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Category: Poker

  • Phil Hellmuth Says He’s Skipping the WSOP Main Event, Citing Endurance Issues

    Phil Hellmuth Says He’s Skipping the WSOP Main Event, Citing Endurance Issues

    The World Series of Poker (WSOP) just dropped its summer schedule, but the biggest story isn’t about the tournaments—it’s about who won’t be playing. On Tuesday, poker legend Phil Hellmuth, a 17-time bracelet winner, announced he’s sitting out the $10,000 WSOP Main Event for the first time since 1988.

    The reason? Endurance. Hellmuth, now 60, says the grueling format favors younger players, making it nearly impossible for older competitors to keep up. And he’s not happy about it.

    Hellmuth Calls WSOP Main Event an “Endurance Contest”

    Back in 1989, a 24-year-old Hellmuth stunned the poker world by winning the WSOP Main Event, becoming the youngest champion in history at the time. Fast-forward to 2024, and the landscape looks very different.

    “The main event has become an endurance contest,” Hellmuth wrote on Twitter. “Twelve-hour days, or longer, for six to seven days in a row is brutal and disproportionately affects older players.”

    He believes the tournament needs structural changes, arguing that most players—80% by his estimate—would support a revised format that isn’t as physically demanding.

    The 2024 Main Event wrapped up after 15 days of play, including four starting flights, two Day 2 flights, and a day off before the final table. Jonathan Tamayo, 38, ultimately took home the bracelet.

    A Tough Decision After 35 Straight Years

    Hellmuth has played in every WSOP Main Event since 1988. That streak ends in 2025.

    “It’s just too tough,” he said in a video explaining his decision. “People at home are like, ‘Phil, you can play seven days in a row.’ Yeah, try it. Try getting up and playing from noon until midnight seven days in a row.”

    On some days, play extends past 2 or 3 a.m. That kind of grind, Hellmuth says, isn’t something he can physically handle anymore.

    “I don’t think I could have done it at 50, and I definitely can’t do it at 60,” he admitted.

    The Fatigue Factor: A Game of Skill or Stamina?

    For Hellmuth, poker is supposed to be about skill, not who can stay awake the longest. He pointed out that many great players tell him they busted the Main Event simply because they were exhausted.

    “I’ve had players come up to me and say, ‘Phil, I blew the Main Event because I was too tired when we got down to 100 left, 50 left, 30 left.’ It’s turned into an endurance test.”

    Hellmuth’s solution? More scheduled breaks. He believes extra rest days could restore some balance between skill and stamina.

    “I hope that in 2026, there are some changes made so that we can restore more skill and less endurance,” he said.

    A Slump in WSOP Main Event Results

    Hellmuth hasn’t cashed in the Main Event since 2015, when he finished 417th. His latest close call came at WSOP Paradise, where he busted on the money bubble.

    While he remains one of poker’s most accomplished players, the game’s longest marathon appears to be one battle he’s no longer willing to fight.

  • Atlantic City to Review Casino PILOT Program Amid Financial Uncertainty

    Atlantic City to Review Casino PILOT Program Amid Financial Uncertainty

    A newly formed commission is set to examine the effectiveness of Atlantic City’s casino payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) program, a system that allows casinos to pay a fixed industry-wide assessment instead of traditional property taxes. With the program nearing its expiration, state officials and local leaders are debating its future impact on the city’s economy and financial stability.

    Commission to Finally Take Shape After Years of Delay

    The commission was originally mandated in the 2016 PILOT legislation but was removed in the 2021 revisions. Now, state officials are moving forward with its formation to review whether the program should continue beyond next year.

    Under the original law, the commission was supposed to start work on January 1, 2025, and issue a final report by July 1. However, questions remain about whether the timeline will hold. Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson and State Sen. Vince Polistina, R-2nd, recently said they have yet to hear from the governor’s office about its formation or any progress.

