Canada
The 2021 Numbers are in! The World Series of Poker is Back in a Big Way
Following over two years without live-action play, 6650 players from around the world flocked to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the return of the legendary 52nd annual World Series of Poker Main Event.
The Main Event brings about big winnings, with each player making the final table guaranteed at least $1,000,000 and the first-place world champion walking away with $8,000,000. With the return of in-person play and the easing of international travel restrictions, week six of the WSOP delivered on excitement with poker legend Doyle Brunson, a surprise appearance by Main Event champion alum Chris Moneymaker and major international player turnout.
“We could not be happier with the turnout to this year’s Main Event, from the big international crowd to the return of some of the greatest players of all time. Following a year of such uncertainty, it is amazing to have the poker community together again. The energy and excitement in the room is palpable as legends and amateurs from around the world gather together to try their chance at a world championship title, once again,” World Series of Poker Senior Vice President Ty Stewart said.
Week 6 Highlights:
Chris Moneymaker Makes Late Decision to Play WSOP Main Event
After announcing on Twitter earlier this year that he was unsure if he would make it out to this year’s WSOP in Las Vegas, 2003 Main Event champion Chris Moneymaker surprised the poker world by enrolling in Day 1F of the Main Event.
Josh Arieh Wins Fourth Bracelet in Event #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship
After overcoming a field of 208 entries, Josh Arieh claimed victory in Event #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship, taking home his fourth WSOP gold bracelet and $484,791 in cash. Widely considered one of the best pot-limit Omaha players, Arieh has already claimed three six-figure scores at this year’s WSOP including two bracelet wins.
2021 WSOP Day 36: Main Event Underway, Brunson Up to Old Tricks
Poker hall of famer and 10-time WSOP champion Doyle Brunson returned to the WSOP, playing his first Main Event since 2013. At 88 years old, Brunson currently is tied with Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan at second place for most WSOP bracelets with Phil Hellmuth leading at 16.
Poker Community Buys Man Facing Terminal Cancer entry into WSOP Main Event
After recently being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Michael Graydon wanted to fulfill his dream of playing in the WSOP Main Event. The professional poker community stepped in to make his dreams come true with MJ Gonzales and Jonathan Depa both paying half of Graydon’s buy-in and Maria Ho offering to pay for his flight to Las Vegas.
Former NBA Star Tony Parker Takes on WSOP Main Event
Six-time NBA All-star and four-time NBA Champion Tony Parker stepped into the WSOP Main Event, playing on Day 1B. After spending 17 seasons in the NBA, Parker now has his eyes set on a WSOP gold bracelet. Unfortunately, he was unable to advance to the second day of competition, but will have plenty of opportunities going forward now that he is retired from professional basketball.
What to Look Forward to:
Wednesday, Nov. 17 – Event #67: MAIN EVENT No-Limit Hold’em World Championship
The final two players will compete in a Heads Up Championship to determine who will be crowned the 2021 WSOP Main Event Champion.
Wednesday, Nov. 17 – Poker Hall of Fame Induction
The 2021 Poker Hall of Fame inductee will be announced, cementing their place in poker history among 56 of the game’s greatest players.
Upcoming WSOP live action on PokerGO: PokerGO is the exclusive live streaming home of the 2021 WSOP. A new annual subscription can get you the remainder of the 2021 WSOP and the 2022 WSOP on PokerGO. Live coverage of the 2021 WSOP Main Event is running now. Daily coverage will run all the way through until a winner is crowned on Wednesday, November 17. Don’t miss any of the incredible WSOP action.
Canada
Relax Gaming joins forces with PointsBet to strengthen footprint in Ontario
Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has significantly enhanced its presence in the Ontario market through an agreement with leading Canadian operator, PointsBet.
This partnership reinforces Relax Gaming’s aim to become a standout provider across North America, having already gained early success in Ontario. Relax became one of the first suppliers to deliver content to the region’s players in March 2022, debuting with over 120 games across multiple operators.
PointsBet pride themselves as one of Canada’s leading operators offering unmatched speed, ease of use, and a comprehensive array of pre-game and in-play sports betting options. This is complemented by a top-tier online casino which will now be boosted with the integration of Relax’s portfolio of slots and live dealer options.
