Online Poker History at 888poker



The inaugural Mystery Bounty Festival concluded at 888poker Ontario on March 6, with the crowning of the $100,000 guaranteed Main Event champion. The festival was a roaring success, with 5,029 888poker Ontario players trying their luck in the 30 numbered tournaments and a plethora of side events. Those 30 numbered events paid out more than $283,000.

Surprisingly, the series did not feature a double-winner, meaning 30 different players from 888poker Ontario experienced the joy of becoming a poker champion. “Jefffrr8” is one such champion. They took down the $100,000 guaranteed Main Event, and reeled in a $14,948, one of the biggest prizes ever awarded not only at 888poker Ontario but across the entire Ontario online poker landscape!

MB Festival #30 – $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Results

Place Player Bounties Prize Total Prize
1 Jefffrr8 $4,333 $10,615 $14,948
2 footstuff $416 $7,650 $8,066
3 Mammamiaa $3,805 $5,590 $9,395
4 stevenfilipo $2,083 $4,050 $6,133
5 Vincent_142 $555 $2,925 $3,480
6 Jeffismyhero $2,833 $2,135 $4,968
7 sirius17..   $1,555 $1,555
8 phinearts $750 $1,150 $1,900
9 cuse555 $4,138 $845 $4,983

The Mystery Bounty Festival Main Event was a $250 buy-in tournament boasting a gargantuan $100,000 guaranteed prize pool. It attracted 355 unique players, who purchased 42 rebuys between them, for a total attendance of 397 entries. That figure meant a slight overlay on the guarantee, but that also meant good news for the in-the-money players because it made the Main Event even better value.

Although the main prize pool payouts were sought after, every player that reached Day 2 had their eyes on the mystery bounties. More than a dozen weighed in at $1,000 or more, with the top bounty tipping the scales at a cool $10,000. That massive bounty went to 13th place finisher “SKnolimit” who also claimed a handful of other bounties plus $495 in prize money, for a total haul worth an impressive $10,772.

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Everyone that navigated their way to the nine-handed final table saw their investment swell to at least $1,555 with the bounties included. “cuse555” ($4,983) was the final table’s first casualty, with “phinearts” ($1,900), and “sirius17..” ($1,555) following them to the rail, and leaving only six players in the hunt for the title and the five-figure top prize.

The final six became five with the untimely demise of “Jeffismyhero” ($4,968), and then four when “Vincent_142” ($3,480) bowed out. “Stevenfilip” ($6,133) saw their tournament end abruptly in fourth, while the exit of “Mammamiaa” ($9,395) in third sent the 888poker Ontario Mystery Bounty Festival Main Event into the heads-up stage.

“Jefffrr8” and “footstuff” locked horns in the one-on-one section of the $100,000 guaranteed event, knowing that whoever came out on top would capture a $10,615, any bounties they collected along the way, plus the final two golden mystery bounty envelopes. After an intense battle, it was Jefffrr8 that emerged victoriously, doing so with a total haul worth $14,948, which resigned footstuff to a still respectable $8,066 consolation prize. No doubt we will see the likes of Jefffr8 and footstuff in major 888poker Ontario events in the future.

Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 888poker Ontario operates pursuant to an agreement with iGaming Ontario.

For more information, visit the Ontario Players Homepage

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Full Mystery Bounty Festival Ontario Results

The Main Event champion was not the only 888poker Ontario player to give their bankroll a sizeable boost. “jadedjason” will look back at the Mystery Bounty Festival with find memories having taken down the $35,000 guaranteed Opening Event at the start of the series, and walking away with $4,512 for their efforts.

Several others clinched four-figure sums, including “Josh_Degen,” who netted $7,816 after coming out on top in the $40,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Warmup tournament.

You can check out a full list of results from the 30 events in the table below.