    Financial Impact of PILOT Payments in Atlantic City

    Since its introduction in 2016, the PILOT program has provided Atlantic City with a level of financial stability by preventing costly and repeated casino property tax appeals. The program has contributed significantly to local revenues:

    • In 2023, the city received $51.6 million in PILOT payments.
    • In 2024, the total PILOT revenue dropped slightly to $48.5 million.

    Despite this financial support, critics argue that recent changes to the program have shifted the tax burden away from casinos and onto other taxpayers.

    2021 Revisions Reduced Casino Tax Burden

    A key factor in the upcoming review is the 2021 changes to the PILOT program. These revisions removed online gaming and sports betting revenue from the calculation of gross gaming revenue, which significantly reduced casino tax obligations.

    The impact of these changes is significant:

    Year Estimated Tax Reduction for Casinos
    2022 $55 million
    2023 $55 million
    2024 $55 million

    State officials justified these revisions by citing increased competition from neighboring states and financial setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjustments were aimed at keeping Atlantic City’s casino industry competitive and avoiding potential closures.

    Legal Battle Over the PILOT Program

    Not everyone agrees with the state’s rationale. Atlantic County has taken legal action, arguing that the 2021 amendments violate a 2018 consent agreement between the state and the county. County officials say that by reducing casinos’ financial obligations, the revised PILOT program unfairly cuts into local government funding.

    The lawsuit underscores broader concerns about the program’s fairness and sustainability. If the commission finds that the PILOT structure disproportionately benefits casinos at the expense of local services, lawmakers may face pressure to either revise or scrap the program altogether.

    Long-Term Consequences for Atlantic City

    Mike Chait, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, stressed the importance of a thorough, data-driven review. He emphasized that the commission’s work will have lasting consequences for the city’s economic future.

    “The decisions made here will shape Atlantic City’s economic foundation for years to come,” Chait said.

    Local businesses, casino operators, and residents will all have a stake in the commission’s findings. The final report will likely influence future financial policies, particularly concerning Atlantic City’s reliance on PILOT payments versus traditional tax structures.

    With major financial and legal questions still unresolved, the commission’s work could set the stage for a contentious debate over Atlantic City’s long-term economic strategy

  • Police Arrest Man at Las Vegas Casino on Terrorism Charges

    Police Arrest Man at Las Vegas Casino on Terrorism Charges

  • Card Player Poker Tour Venetian Main Event Kicks Off With $1 Million Guarantee

    Card Player Poker Tour Venetian Main Event Kicks Off With $1 Million Guarantee

    Las Vegas is set for another high-stakes poker spectacle. The Venetian Poker Room, fresh off launching its state-of-the-art streaming studio, is gearing up for the Card Player Poker Tour (CPPT) Main Event. With a $1,600 buy-in and a guaranteed $1 million prize pool, the tournament kicks off on Feb. 12, drawing top poker talent from across the country.

    New Venetian Poker Studio Elevates the Experience

    The Venetian’s latest addition isn’t just another poker room. It’s a game-changer for live-streamed poker action. Venetian Poker Live, in partnership with PokerGO, now offers a fully dedicated space for broadcasting major poker events, cash games, and vlogging content.

    The debut of the studio featured two high-profile events, both guaranteeing a $1 million prize pool. The first, the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) Venetian Poker Bowl, wrapped up on Feb. 10, attracting 892 entries and generating a $1,271,100 prize pool. In the end, Anthony Scarborough took home the top prize of $152,243.

    Now, all eyes turn to the CPPT Venetian Main Event, which runs from Feb. 12-16. It features three starting flights, beginning at 11:10 AM local time on Feb. 12-14. Survivors from those flights will return on Feb. 15 for Day 2, with the final table set for Feb. 16. The championship moment will be streamed live on a one-hour delay.

    A Growing Tournament Series With Millions Up for Grabs

    The CPPT Main Event is just one highlight of the 2025 Venetian DeepStack Extravaganza I festival. The broader festival, running from Feb. 3-23, boasts a total prize pool of more than $3.2 million across 35 tournaments.

