Steve from County Durham became the first winner of two BetMGM £250,000 giveaways during this year’s Cheltenham Festival, having placed a £2 qualifying bet with the online bookmaker.
UK Director at BetMGM, Sam Behar, said: “After a sensational four days at Cheltenham, which included Wednesday’s feature, the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, we’re delighted to announce the first winner of our Cheltenham £500,000 giveaway and to have given one BetMGM punter a sensational surprise!
“Steve has become our first winner and we’ve credited his account with an unbelievable £250,000. We think it’s fair to say he never dreamt of backing a winner as good as this one!”
BetMGM’s first £250,000 winner, Steve from County Durham, said: “It hasn’t sunk in, I’m still sitting here thinking ‘is this real?’. Until the money hits the bank, I’ll probably be saying the same.
“I’ve always had a dabble, I’m not a massive bettor but I do like a bit of a flutter. We always have a family day for the Grand National.
“I do football and horse racing betting via BetMGM and the first day [of Cheltenham] I was off work and I went to Sedgefield Racecourse with a friend of mine. They had the big screen up for watching the live races, so I had a flutter on BetMGM and I saw it [the £500,000 Giveaway] in the offers and thought, ‘why not, you never know!’, which is why it’s a massive surprise.
“I think some of it is going to go into my retirement fund – I’m planning for retirement and this is probably going into investments to put away for that – but some of it is probably going to go to paying off some car loans and doing a bit of house improvement.”
Construction of the casino is already underway and is expected to take approximately one year to complete. Subject to all regulatory approvals, the casino will include up to 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a full-service restaurant, and several quick-serve dining options.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $120 million, and upon completion of the transaction, Saratoga Casino Holdings will acquire a majority interest in the property.
“We are excited to partner with SC Gaming and expand our footprint into the competitive Pennsylvania gaming market,” said Sam Gerrity, CEO of Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC. “This collaboration will allow us to leverage each of our strengths and deliver an unparalleled experience to our customers."
“After years of delays, we’re overjoyed to be finally moving into active construction,” said Eric Pearson, CEO of SC Gaming. “After an intensive and expansive evaluation process, we’ve found the right partner with Saratoga, who shares our core values and a strong focus on guest experience. The pending partnership will help us build a casino the community can be proud of.”
Pearson, who has headed up the project since its inception, will continue with his role overseeing the development and operations of the planned casino.
“Our Punta del Este Satellites are always a hit, offering players a shot at the $500,000 GTD Enjoy Poker Tour Main Event in Uruguay,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “With ACR Poker guaranteeing another round of packages, this is the perfect chance for players to turn a small buy-in, or even a free entry, into an unforgettable poker adventure. I can’t wait to see who wins their way there.”
The Punta del Este Satellites are guaranteeing 16 exclusive packages, worth $88,000 total, during ACR Poker’s Beast Tournament. Satellites take place on 9 and 16 March at 5:05pm ET, with eight guaranteed packages up for grabs in each. Players can secure their seat for $95 or qualify for free by ranking on the Beast weekly leaderboard.
Each package is valued at $5,500 and includes a $1,650 ticket to the $500,000 GTD Main Event, 10-nights luxury accommodation at the stunning Punta del Este Resort and Casino from 2-12 May, airfare, spending money, and more. With premium poker action, pristine beaches, and top-tier amenities, it’s the perfect mix of competition and relaxation.
From epic battles to career-defining moments, ACR Pros have long been at the heart of the action at the Enjoy Poker Tour in Uruguay. Recent standout performances include ACR Pro Ana Marquez’ victory in the Ladies Event this past February, Chris Moneymaker’s impressive $179,770 win in the $1 million GTD Main Event last August and Jeff Boski’s career-best cash of $154,310 in the $3,300 buy-in High Roller.
ACR Poker has a strong history of sending players to exotic destinations, guaranteeing over 50 packages worth more than $330,000 to Uruguay last year alone. With more guaranteed packages available, players have a golden opportunity to turn a small investment into a poker trip of a lifetime just like online qualifier Daniel Fantoli from Hungary, who won his way to the Enjoy Poker Tour last month.
“ACR Poker has listened to players and tailored its schedule to offer a poker experience that works for everyone,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “With more events, faster tournaments and bigger guarantees, players can enjoy greater value and more big poker action. We can’t wait for you to try it.”
DOUBLE THE EVENTS
A major highlight of the enhanced schedule is the increase in tournaments, now doubled, with an added focus on low to mid-stakes. This provides players of all skill levels with even more chances to jump into the action and find their perfect tournament at any time.
BIGGER GUARANTEES
ACR Poker is also increasing total guarantees by 15% to over $9.2 million weekly, ensuring players have plenty of opportunities to compete for massive prize pools daily.
