Latest News
2022 World Series of Poker In Review: Week Three Highlights and What to Look Forward To

The 53rd annual World Series of Poker wrapped its third week of play at Bally’s, the future Horseshoe Las Vegas, and Paris Las Vegas, delivering nonstop excitement with minted champions, massive game-winning hands and an appearance by world-renowned soccer superstar Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior. With more than thirty gold bracelets awarded and many more showdowns to come, week three of the WSOP raises the stakes—once again setting the gold standard of competitive poker play.
Week 3 Highlights
Brian Hastings wins his sixth gold bracelet in Event #31: $10,000 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship
Brian Hastings claimed victory in a field of 118, becoming one of 17 players with at least six WSOP gold bracelets. This is Hastings’ third cash of the series after money finishes in Event #16: $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em and Event #23: $3,000 Limit Hold’em.
Neymar Jr. competes in his first WSOP events
The international soccer superstar Neymar de Silva Santos Júnior competed in his first WSOP bracelet events, participating in Event #26: $10,000 Limit Hold’em, Event #33: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em, Event #34: Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em and an exclusive, star-studded “Neymar and Friends” tournament alongside Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo and poker pro André Akkari. No stranger to the tournament, Neymar made an appearance in 2015 during Day 5 of the WSOP Main Event to support Brazilian players.
Adam Friedman wins his fifth gold bracelet in Event #22: $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship
Adam Friedman became one of 30 players to have earned at least five WSOP gold bracelets after besting a field of 96 and taking home $248,254 in prize money.
Brett Blackwood takes home a gold bracelet in Michigan-Only Online Event #1: No-Limit Hold’em Big $500
Brett Blackwood becomes the first gold bracelet winner in the inaugural World Series of Poker Michigan Online Bracelet Series, taking home $35,559 in winnings.
What To Look Forward To
Friday, June 17 – Event #37 : MILLIONAIRE MAKER No-Limit Hold’em
Players will compete for a WSOP gold bracelet in one of the WSOP’s prestigious events with a guaranteed first prize of $1,000,000
Thursday, June 23 – Event #47: SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em Championship
Senior players will have a chance at a WSOP gold bracelet in a $1,000 buy-in tournament reserved for those aged 50+
Thursday, June 23 – Event #50: Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em
High rollers will compete for a prestigious WSOP gold bracelet in one of the most exclusive, high stakes, $250,000 buy-in tournament
Upcoming WSOP live streams on PokerGO
Saturday, June 18 – Event #34: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout
Sunday, June 19 – Event #38: $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw Championship
Monday, June 20 – Event #40: $10,000 Stud Hi-Lo Championship
Tuesday, June 21 – Event #42: $100,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller
Wednesday, June 22 – Event #37: $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER
Thursday, June 23 – Event #44: $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship
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Latest News
Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness

On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the 2025 March Madness tournament begins with Selection Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on CBS. March Madness is the coined name for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, a single-elimination tournament of 68 teams that compete in seven rounds for the national championship. The penultimate (second to last) round is known as the Final Four, where only 4 teams remain.
Check out the full schedule below:
- Selection Sunday: 6 p.m. ET Sunday, March 16 on CBS
- First Four: March 18-19
- First round: March 20-21
- Second round: March 22-23
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
- NCAA championship game: April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
With March Madness being one of the most anticipated, watched, and wagered-on events in all of sports, the Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is reminding Arizona residents and visitors to remember to play smart and bet responsibly, remaining within the bounds of the law.
“Every year, March Madness continues to rank among the top sporting events to wager on nationally, as excitement and anxiety builds as fans watch to see if their team will make it to the Final Four,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG Director. “The Department wants to use this opportunity as a chance to remind and encourage Arizona residents, as well as our springtime visitors, to make sure they are enjoying the games responsibly. Protect your bet and ensure your wagers are placed legally and thoughtfully this March.”
Sports Pools – Know What Rules to Follow
In the United States, it is common to see friends, families, and colleagues participate in sports pools for March Madness. These pools are legal as long as the state’s social gambling rules are followed. According to Arizona Law (A.R.S. § 13-3301(9)), social gambling requires:
- That gambling cannot be conducted as business, which means that hosts cannot receive financial benefit, unless they are participating in the game;
- Hosts pay out all pool money to the winner(s);
- Only participants can win; and
- Players compete on equal terms with each other.
A few things to be on the lookout for that indicate illegal gambling:
- Paying a fee to participate, including “suggested” or “voluntary” donations.
- A host who keeps a percentage of the pool for administering the game.
- A required minimum purchase to participate (food or beverage, etc.).
- Unequal odds.
- Underage participants (under 21 years of age).
ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling seriously. To report suspected illegal gambling activity, visit our website at gaming.az.gov/about/contact-us, call (602) 255-3886, or email publicaffairs@azgaming.gov. You can remain anonymous.
Responsible Betting – What to Keep in Mind
With sports betting legal in the state, it has become increasingly important to educate yourself on how you can bet responsibly. Listed below are some helpful tips as part of the American Gaming Association’s (AGA)
Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly. campaign:
- Set a Budget – It is crucial to keep in mind that everyone will have different budgets; never bet beyond your own means. Be cautious and make sure you set a limit – and stick to it – if you plan on wagering. More information on how to responsibly set a budget for wagering can be found on the AGA’s Have A Game Plan website: How Much Should I Wager?
- Know the Odds – There are plenty of key terms everyone should know when making a sports bet. What’s a parlay? Over/under? Moneyline? If you decide to wager, make sure you are briefed on The Basics of Sports Betting.
- Keep it Social – Whenever gambling, be mindful that all forms of gambling are for the purpose of entertainment. This is not a way to make money. By gaming with friends, family, and colleagues, you can keep playing responsibly and have fun.
- Keep Your Cool – No one’s perfect, and in sports, winning and losing are all part of the game. Whether you’re wagering from the sidelines or watching from home, remember to keep your cool. Good sportsmanship isn’t just for the players on the field; it’s for everyone.
- Play Legally – Legal operators provide important player protections that are not found in the illegal market. Whether you are placing a wager on your phone or at a physical sportsbook, make sure you are using a legal operator in the state. Visit the ADG website to view a full list of the state’s approved operators and retail locations: Approved Operators.
You can view more information on how to bet responsibly by visiting haveagameplan.org. In recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (“PGAM”), the Department wants to remind Arizonans that if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, the Division of Problem Gambling (“DPG”) urges you to get help now by calling 1-800-NEXT STEP (1.800.639.8783), DPG’s confidential helpline, texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342, or utilizing a chat feature on the DPG website. DPG’s helpline provides confidentiality and connects callers with a master’s level counselor who can connect them with available resources, including statewide treatment providers who specialize in problem gambling.
The helpline is available 24/7 to everyone facing a problem with gambling – individuals and affected family members, friends, or co-workers. Learn more and access resources at problemgambling.az.gov. Additionally, the ADG published a press release on March 3 recognizing PGAM.
Please view the press release by visiting our website’s Media Room, as well as DPG’s PGAM toolkit for more information.
The post Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
ACR POKER HOSTS DUAL VENOM TOURNAMENTS THIS APRIL WITH $12 MILLION IN TOTAL GUARANTEES