    For players, there’s no shortage of action. The event schedule caters to all bankrolls and playing styles, featuring:

    • Buy-ins ranging from $200 to $1,600
    • Bounty tournaments for those who enjoy knocking out opponents
    • A seniors event, catering to players aged 50 and above
    • A ladies’ tag team event, bringing a unique team dynamic to the tables
    • The increasingly popular Big O bounty event

    This marks the second time a CPPT event has been hosted inside the new Venetian Poker Room. Back in September 2024, Baurzhan Akimov won a $1,100 buy-in CPPT event at the venue, topping a field of 343 entries to claim $63,943.

    Las Vegas’ Largest Poker Room Keeps Raising the Bar

    The Venetian Poker Room’s new location, unveiled in August, is now the largest poker venue on the Strip. Situated on the second floor of the Grand Canal Shoppes at Palazzo, the 14,000 sq. ft. space houses 51 tables and offers players a range of top-tier amenities.

    For those putting in long hours at the tables, the perks are hard to ignore:

    • Complimentary self-serve coffee and soda stations
    • USB and USB-C charging ports at every seat
    • Tableside restaurant ordering for quick meals between hands
    • Free parking for players who log at least three hours of action

    Beyond the creature comforts, players appreciate the quieter environment—far from the constant chime of slot machines. Plus, since smoking is prohibited inside the Grand Canal Shoppes, the air quality is a welcome improvement for many regulars.

    A Legacy of Luxury and Innovation at The Venetian

    The Venetian Resort Las Vegas has been an industry leader since it first opened its doors 25 years ago. Unlike many casinos that focus purely on gambling, The Venetian was built as a comprehensive entertainment experience, combining high-stakes gaming with luxury accommodations, fine dining, and world-class shopping.

    In 2008, the resort expanded with the addition of The Palazzo, making it one of the largest hotel complexes in the world. Now, with the introduction of its cutting-edge poker studio, The Venetian continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for poker enthusiasts.

    With the CPPT Main Event set to crown its champion on Feb. 16, poker fans and players alike will be keeping a close watch. A seven-figure prize pool, a star-studded field, and a live-streamed final table—Las Vegas poker doesn’t get much better than this.

  • Poker Showdown: Nick Schulman’s Big Bluff Ends Kristen Foxen’s Bracelet Run

    Poker Showdown: Nick Schulman’s Big Bluff Ends Kristen Foxen’s Bracelet Run

  • Connecticut Bill Proposes Legalizing In-Flight Sports Betting

    Connecticut Bill Proposes Legalizing In-Flight Sports Betting

  • Michael ‘Texas Mike’ Moncek Wins PokerGO Cup Kickoff Event, Sets New Record

    Michael ‘Texas Mike’ Moncek Wins PokerGO Cup Kickoff Event, Sets New Record

  • Charity Series of Poker Hosts Awards Dinner and Tournament on Feb. 12 in Las Vegas

    Charity Series of Poker Hosts Awards Dinner and Tournament on Feb. 12 in Las Vegas

    The Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) is set to celebrate its supporters with an exciting awards dinner and poker tournament at Via Brasil Steakhouse in Las Vegas on Feb. 12, 2025. This event will honor the players, sponsors, staff, and volunteers who made this year’s tournaments possible, bringing together poker pros, celebrities, and charity advocates for a night of recognition and entertainment.

    A Star-Studded Evening of Celebration

    Las Vegas is no stranger to glitz and glam, but this gathering isn’t just about high-stakes poker—it’s about celebrating those who’ve given back. The guest list includes actress Katie Morgan, former NFL player Melvin Fowler, and TV personalities like Jay Wasley from Ghost Adventures and Joey Hamilton from Ink Masters.

    Poker pros Mike Matusow, Joe Ingram, Matt Savage, and Anthony Zinno will also be in attendance. Local artists Sean Keith, Janel Raihl, and Nate Hananger will showcase their work, while comedian Gabe Lopez—best known for hosting The Dirty at 12:30—will serve as the evening’s emcee.

    Festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a dinner and silent auction. Guests can enjoy an open bar and a rodizio-style dinner before the awards ceremony starts at 6:00 p.m.

