Win Rate: 96%

Payout Time: Within three working days

Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neosurf, ecoPayz, MiFinity, Cryptocurrencies (BTC, BCH, LTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, USDT)

Minimum Deposit: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Neosurf – $15; Paysafecard, MiFinity – $20; Skrill, ecoPayz – $30; Cryptocurrencies – Varies

Number of games: 7,000+

Bonuses: Up to $2,000 + 175 Free Spins

Wagering requirements: 45x

Frequently Asked Questions

Reparenting Yourself

Once excavated, it is time to turn even deeper into ourselves and get in touch with our inner child. The one that, in those moments of poker heartbreak, feels scared, feels angry, feels like the world is unfair or that they are not good enough. This is when it is time to channel the parent we’d wished we’d had, or better yet, our better, higher self. Now is an opportunity to find out what they would tell you in these moments of frustration and self-doubt? What advice would they give that scared child?

Likely, that you’re okay. That hey, everything’s going to be fine. That you can do this – no matter what this is. They’d likely say that those unconscious beliefs – I’ll never be good enough, or I’m forever unlucky, or if I can’t provide for my family I am not worthy of their love – are nonsense. They’ll tell you that even though you don’t have the power to change your past, you are the only one with the power to change your own mind. You are the only one who can manage your reactions. That it absolutely is within your power to decide how to perceive and engage with the world in a manner that serves your interests, not pushes them further back.

And so begin reparenting your inner child first by instilling counter-points to your most frequent self-limiting beliefs – counterpoints such as:

• My losses don’t define me.
• Progress isn’t linear.
• I can handle any adversity, any bad beat, any downswing, that comes my way.

And then repeat them to yourself – no matter how inauthentic they feel at first – each and every time your mind tells you the opposite (plus any other time you can). Be obsessive enough with the repetition and, soon enough, automation will take place and you’ll no longer even need to try.

Like going to the gym, each exercise making you a little stronger, each rep increasing your power, even if only beneath the surface.

By understanding our past, reparenting our inner child, and consciously reshaping our beliefs, we can turn even the most explosive bout of tilt into opportunities for personal growth. With perseverance, self-awareness, and some work on the Shadow self, we can master not just a game of cards, but our very minds.

Thanks to the latest online slots technology, one of the country’s most loved slots has been given a facelift by none other than Red Tiger. The latest in a long line of payline-inspired updates, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM is set to take the conquistador’s adventure, and yours, to new heights on our Canadian online casino.

This new title hits our Vegas lobby on 23 July 2020, so stay tuned!

The setting, style, and mission remain the same. However, this time when you join plucky Gonzalo Pizarro, the adventure could be a lot wilder. As you play your way through the lost city of El Dorado, the search for ancient riches is helped along by a random number of available on each spin!

All part of the Megaways^TM upgrade, this mechanic not only ensures your adventure is full of twists and turns, but that you have up to 117,649 ways to win. Before you plot a course to the lost city of gold and play for the max payout topping 20,000x your stake, you need a map. This Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM guide is your map. Taking you from the first spin towards reels filled with potential, this online slot review will put you on the right path.

So, if you are ready to set sail for El Dorado and discover the latest in slot technology, let’s begin.

Gonzo’s Quest Theme

The year is 1541, and you find yourself aboard a ship floating somewhere off the coast of Peru. In the distance, you spot an island. Hazy at first, the landmass gradually comes into focus as you sail closer. It’s at this point Gonzo grabs his map and makes haste for what he believes is the lost city of El Dorado. The promise of Mayan’s riches prompts you to follow the intrepid explorer onto a beach. There, you find an ancient monument made of stone.

Each block is marked with tribal carvings that seem to form some sort of pattern. It’s at this point you realise you’re standing in front of the gates to El Dorado. However, only those that find the right combinations can enter. With that, your online slots adventure starts. You set the blocks free with each spin, knowing that matches are the key to unlocking prizes. Will you crack the code and find a way into the lost city of gold? Only time will tell.

What Are Megaways^TM Slots?

Before you can spin on Gonzo’s Quest and experience what this new video slot has to offer, you need to know what Megaways^TM means. This online slot innovation was created by Big Time Gaming. It takes the standard payline structure of popular slots and shakes things up. By introducing an extra reel and randomising the size of symbols, Megaways^TM makes it possible to activate a random number of ways to win on each spin.

For example, on one spin, you might have 100 ways to win. On the next, you could have 5,000. In tandem with mixing up the number of paylines, Megaways^TM makes mega-combinations possible. Because the reels are set in such a way that different sized symbols fall in random orders, it can open up more payout potential than your average slot. In fact, if things fall just right, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM will give you up to 117,649 ways to win from a single spin!

How To Play Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM

To play the game, it’s simple. Start by choosing your bet. The new Gonzo’s Quest has flexible betting limits, so you can stake between €0.10 and €10 a spin. Place your bet and you’ll unlock the six reels and set the blocks in motion.

What’s unique about Gonzo’s Quest, both the original and the Megaways^TM version, is that the symbols fall into place rather than spin. This not only creates a different slot feel, but sets up something known as the avalanche feature.

Gonzo’s Quest Online Slot Symbols

Since this is the gateway to the lost city of El Dorado, the symbols are suitably iconic. Each block has been carved into an ornate design. On any single drop, the six reels can host between two and seven of the following Mayan symbols:

• K ‘uk’ (quetzal)
• K ‘awil (spirit)
• Chan (snake)
• Hoy
• Grey stone god
• Yellow stone god
• Green stone god
• Blue stone god
• King of the gods

In addition to standard symbols, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM features a mystery icon in the form of a question mark. Substituting for all other symbols, this wild can appear up to twice on a single reel and can help complete winning combinations. Finally, to trigger the free spins bonus, golden coins must fall into place. Three or more coins (or two coins plus a wild) will initiate the bonus round and give you more potential ways to win.

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM Payouts And Bonuses

Megaways^TM online slots are full of potential because you have up to 117,649 paylines on any given spin. This dynamic alone means that a single spin can unlock various payouts. In this game, winning combinations are formed when clusters of three or more matching symbols line up.

The list below shows how much you can win when you match a minimum of three symbols and a maximum of six. It is important to note that you will also win prizes when you match four and five symbols.

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways Prizes

• K ‘uk’ (quetzal) = win between 0.1x and 0.5x your stake
• K ‘awil (spirit) = win between 0.2x and 0.5x your stake
• Chan (snake) = win between 0.2x and 0.7x your stake
• Hoy = win between 0.2x and 0.8x your stake
• Grey stone god = win between 0.3x and 1x your stake
• Yellow stone god = win between 0.4x and 1.2x your stake
• Green stone god = win between 0.5x and 2x your stake
• Blue stone god = win between 0.7x and 4x your stake
• King of the gods = win between 1x and 15x your stake

The Megaways^TM system means that you can make multiple winning combinations on a single spin. So, while a line-up of three matching symbols might not seem too lucrative, this could be one of many winning clusters on the reels. Unlike most current slots, Gonzo’s Quest works on a cumulative basis. In other words, multiple smaller prizes can translate into bigger payouts.

In fact, things get even better when you factor in this slot’s avalanche feature. Winning combinations will trigger an avalanche. This means that the symbols that formed a winning combination disappear and new ones will fall into their place. If the avalanche creates another winning combination, the process is repeated.

Each consecutive avalanche moves the multiplier metre along a notch. Consecutive winning combinations become increasingly valuable. In Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM the multipliers increase in the following way until you either max out or don’t hit a winning combination:

• 1x avalanche = 1x multiplier
• 2x avalanches = 2x multiplier
• 3x avalanches = 3x multiplier
• 4x avalanches = 5x multiplier

If you can trigger the free spins round (known as Free Falls), your multipliers are given a boost. By dropping in three scatters (coins), you will receive nine free spins. Trigger avalanches during this bonus round and your prizes will be multiplied by 3x, 6x, 9x and, finally, 15x.

Finally, for even more added value, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM features “earthquakes”. Like avalanches, earthquakes shake the reels and unlock extra opportunities. The way they do this is by removing low-value symbols. Earthquakes are triggered at random, so you never know when they’re going to strike. However, when they do, high-value symbols will fall into the mix and give you a chance to make winning combinations with more payout potential.

Gonzo’s Quest vs Gonzo’s Quest Megaways: The Showdown

Before we give you some tips on how to play online slots, let’s compare Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM to the original. Overall, the two games are virtually identical. In both, your mission is to unlock the proverbial gates to El Dorado by matching blocks of Mayan symbols. The two also contain the avalanche feature and successive wins trigger up to 5x multipliers. Finally, the Free Falls (free spins) round is available in both games.

