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crypto-poker

Has Blockchain Succeeded in Reshaping Online Poker?

Posted on by Kelley N.

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

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

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

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

Expanded Horizons

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

vbet-uspf

Ukrainian Sport Poker Federation and VBET Announce Spring Pick Series

Posted on by Kelley N.

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

Posted on by Kelley N.

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

Ambitious Plans for Revenue Sharing

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

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

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

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

A Growing Trend

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

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

poker-2024

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

Posted on by Kelley N.

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

PokerStars’ 2024 European Poker Tour

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

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

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

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

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

World Series of Poker (WSOP) Events

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

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

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

pokerstars-25-days-of-tournaments_orig_full

PokerStars Unveils Holiday Special With 25 Days of Tournaments for US & Ontario Players

Posted on by Kelley N.

With PokerStars’ highly acclaimed 25 Days of Tournaments bonanza returning to both the US and Ontario, Canada, players can look forward to opening daily surprises. This holiday promotion, which runs from December 5th through the 29th, is evocative of the thrilling anticipation of an advent calendar in that it promises a surprise tournament every day.

Tons of Goodies for Poker Enthusiasts

Two buy-in levels, $10 and $50, are available in the campaign to accommodate players with varying bankroll amounts. It is available to PokerStars users in New Jersey (PokerStars NJ), Michigan (PokerStars MI), Pennsylvania (PokerStars PA), and Ontario (PokerStars Ontario).

Fans should be ready for an exclusive surprise event each night at 9:00 PM ET, where the tournament’s nature remains veiled in secrecy until 9:00 PM the evening before.

There are more than just surprises to look forward to throughout this event. Side events such as Half-Price Sunday on December 10 and High Roller Sunday on December 17 are also available to participants.

During Half-Price Sunday, PokerStars will host its renowned Sunday major tournaments with a remarkable 50% reduction in buy-ins while retaining the same guarantees, offering an enticing opportunity for all players.

There are 25 Days of events when participants can win additional prizes in addition to the daily mystery events. Among these highly sought-after prizes are unique pieces of merchandise signed by PokerStars North America Team Pros, tickets to live sports events, and bonus tickets worth thousands of dollars.

In all four areas, there will be freerolls every day and week where you can enter to win a share of $1,000 in prizes, so it should be exciting. In addition, the offer adds daily tasks that unlock chests, making the game experience even better.

Keeping the Fire Burning

The 25 Days of Tournaments caps off a successful year for PokerStars, following the triumph of the Fall Fest series. Notably, the previous Main Event on PokerStars’ shared liquidity network, spanning New Jersey and Michigan, surpassed expectations with 824 entries, comfortably surpassing its $200k guarantee by an additional $30.7k. Similarly, the Pennsylvania leg, with a $175,000 guarantee and a $300 buy-in, generated buzz with 607 entrants, slightly falling short and creating a $5,000 overlay.

It certainly proves that PokerStars is dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences. A wide variety of exciting tournament formats were included in earlier iterations of the campaign, including Progressive Knockouts (PKOs), 3-handed Zoom, heads-up, Total Knockouts, Pot-Limit Omaha variations, and many more.

game-of-gold

New Reality Poker Show Coming to GGPoker YouTube

Posted on by Kelley N.

A few years back, GGPoker made waves by acquiring the rights to the iconic Poker After Dark show, typically filmed in the prestigious PokerGO Studio located in the heart of Las Vegas. Now, the operator is seemingly getting ready to put that investment to work.

Poker enthusiasts are in for an electrifying poker journey as some of the biggest names in the game, including Daniel Negreanu, Jason Koon, Maria Ho, and Fedor Holz, gear up to display their card-playing prowess in the exciting reality-based poker show titled “Game of Gold.” The eagerly anticipated first episode is set to hit screens on November 8th, on the GGPoker YouTube channel.

The show’s trailer is deliberately enigmatic, leaving viewers with a sense of intrigue and anticipation. This clever marketing tactic aims to build curiosity, making fans even more eager to unravel the mysteries of the show. Daniel Negreanu, the lead ambassador for GG, has enthusiastically endorsed “Game of Gold,” hailing it as “the coolest poker show I have ever done in my life.”

What It Will Entail

Poker After Dark has always focused on one-table sit n’ go tournaments and high-stakes cash matches, but “Game of Gold” is taking a different direction. Not only do 16 A-list poker professionals star in this groundbreaking series, but the program also offers a variety of reality-show-style challenges. It’s a novel change that should make poker games more exciting and unpredictable.