    High-Stakes Poker for a Cause

    At 7:00 p.m., the real action begins with a poker tournament featuring a $200 buy-in. Players can purchase 10,000-chip rebuys and 20,000-chip add-ons for $100.

    The tournament’s top prize? A cool $5,000, with over $10,000 in total prizes up for grabs—including final table payouts, bounty rewards, and silent auction items. And for those just looking to enjoy dinner and the auction without competing in the tournament, a $100 ticket option is available.

    One extra perk for players: free massages during the tournament, courtesy of Professional Massage Inc.

    Honoring Excellence: CSOP Award Nominees

    This year marks CSOP’s 79th stop, capping off a year of successful charity events. To celebrate, several awards will be handed out, recognizing standout sponsors, events, and individuals. Here’s a look at the nominees:

    Category Nominee 1 Nominee 2 Nominee 3 Nominee 4
    Rookie of the Year Hundley Foundation UNLV Hockey Shannon Elizabeth Foundation Williams-Marshall Cares Leadership Program
    Breakout Event of the Year Cops 4 Kids Make-A-Wish of Southern Florida The Ability Center St. Jude VIVA
    Sponsor of the Year Cirrus Aviation Gorilla Gaming/Bar Poker Open SKC Group Lexicon Bank
    Daniel Negreanu Extra Effort Award Joe Ingram Dave Freestone Ricardo Aker Allen Glatts
    Mike Sexton Ambassador Award Joe Ingram Mike Matusow Allen Glatts Jesse Capps
    Emcee of the Year Gabe Lopez Joe Stapleton Alex Just Matt Savage
    People’s Choice Award/Event of the Year Cops 4 Kids St. Jude VIVA 71 Families for Effective Autism Treatment Shannon Elizabeth Foundation
    Photo of the Year Chug, Mackenzie, Chug! Getting Involved Early Getting Lucky The Mission in Action

    The Mission Behind the Cards

    While the event promises plenty of excitement, its core mission is serious. Proceeds will go directly toward expanding CSOP’s ability to provide tables, chips, computers, TVs, and other essential equipment that its partner charities can use throughout the year.

    Founded in 2014 by poker professional Matt Stout, CSOP has raised over $6 million for charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish, and various food banks.

    “The Charity Series of Poker represents my life’s work,” Stout said. “Bringing together the poker community, nonprofits, celebrities, and sponsors to support great causes is truly an honor. This night is all about recognizing the people and organizations that make it possible.”

    For sponsorship opportunities or further inquiries, contact info@charityseriesofpoker.org.

  • High-Stakes Poker Drama: Jim Collopy’s Calculated Fold Saves His Tournament Life

    High-Stakes Poker Drama: Jim Collopy’s Calculated Fold Saves His Tournament Life

    With eight players left and the stakes sky-high, Jim Collopy found himself in a tense showdown against Dylan Weisman at a four-handed table. The blinds stood at 15,000-30,000 with a big blind ante of 30,000. From the button, Collopy made a standard raise to 65,000. Weisman, defending his big blind, called.

    The flop came down, and after a continuation bet from Collopy, Weisman stayed in the hand. The turn brought more intrigue, leading to a check from both players. But it was the river where things exploded—Weisman fired a massive overbet of 500,000. Collopy, sitting with two pair, had a difficult decision to make. In the end, he made the disciplined laydown, preserving his stack and extending his tournament life.

    Breaking Down the Hand: Key Decisions at Each Street

    Preflop: Setting the Stage

    Jim Collopy was in a strong position, opening from the button with K-10 suited—a hand that plays well both preflop and postflop. With two broadway cards and the possibility of making flushes and straights, this was a standard raise.

    Dylan Weisman, a two-time WSOP bracelet winner and a strong postflop player, called from the big blind. Given his deep understanding of ranges and board textures, he wasn’t going to fold too easily, especially with a hand that could improve significantly.

    Flop: Top Pair vs. Flush Draw

    The flop favored Collopy as he hit top pair with his K-10. Weisman, however, had a low flush draw, meaning both players had a real reason to continue.