For all the similarities between the two online slots, there are also some differences. Gonzo’s Quest features five reels, 20 paylines, and bets ranging from €0.20 up to €50. In contrast, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM contains six reels, up to 117,649 ways to win and bets ranging from €0.10 to €10. The Megaways^TM version also has the added power of the earthquake feature.

The other major difference between these two popular slots is payout potential. Gonzo’s Quest has top payouts worth up to 2,500x your stake. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM has top prizes worth over 20,000x. This, combined with avalanches and multipliers, means you could win more from Gonzo’s Quest Megaways than the original.

Our Recommendation: Play both games and see how the two compare!

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM Tips and Strategy

Online slots are all about having fun. Gonzo’s Quest is no different. Regardless of whether you play the original or the Megaways^TM version, you should always bet at a level that suits your bankroll, and not focus on the prizes. Always remember that slots are games of chance, and play responsibly!

Winning should be a happy consequence of playing the game. Adopting this mentality will help you get the most from Gonzo’s Quest. The Megaways^TM structure is expansive and adds a new level of excitement to the game. Add to this some vivid graphics and there are plenty of things to hold your attention as you play.

When you piece all of these elements together, it’s easy to see why NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest became an instant hit when it was released in 2013 and why its 2020 predecessor is equally successful. As long as you remember to play within your limits and enjoy the experience, you’ll get maximum entertainment value from this impressive online slot.

Gonzo’s Quest FAQ

Is Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM fair?

Yes! This game has not only been developed by one of the biggest companies in the business, Red Tiger, it has been tested and certified by an outside agency. Before this game was licenced and allowed to go live on casino sites around the world, its randomness and RTP (return to player) had to be checked. The results came back positive and, as well as receiving a 96% RTP rating, the game has been classified as 100% fair.

Can I win real money playing Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM?

Yes, you can. The amount you win is never guaranteed, and the size of prize will depend on your stake and the winning combinations you land. However, if everything lines up in the best way possible, you could win up over 20,000x your stake.

Where can I play Gonzo’s Quest Megaways^TM online?

You can play Gonzo’s Quest Megaways at LiveRoulette. If you have not already created an account, you can register your details today. Once you are a member, you can make a deposit, scroll through our online slots lobby, and try a heap of top slots!

18+ | begambleaware.org | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.

Did you hear the one about the antelope who only liked to gamble in casinos? It thought there were too many cheetahs out in the wild.

In all seriousness, there are lots of good reasons to visit Ontario casinos, and only some of them have to do with their zero-tolerance policy for apex predators. From amazing entertainment venues featuring top-tier talent to a mix of world-class restaurants and grab-and-go food vendors, you’ll have as much fun off the gaming floor as you do on it.

Every Ontario casino also has a PlaySmart Centre staffed with experienced, well-trained professionals who can answer questions about games and rules as well as provide information. It never hurts to learn more.

You wouldn’t go to Las Vegas without taking in a show, and there’s no reason not to take one in while in Niagara Falls, either, thanks to the new $130M OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino.

It’s a world-class entertainment facility with a capacity of 5,000 and not a single bad seat in the house – the furthest chair is just 45 metres from the stage. State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems help make performances larger than life, and a connecting glass tunnel provides easy, weather-free access from the casino.

If bigger is indeed better, then Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto – the largest casino resort in Canada – might be the best place to play in the whole country. The draw here isn’t just one thing, it’s everything.

The just-opened resort is situated on 33 acres of prime land within the Greater Toronto Area and features a whopping 328,000 square feet of gaming space, including nearly 5,000 slot machines and 145 live table games.

The facility is also host to a 400-room luxury hotel with four-star amenities and a 5,000-seat entertainment auditorium, as well as millions of dollars’ worth of beautiful and unique art. If you’re interested in the kind of vacation where you never need to leave resort property, this is it.

The one constant you’ll find at every Ontario casino is a PlaySmart Centre. These welcoming spaces have a “coffeehouse-meets-science-centre” vibe and provide a relaxing break from the gambling floor. They’re staffed by friendly experts who can offer advice, support, and resources for both novices and practiced players on what to do if you need a little assistance reining in your gambling impulses.

Leaf through guides, watch videos, and use the interactive kiosks to learn more about your favourite games to better understand how they work and your chances of winning, so you can plan and play confidently. This is a great way to establish positive play habits you can both use during your casino visit and carry forward into the future.

You can also speak confidentially with people who understand gambling behaviours. They’ll provide insights on your play patterns and suggestions on how you can healthily address any concerns you may have.

If you have questions about gambling, PlaySmart Centres have answers.

Seeing three cherries in a row on a slot machine is a thrill, but what might be even better is the food you can actually eat at Gateway Casinos & Entertainment restaurants.

Match Eatery & Public House, for example, can be found at many Gateway resorts, and offers a nice break from casino action. It’s a casual restaurant with a sports bar vibe and fancied-up pub treats, including “dirty” fries tossed in Cajun butter, car hop–style burgers, and crispy apple-cinnamon hand pies.

Regardless of your gambling proclivities, you’ll probably want to relax come the evening. And the Rideau Carleton and Caesars Windsor have you covered with lounge-style entertainment venues featuring live music and drinks.

The Joint, found on the second floor of the Rideau Carleton, is a cozy, atmospheric space with a central bar, VIP seating areas, and an outdoor terrace. It’s an intimate venue to take in smaller acts, and you can even book it for private events for groups of between 25 and 400 people.

Cosmos offers a similar lounge experience in a slightly larger area, with comfy chairs surrounding candlelit cocktail tables and a stage-front bar that ensures you won’t miss your favourite song when ordering refreshments. It’s a great way to sit back and unwind after a hard day wandering the casino floor.

Written By: Mike Ifftner | Fact Checked By: Lauren Lister

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Pocket52 Poker Sports League Season 5 – Bigger and Better Than Ever!

Posted by Laksh Pal Singh on 2023-08-23 at 9:41 PM

That was what the Poker Sports League management promised us this year, and that is exactly what was delivered. This edition of PSL was grand in many ways, and I’d first like to thank everyone who made this event possible.

Nitesh Salvi – founder and CEO of Pocket52, title sponsors of PSL, Pranav Bagai, Siddharth Mishra, and Prajit Gambhir, the three musketeers who started this wonderful concept of PSL and have worked endlessly over the last five years to grow this mind sport!

Prajit, you legend. God only knows how many roles you have at PSL! From being COO to the auctioneer to commentary to ensuring that the show goes on every single time, big shoutout to you, brother, and to Vidur also for making sure every pre-show and every stream was super smooth. Sid and his production team, wow, man, I don’t even know what to say. You guys are so good at what you do! This year the production team of PSL has really outdone themselves. From every reel to every Instagram story to every update, I have to say the content was fabulous.

Obviously couldn’t have done it without your ever-so-talented team! Dashank, Madhur, and Pandey Ji, big shoutout to the three of you for doing such a great job and just being awesome people in general. I’m really fond of the entire PSL team and of course the man himself, the mastermind Pranav Bagai for making this happen on Jio Cinema- working day in and day out to achieve his vision for poker in India.

I want to thank all the owners for supporting this league every single year and spreading their love and passion for poker. This league would not be possible without you!

The Experience

Pocket52 PSL Season 5 was something else only. Everyone together on land in the same resort under the same roof, with no hassle of going onto the ship, everyone bonding and interacting.

Personally, for me, the highlight was interacting with the qualifiers from all teams, it’s really nice to talk with someone when you know they look up to you and whatever you’re saying has an impact on them.

It was really heartwarming to meet the Massani brothers, these boys were the heroes of PSL, and that’s another story to tell. Taking a domestic flight for the first time, these two brothers have come from Bhopal and won all our hearts. What gems of human beings, so much confidence, so much energy, I just loved it, to be honest. I had a great time with all my friends and all the other captains who I’m so close to off the felts!

The competition was heavy, and everyone was so passionate and into it. So yeah, GG to my boys – Dirty (Dhaval Mudgal) and Shardul (Parthasarathi) for also taking podium finishes, I had already told Shardul I was going see him heads up and win this time.

Big shoutout to Gaurav Sood, one of the best poker players in India, for playing the finale like an absolute boss man and ensuring I’m shitting myself on the rails while he’s reducing the chip deficit. Love you, Mozzie unlucky one, and you’ll be back stronger we all know it.

Shoutout to Romit (Advani) and Vaibhav (Sharma) for being fantastic team leaders- you win some, you lose some, and I am sure we will see you guys in the top 3 next season!

Now coming to my team, oh man, I don’t think I’ve ever felt such a sense of comradery and team spirit in my life. PSL adrenaline just hits differently. I’ve played a lot of tournaments in my life and hit a lot of one-outers for big money, but I’ve never jumped the way PSL made me jump and shout and scream, and it’s a different kind of excitement altogether.