The game show also brings together a formidable roster of poker talent, including the likes of Dan “Jungleman” Cates, Kyna England, David Williams, Johan “YoH Viral” Guilbert, Charlie Carrel, Josh Arieh, and PokerNews streamer Lukas “RobinPoker” Robinson. As has been the tradition since the inception of Poker After Dark, Ali Nejad will be at the helm, guiding viewers through the thrilling action.

A Growing Space for Fans and Enthusiasts

In an era when the poker audience is spoiled for choice, “Game of Gold” and the impending revival of PokerStars’ Big Game series will continue to provide an abundance of poker entertainment. There is no shortage of high-quality poker programming available for fans to consume, from forthcoming events to classic favorites like Hustler Casino Live, Poker at the Lodge, and High Stakes Poker, not to mention PokerGO’s huge back library. Poker’s bright and exciting future on television promises an extensive roster of activities for fans to enjoy.

 

doyle-brunson

Poker Community Honors Doyle Brunson

Posted on by Kelley N.

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.”

virtue_poker

NFT Communities Take Center Stage as Virtue Poker Resurges

Posted on by Kelley N.

Ryan Gittleson’s redesigned Virtue Poker is a triumph for his years-long mission to merge bitcoin with poker. Founded in 2016 and incubated by Ethereum powerhouse ConsenSys, Virtue Poker embarked on a mission to decentralize online poker.

A Long Road

Despite raising $12.5 million in a token sale in 2018 and $5 million in financing in 2021, there were still several challenges to implementing their plan for seamless on-chain poker. One of the problems was that there was not a widely available layer-2 Ethereum scaling network that could support instant and cheap in-game purchases. As an added complication, the United States and certain other major portions of Europe continue to prohibit the running of an unregulated internet gambling ecosystem.

But things changed for a bit.

After securing a gaming license from Malta, Virtue Poker launched a legal play-to-earn poker game in the United States.  But getting users and keeping them around was difficult. Virtue was on the verge of bankruptcy by the following summer, and their website went offline.

The Comeback and Turning Point

Gittleson’s beta launch of the revamped Virtue Poker represented a watershed moment in the company’s history, as it remains true to its initial objective of using crypto technologies and ethos to reimagine poker for the current day.

While the new Virtue Poker does not support real-world currency or cryptocurrency wagering inside the game itself, it does provide a user-friendly platform for clubs and organizations throughout the globe to conduct their own online poker games and tournaments. It has been revamped to serve NFT communities by allowing them to restrict access to games using tokens.

If you are looking for a way to be involved with the NFT community outside Discord discussions, Virtue Poker is a simple and effective option. Clubs using Virtue may tailor their digital area to suit their members’ needs, with the potential to host more than a thousand players at once across a wide range of poker games. Although the site is now free, Gittleson plans to start charging a subscription fee to club organizers depending on the number of members and the amount of time they spend on the site.

Gittleson believes that NFT communities may encourage involvement by awarding fungible tokens and NFTs to winners. They might also manually process rewards and collect money from participants. Since Virtue Poker is not a recognized gambling site, the legality of such agreements is unclear under federal law, which bans knowingly taking money to settle illicit online gambling liabilities.

online-security

Ensuring Secure Crypto Use in Poker Gaming

Posted on by Kelley N.

If you are an enthusiast, it is hard to resist the temptation of playing poker online from the convenience of one’s own home. Our online poker market as it exists now is both vibrant and lucrative, even though it has not yet reached the heights experts projected. The fact that internet platforms are broadly accessible worldwide plays a significant role in this.

But unfortunately, hackers, cheaters, and fraudsters are also drawn to the lucrative world of online gambling because of the potential for easy money. Crypto just raised the stakes again.

Insecure or unsafe crypto poker poses serious threats to players and the industry’s reputation. Theft, fraud, and hacking are all examples of these risks, and they may all have devastating effects on the financial stability of participants and the credibility of the sector.

An example of the risks associated with online gambling on unprotected platforms is the well-known event from the past decade, in which a hacker broke into the popular Bitcoin poker site SatoshiDice database and changed more than 2,000 bets.

The Workaround

Players should make sure the online casino they choose is legitimate and uses SSL encryption technology to protect their personal information. This makes it very necessary to give the terms and conditions of the casino a full reading to get an understanding of the dangers that are involved as well as the precautions that are taken to safeguard the interests of players.

Crypto gaming is more secure and transparent than traditional gambling because of the usage of multi-signature wallets and encrypted transactions. Players are encouraged to cash out their winnings in bitcoins rather than traditional currency to reduce the amount of money lost to commissions and other charges levied by casinos.

The Supporting Structures

Top cryptocurrency poker sites all use encryption as a standard safety measure. It guarantees that all financial and personal information is encrypted, making it unavailable to prying eyes. With their reliance on external networks, typical fiat currency casinos cannot implement such stringent security measures for player data.

