Cartoons have imparted more than just lessons like avoiding products from the ACME corporation or discovering that a mix of sugar, spice, and chemical X yields levitating, fingerless, PowerPuff daughters. Thanks to School House Rock cartoons, millions of people are familiar with the Preamble to the United States Constitution and the process through which a bill becomes law. Most kids got their first exposure to classical music from Bugs Bunny shorts. Additionally, renowned poker author Jim McManus has utilized cartoons to educate audiences about the history and nuances of poker in under six minutes. His animated educational short called The History of Poker: Bluffing, betting, and busting is featured on the YouTube channel, TED-Ed.
If you’re a seasoned poker player, not only would you be well aware of Mr. McManus, but there’s a chance you might even have his face tattooed somewhere on your body. For those unfamiliar with the name, as mentioned earlier, he is a professional poker player and author. However, when I say “author,” he didn’t just write a book that was a derivative cash grab meant to take advantage of the sport’s popularity. Jim’s most famous books, Cowboys Full: The Story of Poker and Positively Fifth Street, should be considered required reading for anyone interested in the sport itself. These are not strategy books—although readers may glean some excellent strategy tips from them—but rather historical and first-person narratives of the game of poker and playing at the World Series of Poker.
Jim McManus has channeled his knowledge and wit into a YouTube offering that is both highly entertaining and engaging. So, what prompted him to transition of his wisdom from the written word to the animated medium? Well, apparently, there were some fans at TED-Ed who believed his work would be a brilliant addition to their channel.
According to McManus, “Having read ‘Cowboys Full: The Story of Poker’, some folks at TED-Ed invited me to write the script for a brief history of poker, in part because their brief history of chess was so popular and well regarded. (It has 9.9 million views in four years.) The target audience for the poker lesson is kids in grades 5-12, who comprise the next generation of players, or whoever wants to know about the game’s provenance and evolution.”
Evidently, the TED-Ed team understands their audience well. As of the writing of this article, The History of Poker: Bluffing, betting, and busting has garnered over 337K views, which is quite impressive for its first three weeks.
Similar to all of Mr. McManus’s written works, this wasn’t merely a straightforward historical narrative; it also emphasized what is arguably the most crucial aspect of the game of poker: bluffing. He reminded us that the game itself is frequently dubbed the bluffing game.
As a seasoned live poker player, mastering the art of bluffing was imperative for him to navigate the poker ecosystem successfully, avoiding the risk of losing the type of money that would have him living in the alley behind a Waffle House. When questioned about the qualities that define an effective bluffer and whether this is a skill one can cultivate (as opposed to someone merely being a skilled liar and incorporating that into their poker strategy), he had the following insights on the matter.
“Players can definitely learn to bluff more effectively by reading poker books and articles, streaming videos of high-stakes players in action, getting coached online and/or in person, comparing notes with strong players, and by trial-and-error at the table,” McManus states, “But we all know that some players just have more natural talent as bluffers—more confidence, card sense, aggression, inscrutability, pattern recognition, and innate understanding of game theory. Not too many people are aware that John von Neumann, the great Hungarian American physicist and mathematician, invented game theory by expressing what a poker bluff is in mathematical terms, and that poker logic is now central to business, legal, and military strategy. Von Neumann also helped invent the digital computer, on which so much poker is currently studied and played.”
In the video, McManus discusses Game Theory and its relevance to the realm of poker. Game Theory originated from a paper written by a mid-twentieth-century genius proficient in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, and various other fields. His insights on game theory have influenced strategies in diverse areas, from football to nuclear warfare. It’s unsurprising that bluffing played a significant role in his theories.
Poker players seeking to outmaneuver their opponents frequently delve into von Neumann’s insights on game theory to enhance their gameplay. This was a subtle yet crucial detail that McManus skillfully wove into The History of Poker: Bluffing, betting, and busting. Despite its brevity, Jim McManus adeptly incorporated enough substance into the cartoon to provide novice poker players with a sturdy foundation not only regarding the game’s history but also the paramount skill to hone and strategy to explore. It’s surprisingly comprehensive for an animated piece aimed at younger audiences.
*Jim McManus headshot credit: Jayne Furman
2024 looks like being another hugely successful year for gambling in Ontario, Canada. Since private gambling companies were allowed to legally operate in the province, those who love playing card games online have been registering with the new gambling sites.
The Canadian betting industry continues to expand and https://twin.com/ is one popular site where players visit looking to play great casino games.
Such has been the success of the launch that the number of active accounts in Ontario in the latest reported figures has now gone through the 1 million barrier. $17.2 billion worth of wagers were placed and that figure was 21% higher than recorded in the previous quarter.
Although that figure includes the amount being bet on sport, it’s the online casinos section that is boosting the revenue results. Of the $17.2 billion wagered in the final quarter of 2023, $13.7 billion was spent in casinos. Online poker is also popular accounting for $431 million in wagers. That produced $17 million in revenue for gambling companies in Ontario.
When gamblers head to an online casino, there is plenty for them to try their luck on. Slots still remain hugely popular but it’s card games that many players head towards when playing at a safe and secure online casino.
You may well enjoy playing card games at land-based casinos. When you go online to play, a lot more variety is found. While you may love playing the traditional games such as poker, baccarat and blackjack, it’s likely that you may yearn to try something a little bit different.
That is just what you will find when playing at an online casino. There will always be the classic games that you know and love. It just wouldn’t be a casino without them would it? However, variety really is the spice of life and being able to play variations of popular games can give you a great time.
Of course the worst thing a software designer could do is to produce something vastly different from the traditional game. The main elements of a game such as baccarat have to be retained. The job then is to give your new release a slight twist that will make baccarat fans eager to try the game out.
In recent years, the online live casino has seen considerable growth. A top online casino simply has to include a live section. A visit to an online live casino is as close as you can get to visiting a land-based one.
It has live dealers that you can interact with as well as other players. The games are set in an environment that looks just like the casinos you may be used to visiting. All the top card games are available with tables for those who gamble for fun and others who bet larger amounts of cash. It’s just another part of the impressive experience that can be had playing online.
No sensible guy goes to the poker table to meet girls, let alone his future wife. Especially when you are on vacation just looking to drink beer and stack fish! But this is exactly what happened almost six years ago when on a random mid-week summer night I first set eyes on my now wife, Amanda. She was leggy, bubbly, and as poker-crazy as I am.