Event Buy-in Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize
#1 $11 171 $1,710 abbyjax22 $398.23
#2 $109 307 $35,000 jadedjason $4,512.77
#3 $55 146 $7,300 Ayvah1 $1,445.23
#4 $22 126 $2,520 Dominiol $1,075.11
#5 $5.50 137 $685 LifetimeAwe $251.08
#6 $11 138 $1,380 Talon22 $317.04
#7 $109 122 $12,200 bob.sacamano $2,698.10
#8 $22 159 $3,180 BanhkemN $731.51
#9 $8.80 $103 $824 reba50 $280.34
#10 $11 136 $1,360 varmitator $295.56
#11 $109 124 $12,400 710jog69420 $2,206.96
#12 $5.50 146 $730 moutain28 $194.84
#13 $16.50 104 $1,560 remgbv $348.48
#14 $11 187 $1,870 astroidbs $403.50
#15 $55 106 $6,000 FearedPush $1,826.50
#16 $22 143 $2,860 19Wingnut $764.30
#17 $5.50 128 640 WANTUCHIPS $162.81
#18 $109 403 $40,300 Josh_Degen $7,816.83
#19 $11 167 $1,670 ndmaz $435.71
#20 $109 136 $12,300 WalmartCNXN $3,852.75
#21 $22 142 $2,840 FilthyMan $649.06
#22 $8.80 111 $888 HunterTahu $223.73
#23 $11 141 $1,410 DaVoss $330.73
#24 $109 102 $12,000 RowanD2 $2,655.86
#25 $5.50 133 $665 Chaos7981 $137.50
#26 $16.50 108 $1,620 znjxl122 $390.61
#27 $11 174 $1,740 Benoit1111 $631.36
#28 $55 119 $6,000 dinosour $1,637.92
#29 $22 416 $10,000 choon106 $1,664.63
#30 $250 397 $100,000 Jefffee8 $14,948.34





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How Outsider Peek Scams Work – Dealers And Players Collusion

How Outsider Peek Scams Work – Dealers And Players Collusion


The peek is a powerful tool for crooked card players and can be used to steer valuable cards to one’s own hand or damaging cards to an opponent. 

In games like high/low a strong, undetectable peek is like having a marked deck anywhere, anytime but in casino table games, the peek can be much more profitable.

I spoke previously about how cheaters can glimpse their own cards as they deal but in table games, a crooked dealer can “send” the top card or even multiple cards from known locations deeper down to players who use that information to have an unbeatable edge.

How “Flashing” Works

Hand dealt games have always been vulnerable to “flashing” where the dealer allows an outside agent to get a peek of what’s coming and act/bet accordingly.

Imagine playing blackjack for hours and often knowing the first card you will be dealt, or potential hit cards in the middle of a hand?

Such information would allow you to increase and decrease your bets based on the predicted value of your hand plus make some seemingly risky hits that are certain to make your hand.

The mechanics of this kind of player/agent scam are not difficult to learn but timing is a factor that can only be learned in practice.

Many scammers have played for years without detection by mastering how and when to flash cards to multiple “takeoff men.”

Perhaps the most powerful “flash” was accomplished by pushing the top card very slightly off the deck so part of the index of the top card would be revealed between the fingers of the right hand.

As the dealer picked up a completed round of cards or peeked at their hole card (or any typical dealing action) they could easily expose the next card.

The entire index was not necessary to show; Just a hair on the edge of the index would be enough to know if it was a 10-value or an Ace.

And if you spend a few minutes trying this yourself, you’ll quickly realize that any value can be recognized by a slither of its left-most edge.

This move may sound pretty blatant, but it can work for months or years without ever being detected, and several crews of dealers and players were caught only after years of skimming cream from the house.

Most likely, countless more have never been suspected because the move is incredibly hard to see unless you are being the flashed the card and the eye in the sky has almost no chance unless the card is moved too much and without a covering action.

Method Variations

The method used to flash often dictates where the takeoff man (or woman) would sit but clever cheaters bounced the flash around the table to further conceal their actions.