FASTER TOURNAMENTS
Along with increased tournaments and guarantees, ACR Poker has significantly reduced tournament run times, now with games as quick as one hour, allowing players to compete without committing their entire day.
SHORTER LATE REGISTRATION
The revamped schedule will also see shortened late registration windows to as little as 20 minutes, ensuring tournaments progress faster and a better overall experience for players.
FINAL TABLE ROLLBACK
To further enhance the final table experience, ACR Poker has introduced its final table rollback feature, ensuring more play when the stakes are highest.
Moneymaker also noted that select Sunday tournaments will also feature two new exciting jackpots. With the Jackpot Warmup - Major, players who final-table the early $109 buy-in regular and PKO tournaments will get $2,000, and $20,000 if they win both. The Jackpot Warmup - Minor awards players $1,000 for making the final table in the early $55 buy-in regular and PKO tournaments and $10,000 if they win both.
In addition to the newly enhanced tournament schedule, poker players can still enter Phase 1 of ACR Poker’s fast-paced Survivor Flips for as little as $4, with a chance to qualify for the Phase 2 NLH Tournament this Sunday, 23 February at 2:05pm ET, featuring a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool.
This collaboration aims to deliver an exceptional gaming experience to players by integrating 1spin4win’s classic slot games into Pokerdom’s extensive portfolio.
Pokerdom is dedicated to providing high-quality and diverse gaming content. With only over 3,000 online slots in its collection, Pokerdom offers a wide range of table games, casual games, live dealer options, and other games. The addition of 1spin4win’s slots will further enrich Pokerdom’s offerings and strengthen its position in the market.
With a diverse portfolio of 130+ high-quality slot games, including the studio’s hits like Lucky Robbery, Buffalo’s Wealth, and Cash'n Fruits Hold And Win, 1spin4win is poised to attract a wide audience of online casino players. This partnership with Pokerdom represents a significant step in 1spin4win’s mission to expand its reach and provide players with timeless classics they will love.
Tanya Pisarchuk, Sales Manager at 1spin4win, commented, “Our collaboration with Pokerdom is a significant step toward reaching new players. We’re eager to see how our classic slot games can enhance the gaming offerings on their platform and provide players with a captivating experience.”
Vladyslav B, Head of Casino at Pokerdom, added, “Working with 1spin4win lets us benefit from their games with classic designs and well-balanced math, adding more value to our platform and expanding options for our players. Together, we strive to elevate the online gaming experience, ensuring that each player has an engaging and memorable journey.”
Following the resounding success of Toronto’s inaugural 2024 WSOP Circuit Event, the 2025 edition is set to raise the stakes with an expanded schedule and increased prize pools. The tournament will take place from 10-22 April 2025, featuring 11 WSOP Circuit Ring Events.
Building on overwhelming demand after last year’s event, this year’s tournament is expected to surpass the $5.5 million prize pool achieved in 2024, thanks to an extended schedule. The 2025 lineup will feature a diverse array of events, including the much-anticipated $2,000 Main Event and the $3,500 High Roller event, along with new Ladies, Seniors Events and Pot Limit Omaha tournament.
Last year’s inaugural WSOP Circuit Event in Toronto saw over 6,000 entries, including 324 Main Event online qualifiers from GGPoker, competing for a record-breaking $5.5 million prize pool—far exceeding the initial $3.9 million estimate. The $2,000 Main Event alone generated a $2.8 million prize pool, while the $3,500 High Roller Event saw a $1 million prize pool.
Earlier this year, Great Canadian Toronto announced an exclusive partnership with GGPoker, making it the only destination in Ontario for WSOP action, Bracelet and Ring events. As part of the partnership, The Poker Room at Great Canadian Toronto is now officially sponsored by GGPoker solidifying the resort’s reputation as a premier poker destination.
“We’re thrilled to partner once again with GGPoker to bring an elite poker experience to Toronto,” said Michael Kim, Executive Vice President, Great Canadian Entertainment. “The demand for this exceptional tournament continues to grow, attracting top talent from around the world. This year’s event promises even higher stakes and unparalleled excitement. We’re proud to continue elevating the poker scene and being the sole destination in Ontario delivering WSOP events for players and fans alike.”
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Great Canadian and deliver premier poker experiences,” said Sarne Lightman, Managing Director of GGPoker. “By combining the best of live and online poker, we’re ensuring players have unparalleled access to the WSOP Circuit in Ontario.”
“It’s just perfect timing,” said Adeniya after his victory. “I’ve got a baby on the way in April, and I’m getting married in two weeks. The only problem is I’m missing my fiancée’s birthday today.”
The $3,500 LHPO finale boasted a final prize pool of more than $3.7 million, easily exceeding the $2 million guarantee. The last 146 spots were all paid a minimum of $6,400 for a min-cash.