Since then we have been around the world together, grinding live and online with both of us playing a lot of poker as a couple – pretty rare in this industry. There are some benefits to that — and some drawbacks — but at the end of the day, it’s really wonderful having a partner who also plays poker. Here is a list of the top 11 benefits that Amanda and I have experienced as poker playing partners.
1. Someone always on-call to discuss hands with
This is a double edged sword! Talking hands is a great tool to improve your game but can also lead to disagreements – especially when you know you’re right and she’s wrong. Amanda might say otherwise though. 🙂
2. Motivation to play more
Poker players can tend to be lazy. Often you’d be better off using your time to put yourself in a spot to win money at the tables but it can be easier to stay home or find something else to do. With a partner that is eager to get out there and play, you find yourself getting up and going, too. Getting more hours in, as long as you are a winning player of course, is a net positive result.
3. It’s good to have a partner understanding of the lifestyle
Poker is a game of highs and lows and it helps a lot to be in a relationship with somebody that’s riding that same rollercoaster. If you are out spending all night at the casino, it really helps to have an understanding partner at home.
4. You find yourself playing other poker variants
I was never a tournament player and had only focused on cash games. Sitting all day to usually bust out in frustration seems like a bad proposition to me. If you have a partner like I do that loves tournaments though, you find yourself firing at them and this helps keep hold ‘em feeling fresh. I even found myself trying some non-Hold’em variants when Amanda was doing a book signing at Mixed Game Festival VI.
5. Staying current with poker world events
It’s informative to have a partner tuned in the poker industry to keep you up to speed with what is happening on and off the felt. I’d rather be battling at the table but my wife, like most women in poker, likes to follow the latest poker gossip.
6. Poker traveling partner
Traveling to a new city or tournament series together as a couple when you both actually play can be a lot more fun. Poker is a solitary game for many that find themselves traveling alone. Having someone to spend the time with both while playing as well as away from the felt makes the entire travel experience that much more full and memorable.
7. Social networking
Having a partner who plays poker can expand your poker social network making you both new friends and maybe even getting you into new games that would otherwise have been outside your radar.
8. Healthy competition
Having a partner who shares your passion for poker gives you a common interest and hobby. Try firing poker tournaments together and having “last longer bets.” The terms of those bets are up to you.
Kristen and Alex Foxen, the most well-known and successful poker playing couple
9. Strengthening your poker game
If you play a lot of poker together and talk strategy then you are certainly motivated to help each other play the best poker you possibly can. Plus, if you choose to invest in your poker study by enrolling with one of the best poker training sites, you both benefit from only having to pay for one membership per site. 🙂
10. Recognizing tilt
You have a vested interest to recognise if your other half is tilted or maybe in a bad game and to share that info with them. After all, you are the best person to read their emotional state. Just imagine how much money you could avoid tilting off if you had a partner acting as your “early warning system.”
11. Someone to root for
Whether it’s making a deep run in a tournament or watching a big all-in moment as the board runs out, having a partner who plays poker doubles the excitement of the game.
Poker can play many different roles in a person’s life. It might simply come in the form of a regular social home game amongst friends on a Saturday night. A player might be a studious ‘‘weekend warrior’ chasing big money at his/her local casino. You might even be a professional player or someone working full-time in the many related facets of the poker industry. Whatever way it intersects with your life, there’s one thing I’m sure of: Having a partner who also plays and is heavily immersed in the poker world can only be of benefit. Poker, like most pursuits in life, is best when you are on a team.
Online casinos have been around since the 1990s. With each new year, developers worked on implementing more online games into their casinos. As a result, players can now enjoy online slots, table games, and a wide variety of live dealer games.
Poker has been adapted to the online casino setting as well. Players can play online poker against real players or try their luck at video poker, where users compete against the machine. In the following guide, we will delve deeper into video poker. We will talk about its main features and give you some winning tips. Read on for more!
Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker game. It is an excellent choice for beginners, but it is also ideal for high rollers. Poker is quite relatively simple but requires some strategy and a good understanding of the rules of the game.
Modern poker probably originates from the card game of dominoes, which was played by a 10th Century Chinese emperor. The game migrated to Europe, becoming Poque in France in the 17th century. From there, French colonists brought it to the United States, where it was developed into the game we know today.
Since then, we have seen the popularity of poker grow throughout the world. Poker can be played for fun, for money, or even in tournaments with big prizes. Poker migrated to the Internet in the 1990s, where it diversified into various forms. Live poker is played online with a dealer. Players can communicate via a webcam or chat. Video poker is played directly online – just you and the computer algorithm.
The difference between video poker and other types of poker is that you do not play against real players but against the casino on special slot machines. Video poker rules are based on a five-card draw, where players are dealt five cards and can change cards at least once.
When playing video poker, you select your bet size and click or select “deal.” You are then given five cards displayed on the screen and can replace one or more to improve your poker hand.
To win in video poker, your five-card combination must meet the machine’s minimum hand requirements, which are shown in the pay table Most often when playing Jacks or Better, the winning zone starts with two jacks (or higher). The stronger your hand, the greater the winning amount. You will get the maximum winnings by collecting a “royal flush” (the highest five-card hand in poker).
There are several different types of video poker available in online casinos. Below, we will go over the most popular variations.
This is considered to be the simplest video poker variation. For this reason, it is often chosen by new players. If you receive a pair of Jack or Better at the end of the draw, you will double your bet. Players also have the option to double their winnings in a bonus game.
In this version of video poker, all deuces are jokers and can be used in place of any other cards (that have not yet been dealt). Thanks to this, it becomes much easier to collect a high five-card combination (for example, four of a kind appears on average once every 15 hands), but the winnings are naturally reduced compared to Jacks or Better.
Typically, slot machines with progressive jackpots are linked to each other. The jackpot amount accumulates with each hand of each player at all machines. In this way, huge jackpots are formed, which attract many players in the hope of getting the desired winnings.
First of all, you should focus, on the theoretical return to player (RTP) that is set on the machine. But do not forget that you will need to choose an optimal strategy. This can be tricky as different video poker games can have different payouts.
Pay attention to the bet sizes. You will most likely need to play with a smaller amount at first, so make sure you can afford the minimum allowed value. Special computer programs can help determine the possible theoretical return of a particular video poker game. They also provide an opportunity to develop an optimal strategy and practice playing skills.
