Category: Poker

Kristen Foxen’s Aggressive Play Keeps Pressure on Stephen Song in PokerGO Tour Final Event

Kristen Foxen made her presence felt in the final event of the 2025 PokerGO Tour’s first series, leveraging her chip lead to apply relentless pressure on Stephen Song. With five players left and over $655,000 in prize money still in play, Foxen’s strategic aggression in a key hand forced Song to make a tough laydown, showcasing the dynamics of high-stakes tournament poker.

A Battle of Big Stacks

With blinds set at 50,000-100,000 and a big blind ante of 100,000, the hand began with Foxen raising to 200,000 from the cutoff. Song, sitting in the big blind, made the call. While this might seem like a standard preflop confrontation, the context made it anything but routine.

Foxen held the largest stack at the table, while Song, though second in chips, had to be mindful of three short-stacked opponents. The Independent Chip Model (ICM) considerations put him in a tricky spot—risking a big confrontation with Foxen could be costly, while maintaining his stack lead over the shorter stacks was crucial.

Applying Pressure on the Flop

The flop came down, and after a check from Song, Foxen fired out a continuation bet of 150,000. Song called, which hinted at some strength but didn’t necessarily mean he was willing to go deep in the hand.

For Foxen, this was an ideal moment to keep pushing. Even though she didn’t make a strong hand, she had a solid semi-bluffing opportunity. With her chip lead and position advantage, she could dictate the action, making it difficult for Song to comfortably continue unless he had a made hand.

The Turn Brings More Firepower

When the turn brought a second diamond, Song checked again. This was the perfect green light for Foxen to fire a more significant second barrel. She bet 650,000—about three-quarters of the pot.

Song, who had check-called on the flop with a Broadway gutshot draw, now faced a dilemma. The additional diamond increased the likelihood that Foxen had a stronger hand or a high-equity draw. Calling this bet would commit a large portion of his stack, and if he didn’t improve on the river, he could be in an even worse situation.

Rather than take the risk, Song folded, conceding the pot to Foxen, who extended her chip lead further.

The Stack Dynamics at Play

This wasn’t just a standard hand—it was a textbook example of how tournament poker at the highest level involves much more than just the cards. Foxen used her chip lead effectively, knowing that Song had more to lose than to gain by challenging her aggression.

Here’s how the stack sizes looked before and after the hand:

Player Stack Before Stack After Change

Kristen Foxen ~60 BB ~65 BB +5 BB

Stephen Song ~37 BB ~32 BB -5 BB

By forcing Song out of the pot, Foxen not only built her stack but also put Song in a more vulnerable position moving forward.

The Bigger Picture

This wasn’t the last time these two would tangle at the table. With Foxen continuing to lean on her opponents and Song trying to navigate his way through the ICM minefield, the battle for the PokerGO Tour title was far from over.

One thing was clear—Foxen had no plans to take her foot off the gas.

February 23, 2025
Reading Opponents and Spotting Profitable Plays in Omaha Hi-Lo
A sharp poker player knows that winning isn’t just about the cards—it’s about the decisions. In a recent $20-$40 Omaha eight-or-better game at the Wynn, one hand demonstrated how paying attention to ranges and tendencies can lead to a profitable outcome, even with a marginal holding.

Understanding the Kill Pot Dynamic

This wasn’t just any standard Omaha eight-or-better hand; it was played with a half-kill. That meant that if a player scooped a pot, the next hand would be played at $30-$60, with the winner posting an extra blind known as the “kill.” The kill acts last preflop unless directly facing a raise, adding another layer of strategy.

In this hand, the kill was posted in the hijack. The small blind and big blind remained at $10 and $20, but with the kill in play, calling cost $30. Holding A♣ 9♦ 8♥ 3♦ in the cutoff, I had a decision to make.

A loose middle-position player limped in front of the kill, presenting an opportunity. Raising would apply pressure on the blinds, increasing my equity by limiting the field. However, it would also narrow my perceived range, signaling more strength than my hand warranted. Given the hand’s lack of strong high potential and its vulnerability against A-2 low draws, I opted to limp.