    • Weisman checked, as expected, letting Collopy take the lead.
    • Collopy fired out a continuation bet of 85,000, which kept his aggressive stance intact.
    • Weisman called, keeping the pot in control while still chasing his flush.

    At this stage, Collopy was ahead, but Weisman had plenty of outs.

    Turn: The Flush Completes

    The turn changed everything. A third heart hit the board, completing Weisman’s flush.

    • Weisman, instead of leading out, checked again, perhaps setting a trap.
    • Collopy, now holding two pair (kings and tens), opted to check behind.

    His decision here was crucial. Many players might have fired a second bullet to protect their hand, but Collopy recognized the dangers. If Weisman had already hit a flush, betting could have backfired. Checking kept the pot manageable and gave him more control heading into the river.

    River: The Overbet That Ended the Hand

    The final community card was the Ace of Diamonds, another scare card. It completed multiple possible straights and could have improved a variety of hands.

    • With 345,000 in the pot, Weisman made a huge overbet of 500,000.
    • Collopy, holding two pair in a dangerous spot, had to decide whether to call or fold.

    This was the classic dilemma: Was Weisman bluffing, or did he have the goods?

    The Fold That Saved His Tournament Life

    Collopy’s two pair now functioned as a bluff catcher. He was only beating hands that missed draws or were turning made hands into bluffs. Weisman’s aggressive overbet put the pressure on, making it an extremely tough call.

    In the end, Collopy made the right decision. He folded, avoiding disaster and keeping his tournament hopes alive. His discipline paid off, as he later reached the final table and secured a sixth-place finish worth $40,000.

    Why Was This Fold So Important?

    Collopy’s decision to let go of two pair in such a high-stakes situation was no accident. It was a calculated move based on experience and game theory. Here’s why it was the right choice:

    • Weisman’s betting pattern suggested strength. He called on the flop, checked on the turn after completing his flush, then went for max value on the river.
    • The board was scary. With a flush and straight possibilities, Collopy was losing to many hands.
    • Stack preservation mattered. A wrong call here could have crippled his chances of making the final day. Instead, he stayed alive and cashed for another significant payday.

    Jim Collopy’s PokerGO Tour Success

    Collopy’s run wasn’t just about this one hand. He had an incredible season on the PokerGO Tour, cashing in 21 events and earning a seat in the exclusive $1,000,000 Championship freeroll.

    His decision-making and ability to avoid unnecessary risks were major factors in his season-long success. By folding in this spot, he kept his head above water and continued to compete at the highest level.

    What Can Players Learn From This Hand?

    This hand is a textbook example of when to lay down a strong hand in the face of overwhelming evidence. Key takeaways for poker players:

    • Top pair or two pair isn’t always a calling hand. If the board is dangerous and an opponent’s betting pattern signals strength, it’s okay to fold.
    • Big river bets often mean big hands. Unless you have a strong read that your opponent is bluffing, caution is best.
    • Tournament survival is more important than one pot. Collopy’s discipline helped him go deeper in the event and earn a solid payday.

    While big calls make headlines, smart folds keep pros in the game. And that’s exactly what Jim Collopy did.

  • Poker Strategy With Alex Fitzgerald: Underrated Moves That Can Instantly Improve Your Game

    Poker Strategy With Alex Fitzgerald: Underrated Moves That Can Instantly Improve Your Game

    Poker is a game of calculated risks and psychological warfare. While many players stick to conventional strategies, the real winners often use subtle but effective tactics that go unnoticed. Alex Fitzgerald, a seasoned poker strategist, sheds light on some lesser-known techniques that can give you an immediate edge at the tables.

    Overbetting: Pressure Your Opponents Into Mistakes

    Overbetting is a weapon many professionals use, yet lower- and mid-stakes players often hesitate to pull the trigger. The idea is simple—when your opponent’s range is weak, apply maximum pressure and make them fold hands they otherwise wouldn’t.