Video poker is a great alternative to the classical online poker. Since it does not require other players, video poker runs at a quicker pace. This ensures dynamic gameplay with exciting winning opportunities. Players who are already familiar with online poker can appreciate this change of speed and potentially higher payouts. Make sure to practice in the risk-free demo mode before jumping into action with real money.
Transforming a regular poker night into a remarkable experience is a blend of ambiance, quality, and personal touches. Whether you’re an avid poker enthusiast or just enjoy hosting friends for a casual $20 poker night, there are several ways to elevate your home poker game from ordinary to extraordinary. Here, we’ll explore five proven strategies to enhance your poker nights, making them not just a game, but a standout event that everyone looks forward to on the regular.
The environment plays a critical role in setting the mood for your poker game. Start by creating a casino-like poker room atmosphere: dim the lights for a sophisticated feel, play some low-key background music to set the mood, and ensure comfortable seating arrangements for your guests. If possible, a professional poker table adds authenticity, but a spacious, well-lit table with a poker table topper can also suffice. Consider adding poker-themed decor to immerse your players fully in the experience. It’s about making your guests feel like they’ve stepped into an exclusive venue, right in your home.
The heart of any poker game is the chips, and Custom Made Casino is known to excel in this arena. They offer a wide selection of high-quality, casino-grade clay and ceramic poker chips, perfect for those seeking a professional gaming feel. What sets CMC apart is their ability to print stunning, full-color designs on the chips, turning each one into a miniature piece of art. Personalizing your custom poker chips can transform the gaming experience, adding a layer of professionalism and style unique to your game. These chips don’t just serve a functional purpose; they enhance the overall aesthetic and feel of the game, making every shuffle, bet, and win more thrilling.
Diversity in poker games is key to keeping the night lively and interesting. While Texas Hold’em is a staple, incorporating other poker variants like Omaha, 7-Card Stud, or Razz can add a new dimension to your game nights. Each mixed game poker variation offers its unique set of challenges and strategies, appealing to players of different skill levels and keeping the game engaging for everyone. This variety not only keeps the gameplay fresh but also helps in honing a more comprehensive poker skill set among your group.
The right accessories can significantly enhance the poker experience. Quality playing cards that are easy to shuffle and deal, an efficient card shuffler, and a visible dealer button are essentials. If you host tournament-style games, a timer is crucial to keep the game on schedule. Additional poker accessories like cut cards, cup holders, and chip racks are always appreciate, too. These accessories contribute to a smooth, professional game flow, making your poker night feel more like an event than just another card game.
To truly set your game apart, consider making the night not just great for poker but also great in the culinary department. Often, a group of buddies will just order a pizza, but you could easily take this to the next level. Laying out a table of snacks and drinks is always a crowd pleaser, and fruit, vegetable, and deli platters certainly make a poker night that much more memorable. As the host, you can either treat the players or ask for nominal contributions towards food and drink so that the burden isn’t exclusively on you. Remember, you’re investing in a great experience!
Elevating your home poker game is an art that involves thoughtful consideration of every detail. From the ambiance of your playing space to the food and drink to the tactile experience of a full custom poker chip set, each element plays a significant role in creating an immersive and unforgettable poker night. By implementing these five steps, you ensure that your poker nights are not just games, but eagerly anticipated events, filled with excitement, style, and unforgettable moments.
As part of our ongoing collaboration with Run It Once Training, we are pleased to share with you this comprehensive recap of their activities, new offerings, and latest promotions for Winter 2024. As always, there’s been plenty going on over at Run It Once Training headquarters, most notably a complete overhaul of their Elite program. We hope you enjoy the latest update, and welcome your feedback on their latest developments.
Run It Once just launched an all-new Elite program that’s been much buzzed-about in the poker community. Elite is the backbone of Run It Once Training and has always been designed to be the best possible product for players who are committed to improving their game.
For over 10 years now, the company has released two new Elite videos every single day(!), yielding an extensive library of over 8,000 videos, and counting. Whether you like No Limit Hold’em cash games, MTTs, Pot Limit Omaha, or mixed games, there’s guaranteed to be top notch training content for you at Run It Once Training.
This year, the company is taking the platform far beyond just new videos. They’ve signed three of the top 5 all-time money-winning tournament players as new coaches and added a ton of new functionality as well. Read on to learn more about all of that in detail.
Be sure to use our exclusive discount code CPL10 to get 10% off Run It One Training Elite and Essential plans.
In order to ensure that Run It Once Training content stays top notch, they’ve signed a handful of new, world class coaches to the site for 2024. For the Elite program they added Dan Smith, Justin Bonomo, Jeremy Ausmus and Ryan Leng and also brought back Jason Koon.
In addition, they also boosted their roster by adding tournament crusher and poker personality Kevin Martin as the newest coach to the Essential program, which is only $25/month.
Altogether, Run It Once Training’s roster of coaches have over 40 WSOP bracelets, almost 40 WPT/EPT Titles and almost $500 million in lifetime live tournament earnings. In particular, the company’s new Elite coaches alone boast dozens of titles at Triton Series and prestigious PokerGO Tour (PGT) events like the Super High Roller Bowl and others.
Run It Once Training’s new Elite program features added captions in eight languages to all new videos: English, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese. This is the first major step to make the Run It Once platform as accessible as possible to poker players around the world.
In the past, studying poker has felt like a one-player game. It’s time to change that. The most effective study is built on collaboration and feedback from like-minded people with similar goals. Run It Once Elite members now can join private study groups dedicated to NLHE, MTTs, PLO, and Mixed games.
These groups not only create a space to review hands with other players, but also have input from Run It Once Training staff and pros. The Run It Once discord channel is also very active, hosting monthly live Q&As with coaches, running private monthly seminars, and more to ensure that Elite members can unlock the full power of the Run It Once community.
While an extensive library of videos is a powerful asset, it’s only useful if the videos are accessible. To help give players direction in their study, Run It Once added tag filtered video search by a variety of topics so you can always find the video you’re looking for. They’re also adding new ways for Elite members to share their poker goals to help better curate relevant videos.
And finally, the company has revamped the Run It Once mobile app so members can study on the go even without internet access. This is particularly useful for long plane rides.