Small Blind’s Raise Reveals Strength

The small blind, a seasoned pro known for aggression, took the opportunity to raise. This was expected—his usual approach leaned toward aggressive lines. His raise provided valuable information: he likely held a strong preflop hand.

Had I raised initially, I might have been forced into an awkward three-bet situation, which could have folded out some weaker hands but left me battling the small blind’s superior range heads-up. By limping, I allowed his range to be revealed through his action rather than exposing my own hand strength.

The big blind, a loose and splashy player, called. The middle-position limper also called, while the kill folded. We headed to the flop four-handed with a pot of $270.

Reading the Flop and Opponents’ Ranges

The board ran out Q♠ 9♠ 5♦—a somewhat disconnected texture for Omaha eight-or-better. The small blind led out for $30, the big blind folded, and the limper called. Action was back to me.

With a pair of nines and a backdoor low draw, the decision wasn’t straightforward. The pot was $330, and I was getting 11:1 on a call. It seemed reasonable to peel and see the turn.

To make an informed decision, I broke down the ranges:

Small Blind: His preflop raise indicated a strong hand. His most likely holdings included A-2-3-x, A-2-wheel, A-A-x-x, and other premium combinations. Given the flop, he likely missed but could have picked up a spade draw.

Limper: A passive player, his call suggested a weak or speculative hand—possibly low draws or scattered high-card holdings. Since he didn’t raise, I assumed he wasn’t confident in his hand strength.

With this in mind, I made the call, bringing the pot to $360.

The Turn Creates a Bluffing Opportunity

The turn was a red 10, adding new dynamics to the board. The small blind bet $60 again. Before making my decision, I noticed something—when the bet went in, the limper hesitated, frowned slightly, then folded. That reaction suggested he had some equity but wasn’t confident.

Now, the question was whether the small blind had truly connected with the board. Based on his range, he likely had a high-potential hand but not necessarily one that had improved on this turn.

I calculated the best play: raising to represent a straight. The small blind would struggle to continue unless he had a made hand like A-2-Q-Q or A♠ J♠ 10-x. If he was on a spade draw or had just one pair, a well-timed raise could take it down.

Executing the Play and Forcing the Fold

I announced a raise to $120. The small blind took five seconds, then mucked.

What did he likely hold? The best guess was a strong preflop hand like A-A with the naked A♠. He might have bet the turn to protect his equity but didn’t have enough to withstand the pressure of my raise. If he had a set or a strong low draw with backup, he might have called or reraised. The fact that he folded quickly suggested he was caught in a marginal spot.

Limping Instead of Raising Preflop
This helped disguise my range and gave me insight into the small blind’s strength without committing too much.

Assessing Opponents’ Ranges at Every Step
By breaking down likely holdings, I identified that my opponent wasn’t confident in his hand post-flop, giving me room to apply pressure.

Using a Well-Timed Bluff
The turn raise worked because it told a credible story. Against an opponent likely to fold marginal hands, the move had strong expected value.

Omaha eight-or-better rewards careful observation and situational awareness. Even without a strong hand, understanding your opponents’ tendencies can create opportunities to steal pots. And sometimes, the best plays are the ones where you win with nothing at all.
February 23, 2025

Player	Stack Before	Stack After	Change
Kristen Foxen	~60 BB	~65 BB	+5 BB
Stephen Song	~37 BB	~32 BB	-5 BB

Joey Weissman Clinches 2025 PokerGO Cup Series Championship with Dominant Run

The 2025 PokerGO Cup delivered high-stakes drama, record-breaking fields, and a thrilling showdown for the series championship. With a total of $9,405,000 in prize money awarded across eight events at the PokerGO Studio inside ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, poker fans witnessed an unforgettable battle among the game’s top pros. But one player stood above the rest—Joey Weissman.

The 36-year-old Las Vegas-based pro turned in a stellar performance, final-tabling half of the events, including one outright victory and three runner-up finishes. His consistency paid off, earning him the coveted PokerGO Cup title, $930,600 in winnings, and the top spot on both the PokerGO Tour and Card Player Player of the Year leaderboards.