Bringing a team format and making an individual sport a team game is honestly a genius concept! I would like to thank my team owners, Mr Puneet Mehra, Mehul Shah, and Rishi, for trusting me to lead this team again despite a not-so-great performance the previous year. Special shoutout to their families as well, Toral ma’am Divyansh and Prerna, for cheering on the Mumbai team and making sure our rail was the loudest and full of energy. Really happy that Mehul and Rishi also came down and really felt it with the team and were involved and there from start to finish.

Speaking about my team, I want to say I’m so proud of you guys – every point earned by each of you was crucial to us winning and reaching the finale. I remember the day we reached Goa and had our first team meeting, I was really impressed with Puneet sir because he gave a really inspirational team talk on Day 1 itself, which had a big impact on our team. I have to say one thing about my team, though, everyone was really into it, The togetherness and team spirit was really evident, and I think from Day 1, we manifested the win when we took that picture near the trophy.

Humaara wildcard kaisa ho, Alok Birewar jaisa ho! I think the best decision I made this PSL, other than my obvious retentions of Akshay Nasa and Honey Bijlani, was to sign Alok as my wildcard. I knew Alok wouldn’t do it for the money; he wanted to play PSL, he loves strategizing, he was railing every table every tournament, his team spirit was unparalleled, and the best in the league, so kudos bro I’m proud of you, and you did a great job.

Akshay Nasa, my player, said I am born ready when I asked him if he was going to play the finale. Our strategy was simple, get 250 BB in the finale, send Nasa, and ship it!! Shoutout to Ankit, our 2nd pro, for a great performance joining Nasa in the finale, and also getting the ever so-crucial points in the live MTT, but also for declaring that we’ve won before the league even started.

Honey Bijjlani, for doing more work than the captain, bhai this team would not have won without you, I openly state that you are going to be retained every year for Mumbai Anchors. Nitin Gulati for his passion for this team, getting merchandise and hoodies made for the entire team, thank you, bhai! Simran Malhotra, my fellow Pocket52 team pro, for never disappointing me, for being the number 1 woman player of the league, and for her spirit and love for the team.

Dhirendra Kumar and Avinash Tauro for being on top of things, speaking to the new boys, railing watching the stream making notes, top top performance guys. And of course the new boys Shravan and Nikaas, who I couldn’t believe, played live poker for the first time. They both killed it and got super important points for the team. Every single point contributed by each of you was crucial to this team’s success.

It was a rollercoaster of three days, with ups and downs and highs and lows; the excitement and energy were high, and it was the best three days of my life. Humne bahut chipkaaya, 3 straight days chipkaaya, but you gotta spike to ship, and there was no way Mumbai was not winning this season. Also, a big shoutout to my first mentor and dear friend Sahil Mahboobani for top-notch performance and taking down the Player of the Series, so happy for you, bro!

Lifting that trophy was a great feeling and something that’ll stay with me for life, I hope to recreate many more memories with PSL and Mumbai Anchors!

GG everyone, until next time!

Aaamchiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Mumbaiiiiiiii

The world of elite poker is a complicated balancing act, emotional exertion and mental machinations meaning that players at the highest stakes often have the most to deal with. Just how do the very best players cope with the stress of high stakes tournaments?

• Planning and Preparation
• Execution and Experience
• Analysis and Afterwards

Planning and Preparation

Many top-level professional poker players will tell you that a lot of the good things that happen at the poker table in a tournament or big cash game are down to the work that they put in before ever sitting down. These cover a wide range of areas, but breaking them down into bitesize chunks – much like those poker legends have to – here are four key areas:

1. Physical Fitness

The first may well be the easiest to fix on the face of it but requires a lifetime of work to maintain. Retaining your physical fitness when you’re an elite poker player is vital and the reason that you will see so many top players seeking the advice of nutritionists, fitness coaches and others who help add an edge to their physical forms.

Working out and eating healthy is absolute must at the top of the game, and you’ll frequently see players such as Jason Koon, Daniel Negreanu and Dan ‘Jungleman’ Cates eulogising over the benefits of exercise, nutrition and mindfulness.

Making your physical form something of true importance to you throughout your poker career will prepare you not only for the long hours and gruelling yards of travelling around the world playing top-level poker. It’ll stand you in good stead for the mental anguish that inevitably travels round with you. Playing the best of the best is tough – you need your body to be resilient when you mind is ready to falter.

2. Strategic Play

Pressure and strategy can sound like opposites, one coming in terms of a short-term burden on your mind’s natural state and the other a pre-game tactic that is designed to resist pressure. Getting on top of strategy long before you sit down enables the player to theorise on what scenarios are likely to play out. Imagining and running situations you might likely face will put you in the position of being able to set yourself up to deal with a pressurized situation optimally.

Players at the highest level not only strategize about their own play, but precisely how to stop opponents they know. The high rollers who play elite high stakes tournaments and cash games have a strategy to deal with each of their opponents and if they haven’t met them before, then they’ll develop one at the table.

When working on a pre-match strategy at the highest level, it’s crucial that you try to intercept any bad moves. You might think that they don’t happen at the elite level, but they do. They just get closed down quickly. I asked an elite player how they anticipated making the best of these situations and he told me “Spot the error before they do, because they’ll plug that leak real quick.”

Strategy at the highest level is all about adaptation.

3. Mental Wellbeing

Preparing for any poker tournament or elite cash game is mostly about the mind. Preparing yourself for hours of intense focus is hard and there are a number of ways to do this. Mindfulness, yoga, therapy, coaching, prayer, all have their places in the pantheon of practical ways to improve your mental health.

Looking after your mental health is something that everyone should do whether they play poker or not, but the sheer toll on your grey matter if you play poker at the highest level is immense. Calculating odds, observing your opponents, if you’re doing these tasks to the best of your capabilities and they’re at the top of their game too, it’s a huge mental impact.

Make sure that you have a handle on how much stress you’re under at all times if you play poker. The very best in the world won’t even arrive at a tournament unless they’re in the right physicial and mental state to perform at the best of their capabilities. Protecting the mind from fatigue and other factors is a big part of preparation.

Execution and Experience

The best players in the world prepare well for a poker tournament or cash game but money is only won at the felt. From the super high rollers to the nosebleed cash games in Macau and Las Vegas, winning big is about turning up and getting the job done.

1. Early Level Play

Whether it is in tournament play or in cash games, the early levels of play or first few orbits are not a chance to settle into your chair and get comfortable. They’re an opportunity to make money. In early tournament play, making as many chips as possible makes it easier to control the table. Big players want to be table captain, using their chips to dominate the action and put pressure on their opponents. The same is true in a cash game. They want to have the biggest stack, meaning they’ll be able to put any of their opponents to the test.

2. Making the Business End

Just as the top pros ease the pressure of early level eliminations by building up a stack, they can also take a load off the latter stages by building a bullying stack. You often hear about the really big names going into a final table with the chip lead. Why is that possible for them? Often its because they are deliberately targeting the period before the final table as the most important. They know that if they get to the final table with the lead, they’ll be best placed to cope with the demands of late stage play with aplomb… and the most powerful pile of chips.

3. Dominating Deciders

The true greats are able to handle the pressure of seven-figure cash pots or a heads-up clash for a WSOP bracelet with the same calm as they exude at the beginning of level 1. While many players can make their way to the business end of events in time, dominating those crucial last few pay-jumps or mega-rich cash games when they are hours into an escalating battle is difficult. Only the best can apply pressure rather than be impacted by it when it comes to the crunch.

4. Rollercoaster Rides

Riding the rollercoaster of emotions at the highest stakes is absolutely essential if you want to be among the best players in the world. This is often about keeping in emotions until the tournament is over or even later, sometime after the dust has settled. Processing huge mental decisions without letting the emotion of the situation impact those decisions isn’t easy but players such as Daniel Negreanu and Jason Koon have the ability to lock up the win before unlocking those feelings that they’ve kept bottled up when it’s the right time.

Analysis and Afterwards

1. Post-Match Humility

Some of the best poker players in the world simply don’t celebrate like you or I might. Imagine winning a major event for seven figures. I’d be beside myself thinking of all the things in my life I could improve, all the people I could help, all the things that I could do with the money. For Phil Ivey when he won a major title was singularly indicative of his mentality.

Asked if he was happy about winning, the 10-time WSOP bracelet winner Ivey immediately said that he wasn’t, that he got lucky in the heads-up match and detailed how one hand he might have played better could have gone. That’s an elite approach to take and why he’s able to handle the pressure – because he puts himself under the most pressure to always make the right decisions.

2. Strategy and GTO

After winning big, the best players in the world know that the pressure has only subsided. Life at the nosebleed levels of elite poker is all about dealing with the constant mentality of self-improvement. The pressure is constant, so the level of comfort with it has to be very high. Strategy, playing Game Theory Optimal poker and analysing your play post-match is a huge part of this.