Reminder: Save 10% on Run It One Training Elite and Essential plans when you use our exclusive discount code: CPL10.
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That’s all for now. This column will be back once again later this year, where we’ll continue updating you with the latest news, updates, and product releases that Run It Once Training has to offer.
PokerStars Director of Online Poker Experience Chris Straghalis opens up in this exclusive interview about the just-announced new PokerStars Rewards Program. Over the course of our 30-minute discussion, we spoke about how long this program overhaul has been in the works, the player feedback the company received that led to the overhaul, the goals of the new Rewards Program, and much more.
Beyond that, the fact that this candid conversation happened on the record for public consumption via a poker media outlet indicates a marked, very welcome and much appreciated shift in PokerStars policy, demonstrating a heretofore unparalleled level of authenticity and transparency behind the actions taken and roll-out of the new Rewards Program.
I hope you enjoy tuning in to the conversation I had with Chris, a recap and highlights of which are included below the video embed.
Chris has been with PokerStars for 20 years and is currently the Director of Online Poker Experience. The company has has been in the news lately as they announced a major revamp to their Rewards Program.
(1:05) Chris shares some statistical information regarding the old PokerStars Reward program and what sort of data and player feedback led to the company deciding to make changes in the first place.
(3:45) Why this interview is so radically different than other conversations I’ve had with PokerStars representatives in the past: no questions were submitted in advance, nobody from PokerStars knew what I was going to ask, and the conversation is being made public completely unedited.
(5:20) The evolution of PokerStars during Chris’ 20-year tenure at the company to now being part of Flutter Entertainment. Now, “the shackles are off and I can speak freely; I love being able to do that and be open.”
Chris Straghalis playing at UKIPT Brighton | Image credit: Danny Maxwell for PokerNews
(7:45) Typically anytime a change like this is announced, it’s almost always an indicator that an operator is making it more difficult for players to earn the rewards, keeping more of the pie for itself. This shift to the new PokerStars Rewards program is different. Chris discusses what the catalysts were that sparked the change in the first place.
(10:00) Chris explains that while the comparisons he’s hearing of this new PokerStars Rewards program to “the old Supernova/Supernova Elite” program are understandable, they’re actually incorrect. He explains how and this new program differs. Plus he shares that these changes were first conceived of six months ago and have been being worked on for the last half year until their currently impending implementation.
(12:30) Chris explains why every reward in the new program is now cash (e.g., no more tournament dollars, etc.), and how the PokerStars team evaluated all of the pertinent factors when constructing the new rewards scheme.
(14:10) There has been a noticeable shift away from internal terms and language PokerStars had been using, including “loyalty”, “bonusing product”, and “customer retention management (CRM)”. Now there’s an “Associate Director of Generosity”. Chris speaks to what’s happened internally that has led to the lexicon shift.
(17:25) It’s been reported that the company’s ambition with making changes to the PokerStars Rewards Program was “to significantly increase spend and frequency of promotions to recreational players.” Chris explains the reasoning as to why this is the case. Moreover, he explains the shift to rewarding recreational players “through their frequency rather than their volume”.
(22:00) There had been a cap of 25% rakeback up until now, and that’s now being expanded to 40%. In addition, players who rake the most money will be eligible to receive even more (up to 60% rakeback ) if they qualify for “Select” levels. Obviously this is very likely to affect many players’ bottom line. We’re talking the possibility of getting in the neighborhood of $60K a year for the top rakers.
(25:00) While most players will happily be seeing these changes to the rewards program soon, unfortunately not all player markets will be shifting to this new model. For example France, Portugal, Germany, USA, etc. Chris explains why this is the case, as it primarily has to do with regulations and licensing, as well as differences in player liquidity in different markets around the world.
(27:00) Chris discusses the key performance indicators and types of metrics that the company will be using in order to evaluate the success of the new PokerStars Rewards Program. In particular, player sentiment — in the form of “NPS” (net promoter score) — plays a primary role. “It’s not just the numbers; it’s how the players feel about us.”
(31:20) Chris invites player feedback via the PokerStars Discord Channel: psta.rs/Discord.
Thanks again to Chris Straghalis for joining me for the interview, and thank you all for checking it out here on Cardplayer Lifestyle.
Poker’s journey from smoky backrooms to the digital realm marks a significant shift in gaming culture. This evolution has embraced technology, particularly live streaming, transforming how enthusiasts engage with the game. Live streaming brings poker into the limelight, allowing players and spectators to connect in real time, creating a dynamic, interactive gaming environment. This tech leap not only enriches the experience but also democratizes access, making high-stakes games a spectacle for all. As we delve into the nuances of these technologies and their impact on poker, we invite you to join us on a journey exploring the thrilling world of live-streamed poker, a blend of tradition and cutting-edge innovation. Continue reading to uncover how these advancements are reshaping the landscape of interactive gaming.
Image credit: PokerGO/PGT
Poker live streaming has seen a transformative rise, reshaping the landscape. This evolution traces back to the early days of online gaming when poker began engaging audiences through real-time digital platforms. Now, live streaming technologies have elevated this experience, allowing players to share their insights and maneuvers as the game unfolds, fostering a global community connected by a shared passion for poker.
The inception of live streaming in gaming, primarily through platforms like Twitch, marked a new era. Poker adopted this trend, starting with basic setups and gradually advancing to more sophisticated broadcasts, laying the groundwork for today’s high-tech streams.
Modern poker live streaming is a high-tech affair, featuring crisp video quality, interactive chat rooms, and advanced functionalities like RFID tables for real-time gameplay insights. In this thriving online landscape, finding a reliable platform for gaming experiences is vital. For Canadian enthusiasts seeking fast withdrawals at a casino, the casino comparison site Wagering Advisors stands out. Committed to providing unbiased reviews and comprehensive evaluations of online casinos in Canada, they ensure a secure and enjoyable gaming experience. With it, you can explore the top Canadian online casinos and enhance your poker live-streaming experience.
The technologies behind live streaming are integral to its success and popularity. These technologies fall into two main categories: software and hardware, each playing a crucial role in delivering a seamless and engaging experience to viewers.
Software innovations are the backbone of live poker streaming. They not only enable the streaming itself but also enhance the user experience through interactive features. Streaming software provides robust platforms where multiple video sources can be integrated, allowing for a dynamic viewing experience. This software often includes features for real-time analytics, chat functionalities, and user interface customization, making the experience more engaging for viewers. Additionally, software advancements have made it possible to incorporate interactive elements such as live polls, viewer voting, and even real-time betting options within the stream, further immersing the audience in the gaming experience.