Weissman’s Near-Flawless Performance

Weissman’s path to the title was nothing short of remarkable. In the series opener—a $5,000 buy-in tournament that drew a record-breaking 177 entries—he fought his way to heads-up play before finishing second to Michael Moncek, earning $123,900.

Then, in event #2, a $10,000 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament, Weissman found himself in a rematch against Moncek. This time, he closed the deal, claiming the trophy and a $295,000 payday.

Weissman’s momentum continued in event #4, where he once again reached heads-up play, this time facing Eric Blair. Despite another second-place finish, he pocketed $161,700.

The biggest cash of his run came in the $25,000 buy-in finale, which saw 59 players battle for the last title of the series. Weissman reached heads-up play yet again, but his pocket tens fell to Justin Zaki’s A-10, denying him a second title. Still, the runner-up prize of $350,000 secured his series victory.

The Numbers Behind the Victory

Weissman ended the series with a commanding 758 points on the PokerGO leaderboard—190 points clear of second-place finisher Eric Blair.

Total cashes: 4
Total winnings: $930,600
Final table appearances: 4
Event titles: 1

His consistency across multiple events made him the undisputed series champion, setting the stage for what could be a career-defining season.

Eric Blair and Michael Moncek Shine in Second and Third

While Weissman stole the headlines, Eric Blair and Michael Moncek had outstanding runs of their own.

Blair was the only player to win two events in the series, finishing second overall with 568 points and $645,850 in winnings. His biggest victory came in event #4, where he outlasted Weissman to take home the title.

Moncek, meanwhile, won event #1 and finished second to Weissman in event #2, racking up $483,750 and securing the third spot in the final standings.

Kristen Foxen’s Historic Performance

One of the biggest stories of the series was Kristen Foxen, who not only won event #7 but also made three total cashes, finishing fourth in the standings. Her strong showing pushed her past Vanessa Selbst to become the all-time female money leader in poker history.

Foxen’s breakthrough performance earned her $401,300, and her presence at the final tables proved she could compete against the best high-stakes players in the game.

The Final Standings

The top ten players from the 2025 PokerGO Cup featured some of the biggest names in poker, with a mix of champions and consistent deep-runners.

Rank	Player	Points	Titles	Cashes	Winnings
1	Joey Weissman	758	1	4	$930,600
2	Eric Blair	568	2	3	$645,850
3	Michael Moncek	484	1	3	$483,750
4	Kristen Foxen	332	1	3	$401,300
5	Sergio Aido	327	1	2	$345,300
6	Adam Hendrix	316	1	1	$316,050
7	Keith Lehr	283	0	4	$352,275
8	Justin Zaki	283	1	1	$417,000
9	Patrick Leonard	244	0	3	$288,550
10	Michael Berk	224	0	4	$288,500

What’s Next for Weissman?

With his PokerGO Cup triumph, Weissman now sits atop the PokerGO Tour leaderboard and the Card Player Player of the Year standings. The win cements his reputation as one of the most consistent and formidable players on the high-roller circuit.

His ability to navigate through large fields and consistently reach final tables suggests he could be in for a massive 2025 season. If he continues this level of play, more titles—and perhaps another major championship—could be on the horizon.

February 22, 2025

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.

February 19, 2025
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
February 18, 2025
Police Arrest Man at Las Vegas Casino on Terrorism Charges

A chaotic night at Binion’s Gambling Hall took a dangerous turn when a man allegedly poured gasoline on the casino floor, prompting police to arrest him on terrorism-related charges. Authorities say the suspect, Jonathan Luna, had already been in and out of jail just days before the incident.

Gasoline, a Milk Jug, and a Fire Threat

Las Vegas casinos have seen their share of wild behavior, but what happened at Binion’s on January 31 left many stunned. According to police, 30-year-old Jonathan Luna showed up with a milk jug filled with gasoline and poured it onto the floor of the downtown casino.