It’s a little like studying for a big exam. Put yourself in the mindset of someone who has done a good amount of preparation, some mock tests, revised plenty and put themselves in a good frame of mind. You’ve given yourself a good chance of getting the grade you’re aiming for. For the very best, that’s nowhere near good enough. The best will play out every situation they can, revising to an incredible degree to repeat their ability to deliver on their learnings with complete conviction. They’ll practice mindfulness is some form or another and have probably tested themselves to the nth degree. That’s elite.

3. Taking a Break

Being at the very top of poker means living it 24/7, right? Well, yes, but how does that co-exist with taking a break? Taking a real step back from the action is crucial in poker as it is in any sport or professional practice. Unless you rest the muscle you’re using, you won’t have the energy to train it. The same is true for your brain.

Players such as Daniel Negreanu are a great example here. Give him a Las Vegas World Series of Poker and a video camera and ‘Kid Poker’ will be like a kid in the candy store. He does, however, need time off afterwards where he can watch the Golden Knights, kick back in front of a movie like Rocky Balboa or Rounders and spend quality time with his wife Amanda and their pooches.

Taking a break is just as important as making sure that you continue to train hard when you’re in game mode.

4. Coming Back Stronger

Every time you play poker, you need to be better. In some way, that’s almost impossible to fathom. Each time you step away and come back, by logic you’re going to be out of practice. It’s not really about practice, however. Focus is the keyword.

Whether the elite players who dominate the game have enjoyed a period of time studying, vacationing or enjoying some celebrations with their people, when they return to the action, they don’t need to warm up their poker brain, it clicks into gear. Only experience gives a poker player this ability, which is why it’s the last piece to fall into place.

Put all those pieces together yourself and maybe you’ll be ready to take on the best, deal with the ultimate pressure and become a professional poker player. Then, it’s all about how you climb the ladder.

  📅 Wed, May 27, 3:00 PM $500 Casino Employees Event 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Only for casino employees  

  📅 Thu, May 28, 10:00 AM $500 BIG 50 – Flight A 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 50 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Thu, May 28, 3:00 PM $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better 🂠 O8 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Fri, May 29, 10:00 AM $500 BIG 50 – Flight B 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 50 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Fri, May 29, 3:00 PM $25,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller 8-Handed 🂠 NLH 💰 $25,000 ⛁ 150,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sat, May 30, 10:00 AM $500 BIG 50 – Flight C 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 50 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sat, May 30, 3:00 PM $1,500 Dealers Choice 6-Handed 🂠 Dealer’s Choice 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) No-Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card St Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Regular, Pot-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Big O, Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw, Pot-Limit 2-7 Lowball, Triple Draw A-5 Lowball Triple Draw, Badugi, Badeucy, Badacy, No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw, No-Limit Five-Card Draw High  

  📅 Sun, May 31, 10:00 AM $500 BIG 50 – Flight D 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 50 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sun, May 31, 3:30 PM 💻 $400 WSOP.com ONLINE No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $400 ⛁ 15,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 15 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Sun, May 31, 6:00 PM $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship 🂠 NLH 💰 $25,000 ⛁ 150,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 20 Minutes No Re-Entries 64-Player maximum field  

  📅 Mon, Jun 01, 11:00 AM $600 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack 🂠 NLH 💰 $600 ⛁ 30,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Mon, Jun 01, 3:00 PM $2,500 Mixed Limit Triple Draw Lowball 🂠 Mixed 💰 $2,500 ⛁ 35,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) A-5 Triple Draw, 2-7 Triple Draw, Badugi  

  📅 Tue, Jun 02, 11:00 AM $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super Turbo Bounty 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 20 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Tue, Jun 02, 3:00 PM $1,500 Seven Card Stud 🂠 Stud 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Wed, Jun 03, 11:00 AM $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Wed, Jun 03, 3:00 PM $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship 🂠 O8 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 60 / 90 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Thu, Jun 04, 11:00 AM $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Thu, Jun 04, 3:00 PM $1,500 HORSE 🂠 HORSE 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Hi-Lo 8 or Better  

  📅 Fri, Jun 05, 10:00 AM $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER – Flight A 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) $1 000 000 Guaranteed to Winner  

  📅 Fri, Jun 05, 1:00 PM $50,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed 🂠 NLH 💰 $50,000 ⛁ 300,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Fri, Jun 05, 3:00 PM $1,500 Omaha Mix 🂠 Omaha Mix 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better; Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better; Big O  

  📅 Sat, Jun 06, 10:00 AM $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER – Flight B 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) $1 000 000 Guaranteed to Winner  

  📅 Sat, Jun 06, 3:00 PM $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship 🂠 Stud 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 / 90 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Sun, Jun 07, 11:00 AM $1,000 FORTY STACK No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sun, Jun 07, 3:00 PM $3,000 HORSE 🂠 HORSE 💰 $3,000 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes No Re-Entries Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Hi-Lo 8 or Better  

  📅 Sun, Jun 07, 3:30 PM 💻 $777 WSOP.com ONLINE Pot-Limit Omaha (7-Handed) 🂠 PLO 💰 $777 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 15 Minutes ♻ (3 Re-Entries) Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop software only.  

  📅 Mon, Jun 08, 11:00 AM $600 Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack 8-Handed 🂠 PLO 💰 $600 ⛁ 30,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Mon, Jun 08, 3:00 PM $10,000 Short Deck No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 Short Deck 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Tue, Jun 09, 11:00 AM $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Super Turbo Bounty 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 20 Minutes No Re-Entries $500 Bounties  

  📅 Tue, Jun 09, 3:00 PM $10,000 HORSE Championship 🂠 HORSE 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 60 / 90 Minutes No Re-Entries Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Hi-Lo 8 or Better  

  📅 Tue, Jun 09, 3:30 PM 💻 $800 WSOP.com ONLINE Freezeout Knockout Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $800 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 10 Minutes No Re-Entries Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Wed, Jun 10, 11:00 AM $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed) 🂠 PLO 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Wed, Jun 10, 3:00 PM $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw 🂠 Lowball 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Thu, Jun 11, 11:00 AM $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout 🂠 NLH 💰 $2,500 ⛁ 35,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Thu, Jun 11, 3:00 PM $1,500 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better 🂠 Stud-8 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Fri, Jun 12, 10:00 AM $1,500 MONSTER STACK – Flight A 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Fri, Jun 12, 2:00 PM $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty 🂠 NLH 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 20 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Fri, Jun 12, 3:00 PM $1,500 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw 🂠 Triple Draw 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sat, Jun 13, 10:00 AM $1,500 MONSTER STACK – Flight B 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Sat, Jun 13, 3:00 PM $10,000 Dealers Choice Championship 🂠 Dealer’s Choice 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 / 90 Minutes No Re-Entries No-Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card St Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Regular, Pot-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Big O, Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw, Pot-Limit 2-7 Lowball, Triple Draw A-5 Lowball Triple Draw, Badugi, Badeucy, Badacy, No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw, No-Limit Five-Card Draw High  

  📅 Sun, Jun 14, 11:00 AM $800 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack 🂠 NLH 💰 $800 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sun, Jun 14, 3:00 PM $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed) 🂠 PLO 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sun, Jun 14, 3:30 PM 💻 $500 WSOP.com ONLINE No-Limit Hold’em Turbo Deepstack (8-Handed) 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 10 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Mon, Jun 15, 11:00 AM $500 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Mon, Jun 15, 3:00 PM $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship 🂠 Lowball 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 / 90 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Tue, Jun 16, 11:00 AM $600 Mixed No-Limit Hold’em / Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed 🂠 NLH / PLO 💰 $600 ⛁ 30,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Tue, Jun 16, 3:00 PM $1,500 Razz 🂠 Razz 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Wed, Jun 17, 11:00 AM $10,000/$1,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Buy-In: $10,000 ($9,000 discount for ladies)  

  📅 Wed, Jun 17, 12:00 PM $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em SHOOTOUT 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Wed, Jun 17, 3:00 PM $25,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed 🂠 PLO 💰 $25,000 ⛁ 150,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Thu, Jun 18, 10:00 AM $1,000 Seniors No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Must be 50+  

  📅 Thu, Jun 18, 1:00 PM $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout 🂠 NLH 💰 $3,000 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Thu, Jun 18, 3:00 PM $10,000 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship 🂠 Triple Draw 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 / 90 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Fri, Jun 19, 10:00 AM $1,000 Double Stack No-Limit Hold’em – Flight A 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Fri, Jun 19, 3:00 PM $2,500 Nine-Game Mix 🂠 9-Game 💰 $2,500 ⛁ 35,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Limit Hold’em, Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Seven Card Stud, Razz, Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better, No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw, No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw  