High-quality hardware is a cornerstone for professional live poker streaming. Here’s a brief overview, along with a list of the key components:
Together, these elements ensure a seamless and high-quality live-streaming experience.
Interactive features in live poker streams significantly enhance the viewer experience, making the game more engaging and dynamic.
Interactive features in live poker streams include:
| Feature | Description |
| Chat Rooms | Enables real-time discussions among viewers, creating a community feel. |
| Polls | Allows viewers to vote on various aspects of the game, adding a participatory element. |
| Betting Options | Offers interactive betting experiences, heightening the excitement for viewers. |
These tools not only make the experience more engaging for viewers but also create a sense of community and involvement.
Real-time analytics and AI play a pivotal role in enhancing both player and viewer understanding of the game dynamics. These technologies provide instant data analysis, offering insights into player strategies and game probabilities. This feature educates new players and viewers and adds a layer of depth for seasoned enthusiasts. AI assistance can suggest possible moves or strategies, making the game more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience. This combination of analytics and AI assistance elevates the live-streaming experience by offering a more informed and interactive view of the game.
Live poker streaming has profoundly impacted the community and industry, enhancing both community building and business opportunities.
Live streaming has revolutionized the way poker fans interact, fostering a vibrant online community. This digital shift has enabled players and viewers to connect across the globe, share experiences, and learn from each other. These interactive streams create a shared space for poker enthusiasts, enhancing the social aspect of the game and cultivating a sense of belonging among viewers.
Live streaming has opened new marketing and revenue generation avenues for the industry. It has attracted a wider audience, expanding the market for online poker. Businesses have capitalized on this by incorporating sponsorship and advertising in streams and by offering fast withdrawals at a casino, enhancing the overall user experience. For Canadian players looking for such convenience, the fast withdrawal casino options reviewed by experts provide a great choice. They offer a selection of the best fast withdrawal casino sites, ensuring quick payouts with minimal hassle, thereby making the online poker experience more appealing and accessible.
Live streaming technologies have revolutionized poker, bridging the gap between digital and traditional gameplay. They’ve fostered a global community, enhanced player engagement, and opened new business prospects. Looking ahead, these technologies promise to further innovate poker’s interactive experience, potentially incorporating more advanced analytics and immersive features, shaping the future of its digital landscape.
iBetMedia has just announced the acquisition of Pokerati.com. Many of us “old school” poker fans who got into the game during the Moneymaker Boom years will fondly remember that Pokerati brought all the poker action right to us from the heart of Las Vegas. iBetMedia, a company that already owns mypokercoaching.com and uscasinopro.com among other brands, plans to fully re-launch the site by the end of Q1 2024.
“We are very happy to acquire Pokerati.com, which has a very exciting story and a significant legacy in the poker industry. Since this site was active over a decade ago, new players might not know that they actually helped shape online poker regulation back in the day and even had live games running in Las Vegas” said iBetMedia’s CEO, Tadas Peckaitis.
Peckaitis continued, “Our goal is to make sure that legacy is not forgotten, and we will re-launch the site with the aim of becoming a live poker payers hub where you can find what is happening in the live poker scene, whether it is popular streams, main tours, or small events. We will do our best to shape the content for regular players and try to bring back even more fun in the game.”
Interestingly enough, I have a personal connection to both the original and new owners of Pokerati. Some longtime readers might remember that about 5.5 years ago, I interviewed Pokerati founder Dan Michalski. Much of Dan’s work inspired and influenced me and my original desire to get into the poker media niche. Running Pokerati in its original heyday, Dan brought on many correspondents who then went on to have stellar careers in poker media and beyond, including Jennifer Newell, Kevin Mathers, and even “poker vlogfather” Andrew Neeme, among others.
When I asked if he’d like to share any sentiments about the sale, Dan, now a writer and editor for casinos.com, had this to say, “One of the things I am most proud of is our roster of alumni. I was always on the lookout for untapped talent and tried to provide them a place that brought out their best. It really was so much fun in that era of poker. I’m excited to see what new heights Tadas and his team can take it to, and glad to know Pokerati will live on!”
And if you recognize the name Tadas Peckaitis, perhaps it’s from the dozens of articles he has contributed to Cardplayer Lifestyle over the years. Tadas and I have actually known each other for about eight years now. He’s an incredibly hardworking guy who has slowly but surely built iBetMedia into vigorous agency. I always have a soft spot for people who love poker and fully throw themselves into the poker world, whether as players or on the industry side of things.
The legacy of Pokerati is surely in good and capable hands, and I’m sure that after the redesign is complete it’ll once again rise to become a great poker media site that brings the excitement of the poker world to fans around the world.
For well over a decade, the poker world has become quite familiar with the high quality of 888poker LIVE events. Now the company has made an exciting announcement that they’re jumping into something new, starting the UK Poker League (UKPL) an all-new venture that will feature stops in half a dozen Grosvenor Casinos across the UK.
Stops will take place throughout 2024 in Coventry, Edinburgh, Luton, Manchester, Leeds, and London, respectively. The seventh and final stop (Grand Finale) will take place in October in Coventry once more.
Each UKPL stop will feature over half a dozen tournaments, with the Main Event buy-ins being £560 affairs. The company has further announced that $20,000 in prizes will be distributed to the UKPL’s top finishers as per final leaderboard rankings
To learn more about the new league, Cardplayer Lifestyle spoke with 888poker’s Poker Offerings and Live Events Group Manager Matan Krakow, the company’s Live Events Manager Joaquin Vidales, as well as Luke Hobbs, Poker Marketing Manager for Grosvenor Casinos. In our discussions, we talked about the partnership between the two organizations and the type of excitement that players can expect to have at UKPL stops over the coming year.
888poker LIVE have been staging their live poker events since 2012, and you’ve got a handful of great stops planned in 2024, namely Madrid, Bucharest, Barcelona, London, and Coventry. What was the catalyst for this decision to add another series of live events in the UK and begin an all-new poker league?
Matan: For 888poker, the UK represents one of our most strategic markets. Poker is very much part of the fabric of UK culture; it’s what we call a “mature market”. The live poker scene is successful there. Thus, it’s important to us that poker players there see good brand visibility from us.