Some of the best ones utilize a combination of public-key and symmetric cryptography for their player data security. While a single key is used in both symmetric and public-key cryptography, two different keys—public and private—are required in public-key cryptography.

Because of their dedication to safety, crypto poker sites that use strong encryption are gaining in popularity. These sites take additional precautions to ensure the safety of their users’ money and personal data against theft, fraud, and hacking.

The Countdown Begins As the 2023-2024 WSOP Circuit Schedule Released

Posted on by Kelley N.

The calendar for the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) for the years 2023 and 2024 has been revealed, and it is sure to pique the interest of poker players everywhere. They are in for a ten-month poker marathon with 25 exciting stops that will have them on the edge of their seats.

The high-stakes fun begins on July 19 at the stunning Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. The poker room which is like a hidden treasure in the middle of the United States is the ideal spot to begin your ascent to the highest levels of poker supremacy.

The winners of each stop along the circuit will get priceless Circuit ring trophies as a tribute to their poker expertise. However, the fun and excitement do not stop there! The 2024 WSOP Tournament of Champions will be the grand finale of poker’s most prestigious tournament.

Taking Competitive Poker to the Next Level

Imagine this: there is a freeroll poker tournament with a prize pool of $1 million, and the best poker players in the world are competing for the title of champion.

The history of poker is about to be rewritten. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has been breaking records left and right, and now the WSOP Circuit is getting set to do the same. The 19th season promises to be the most spectacular ever as the poker craze reaches new heights. Get ready to see some unbelievable exploits and epic battles!

Planning to Attend?

The 19th of July to the 20th of May will be a time of nonstop activity, fellowship, and great memories in the world of poker. So, what’s the plan? No need to panic just yet, even if we do not know the final timetables. These dates are provided for your convenience so that you may more easily organize your vacation arrangements.

Place Team
July 19 – 30, 2023 Choctaw Durant (Dallas/Oklahoma)
August 3 – 14, 2023 Harrah’s Cherokee (North Carolina)
August 10 – 21, 2023 Graton Casino – Northern California
August 17 – 28, 2023 Hard Rock (Tulsa)
September 7 – 18, 2023 Horseshoe Council Bluffs (Omaha/Iowa)
September 28 – October 9, 2023 Thunder Valley Casino (Northern California)
October 5 – 16, 2023 Horseshoe Hammond (Chicago)
October 12 – 23, 2023 Isle of Capri (Pompano Beach, Florida)
October 25 – November 6, 2023 Choctaw Durant (Dallas/Oklahoma)
November 2 – 13, 2023 Harvey’s Lake Tahoe (Nevada)
November 9 – 20, 2023 Grand Victoria Casino (Chicago, IL)
November 23 – December 4, 2023 Harrah’s Cherokee (North Carolina)
January 3 – 14, 2024 Choctaw Durant (Dallas/Oklahoma)
January 11 – 22, 2024 Thunder Valley Casino (Northern California)
January 18 – 29, 2024 Horseshoe/Tunica (MS)
February 1 – 12, 2024 Isle of Capri (Pompano Beach, Florida)
February 15 – 26, 2024 Harrah’s Cherokee (North Carolina)
February 29 – March 11, 2024 Horseshoe Hammond (Chicago)
March 7 – 18, 2024 Hard Rock (Tulsa)
March 14 – 25, 2024 Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona, NY)
March 21 – April 1, 2024 Horseshoe Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV)
April 4 – 15, 2024 Grand Victoria Casino (Chicago, IL)
April 18 – 29, 2024 Horseshoe Tunica (MS)
May 2 – 13, 2024 Harrah’s Cherokee (North Carolina)
May 9 – 20, 2024 Caesars Southern Indiana (Elizabeth, IN)

 

 

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Every one of our writers and editors on BitcoinPoker.us are either poker aficionados, Bitcoin enthusiasts or just plainly enjoys sharing awesome information for Bitcoin poker bonus deals. We are openly happy to share our passion for hunting bonuses and informing those about to embark on the journey of education, for after even a little reading, any player will be better off for it having the confidence to play poker without worrying about risks to your time, funds or entertainment. We’re always on the brink of the latest deals but if you spot any amazing bonus offers that we’ve missed which should be included, give us a nudge!

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Despite our passion for poker, we deeply respect the rare but unavoidable issue of problem gambling and thus sincerely encourage you (and anyone you know that may show signs of gambling addiction) to moderate your gameplay and educate yourself on gambling addiction and steps to prevent what can be a perfectly healthy form of entertainment, spiralling into an unhealthy habit. There are fantastic institutions and organisations worldwide and accessible online or by phone that will provide excellent free advice and consultations around the clock.

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