  📅 Sat, Jun 20, 10:00 AM $1,000 Double Stack No-Limit Hold’em – Flight B 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sat, Jun 20, 3:00 PM $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed Championship 🂠 PLO 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Sun, Jun 21, 11:00 AM $800 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack 8-Handed 🂠 NLH 💰 $800 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sun, Jun 21, 3:00 PM $5,000 Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed 🂠 NLH 💰 $5,000 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Sun, Jun 21, 3:30 PM 💻 $500 WSOP.com ONLINE Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 15 Minutes No Re-Entries Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Mon, Jun 22, 10:00 AM $1,000 Super Seniors No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Must be 60+  

  📅 Mon, Jun 22, 2:00 PM $1,000 Tag Team Event 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes No Re-Entries Teams of 2  

  📅 Mon, Jun 22, 3:00 PM $50,000 POKER PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP 🂠 10-Game 💰 $50,000 ⛁ 300,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 100 Minutes No Re-Entries Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Seven Card Stud, Razz, Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better, No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw, No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw  

  📅 Tue, Jun 23, 11:00 AM $600 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack Championship 🂠 NLH 💰 $600 ⛁ 30,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Tue, Jun 23, 3:00 PM $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better (8 Handed) 🂠 O8 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Wed, Jun 24, 10:00 AM $400 COLOSSUS – Flight A 🂠 NLH 💰 $400 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Wed, Jun 24, 3:00 PM $10,000 Razz Championship 🂠 Razz 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 / 90 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Thu, Jun 25, 10:00 AM $400 COLOSSUS – Flight B 🂠 NLH 💰 $400 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Thu, Jun 25, 3:00 PM $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed 🂠 NLH 💰 $5,000 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Fri, Jun 26, 10:00 AM $888 Crazy Eights No-Limit Hold’em (8-Handed) – Flight A 🂠 NLH 💰 $888 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 30 / 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) $888 888 Guaranteed for 1st Place  

  📅 Fri, Jun 26, 3:00 PM $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship 🂠 PLO-8 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Fri, Jun 26, 5:00 PM $888 Crazy Eights No-Limit Hold’em (8-Handed) – Flight B 🂠 NLH 💰 $888 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 30 / 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) $888 888 Guaranteed for 1st Place  

  📅 Sat, Jun 27, 10:00 AM $888 Crazy Eights No-Limit Hold’em (8-Handed) – Flight C 🂠 NLH 💰 $888 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 30 / 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) $888 888 Guaranteed for 1st Place  

  📅 Sat, Jun 27, 12:00 PM $250,000 Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $250,000 ⛁ 1,500,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sat, Jun 27, 3:00 PM $1,500 Limit Hold’em 🂠 FLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Sat, Jun 27, 5:00 PM $888 Crazy Eights No-Limit Hold’em (8-Handed) – Flight D 🂠 NLH 💰 $888 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 30 / 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) $888 888 Guaranteed for 1st Place  

  📅 Sun, Jun 28, 11:00 AM $1,500 MYSTERY BOUNTY No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes No Re-Entries $1 000 000 in guaranteed bounties with 1 max-bounty of $250 000  

  📅 Sun, Jun 28, 3:00 PM $10,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship 🂠 Stud-8 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 / 90 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Sun, Jun 28, 3:30 PM 💻 $1,000 WSOP.com ONLINE No-Limit Hold’em CHAMPIONSHIP 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 15 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Mon, Jun 29, 11:00 AM $1,000 Mini Main Event 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Mon, Jun 29, 3:00 PM $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed 🂠 NLH 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Mon, Jun 29, 3:30 PM 💻 $500 WSOP.com ONLINE No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 15,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 15 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Tue, Jun 30, 11:00 AM Final 500 Salute to Warriors No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Proceeds to be donated to the USO and other Veteran Organizations  

  📅 Tue, Jun 30, 3:00 PM $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship 🂠 FLH 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 / 90 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Tue, Jun 30, 3:30 PM 💻 $1,500 WSOP.com ONLINE No-Limit Hold’em (8-Handed) 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 20,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 15 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Wed, Jul 01, 11:00 AM $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em MAIN EVENT – World Championship – Flight A 🂠 NLH 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 10 Days ⏱ 120 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Thu, Jul 02, 11:00 AM $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em MAIN EVENT – World Championship – Flight B 🂠 NLH 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 10 Days ⏱ 120 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Thu, Jul 02, 12:00 PM 💻 $10,000 WSOP.com ONLINE Super High Roller CHAMPIONSHIP (Freezeout) 🂠 NLH 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 30,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 20 Minutes No Re-Entries Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Fri, Jul 03, 11:00 AM $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em MAIN EVENT – World Championship – Flight C 🂠 NLH 💰 $10,000 ⛁ 60,000 ⏳ 10 Days ⏱ 120 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Fri, Jul 03, 3:30 PM $400 WSOP.com ONLINE No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $400 ⛁ 15,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 15 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Sat, Jul 04, 12:00 PM $1,000 + $111 Little One for One Drop – Flight A 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,111 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (∞ Re-Entries)  

  📅 Sat, Jul 04, 3:30 PM 💻 $500 WSOP.com ONLINE No-Limit Hold’em Turbo Deepstack 🂠 NLH 💰 $500 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 8 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Sun, Jul 05, 12:00 PM $1,000 + $111 Little One for One Drop – Flight B 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,111 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (∞ Re-Entries)  

  📅 Sun, Jul 05, 3:00 PM $3,000 Limit Hold’em 6-Handed 🂠 NLH 💰 $3,000 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes No Re-Entries  

  📅 Sun, Jul 05, 3:30 PM $600 WSOP.com ONLINE 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $600 ⛁ 15,000 ⏳ 1 Day ⏱ 15 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) Event played entirely online via WSOP.com desktop or mobile software.  

  📅 Mon, Jul 06, 12:00 PM $1,000 + $111 Little One for One Drop – Flight C 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,111 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 5 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (∞ Re-Entries)  

  📅 Mon, Jul 06, 6:00 PM $5,000 Mixed No-Limit Hold’em / Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed 🂠 NLH / PLO 💰 $5,000 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Tue, Jul 07, 12:00 PM $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Bounty 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes No Re-Entries $500 Bounties  

  📅 Tue, Jul 07, 3:00 PM $50,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha 🂠 PLO 💰 $50,000 ⛁ 300,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Wed, Jul 08, 12:00 PM $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty 🂠 PLO 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry) $500 Bounties  

  📅 Wed, Jul 08, 3:00 PM $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed 🂠 NLH 💰 $3,000 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Thu, Jul 09, 12:00 PM $1,500 FIFTY STACK No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 50,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Thu, Jul 09, 3:00 PM $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Hold’em / Pot-Limit Omaha (8 Handed) 🂠 NLH / PLO 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 / 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Thu, Jul 09, 6:00 PM $50,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $50,000 ⛁ 300,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Fri, Jul 10, 12:00 PM The Closer – $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em – Flight A 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Fri, Jul 10, 3:00 PM $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 6-Handed 🂠 PLO 💰 $3,000 ⛁ 40,000 ⏳ 4 Days ⏱ 60 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sat, Jul 11, 12:00 PM The Closer – $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em – Flight B 🂠 NLH 💰 $1,500 ⛁ 25,000 ⏳ 2 Days ⏱ 30 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

  📅 Sat, Jul 11, 3:00 PM $100,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 🂠 NLH 💰 $100,000 ⛁ 600,000 ⏳ 3 Days ⏱ 40 Minutes ♻ (1 Re-Entry)  

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DOT and the Cisco Foundation announce a partnership to develop a youth-led response to the global climate challenge

Responding to the calls to action from youth within DOT’s network across Africa and the Middle East – young people who are living through some of the worst impacts of the climate emergency – Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) today announces a new area of focus that leverages its proven, impact driven, youth-led model in response to the climate crisis. With support from the Cisco Foundation, young women and men will develop solutions that leverage digital tools, the creativity of young people and the power of DOT’s network of young leaders to increase community awareness and resilience to the local shocks and stresses caused by climate change.

The initial project will establish a foundation for solutions that can demonstrate, motivate and mobilize thousands of other young leaders of change and millions of citizens to take action that contributes to climate resilience in their own communities.

The ‘Youth-led Community Climate Awareness and Action’ project embraces the principles of digital inclusion, women’s empowerment and the belief in young people as leaders of change. DOT and Cisco believe that communities can experience an inclusive green transition when young people are empowered with the skills, tools and technology to lead in their communities. 

Over the next 12 months, DOT will consult with climate experts, co-design and digitize programmatic interventions with youth, run community-based pilots to test and verify a youth-led climate program and toolkit for dissemination in 2024. 