This is our first time running a poker league in the UK. We’ve had a similar circuit in Spain (CNP) and have had some excellent experiences with it, so we are excited to now have the opportunity to do something similar in the UK.
How did you end up deciding to partner with Grosvenor Casinos?
Matan: We’ve been working with Grosvenor for the past few years. It’s been an extraordinary partnership, as they’re a major actor in the UK’s live poker scene. We’ve done live events together with them in the past, both in London and Coventry, and they were very successful. As our partnership has grown, we’ve had many good creative brainstorming sessions together, and it was natural to want to expand our partnership further.
When we were presented with the opportunity to do a true circuit of events (calendar) in the UK, we knew right away that it was something we wanted to do. Live tournament poker is booming now in 2024, so the UKPL represents an additional opportunity for us both to show the poker world our best face.
We know that UK players love patronizing Grosvenor Casinos and they have a sterling reputation; that’s the kind of partner we want to work with.
How about from the Grosvenor Casinos side? In what ways do you see 888poker as a fitting poker operator with which to partner for the UKPL?
Luke: We recognize the strong following that 888poker LIVE have achieved with both their online and Live Poker Events. As the largest Casino operator in the UK, we wanted to give this following an opportunity to play at some of our most iconic UK poker venues.
Thus, last year we initially ran a couple one-off poker events in London and Coventry, and after seeing the interest from players, we decided to create the UKPL with 888poker Live to give them greater opportunities to play these events.
Grosvenor Casinos have 53 locations across the UK. What factors went into selecting the six locations where the UKPL will be held throughout 2024? In other words, what stood out to 888poker management about Coventry, Edinburgh, Luton, Manchester, Leeds and London?
Matan: We wanted to reach as many locations throughout the UK as possible in different parts of the country. Plus, we had our eye on the bigger casino venues. So, it was both a geographical consideration as well as a matter of choosing the casinos that are most suitable for hosting such events.
Luke: The venues selected are best suited to live poker events of this nature, they feature big poker rooms that can accommodate a large number of players whilst also being relatively spread out across the UK, meaning that every player should be able to access at least one UKPL event during 2024.
In terms of the tournaments themselves, buy-ins range from £90-£125 satellites to the £560 Main Event, with a £1100 High Roller at each UKPL stop. How did you decide on those price points?
Matan: We wanted to have a price point for every type of poker player. The UKPL is intended to cater to both recreational players and grinders. Regarding the tournaments themselves, we wanted to give live players a sense of 888poker’s online offerings. So, that’s why we used the names “Big Shot” and “Voyage” for the UKPL tournaments, as those are some of the big tournaments we have on 888poker.
In addition, each UKPL stop will feature a final event on 888poker.com called the “Online Closer”. The event will carry a $109 buy-in and $20K guarantee, and players who cash in this online event will also accumulate points towards the NPL and UKPL Leaderboards.
Joaquin: Notably, our event structures are different than the Grosvenor tournament structures. It’s important to us that players feel the difference in playing at an 888poker-branded event. We’ll be paying 15% of the field, so here’s a practical example: In the UKPL Main Events, any player from any of the four Day 1 flights who reaches Day 2 is already guaranteed to be in the money.
Matan: The feedback we’ve gotten from our players indicates a certain level of prestige to have not just bagged up chips but to also have made the money. They’re more likely to share news of that nature on their social media channels. In short, to the players it’s a bigger deal, so we wanted to give them the chance to have that thrill and experience.
Those preferring not to shell out £560 from their pocket can instead attempt to win their way to a UKPL Main Event seat on the cheap, via the aforementioned live satellites during each UKPL stop. Online satellites are also available. Can you please elaborate on how someone could win themselves a UKPL Main Event seat via 888poker online?
Joaquin: Any player from any country can win a seat in the UKPL. If you make your way to the UK from abroad, your seat will be waiting for you. So, players from Spain, for example, can try freerolls or 1 cent buy-in events, and spin that up to a $8.80 satellite. Winners of those will get tickets to the final online qualifier step, which is a $55 qualifier event guaranteeing at least one seat in a UKPL Main Event. Satellites run three times a week.
Matan: The satellites run in a “passport format”, meaning that you win a ticket worth £560 and the player gets to choose which UKPL stop they want to play at.
What exactly is “Grand Finale” about the 7th and final 2024 UKPL tour stop in Coventry? Are there specific things happening there in October but not at the other six stops during the year?
Joaquin: The Coventry stop in October will be both a UKPL stop combined with an 888poker LIVE stop all rolled into one. This gives players the opportunity to play in many more additional tournaments. This will be the biggest live event that we run in 2024.
Last year we ran an event in Coventry, and it was absolutely massive. It was our biggest live event stop of the year, and we had almost 4,000 attendees!
It might not have as much name recognition as London or Manchester, but Coventry is a very popular POKER destination. In particular, it’s a great venue for tournaments. Plus, geographically speaking, it’s right in the center of the UK, so it’s easy to get there from basically anywhere.
Matan: Location-wise, the Grosvenor Casino is physically located inside the Coventry Arena, home to the city’s main football team. This naturally lends itself to attracting “passersby foot traffic”, as sometimes people will wander into the casino after a match, see that poker is happening, and take a shot in a tournament or cash game.
Beyond being a fun and exciting poker league for recreational players across the UK to partake in and win money, there are also several prizes on offer for some of the league’s top finishers across the 7-event series. Can you please share some additional details in that regard?
Joaquin: There will be a UKPL Leaderboard, where players get points for every tournament they cash in. The leaderboard will be awarding a total of $20,000 to top finishers.
Top prize will be a package valued at $10K to play in five 888poker LIVE events throughout 2025. The player who finishes in second place on the leaderboard will win a free UKPL Main Event seat in every event throughout 2025. Additional prizes include live event seats as well as seats in 888poker.com online events.
Matan: Notably, points accrued in UKPL events will also count towards Grosvenor’s national poker league (NPL).
Grosvenor Casinos are of course well known throughout the UK, with a history dating back over 5 decades. For those who have yet to experience poker at a Grosvenor venue, what can they expect in general, and at each of the half dozen UKPL locations?
Luke: Across all our casinos we seek to deliver great experiences for every customer that walks through our doors. When it comes to poker, we pride ourselves in providing best-in-class tournaments and cash games for every type of player.