Championship Final Table Results:
1st: Martins Adeniya (London, England) $512,600 (two-way deal)
2nd: Spencer Champlin (Scarborough, Maine) $425,000 (two-way deal)
3rd: Caio De Lucca Sobral (Aventura, Fla.) $275,000
4th: Ryan Hogan (Winter Garden, Fla.) $205,000
5th: Joost Schippers (Utrecht, Netherlands) $156,000
6th: Adam Nattress (Portland, Ore.) $119,000
The 54-event LHPO kicked off on Thursday, 9 January with the $1,000,000 Deep Stack No Limit Hold’em (NLH) opener. With 2,784 entries, the event exceeded the $1 million guaranteed, creating a total prize pool of more than $1.4 million. Fabian Foster (Davenport, Fla.) won the opener earning $141,365 after the final three players agreed to a deal to end the tournament and split the remaining prize pool.
Other signature event winners include:
- Andrew Pichee (St. Louis, Mo.) winning the $2,200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry) for $86,000
- Taylor Alex Wilson (Wheeling, W.Va.) winning the $25,500 High Roller No Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry) for $511,900
- Thomas Carroll (North Augusta, S.C.) winning the $10,000 Deep Stack No Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry) for $179,260
Poker action will return to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida with Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Wednesday, 19 March – Tuesday, 8 April, headlined by the $400 Deep Stack series opener with a $1,000,000 guarantee and the $3,500 WPT Poker Showdown Championship boasting a $3 million guarantee.
It was the largest live cash for Le and Neiman. It adds to Neiman’s championship resume. The Teaneck, New Jersey resident also won the World Amateur Backgammon championship in 1982.
“It felt great because my kids are telling me I’m too old to play in these tournaments,” said the 66-year-old Neiman, who said his son flew from Los Angeles to watch the Final Table. “I was a winner from the beginning. It didn’t matter how this ended.”
Results and payouts of the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship Final Table
- Joseph Neiman - $406,791
- Nguyen Le - $425,000
- Clemen Deng - $233,882
- Philip Saracino - $153,430
- Dorian Rios - $105,691
- Sal Evola - $82,033
- Thomas McNicholas - $65,053
- Kitty Kuo - $51,919
- Ryan Depaulo - $41,315
“BetMGM Poker was excited to start the year working with Borgata to power another Borgata Winter Poker Open,” said Angus Nisbet, VP of Gaming, BetMGM. “This winter’s version showcased what BetMGM Poker can do when we have our product and promotions working seamlessly. We are excited to carry the momentum gained through the WPO series into the rest of our 2025 schedule.”
Kellie DeCelis, Director of Poker Operations, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, said, “Bringing back Borgata Winter Poker Open to East Coast players has been an honor. This year, we saw incredible participation, record-breaking events, and unforgettable moments. Borgata is proud to partner with BetMGM and together, we will always strive to set the standard for world-class poker experiences.”
Some main highlights of the Borgata Winter Poker Open powered by BetMGM included:
- For the first time ever, BetMGM offered same-day registration and re-entry through the BetMGM Poker app. Real-time registration for the Winter Poker Open was met with a positive response from players and will be available at future BetMGM events.
- The Borgata Winter Poker Open began with the largest Kick Off Deepstack event in Borgata Poker history. The total prize pool of $2,186,175 more than doubled the $1,000,000 guarantee.
- BetMGM Poker ambassador Darren Elias finished 20th and cashed for $20,8015 in the BWPO Championship.
- BetMGM partner and digital baseball show Foul Territory brought some former MLB players together for a single table tournament. Foul Territory host AJ Pierzynski emerged as the winner.
Two-time Global Poker Award winner Caitlin Comeskey leads the way with four nominations: Best X Personality, Best Short-Form Content Creator, Best Media Content: Short-Form Video, and Peoples’ Choice for Most Entertaining Player. Caitlin is defending her 2023 award for Best Short-Form Content Creator and won Rising Star in Content Creation in 2022.
Fellow GPA winners Marle Spragg and Joseph Stapleton have been nominated for three awards. Marle Spragg joins Comeskey in line for Best X Personality, Short-Form Creator, and Short-Form Video. Marle will defend her Best X Personality award from last year’s GPAs.
Joseph Stapleton is a two-time award winner, previously winning the GPA for Best Podcast in 2021 and Media Person of the Year at the American Poker Awards in 2016. Joe is nominated for On-Air Talent, Podcast, and Best Book this year.
Barry Carter, Barny Boatman, Daniel Negreanu, Nikki Limo, Abby Merk, David Lappin, Dara O’Kearney, and the Irish Poker Open have all been nominated in two categories.
Poker fans worldwide once again had their voices heard, making selections for Fans Choice in four categories: Best Hand, Best Trophy, Best Live Stream, and Most Entertaining Player.