    Let’s say you raise from the cutoff, and the big blind calls. The flop comes A-K-2, and they check. Against a passive opponent who likely would have three-bet with strong hands like A-K, A-Q, or pocket kings, you can confidently fire a massive bet. Their range is often capped, meaning they hold hands that struggle to call a huge bet.

    Another great time to overbet is when your opponent has likely missed a draw. Imagine you raised preflop, and the big blind called. The flop is 6♦ 7♦ 2♠, and they check-call your continuation bet. The turn brings a Q♠, and they check again. If they had a monster hand, they would have likely raised already. Instead, their range consists mostly of one-pair hands or busted draws. A massive bet here can push them out of the pot.

    No-Limit Hold’em allows for bets of any size, so use that flexibility to put opponents in tough spots.

    Why You Should Fold Rivers In Small Pots

    This one surprises most players. But after analyzing thousands of hand histories, Fitzgerald found a strange pattern—whenever a small bet was placed in a small pot on the river, it was almost never a bluff.

    Most players don’t like to bluff in minor pots. Why?

    • They assume opponents won’t fold for a small price.
    • They don’t want to feel stupid if they get called.
    • They play more for comfort than optimal strategy.

    So, if you’re facing a small river bet in a small pot and your hand can only beat a bluff, folding is usually the right move. Don’t convince yourself that calling is “cheap.” Those small mistakes add up over time.

    Small Reraises Against Loose Opponents

    Playing against aggressive, loose opponents can be frustrating. They open too many hands and don’t fold to three-bets. Instead of trying to push them around, adjust your sizing.

    Rather than making a massive three-bet, a small reraise isolates them and gets you heads-up. You don’t need to shove all-in or overcommit.

    For example, instead of three-betting a hand like K-8 suited, which might run into hands like K-J or A-10, target hands that dominate their range. A K-Q offsuit three-bet works better because they’ll often call with weaker hands like K-10 or Q-9 suited.

    Playing with position and control makes post-flop decisions easier. Against weaker opponents, keeping the stack-to-pot ratio high allows for better maneuverability.

    Why Folding Preflop From The Big Blind Is Often The Best Move

    A common misconception is that you should always defend the big blind liberally. But when deep-stacked, calling with weak offsuit high cards can lead to disaster.

    Consider this: You have K-5 offsuit in the big blind, and a player in position raises. You call, and the flop comes K-9-3. Sounds decent, right? But what happens when your opponent fires big bets on the turn and river?

    • They can overbet with strong hands, putting you in a tough spot.
    • You risk committing chips when their value hands dominate you.
    • Even if they bluff, you might fold too often and lose money anyway.

    When deep-stacked, hands like K-5 offsuit or A-7 offsuit become liabilities against skilled opponents. If they know how to pressure you, you’ll be caught in tricky post-flop spots, unsure whether to call down or fold.

    Instead of getting trapped, folding these weak hands preflop saves you money and prevents difficult situations.

    Avoid Getting Trapped In Multiway Pots

    Multiway pots are dangerous, yet many players stay in hands they should abandon. Here’s an example:

    • You have 6♠ 7♠ on the button.
    • The middle position player raises, the cutoff calls, and you call. The big blind also calls.
    • The flop comes 10♥ 6♥ 2♣. The big blind checks, the initial raiser continuation bets, and the cutoff calls.

    At first glance, you might think about calling. You hit middle pair, after all. But look at the reality:

    • Someone likely has a ten, putting you behind already.
    • A seven might not even improve your hand if someone has an 8-9 straight draw.
    • There’s still the big blind left to act, and they could check-raise.

    Most players call here because they don’t want to “fold the best hand.” But that’s the wrong mindset. Folding when behind is correct, even if you sometimes fold the best hand. Instead of trying to force a marginal situation, save those chips for a better opportunity.

    Poker is about making fewer mistakes than your opponents. The best players don’t just rely on textbook strategies—they exploit weaknesses others don’t even realize they have. By overbetting in key spots, folding in small river pots, and avoiding unnecessary risks in multiway pots, you can immediately level up your game.

    Want to stay ahead? Think beyond the obvious and make moves others won’t.