Players can enjoy a comfortable environment and compete for significant prizes whilst taking advantage of a variety of food and beverage options which are all served by our dedicated team of valets.
Besides a solid poker strategy, with what other knowledge and tips should players come equipped to play at a UKPL event?
Luke: All UKPL venues except Edinburgh are open 24/7 with free parking for Grosvenor Casino Customers. In order to enter a Grosvenor Casino, you must be at least 18 years old and sign up with a valid form of identification, such as a passport.
Joaquin: All of the UKPL Main Events will be live streamed from Day 1, on the Grosvenor channel. The final tables will be live streamed on the 888poker channel.
Aside from the tournaments at each UKPL stop, cash games also run. Can you share some details of the side action available in the poker room? What stakes? Anything besides NL Hold’em spread? Any cash game promotions?
Matan: 888poker decides on everything tournament-related, while Grosvenor manages everything on the cash game side. In addition to Texas Hold’em, 4, 5, and 6-card PLO are very popular throughout the UK.
Luke: Essentially, all player demands are willing to be met, so no matter what you’re looking for in terms of stakes and format, if the demand is there, we can get the game open.
In terms of cash game promotions, our biggest is the National Bad Beat Jackpot. This is an always-on nationwide promotion which has paid-out £2.9 million in prizes since re-opening after the pandemic. Simply lose a hand with the qualifying combination to claim the often-sizable Jackpot. What’s more, if you’re playing cash in any Grosvenor Casino at the time the Jackpot goes, you will also claim a part of National Bad Beat Jackpot amount.
Note: For more information on what’s happening in all Grosvenor poker rooms across the UK, then head to the Grosvenor Poker Live App.
We hope you’ve all enjoyed learning more about the all-new UKPL. Thanks so much once again to Matan Krakow, Joaquin Vidales, and Luke Hobbs for taking the time to speak with us.
On a personal note, I’m excited to get a firsthand look and experience the UKPL myself, as Cardplayer Lifestyle will be covering the Edinburgh stop next month.
Looking forward to seeing you there from February 13-18!
In the fast-paced world of online poker, where technology meets entertainment, the significance of robust cyber security measures cannot be overstated. Recently, a series of events unfolded that, for some, became a regrettable “I told you so” moment. This article delves into the repercussions of neglecting cyber security warnings, particularly in the context of online poker on the GGNetwork platform. As we explore the unfolding narrative, it’s crucial to acknowledge that, at the end of the day, players must place their trust in the platform provider, understanding that achieving 100% assurance in the digital realm remains an elusive goal.
Approximately two years ago, my journey into the world of online poker on the GGNetwork platform sparked a series of apprehensions regarding its security protocols. As an avid player and someone deeply entrenched in the realm of cyber security, my initial trust in the platform led me to a comprehensive investigation into the GGNetwork game protocol. After investing roughly 30 hours in meticulous technical analysis, my findings, later validated by cyber security expert Hank Nussbacher, revealed potential vulnerabilities that could compromise player data and the integrity of the games.
The crux of my continued unease one year later stems from the realization that, as a solitary individual, I unearthed these issues within a limited timeframe. It raises the unsettling question: if one person can uncover such vulnerabilities in 30 hours, what more could a focused team of cyber security experts achieve? This concern extends beyond my specific findings, suggesting that individuals with a more concentrated focus could potentially identify additional attack vectors, enabling them to secure unfair winnings through manipulation.
In a recent disconcerting turn of events within the GGNetwork platform, a player identified as “MoneyTaker69” exploited the system through packet manipulation and a reversed client. This player’s actions have brought to light significant vulnerabilities within the platform’s security infrastructure.
By manipulating network packets and effectively reversing the client, “MoneyTaker69” not only breached the integrity of the gaming environment but also raised pertinent questions about the robustness of the GGNetwork platform’s security measures. The incident underscores the critical need for immediate action to address these vulnerabilities and restore confidence in the fairness and security of online gameplay.
In an acknowledgment that has sent ripples through the online poker community, the GGNetwork platform has confirmed the presence of the security breach involving the player “MoneyTaker69.” Interestingly. The acknowledgment provided by GGPoker regarding the incident involving ‘Moneytaker69’ is marred by a concerning issue—it begins with a false statement. GGPoker’s claim that they “recently spotted unusual game patterns and abnormal game client packets” contradicts the actual sequence of events.
The truth is that the platform became aware of the situation only after the poker community, specifically the users on the 2+2 forum, highlighted the irregularities. This misalignment in the acknowledgment raises questions about transparency and communication from online poker platforms, as the initial false statement could impact players’ trust in the platform’s ability to address and report security issues accurately.
The acknowledgment that GGPoker was already aware of the security vulnerabilities related to ‘Moneytaker69’ for an extended period raises a critical question: if the platform had prior knowledge of these issues, why did they allow the situation to persist for several weeks without taking immediate action?
The revelation of this delayed response prompts players to question the platform’s commitment to addressing security concerns promptly. Transparency and accountability are crucial in maintaining players’ trust, and an explanation for the decision to continue operations despite the known vulnerabilities becomes imperative for rebuilding confidence in GGPoker’s dedication to providing a secure and fair online poker experience.
The security concerns with GGNetwork can indeed be bifurcated into two distinct categories, each highlighting different aspects of the platform’s vulnerabilities. The first category revolves around a critical breach in security, allowing certain individuals to gain unauthorized access and view hand results before any action takes place. This type of intrusion poses a significant threat to the fairness and integrity of the gaming environment.
On the other hand, the second category delves into more indirect advantages that some players may be exploiting. This includes running solvers, utilizing multiple accounts, and employing Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) to gain an edge over opponents. While not necessarily breaching the system in the same direct manner as the first category, these practices still contribute to an uneven playing field, impacting the overall integrity of the platform.
Addressing both categories of security concerns is crucial for GGNetwork to uphold a fair and secure gaming environment. By implementing measures that prevent unauthorized access and cracking down on practices that provide indirect advantages, the platform can work towards fostering a level playing field for all users.
Absolutely, in the dynamic landscape of online poker, achieving a 100% fault-proof platform may be an ambitious goal, but vigilant monitoring and proactive data analysis can significantly bolster security measures. Operators like GGNetwork should employ comprehensive data analytics across various facets of player activity. This includes scrutinizing gameplay patterns, detecting anomalies in betting behaviors, and flagging any irregularities in the use of additional tools like solvers, multiple accounts, or HUDs.