With its authentic Canadian approach, PointsBet prioritises technology that minimises external dependencies to maintain control over its platform and has a commitment to responsible gambling best practices, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all players.
Martin Stålros, CEO at Relax Gaming, said: “Since we launched in Ontario we have enjoyed tremendous success, with our content hitting the sweet spot for the broad range of players in the Canadian province. This partnership with PointsBet will strengthen our presence in the market as the region’s leading operator integrates our rich content portfolio which will engage its player base.”
Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer at PointsBet, added: “Relax Gaming has established a strong reputation across North America and in Ontario in particular. The impressive range of content that will be integrated into our platform will increase engagement within our online platform and we are delighted to be able to provide more immersive experiences to our audiences.”
Established as one of the industry’s leading B2B suppliers, Relax Gaming was awarded GGA’s Product Launch of the Year in February 2023 for Dream Drop Jackpots. Money Train 3 names the 2023 CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards amongst its 6 Slot of the Year titles, while the brand also won the award for Skill Games Supplier at the 2023 EGR B2B Awards along with the Innovation in Mobile award at the 2023 SBC Awards.
Relax Gaming provides more than 4,000 online casino games, from its high-performing proprietary slots to a significant, varied library of content from hand-picked third-party studios via its partnership programmes.
Canada
Jackpot Digital Receives Approval from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
Jackpot Digital, a leading manufacturer of electronic multiplayer dealerless poker tables, has announced that it has received approval from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to act as a registered supplier of gaming supplies and services to regulated casinos in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.
The approval follows the Company’s news release dated February 6, 2024, announcing the signing of a licensing agreement with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) to install the Company’s Jackpot Blitz dealerless poker ETGs into SIGA casinos.
SIGA operates seven casinos and Playnow.com in Saskatchewan. At the outset, SIGA proposes to install Jackpot Blitz machines at its Dakota Dunes and Gold Horse Casino properties, located in Saskatoon and Lloydminster, respectively.
Jackpot CEO Jake Kalpakian said: “We are excited to receive approval as a gaming equipment supplier in Saskatchewan. This represents the first major jurisdictional, non-tribal license received by Jackpot during our continuing expansion into the land-based casino market. We have many more license applications underway in the US and other Canadian provinces, which will dramatically impact our ability to accelerate the rollout of Jackpot Blitz across North America.”
Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation
Play Alberta, CSEC Extend Partnership
Teams under the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) banner have expanded their long-term partnership with Play Alberta, the province’s premier iGaming destination. As part of the agreement, the Flames will feature AGLC’s responsible gambling program, GameSense, on their home helmets and a Play Alberta insignia displayed on their home jerseys. The Stampeders, Wranglers, and Roughnecks will integrate the Play Alberta logo onto their uniforms.
“There’s significant importance now to showcase meaningful responsible gambling efforts in the iGaming industry. I’m proud of our initiatives to provide GameSense with such a visible platform. GameSense promotes healthy gambling habits online and in person and including AGLC’s responsible gambling platform over the course of this partnership is a huge accomplishment,” Kandice Machado, Chief Executive Officer at AGLC.
The agreement makes Play Alberta the exclusive sports betting and online gaming partner of the Flames, Wranglers, Stampeders, and Roughnecks. Through the partnership, Play Alberta and CSEC will develop unique partnerships and in-arena giveaways during the season.
“Through GameSense, our partnership with Play Alberta equips our fans with the knowledge required if they wish to participate in gaming while they support their home team. We are both proud and excited to extend our relationship with Play Alberta that makes cheering for our teams that much more fun while also generating revenue to support the quality of life for Albertans,” said CSEC President and CEO Robert Hayes.
Alberta is the first jurisdiction in North America to partner with professional sports franchises and integrate PlayAlberta.ca and social responsibility branding onto uniforms. It upholds AGLC’s commitment to responsible play, raising awareness of GameSense and Self-Exclusion, resources that give bettors the tools they need to make healthy gambling choices.
In addition, proceeds generated through the website go toward the province’s General Revenue Fund. In 2023–24, $235 million was generated for programs and services that Albertans rely on every day through Play Alberta, an increase of more than $42 million from the previous year.
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