Building on the success of its Mystery Bounty Venom events in February, which awarded more than $10 million in prize pools and attracted players from over 70 countries, ACR Poker is gearing up for another action-packed doubleheader this spring, featuring Dual Venom tournaments with $12 million in total guarantees.
NLH and PLO players can take their shot in two massive Venom events: the $10 million guaranteed NLH and the $2 million guaranteed PLO, both starting on Sunday, April 13th at 1:05pm ET.
“Playing in prestigious events like the Venom is one of the best ways to sharpen your skills and feel the thrill of big poker,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “With both the NLH and PLO Venoms running side by side, $12 million in guarantees on the line and lots of affordable ways to qualify, this is your chance to get in on the action. See you at the tables.”
The $10 million guaranteed NLH Venom spans four days, starting with the first of five Day 1 flights on Sunday, April 13th. Advancing players will battle through Day 2 on Monday, April 28th and Day 3 on Tuesday, April 29th, leading to a thrilling Final Table on Wednesday, April 30th at 4:05pm ET.
Last April, four-time WSOP bracelet winner Dominik ‘Texxassss’ Nitsche from Germany outlasted a massive field of 5,045 entries, walking away with over $1.8 million. Who will claim the NLH Venom title this year?
Omaha fans can also mark their calendars for the 3-day PLO Venom, featuring a $2 million guarantee and five Day 1 options. It kicks off with Day 1A on Sunday, April 13th, followed by Day 2 on Monday, April 28th, and the final table on Tuesday, April 29th.
Players can stay updated and easily add both Venom events to their calendar via ACR Poker’s online tournament schedule.
The direct buy-in of each Venom is $2,650, but players have the chance to qualify for as little as $0 through ACR Poker’s Venom Fever Satellites, which guarantee over 1,000 Venom seats across The Beast, Venom Madness, Direct and Mega satellites.
In addition to the flagship Venom tournaments, players can dive into ACR Poker’s revamped tournament schedule, compete in the Online Super Series with $25 million in guarantees, and take their shot at the $500,000 guaranteed Venom Warmup in April with just a $66 buy-in.
For more information on the Dual Venom tournaments, visit ACRPoker.eu.
The post ACR POKER HOSTS DUAL VENOM TOURNAMENTS THIS APRIL WITH $12 MILLION IN TOTAL GUARANTEES appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Conferences in Europe
2025 Gaming in Holland Conference announces headline speakers

The 2025 Gaming in Holland Conference, which will take place June 5, 2025, at the KIT Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam, is proud to announce its first confirmed speakers.
The Gaming in Holland Conference is THE place to meet the key decision makers in the Netherlands’ regulated gambling market.
First speakers announced
We are very happy to welcome the following key decision makers to our speaker line-up:
- Arjan Blok, CEO, Nederlandse Loterij
- Renske Fikkers, Head of Market Supervision, Netherlands Gambling Authority
- Justin Franssen, Partner, Franssen Tolboom Advocaten
- Dr. Andreas Ditsche, CEO, iGaming.com
- Josh Hodgson, COO, H2 Gambling Capital
About the 2025 GiH Conference: A Change is Gonna Come?
Recently, Teun Struycken, State Secretary for Legal Protection, announced a far-reaching revision of the Dutch Remote Gambling Act.
This month, the Dutch Lower House will hold roundtable discussions on the current state of the regulated gambling market. These roundtable discussions will be followed by an in-depth debate with the state secretary on March 27.
Naturally, this means that there will be plenty to discuss at this year’s Gaming in Holland Conference. Don’t miss it if you want to keep abreast of the latest developments.
As always, all-day networking, our traditional canal boat tour, and networking drinks at Holland Casino are included in the event.
Last but not least, the “Dutch Online Casino of the Year” award ceremony will be part of the post-conference networking drinks. Don’t miss the festivities!
Registration now open
Early bird registration is now open: https://bit.ly/GiHC2025. Don’t miss it!
The post 2025 Gaming in Holland Conference announces headline speakers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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