Pit bosses, security and the eye in the sky might try to see how a winning player might get cards flashed by the dealer and fail to see any possible glimpse because the flash was being sent to another player on the opposite side of the table who then signaled the information to the takeoff man making the big bets.

One such flash is accomplished by raising the top card just enough so a player to the dealer’s right can catch a peek as cards are dealt or guarded (some casinos teach dealers to hold the deck against their chest between deals, making several flashes possible).

In some places, dealers would deal the deck from a position almost at eye level so players could catch a glimpse of cards beneath those being dealt if the dealer had mastered a method to push one card out very slightly under another in the action of dealing.

All of these methods are relatively simple but when mastered and used carefully, they could steal hundreds of thousands from a casino without anyone being the wiser.

Unfortunately (for the cheaters) one of the smartest ways to use this is for a dishonest dealer to use multiple takeoff players so their bosses never see a pattern of player/dealer winning streaks.

But this strategy has a fatal flaw: The more people who know about your scam, the more chances someone will talk or trade that information to beat some other charges.

Another powerful strategy employed by these cheaters was to steer high cards to the dealer’s hand in order to bust the dealer and pay off the entire table.

This can be an easy way to make a lot of money if the cheaters have the table “locked” (every player is in on the scam) but it further exposes the crew when so many players are needed.

Before The Machines

Hand shuffling (without a shuffling machine) offered crooked dealers and their partners many opportunities to create memorized slugs of cards that could be dropped into play at a known point then used to fleece the house for one or two rounds of play.

I know of several shuffling procedures that were vulnerable to dealer/player scams where one player would sit on third base as six or eight decks were being shuffled, carefully watching the top of each stack as they were being interlaced with other cards.

From this position, the player could see a small number of cards that were dropped onto the top of the shuffled stack and memorize those cards.

Thanks to the prescribed shuffling procedure, the dealer would shuffle cards together from two larges stacks, each made up of half the decks being played.

By grabbing cards from each of the initial stacks, the dealer created a third stack that would grow until it consisted of all eight (now shuffled) decks.

What made the flash possible (and incredibly profitable) was that the dealer had to carry back a deck from the shuffled stack and then shuffle that with cards from either of the two initial halves of the eight-deck stack.

This carry-back rule seemed to shuffle the cards even more, but it allowed a crooked dealer to keep cards on top of the shuffled stack throughout the entire shuffle!

Initially, this might have been a good way to keep a memorized slug but there’s always a chance that playback (recordings from security upstairs) might reveal that a sequence of cards was repeated after a shuffle so instead, the cheaters simply flashed cards that went to the top of the shuffled stack and kept them there.

The player on third base would memorize the cards then calculate which hands to bet on for a surefire win or, more practically how to make sure the dealer busted.

With a locked table, crews could clean out the chip tray but too much and too soon will get the attention of the eye in the sky so smart teams balanced their surefire rounds with multiple rounds of honest play between shuffles.

There’s a lot more to this than I can share here and in fact, a crooked dealer capable of executing some clever shuffle strategies can reap a lot more with another scam I’ll discuss in the future.

Many of these methods are long dead in places that use shuffle machines but those devices are far from perfect and there are other ways of beating a machine either with technology or something surprisingly simple.

What’s for sure is that scams that seem to be killed off by modern technology often evolve and return with a new angle that beats whatever precautions the casino thinks it has.

If The Shoe Fits

Flashing or peeking doesn’t always happen when the cards are being shuffled or dealt from a dealer’s hand.

Special dealing shoes have been made to allow a glimpse of the next card to either dealers or players depending on the construction of a secret device that transmits that information without any electronics or moving parts!

We’ll talk about gaffed shoes another time but let me leave you with this: Some entirely legitimate dealing shoes could allow dealers to peek or flash the next card and completely crush the game of blackjack.

This is not a dealing shoe that has been tampered with in any way but an entirely legitimate piece of gaming equipment found in hundreds of casinos yet vulnerable to one of the simplest and most devastating scams in the casino industry.

More on that in a later article.



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