Investigators say Luna even recorded himself filling up the jug before heading to the casino, allegedly planning to set the place on fire. Fortunately, that never happened. Instead, he reportedly dumped the gasoline and left.

A History of Violence

Luna’s troubles didn’t start that night. Just six days earlier, he had been released from jail on a domestic battery charge. But it didn’t take long for him to find himself back in trouble.

• Police say he was involved in another domestic violence situation at Binion’s.
• Witnesses reported that he left the casino with a woman after pouring the gasoline.
• Not long after, he allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened people on Fremont Street.

‘Blacked Out’ and Behind Bars

When officers arrested Luna, he reportedly claimed that he sometimes “blacks out.” But his record suggests a pattern of criminal behavior. Court records show that in 2023, he pleaded guilty to attempted burglary of a business and spent six months in jail.

His bail has been set at $50,000, and as of last week, he remained at the Clark County Detention Center. Authorities continue their investigation into what could have been a catastrophic event.

February 17, 2025
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.
February 13, 2025
Poker Showdown: Nick Schulman’s Big Bluff Ends Kristen Foxen’s Bracelet Run

With eight players left in a high-stakes tournament, Nick Schulman and Kristen Foxen found themselves locked in a tense battle on a four-handed table. The blinds sat at 20,000-40,000 with a big blind ante of 40,000. Schulman, a six-time bracelet winner, opened the action with a raise to 80,000 from under the gun. Foxen, a five-time bracelet winner, defended her big blind. What followed was a hand that left Foxen on the ropes and Schulman stacking up chips ahead of Day 1’s end.

A Battle of Flush Draws and Mind Games

The flop changed everything. It came down three diamonds, giving both players four to a flush. Schulman, holding pocket aces, had the nut flush draw, while Foxen, with two Broadway cards of the same suits, had the second-best possibility.

Foxen checked, allowing Schulman to continue for 55,000—just a quarter of the pot. Foxen called, staying in with her middle pair and solid draw. The turn? A complete blank. No help for either player. Foxen checked again, but Schulman decided to keep things interesting by checking back.

The River Blocker Bet That Triggered a Massive Raise

Then came the river. Another blank. No flushes. No straights. Nothing to drastically change the board.

Foxen, recognizing she might still have some showdown value, fired out a small bet of 40,000—just over 12% of the pot. A classic blocker bet. Schulman, however, wasn’t buying it. He went for an aggressive raise to 320,000, putting Foxen in a difficult spot.

She had a reasonable bluff catcher, as poker pro Jesse Sylvia noted from the PokerGO commentary booth. Still, calling meant risking a chunk of her stack with just second pair. After a long deliberation, Foxen made the call, only to see Schulman’s aces take down the pot.

Schulman’s Non-All-In Shove Strategy

One of the most fascinating parts of this hand was Schulman’s strategic raise. Instead of going all-in, he left himself with just a single 5,000 chip behind.

Why? Because it gave him a lifeline if things didn’t go his way. A total shove would have risked everything, but keeping that single chip meant he could technically stay alive and attempt a miraculous comeback if Foxen called with a winning hand.

Foxen’s Tournament Comes to a Brutal End

Foxen’s tournament run didn’t last much longer. She was eliminated on the bubble when her Q-4 suited failed to overcome Chris Hunichen’s A-9. Schulman, on the other hand, doubled up and carried strong momentum into the next phase of the event.

This hand was a reminder of why poker isn’t just about the cards—it’s about strategy, psychology, and the ability to make high-pressure decisions at the right moment. Schulman executed it to perfection.

February 13, 2025
Connecticut Bill Proposes Legalizing In-Flight Sports Betting
Airline passengers flying in and out of Connecticut could soon have the option to place sports bets mid-flight if a new legislative proposal gains traction. The bill, introduced by State Rep. Christopher Rosario (D), would make Connecticut the first state to legalize in-flight sports wagering, adding a new dimension to the state’s booming betting industry.