Building on a legacy of youth-led community development

The Youth-led Community Climate Awareness and Action project will be realized through DOT’s youth-led model, a unique model which mobilizes a movement of local youth, and empowers them with the skills, tools, and knowledge to lead community transformation. With over 20 years of proven impact, the model has reached 3 million community members.  

Deeply interconnected with livelihoods, human rights and inclusion, climate change is creating serious impacts to other global challenges. Young people, particularly young women, are incredibly vulnerable to climate change impacts. With the support of the Cisco Foundation, the project is rooted in the voices and lived realities of young people as witnessed in the DOT network. Addressing climate change is both an opportunity and a prerequisite for youth to thrive in an inclusive digital economy – DOT and Cisco will lead the way. 

DOT Founder and CEO, Janet Longmore, says: “At the heart of DOT’s mission, is the belief that young people — equipped with the knowledge, skills and the support and trust of the international development ecosystem — will apply their energy, creativity and impatience to lead community-based grassroots climate response at an incredible pace and scale. DOT has proven that one young person mobilized through skills, confidence and a network of support, working alongside governments, the private sector, civil society and their communities, can reach hundreds of others, increasing the collective resilience to local climate change shocks and stresses”.

She adds: “By creating a movement of digitally-savvy youth with the skills, confidence and attitudes to transform their communities, DOT has been working for 21 years to advance digital inclusion. This is why we are committed to extending our youth-led model to address the climate crisis. The model positions young women and men as climate champions who will build climate awareness among their peers and citizens, advocate for climate action, and innovate in the green economy. We are starting in Tanzania and Lebanon and we intend to scale to other countries in the Middle East and Africa”. 

A long-term partnership with the Cisco Foundation

DOT and Cisco have a long history collaboration. Starting 21 years ago, when the Cisco Foundation supported the initial development and implementation of the youth-led model, through the present day, the organizations have worked together in the Middle East, Africa, the USA, China and Mexico – driven by a shared belief in the potential of young people and the power of technology to lead responsible change.

Peter Tavernise, Climate Impact and Regeneration Portfolio lead of the Cisco Foundation, notes: “An effective response to climate change, and the reinforcing of climate action and resilience in all communities requires the efforts of everyone. We have always valued DOT’s channels to youth and the organization’s ability to engage young people as respected leaders who bring the creativity, concerns and the voices of youth to the table.”

Extending the hand, and power, of partnership, we welcome others with shared beliefs to join us in the Youth-Led Community Climate Awareness and Action initiative.

In today’s progressive business landscape, companies have started offering former felons work opportunities since they started recognizing the value added by hard workers looking to set their past wrongs, rebuild their lives, and reintegrate into society.

In the world of second chances, the following 20 companies, all of which are wildly popular and successful, allow you to put your best foot forward.

So check them out right away!

Why Are Jobs Important for Ex-Felons?

Finding work is a crucial step for former criminals since it allows them to start a new beginning toward a better future. After all, employment provides food and purpose and is the gateway towards becoming a functioning member of society.

But for people with a felony conviction, landing a job is not always easy since prejudice towards former felons is still prevalent across all spheres of society.

Thankfully, some of the biggest companies started a workforce revolution, which is bound to spur further actions that will offer anyone a second chance at life.

Best Companies That Hire Felons in the U.S.

The list below includes businesses operating in various sectors, from retail to software development, but they are all advocating for inclusive employment practices.

Ultimately, a person’s abilities and willingness to work are more important than the stigma of a criminal conviction following them. So if you belong to this group and are looking for a personal and professional transformation, check out all these opportunities.

1. McDonald’s

Yes, you heard it right: McDonald’s hires felons! In efforts to diminish discrimination, many of its restaurants accept applications from people with criminal histories.

Although the precise locations of these restaurants are unknown, according to info from McDonald’s employees, a felony won’t be an obstacle to building a career there.

The company’s top priority is the applicant’s skill set. And skillful employees will get plenty of chances for advancement. The best part is: they get competitive salaries! 

2. Walmart

If you are not looking for glamour but a steady income instead, try Walmart!

This retail giant has always supported ethical hiring practices. As a matter of fact, Walmart endorsed the Ban the Box initiative and the Fair Chance Business Pledge.

They offer an open hiring procedure where candidates are asked about their criminal past during the review, but such histories do not necessarily disqualify them. 

Those with crimes have the opportunity to advance to managerial positions, except in areas dealing with firearms. Once on board, it’s critical to take advantage of all of Walmart’s options and follow the company’s rules of conduct.

3. Facebook

Facebook has been an equal employment opportunity company for a while now. This affirmative action employer explicitly states that applicants with criminal pasts will be taken into consideration based on their skills and experiences.

Like most other huge businesses, Facebook signed the Fair Chance Pledge, which removes all barriers to career development for the previously incarcerated. You only need to meet the skill and experience requirements to get a job there.

All in all, this software behemoth is committed to eradicating the stigma associated to former felons since it recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce and giving people second chances. Best of all, Facebook offers competitive salaries and benefits.

4. Microsoft

Microsoft has frequently offered jobs to rehabilitated felons in the past and is still proudly continuing that tradition to this day. In fact, certain programs, such as the Workforce Foundation, have collaborated with this tech giant to offer felon-friendly jobs.

In addition, Microsoft also supports Ban the Box and the Fair Chance Pledge initiatives and regularly posts job vacancies on felon-friendly employment sites.

While the firm performs criminal record checks for safety reasons, it does not use the findings during its decision-making processes. Hirees even get the necessary training to develop the skills needed to advance their career.

5. Starbucks

If you are looking for a job that requires no special skills yet still grants opportunities to former felons and a decent and steady paycheck, check out Starbucks.

Plus, you get it all as a Starbucks employee, from health coverage and time off to subsidized education. That said, you’ll still be subjected to a background check, but your criminal past will not stand in your way of landing a job there.

If you prove you are a trustworthy candidate who will do the job safely and responsibly, then you’ll be welcomed as a new employee.

6. Coca-Cola

You can even find a job with the world’s leading beverage company, as Coca-Cola has been accepting felon applicants based on merit for a while now.

That said, applicants must still undergo certain background and criminal checks, which is a standard hiring procedure regardless of the candidate’s history.

If and when the applicant passes the hiring tests, they’ll be welcomed to the Coca-Cola family, which includes a healthy and friendly work environment, various training opportunities, and a path to advancement.

7. Verizon

Getting a job at Verizon is challenging for anyone, let alone former felons. But that doesn’t mean you cannot find work there with sufficient skill and persistence.

However, Verizon’s policy states that it will review the applicant’s criminal record to determine whether or not the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the exact charge are not related to the position and the performance required to hold it.

As long as you are honest during the hiring process, Verizon’s staff will not discriminate against you based on whether or not you’ve had trouble with the law.

8. Home Depot

Home Depot officially welcomes ex-felons ready to redeem themselves and build a new life. After all, the company signed the Ban the Box initiative and won’t ask applicants whether they have committed any crimes in the past.

That said, they still conduct background checks, and the type of felony committed may still weigh in their decision whether or not to hire a specific former criminal. For instance, sex or violent offenders are less likely to be hired than other ex-criminals.

Once you go for an interview, however, you can increase your chances of landing a job by being honest about your past and future and showing them that you can do the job and care about working there.

9. Delta Airlines

Airline companies weren’t typically open to hiring felons in the past, but with the global changes post the Covid-19 pandemic, they loosened up their policies; one such airline potentially hiring ex-convicts is Delta, but the process is lengthy.

For example, all applicants undergo rigorous testing and background checks, and some types of felonies may prevent you from getting a job there.

If and when you get in, however, you may be subjected to regular Covid tests and drug screenings, which airline companies generally enforce.

10. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s is a progressive company in terms of its hiring policies since it does not discriminate against anyone and offers fantastic working conditions.

In the last decade, the brand has also jumped on the Ban the Box bandwagon, which means that applicants are not required to disclose whether or not they were ever convicted of a crime. Like it or not, ex-criminals are feared or looked down on.

Thankfully, Ben & Jerry’s offers equal opportunities to any applicant, and as long they pass the background screening and show their potential, they’ll be hired.

11. Unilever

You may also be able to find a great job at Unilever—a multinational company selling all sorts of packaged goods, ranging from baby food to beauty products.

Like most other companies, Unilever conducts the necessary background checks to ensure they are hiring the right applicants, but it does not typically discriminate against former felons—the brand runs the ‘Equity, Diversity & Inclusion’ slogan, after all.

That said, the hiring experience may vary based on the exact position, the interviewer, and the location where you are applying. If you are in the U.S., you will typically have to submit to a background screening in any case.

12. Amazon

When applying at Amazon, your résumé and interview skills will matter much more than your criminal past. There are positions available in any Amazon branch, including the warehouse, management, and development.

However, your chances of getting started with Amazon are better if you apply for a position in a warehouse before building your way up the ladder since Amazon’s HR managers will always check your background and the severity of your crime.