Announced winners:
GPI POKER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
David Coleman (USA)
GPI MID-MAJOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Han Feng (USA)
GPI FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Cherish Andrews (USA)
MOST WEEKS AT GPI #1 IN 2024
Jesse Lonis (USA)
POKERGO TOUR PGT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jeremy Ausmus (USA)
List of nominees:
GPI BREAKOUT PLAYER
Boris Anzhelov Angelov (Bulgaria)
Mark Travis Egbert (USA)
Rania Nasreddine (USA)
Noel Rodriguez (USA)
BEST FINAL TABLE PERFORMANCE
Barny Boatman (England), EPT Paris
Daniel Negreanu (Canada), WSOP Poker Players Championship
Stephen Song (USA), EPT Barcelona
Scott Stewart (USA), WPT World Championship
PLAYERS CHOICE FOR TOUGHEST OPPONENT
Stephen Chidwick (England)
Isaac Haxton (USA)
Jason Koon (USA)
Adrian Mateos (ESP)
BEST X/TWITTER PERSONALITY
Barry Carter (England)
Caitlin Comeskey (USA)
Jamie Kerstetter (USA)
Marle Spragg (USA)
BEST STREAMER
Benjamin Spragg – Spraggy (England)
Bert Stevens – girafganger7 (Belgium)
Jon Van Fleet – apestylespoker (USA)
Lex Veldhuis – LexVeldhuis (Netherlands)
BEST VLOGGER
Corey Eyring (USA)
Daniel Negreanu (Canada)
Brad Owen (USA)
Alexander Seibt – Wolfgang Poker (USA)
Masato Yokosawa (Japan)
BEST SHORT-FORM CONTENT CREATOR
Caitlin Comeskey (USA)
Nikki Limo (USA)
Gregory Liow – Greg Goes All In (Canada)
Marle Spragg – Marle Poker (USA)
RISING STAR IN CONTENT CREATION
Václav Dušek – Lemon Poker (Czechia)
Josh Kasen (USA)
Abby Merk – Abby Poker (USA)
David Richards – Poker With A Purpose (USA)
BEST INDUSTRY PERSON
Gregory Chochon (France)
Matt Savage (USA)
Francine Watson (England)
Andy Wong (Malaysia)
BEST TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR
Nick O’Hara (Ireland)
Ray Pulford (USA)
Toby Stone (England)
Luca Vivaldi (Italy)
BEST DIRECTOR OF POKER OPERATIONS
Ryan Beauregard (USA)
Federico Brunato (Italy)
Kerryjane Craigie (England)
Ben Erwin (USA)
BEST EVENT
ClubWPT Gold $5M Invitational, Wynn Las Vegas
EPT Barcelona Main Event, Casino Barcelona
Irish Open Main Event, Royal Dublin Society
World Series of Poker Main Event, Horseshoe Las Vegas
BEST MID-MAJOR TOUR/CIRCUIT
Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP)
RunGood Poker Series (RGPS)
WPT Prime (WPTP)
WSOP Circuit (WSOPC)
BEST STAND-ALONE FESTIVAL/SERIES
Irish Poker Open, Royal Dublin Society
Malta Poker Festival, Portomaso Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open, Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood
Wynn Millions Poker Series, Wynn Las Vegas
BEST EPISODIC POKER SERIES
GALFOND – Poker Docuseries
Inside the Mind of a Pro (Dans la tête d’un pro) by Winamax
No Gamble, No Future by PokerGO
The Big Game on Tour by PokerStars
BEST ON-AIR TALENT
Ali Nejad (USA)
Jeffrey Platt (USA)
Nick Schulman (USA)
Joseph Stapleton (USA)
BEST PODCAST
Poker in the Ears (James Hartigan & Joseph Stapleton for PokerStars)
PokerNews Podcast (Chad Holloway, Kyna England, Mike Holtz)
The Chip Race (David K Lappin, Dara O’Kearney for Unibet Poker)
Thinking Poker (Andrew Brokos, Carlos Welch)
BEST POKER BOOK
Beyond GTO: Poker Exploits Simplified (Dara O’Kearney, Barry Carter)
On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything (Nate Silver for Penguin Press)
Poker Pioneer: The Autobiography of Tom McAvoy (Tom McAvoy, Brad Smith)
Trapped (Joseph Stapleton, Neil Gibson for Twister Comics)
BEST MEDIA CONTENT: WRITTEN
A Further Investigation into the Existence of the BotFarm Corporation (Jonathan Raab for Poker
Pro)
Cancer Fight Didn’t Stop John Bird from His Golden Passport Moment (Lance Bradley for WPT)
I’ve lost all my other hobbies – Ari Engel opens up on poker and a torn heart (Paul Oresteen for
Pokerorg)
Music Icon Steve Albin
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