A New Frontier for Sports Betting

Rosario’s Bill 6051 seeks to legalize sports betting on flights that either take off from or land in Connecticut. With 38 states and Washington, D.C., already offering some form of regulated sports wagering, the legislator believes that adding in-flight options could generate additional revenue for the state.

“Betting has become big business in the state of Connecticut, and if this takes off—literally, no pun intended—let’s be there to capture some of that revenue,” Rosario said.

Connecticut’s sports betting market has grown rapidly since it was legalized in 2021. The state has already seen over $5 billion wagered, with December 2023 setting a record $243.7 million handle, a 36% year-over-year increase. Adding in-flight betting could further boost those numbers, attracting travelers looking for entertainment options in the air.

How Would It Work?

Under the proposed law, sports bets could be placed on commercial airline flights that either begin or end in Connecticut. The Connecticut Lottery, which already runs a partnership with Fanatics for sports betting in the state, could potentially extend its services to air travel.

Two of the state’s Native American tribes, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan, also operate legal sports betting platforms with online partners. Whether they would be involved in the in-flight betting operations remains to be seen.

A key provision of the bill includes directing 1% of all in-flight sports betting revenue to Connecticut’s public education system, benefiting both rural and urban school districts.

Federal Law Could Be an Obstacle

While the bill is ambitious, legal hurdles could stand in the way. The Gambling Devices Act of 1962 prohibits gambling on U.S. flights, which could complicate implementation. However, with evolving gambling laws and an increasing push for legalization across multiple states, some lawmakers see an opportunity to challenge or amend these restrictions.

Delta Airlines recently struck a deal with DraftKings to feature betting-related content on its in-flight entertainment system. However, real-money wagers remain off-limits. If Connecticut moves forward with its proposal, it could push airlines and regulators to reconsider the current stance on gambling at 30,000 feet.

Broader Gambling Policy Changes on the Horizon

Rosario’s bill is just one of several gambling-related proposals under discussion in Connecticut. Other potential changes include:

Allowing betting on Connecticut NCAA teams (currently prohibited)

Giving operators the ability to correct betting errors

Allowing users to opt out of certain sports or wagering types

If these proposals advance, Connecticut could further solidify its status as a major player in the sports betting industry, drawing even more interest from operators and bettors alike.

The debate over in-flight betting is just beginning, but one thing is clear—states are getting creative in their efforts to expand sports wagering and capture new revenue streams.
February 13, 2025

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

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

The 2025 PokerGO Cup kicked off with a bang, drawing a record-breaking field of 177 entries. This marked the largest turnout for a PokerGO Tour (PGT) owned and operated no-limit hold’em event held inside the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. With a $5,000 buy-in, the prize pool swelled to $885,000, ensuring a hefty payday for the top 27 finishers. But in the end, it was Michael ‘Texas Mike’ Moncek who claimed the biggest prize of all.

The two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner added another title to his growing résumé, taking home $185,850 for the win. With this victory, Moncek’s career earnings are closing in on $4.2 million, and his total tournament wins now stand at seven.

A Strong Start and a Dominant Finish

Moncek entered the final day of play with a commanding chip lead. Holding 37% of the total chips in play among the final seven players, he was in prime position to make a deep run.

Eric Baldwin, a two-time WSOP bracelet winner, was the first player eliminated on Day 2. He suffered a tough beat when his top two pair with A♠ K♦ fell to Moncek’s rivered flush with 9♣ 8♣. Baldwin had min-raised preflop to 200,000 and continued betting through the hand, only to see Moncek complete his flush on the river with the 10♣. Baldwin made the call for his tournament life but was sent to the rail in seventh place, collecting $35,400.

Danny Qutami was the next to exit. His flopped middle pair with K♣ 4♠ was ahead against Michael Brinkenhoff’s 7♦ 5♦ on a Q♦ 4♦ 3♥ board. But a 2♣ on the river completed Brinkenhoff’s straight, sending Qutami home in sixth place with $44,250.

A Battle of Bracelet Winners

With five players left, Cherish Andrews scored a key double-up early in the session, getting her chips in with pocket aces. That left European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona champion Stephen Song as the clear short stack.