Reliable, diligent, and honest workers who do their job on time and improve their skillset will have an opportunity to advance with Amazon.

13. Intel Corporation

Few know that ex-felons can also get a job at Intel. It’s true! If you want to work at the cutting edge of technology, you can, criminal record or not!

This semiconductor giant has openly announced it’s hiring ex-felons by signing the Fair Chance Pledge, which was confirmed by an official statement released stating that criminal records will not prevent applicants from landing a job there.

Still, the nature and the gravity of the offense and the conviction will be taken into consideration and may weigh in depending on the position in question.

14. PepsiCo

Starting a career at Pepsi is not an easy task, but at least your criminal past will not typically prevent you from landing a job, provided you have the skills required.

Known for its broad range of snacks and drinks, PepsiCo, Inc. offers job opportunities across multiple areas, including administration, finance, legal, R&D, technology, marketing & sales, production & operations, and even supply chain work.

However, if you get your second chance there, you are responsible for maintaining the highest moral standards and adhering to PepsiCo’s fundamental principles.

15. Abbott Laboratories

If you have a background in the medical field, you can also apply at Abbott Laboratories, arguably the largest medical device and healthcare company in the U.S.

Abbott is a leader in workforce diversity, employing more than 100,000 people worldwide across every demographic and with different backgrounds. As proof of that, the company has been named as one of the most diverse employers on several lists.

At the end of the day, giving those with criminal backgrounds an equal opportunity to share their talents and knowledge is part of Abbott’s culture of tolerance.

16. Tesla 

Ex-convicts with advanced skills and degrees in engineering and manufacturing may be able to land a job at Tesla. Yes, that Tesla—the innovative tech pioneer that builds the cars and energy generation and storage systems of the future.

However, even if Tesla does not discriminate against former felons, its hiring process is quite rigorous, and only exceptional candidates are hired to work there.

That said, you will still have to undergo a complete background check, so you have to ensure everything else is in order, thus boosting your employment chances.

17. Tyson Foods

Similar to Walmart, Tyson Foods is a well-known food company that stands out for its fair hiring policies regardless of the applicant’s history or demographics.

Even when filling out your application, you won’t find a single question asking about past convictions, which means your skills and experience are key to landing a role. The company simply puts faith in people’s ability to change and turn over a new leaf. 

If you know where to look, there are plenty of job opportunities at Tyson Foods, and you’ll be well on your way to rebuilding your second life.

18. IKEA

Are you a fan of Swedish meatballs and puzzle-like furniture? Why not look for a job at IKEA, then? The company does not stigmatize ex-felons, anyway.

However, your success will vary based on your specific circumstances. Naturally, you’ll have to agree to a background check, and when past convictions come up, you have to explain yourself, show remorse, and state you are starting your new life.

Overall, the company’s recruiting strategy involves evaluating candidates on merit and guaranteeing a balanced and equitable hiring approach.           

19. Prudential Financial

When recruiting people with a criminal history, Prudential, one of the biggest and most renowned financial services firms, employs a thorough selection process.

However, given the delicate nature of Prudential’s operations, fraud-related convictions will prevent you from obtaining a job there. Because of that, you must have a stellar CV and an abundance of experience to offset other past convictions on your record.

That said, your chances of landing a job in the financial sector after completing a sentence are slim. Give it your best, but do not get disheartened if you don’t get in.

20. Uber

Last but not least, let’s talk Uber! Everyone has heard of and used Uber, probably. Have you ever thought: “Hey, that’s something I can do!”?

The good news is: yes, you can, since Uber has expressed its support for hiring anyone, even past convicts, since everyone deserves a second chance. To show its commitment, the brand has even joined a slew of companies supporting ex-felons.

Depending on your state of residence, you may also have access to certain training programs that will help you get a job with Uber. For instance, former felons in California can contact Defy Ventures, which provides job training to such applicants.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, as more businesses recognize the worth and possibilities offered by these candidates, their chances of finding good employment will keep growing. While the primary benefit of these changes is the new work opportunities made available to former felons, other marginalized groups will also benefit down the line. After all, by advocating for fair policies and support programs, we empower everyone in society at large.

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Cryptocurrencies and the gambling market have found many ways to intersect. This has led to innovation and it improved the user experience for online players. Chances are that this fruitful cooperation will continue in the years to come, as both BTC and online are rising in popularity.

In this article, we’ll discuss the growing trends in the world of online casinos and how they’ll shape the market in 2024. Some of these are long-time coming, while others are recent and driven by the latest innovation.

Increased Adoption 

Many online casinos have already adopted cryptocurrencies as a payment method. Many also base their gameplay mechanism on blockchain technology. These technologies are now widespread and known to be safe and easy to use. The use of cryptocurrencies is also more regulated than before.

We’re likely to see an increased adoption in the years to come. Casinos will allow the use of many different cryptocurrencies, they’ll provide bonuses for those using them, and transactions will get lower. This also means that there will be a wider pool of potential players.

Provably Fair Odds

Using cryptocurrencies allows players to have provably fair odds for their games. When playing Bitcoin roulette online, as well as other games of luck, players need to know what are the exact odds of winning a spin. Open-source codes allow roulette players to make their bets based on a clear understanding of their chances.

This will become the norm, as players focus more on roulette games of luck and players are looking for ways to make informed decisions. BTC casinos will be expected to provide information about odds, volatility, and return to player rate, as the most important data a player needs to bet

Integration of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) in Gambling

Decentralized finance has already found its way to the gambling industry and its uses will expand in the years to come.

DeFi liquidity pools can be used to facilitate betting. Users can deposit Bitcoin into a pool. The odds of various outcomes are determined by the pool’s composition. After the event’s outcome is decided, the winnings are distributed based on the initial deposit ratio. This ensures that the odds are determined by the users, not a centralized entity.

Decentralized finance will also be used to predict the outcome of events. When the event occurs, the shares’ value changes, and users can cash out based on their holdings.

The Rise of Sports Betting

The following year will be a year of sports betting. The rise of bookmakers alongside traditional casino games has a complex and long history. Young players are more interested in sports betting than before and eSports are now widely accepted as events to bet on.

The use of blockchain technology has made the odds much clearer and allowed the odds to change in real-time as the games progress. In the end, the use of AI has made sports betting a science. The players have at their disposal countless statistics and projections made based on those statistics to allow them to make informed bets.

Introduction of In-Game Rewards

Gamification of online casino gameplay will be a huge trend in 2024. This includes side-quests, mini-games, and various in-game rewards. The introduction of these features is especially welcomed by young players who are used to computer games and find traditional casino games to be somewhat monotonous.

This will make the gameplay experience more enjoyable and suitable for playing on mobile devices. It will also drive player loyalty and help bring in new players. The odds of winning these mini-games are also transparent and fair due to the use of blockchain technology.

Enhanced User Experience

Online betting is already made to mimic the look and feel of visiting an on-the-ground establishment. This is accomplished through live betting and the flashy aesthetic players have come to expect when gambling.

In the years to come, the use of augmented and virtual reality will only further improve this trend. These technologies are already available but not widely used. Soon, VR and AR devices will become household items and the Bitcoin gambling industry will be the first to cash in on that.

Social Betting

Tournaments and social betting will be a big deal in 2024. One of the biggest downsides of using online Bitcoin casinos is the alienating nature of the experience. Online casinos are finding ways to remedy this by focusing on tournaments and social aspects of betting.

Live events can be streamed from an actual on-the-ground casino. The players make bets in real time and they can interact with each other as the game takes place. Chats, video calls, as well as augmented reality meetings all can be used to enhance this experience.

Tools For Responsible Gambling

Online casinos are going to start paying more attention to responsible gambling. They will dedicate resources and tools to prevent betting too much, chasing losses, and increasing the size of the bankroll. These practices foster trust and loyalty from players and regulatory institutions alike.

These tools include betting caps, automated betting strategies, and automated stop losses. Players will have control over the settings of these tools, but once they are set, players won’t be able to override them. This means a player may get signed out of their account once they lose the amount they set as a limit.

Stricter Regulatory Measures 

Bitcoin online casinos are already subject to regulations and rules set by government agencies. The process for getting a gambling license is going to get stricter and more complicated. This is partly because of the increased use of cryptocurrencies and partly because there are more players and casinos in general.

The security measures will be held under a higher scrutiny and there’s a chance online casinos will have to renew their license more often. Special attention will be paid to games that rely on blockchain code to guarantee the terms of a bet. These need to be transparent for both the players and regulatory institutions.

Cross-Chain Gambling

Cross-chain gambling refers to gambling that allows players to bet on crypto roulette (for example) using more than one cryptocurrency and more than one crypto platform. The players can seamlessly move their BTC assets from one blockchain platform to another and convert one cryptocurrency to another.