By adopting a robust monitoring system, operators can swiftly identify potential security threats or instances of unfair play. This proactive approach not only serves to protect the integrity of the platform but also instills confidence among players that the operator is actively working to maintain a secure and equitable gaming environment. Regularly updating and refining these monitoring systems based on evolving threats and player behaviors is essential to stay ahead of potential security challenges.
The lack of transparency regarding the measures taken at the provider level and the extent of efforts invested in fault detection contributes significantly to the player trust problem. In the aftermath of the latest incident, where players were the ones to reveal the vulnerabilities rather than the platform proactively addressing them, questions naturally arise about the effectiveness of the platform’s security measures.
Players are left in the dark about the intricacies of the security protocols in place and the level of commitment from the provider in detecting and addressing faults. A more transparent approach from online poker platforms, like GGNetwork, in sharing information about their security practices, detection mechanisms, and ongoing efforts to enhance fault detection would go a long way in rebuilding trust. This transparency not only keeps players informed but also demonstrates a commitment to fostering a secure and fair gaming environment.
In conclusion, it is my humble opinion that the GG Network platform exhibits a fundamental deficiency in understanding game security concepts. The recurrence of incidents, coupled with a lack of transparency, raises concerns about the platform’s commitment to addressing and preventing security vulnerabilities. While the majority of players may not delve into these considerations, especially recreational players, the small percentage of professional players may find cause for alarm.
As long as the platform sustains a steady influx of deposits and gameplay from its user base, there seems to be little incentive for substantive changes or improvements in the current state of affairs. The onus lies on the platform to not only rectify immediate security issues but also to instill confidence through transparent communication and robust security measures.
For online players, our poker HUD is the most effective tool in helping us exploit players to earn more pots and profits.
For the uninitiated, HUD stands for “heads-up display”, and it gives you a numerical representation of a player’s tendencies:
Figure 1: Susan folds on the flop versus continuation bets 78% of the time, but not yet on the turn (0% folding).
A HUD works the same as your friend telling you how someone plays poker.
For example, you’re at the local card room and your friend Bob comes up and says, “That’s Susan over in seat 3. She’s a fit-or-fold player on the flop versus continuation bets, and she doesn’t fold on the turn.”
If you were playing online against Susan, her HUD stats would numerically tell you the same thing: In Figure 1 above, Susan’s Fold to Flop Cbet is 78%, but 0% on the turn.
I’m sure you can see how valuable this information could be, whether it’s Bob or your HUD telling you.
The HUD in Figure 1 is my Smart HUD for PokerTracker 4, and these are the statistics and elements it contains:
Yep, that’s a lot of elements and stats, and it leads to a big problem for many people: Information overload! They haven’t taken the time to learn their HUD’s statistics, so it’s just an unusable jumble of numbers (you might feel this way just looking at the HUD Figure 1 above).
Following the four simple steps below will build your HUD understanding one poker statistic at a time and will turn that jumble of numbers into solid reads and exploitative plays.
These are critical in making a read based on any HUD statistic.
Learn one statistic at a time, and begin with VPIP, then PFR, 3bet, Raise/Fold to 3bet then Fold to Cbet. Beyond that is up to you.
Continuing with Susan and her 78% Fold to Flop Cbet, we can find the definition and formula in the PokerTracker 4 Statistics Menu:
Figure 2: Finding the definition and formula for Fold to Flop Cbet in PokerTracker 4.
The Definition for Fold to Flop Cbet: “Percentage of the time that a player folds to a flop bet given that the bettor was the last raiser preflop.”
The key aspect here is “the bettor was the last raiser preflop”. This means you were the preflop caller, and he made a continuation bet into you on the flop.
This is different from other flop folding statistics like Fold to Donk or Fold to Float, and understanding the difference is key in making proper reads and exploitative plays.
The Formula for Fold to Flop Cbet: Number of Times Player Folded to a Continuation Bet on the Flop/ Number of Times Player Could Fold to a Continuation Bet on the Flop
The key to this is “Could Fold to a Continuation Bet”. Perhaps you see a 100% Fold to Flop Cbet. Great, right? Easy pickin’s! However, if it’s 100% by only folding 1 out of 1 opportunity, it’s not super reliable just yet.
If you play online without PokerTracker 4, you’re missing the most valuable piece of poker software available.
What meaning can you derive from a poker statistic? To help understand a poker statistic, there are two ways I look at it:
1. Put it in a real-world context.
We’ve seen that Susan folds to flop cbets 78% of the time. This is very close to 80%, which is 8 out of 10. So, if Susan turns down a donut at work 8 out of every 10 times you offer her one, what’s she likely to do the next time you offer her a donut? She’ll decline it. So, the next time you cbet the flop, by the same token, Susan is very likely to fold. What a great way to bluff her!
2. Use Flopzilla Pro to see the range of hands.
I love Flopzilla Pro for range building, assessing how well ranges interact with boards and for hand reading (poker’s #1 skill).
AT 78% folding, what hand strengths will she give up versus your cbet? If we give Susan a 25% calling range, we can see she’s folding everything weaker than top pair or an open-ended straight draw:
Figure 3: Susan is folding the weakest of hands and draws versus your flop cbet.
This is tough to do at first, but the more reps you put in devising ways to exploit player tendencies, the more you’ll come up with.
We know Susan folds a lot on the flop, so we MUST cbet bluff. But she doesn’t fold on the turn (0%, 0/4 opportunities). How can we exploit that turn tendency?
Only barrel the turn for value, and barrel big! She gets to the turn with strong hands and the best draws. If the best draw didn’t complete on the turn and you still hold a strong hand yourself, get value while the getting’s good and bet big.
Action is the greatest teacher! You must now practice using poker statistics in-game to make reads and exploitative plays on everyone there.
So, look around the table at everyone’s Fold to Flop Cbet. Harry folds 22% of the time; what does this mean and how can you exploit Harry?
Jimmy folds 45%; what can you do with this knowledge?
Force yourself over and over to use the statistic as many times as possible to ingrain this as a new, profitable habit.
And when you feel you’ve nailed down one poker statistic, move to the next and repeat the 4 steps.