Song managed to double up but was soon eliminated in fifth place ($53,100). His run ended in two big hands—first losing a chunk of his stack with K♠ 10♠ against Moncek’s two pair, and then busting when his A♦ 6♦ failed to improve against Andrews’ K♦ Q♠.

At this point, Andrews, Moncek, and Brinkenhoff were virtually tied in chips. The battle was heating up.

Moncek’s Clutch Play Seals the Deal

Andrews surged into the chip lead at one point after winning a huge hand against Moncek. Holding pocket jacks, she hit a full house on a board that gave Moncek a jack-high straight. That double-up put her in prime position to make a serious run for the title.

However, Moncek regained momentum with a series of well-timed plays. He eliminated Brinkenhoff in third place ($85,000) before entering heads-up play against Andrews with a solid chip lead.

Andrews fought hard but ultimately fell short. On the final hand, she moved all-in with A♠ 8♠, only to run into Moncek’s K♣ K♥. The board ran clean for Moncek, securing his victory and the $185,850 top prize.

Points and Rankings Shake-Up

This win wasn’t just about the money. It also carried significant rankings implications. Moncek earned 624 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points, catapulting him to 84th place in the 2025 standings presented by Global Poker. Additionally, he gained 186 points in the PGT race, placing him in 12th overall.

Perhaps most importantly, he’s now leading the PokerGO Cup series rankings after just one event.

Final Table Payouts and Prizes

Here’s a look at how the final table payouts shaped up:

Rank	Player	Prize Money
1st	Michael Moncek	$185,850
2nd	Cherish Andrews	$133,750
3rd	Michael Brinkenhoff	$85,000
4th	[Redacted]	$66,500
5th	Stephen Song	$53,100
6th	Danny Qutami	$44,250
7th	Eric Baldwin	$35,400

With the first event in the books, the PokerGO Cup is off to an electric start. With several more high-stakes tournaments on the schedule, the battle for the overall series title is just beginning. But for now, ‘Texas Mike’ Moncek is the man to beat.

February 13, 2025

Category: Poker

A Battle of Big Stacks

Applying Pressure on the Flop

The Turn Brings More Firepower

The Stack Dynamics at Play

The Bigger Picture

Understanding the Kill Pot Dynamic

Small Blind’s Raise Reveals Strength

Reading the Flop and Opponents’ Ranges

The Turn Creates a Bluffing Opportunity

Executing the Play and Forcing the Fold

Weissman’s Near-Flawless Performance

The Numbers Behind the Victory

Eric Blair and Michael Moncek Shine in Second and Third

Kristen Foxen’s Historic Performance

The Final Standings

What’s Next for Weissman?

Hellmuth Calls WSOP Main Event an “Endurance Contest”

A Tough Decision After 35 Straight Years

The Fatigue Factor: A Game of Skill or Stamina?

A Slump in WSOP Main Event Results

Commission to Finally Take Shape After Years of Delay

Financial Impact of PILOT Payments in Atlantic City

2021 Revisions Reduced Casino Tax Burden

Legal Battle Over the PILOT Program

Long-Term Consequences for Atlantic City

Gasoline, a Milk Jug, and a Fire Threat

A History of Violence

‘Blacked Out’ and Behind Bars

New Venetian Poker Studio Elevates the Experience

A Growing Tournament Series With Millions Up for Grabs

Las Vegas’ Largest Poker Room Keeps Raising the Bar

A Legacy of Luxury and Innovation at The Venetian

A Battle of Flush Draws and Mind Games

The River Blocker Bet That Triggered a Massive Raise

Schulman’s Non-All-In Shove Strategy

Foxen’s Tournament Comes to a Brutal End

A New Frontier for Sports Betting

How Would It Work?

Federal Law Could Be an Obstacle

Broader Gambling Policy Changes on the Horizon

A Strong Start and a Dominant Finish

A Battle of Bracelet Winners

Moncek’s Clutch Play Seals the Deal

Points and Rankings Shake-Up

Final Table Payouts and Prizes