This approach to gambling is already available in some gambling establishments and it will become a norm in the years to come. That will allow the casinos to attract players regardless of which cryptocurrency they are using. Small and niche BTC platforms have their use and following and casinos will be able to tap into it.

Conclusion

The gambling industry needs to be innovative and change with the times so that it can stay relevant. BTC have already changed the industry and provided features useful to both players and gambling establishments. As more players adopt crypto casinos the industry will evolve further.

Online gambling establishments will get more heavily regulated, they will adopt new AR and VR technology, and they’ll allow players to use more cryptocurrencies. The games will be fairer and more transparent with their odds and sports betting will become more popular than before. Both players and BTC casinos will have to quickly adapt to new trends changing the betting industry.

In the expansive realm of digital gambling, slot games have risen as an undisputed favorite. Their appeal lies not just in the diverse themes and gameplay, but also in the seamless experience that online platforms provide. Amidst the numerous offerings, slots online have cemented their position as a central pillar of the virtual casino experience. The aim of this article is to dive deep into the captivating world of online slots and chart their transformative impact on the landscape of gambling.

The Digital Evolution of Slot Machines

Moving from the mechanical confines of traditional casinos to the limitless digital space, slot games have experienced a metamorphosis. While the transition from physical to online may seem superficial, it has completely changed the player-game dynamics.

• Ease of Access: The digital landscape allows players to indulge in their preferred slot games without the need to visit a physical casino.
• Variety in Gameplay: With an array of themes that span across myriad universes, online slots cater to a diverse audience with varied tastes.
• Progressive Jackpots: Interconnected games on online platforms allow players to contribute to a substantial progressive jackpot, elevating both the stakes and excitement.
• Bonus Attractions: Online slots regularly entice players with bonuses, promotional offers, and free spins, extending gameplay and bolstering winning prospects.

Furthermore, advancements in graphics, soundtracks, and gameplay mechanics present a gaming environment that traditional slots could scarcely offer.

Technological Breakthroughs Enhancing the Slot Experience

It’s no longer just about clicking and playing; online slot gaming has been transformed by groundbreaking technology.

The Realm of Virtual and Augmented Reality

Both Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are pioneering an immersive gaming dimension in the slot world. Players can now relish a comprehensive casino ambiance, interacting seamlessly with both the game and fellow players.

Incorporating Blockchain

Blockchain technology is elevating the trust factor in online slot games. With this, online casinos can showcase provably fair games, assuring players of genuinely random and unbiased results with every spin.

The Influence of AI and Machine Learning

AI and Machine Learning contribute to a more tailored gaming journey. By evaluating player behaviors, these technologies offer bespoke game experiences, deals, and game suggestions, thereby making slot gaming more captivating.

Online Slots in the Future: Beyond Mere Gaming

Online slots are transcending gaming to build communities and shared moments. Features like multiplayer slots, live events, and interactive bonuses are paving the way for a more community-centric gambling experience.

• Engaging Slot Tournaments: These enable players to challenge each other, introducing a competitive flair to the traditional solo play.
• Collaborative Bonus Rounds: Here, players can either collaborate or compete, infusing unpredictability and engagement into bonus sessions.
• Community Tools: Features like chat functionalities, leaderboards, and options to share on social platforms allow players to share their milestones and moments.

The dynamic nature of online slots indicates the vast potential that digital realms hold. As technology evolves, online slots promise a perpetually engaging and rewarding escapade for gaming aficionados globally. Each spin not only hints at a potential jackpot but also provides a glimpse into the ever-evolving future of gaming.

Confused over which crypto regulations are applicable in the UK? Read on to discover all about the Travel Rule, MiCA, and the UK’s proposed regulatory regime.

The release of the UK government’s ‘Future financial services regulatory regime for crypto assets: Response to the consultation and call for evidence’ signifies yet another significant step on the UK’s road toward crypto regulation.

In February 2023, in perhaps the clearest sign to date that the UK government was finally taking the challenges and opportunities of the crypto industry seriously, HM Treasury released a consultation paper on the proposed regulatory regime, which is billed by many as the UK’s answer to MiCA.

The 77-page document featured information on the current regulatory landscape for cryptoassets, definitions of different types of cryptoassets, and geographic scope of cryptoasset activities.  

As well as more general guidelines regarding cryptoasset investment advice and portfolio management, the paper set out a proposed policy approach to bringing cryptoasset activities into the UK regulatory perimeter.

Call for evidence on UK’s proposed crypto regulatory regime.

From February to the end of April 2023, the public and private sector, and those inside and outside Parliament were invited to provide feedback on policies and legislative proposals contained therein. IDnow’s crypto regulatory experts, Rayissa Armata and Jason Tucker-Feltham pored over the consultation paper, and along with 130 other respondents and institutions, provided detailed feedback and analysis. 

In October 2023 HM Treasury published its response to the consultation. In the foreword, Andrew Griffith MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury said: 

While the vast majority (80%) of respondents were positive about the proposals, 10% had mixed feedback, and 10% were “largely critical” about the proposals. The main objections were from those who fundamentally disagreed with bringing cryptoassets within the financial services’ regulatory perimeter. Objections fell into three camps: crypto should be banned; crypto should treated in line with gambling regulation; crypto should be regulated on assets, not activities.

Feedback on UK’s proposed crypto regulations.

Feedback was collected from a mixture of industry associations, crypto native firms and FinTechs, legal and consulting firms, traditional financial services, and members of public and academia. Twenty themes and topics were identified that need to be addressed:

In light of the above, HM Treasury has pledged it will be setting out ‘modifications’ to the original proposals to provide further clarity on key areas of interest. The government’s aim is for secondary legislation to be laid in 2024, subject to Parliamentary time.

“It is important that the regime’s credibility be seen as robust rather than light touch, so I welcome the decision by the UK government to take the feedback from invested parties very seriously,” said Jason Tucker-Feltham, Head of FinTech and Crypto at IDnow.

What should crypto firms do while they await crypto regulations? 

While firms await rules outlined in the UK’s proposed crypto regulatory regime, crypto firms that wish to operate in the UK must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and therefore comply with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 (including the FATF guideline amendments). Only firms with appropriate Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, source of funds checks, and proof of funds checks, can be registered to ensure no illicit money is coming through the system.

At the beginning of 2023, out of 300 applications to the FCA, only 41 had become registered. FCA spokesperson, Charles Randell, Chair of the FCA and PSR said that more than 80% of crypto firms that had begun the process to become registered had either withdrawn their applications or been rejected. The most common reasons for not passing were that they did not meet the required AML standards. 

Despite the UK no longer being legally required to follow the rules outlined in the EU’s Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD), the UK did decide to transpose the cryptocurrency regulation criteria from 5AMLD and 6AMLD into domestic legislation. Other relevant rules include the Financial Promotions Regime, which is currently under consultation, and the Financial Services and Markets Bill, which includes stablecoin regulation.

What is the UK’s ‘Travel Rule’? 

From September 1, 2023, crypto firms operating in the UK will be required to store, verify, and share all information regarding crypto transfers, as per the ‘Travel Rule’. 

Although well established among traditional financial service providers, the Travel Rule was extended to incorporate crypto activities in the revised Transfer of Funds regulation, which alongside MiCA, was officially officially published in the European Official Journal on June 9, 2023. 

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), regarded as the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, recently acknowledged the challenges associated with setting adoption and enforcement timelines across different juristictions and regions. Each FATF member state is currently madating travel rule compliance.

In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has outlined what it expects from firms: 

• Take all reasonable steps and exercise all due diligence to comply with the Travel Rule. 

• Assume responsiblity for complying with the Travel Rule, even when using third-party suppliers. 

• Comply with the Travel Rule when sending or receiving a crypto to a firm in any jurisdiction that has implemented the Travel Rule. 

• Regularly review the implementation status of the Travel Rule in other jurisdictions and adapt business processes as appropriate. 

Putting the KYC into crypto.  

KYC processes are an integral part in ensuring crypto exchanges can protect themselves and their customers from fraud and money laundering, even amid an evolving crypto regulatory landscape. Having these controls in place will protect investors from financial losses and add stability to a notoriously volatile market.  

IDnow’s highly configurable identity verification services for crypto work across multiple regulations, industries and use cases, including crypto. Whether automated or expert-assisted, its online identity-proofing methods have been optimized to meet the strictest security standards and regulatory requirements without compromising on customer conversion or consumer experience.

For more information on what UK’s proposed crypto regulatory regime would look like, watch Jason Tucker-Feltham, Head of Crypto Sales at IDnow attempt to explain it – in 90 seconds or less.

By

Jody Houton
Senior Content Manager at IDnow
Connect with Jody on LinkedIn

Preparing for the known: Operating in a world of crypto regulation.

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