- Two interviews with lawmakers from Kentucky and New York.
- Questions for Owen Gaines, WPN’s Head of Product, with regards to ACR Poker’s product revamp and branding overhaul.
- Interviews with iPoker executives on their substantial growth thanks to investments from parent company Playtech.
Kentucky Lawmaker: Poker Won’t Be in Next Sports Betting Bill (January 2023)
Top line: “Lawmakers in Kentucky are currently working behind the scenes to draft legislation and gather support from their peers for this year’s shorter 30-day legislative session.”
Key takeaways:
- Lawmakers in Kentucky are working behind the scenes to draft legislation and gather peer support for this year’s shorter 30-day legislative session.
- Among them is Rep. Michael Meredith (R-Oakland), a lawmaker who was first elected to the House in 2011 and currently serves as chair of the House Banking & Insurance Committee.
- Meredith is also crucial in getting a sports betting bill passed in Kentucky.
- In an exclusive interview with Poker Industry PRO, Meredith says he might have to take online poker out of the sports betting bill to get it passed. That’s because Kentucky is a ruby-red conservative state, and authorizing online poker may be a bridge too far — at least in 2023.
Québec’s Path to iGaming Regulation: An Interview with the QOGC (June 2023)
Top line: “Late last month, eight entities, including six iGaming companies, announced the formation of the Québec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC).”
Key takeaways:
- Québec Online Gaming Coalition aims to modernize the outdated iGaming system and collaborate with the government.
- The coalition highlights the need for an independent regulatory body and a licensing system for private operators.
- Québec’s previous government shelved a report that inspired Ontario’s successful iGaming market.
- The QOGC seeks a meeting with the Finance Ministry to discuss the framework’s update and public opinion.
- While open to different models, the coalition believes the Ontario framework is suitable for Québec’s needs.
An Upgrade Twenty Years in the Making: An Interview with Owen Gaines, WPN’s Head of Product (July 2023)
Top line: “Americas Cardroom, the flagship skin of the US-facing offshore network Winning Poker Network (WPN), will carry out its biggest software upgrade in its 22-year history later today. Last week, PRO shared an exclusive first look at the revamped product, which has been under intense development for…”
Key takeaways:
- Americas Cardroom, part of Winning Poker Network (WPN), is implementing its largest software upgrade in its 22-year history.
- The upgrade includes improved user navigation, rebranding, and new cash game policies to protect recreational players.
- Head of Product at WPN, Owen Gaines, spearheaded the software overhaul, incorporating player feedback and the goals of the company.
- WPN’s new client allows players to quickly find the poker they want and easily customize their poker experience.
- ACR Poker’s focus is on providing the best poker experience available, with emphasis on maintaining a healthy player ecology and the best security.
10 Questions For Michael Bedulskis, Tournament & Promotions Manager at Playtech (July 2023)
Top line: “The iPoker online poker network is experiencing a remarkable renaissance period fueled by substantial investments from its parent company, Playtech. This concerted effort has resulted in the impressive growth of the network, placing it in the top three in the global rankings.”
Key takeaways:
- iPoker is experiencing substantial growth thanks to investments from parent company Playtech and new partnerships.
- Michael Bedulskis, the Tournament & Promotions Manager at Playtech, came on board in 2022 and is driving this growth.
- Bedulskis brings experience from PokerStars and emphasizes the importance of engaging with players for feedback and improvement.
- iPoker has seen record-breaking tournament participation and is continuing to innovate in its game offerings and features.
Follow-Up Interview: QOGC Says Meeting with Québec Government “Went Well” (July 2023)
Top line: “When the Québec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) formed in late May, it pledged to convince the provincial government that it should establish a regulatory framework for igaming in Québec based on that of neighboring Ontario.”
Key takeaways:
- The Québec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) has successfully discussed establishing a regulatory framework for igaming with the provincial government.
- The QOGC seeks to implement an independent regulator and licensing system for gaming operators, mirroring Ontario’s model.
- Coalition members have also met with opposition members who expressed interest in the online gaming regulation debate.
- The Coalition argues that a regulated online gaming environment is the best public policy for consumer safety.
- Based on Ontario’s first-year numbers, the Coalition estimates that Québec could generate a minimum of CAD $230 million annually from a tax and licensing model.
- The Coalition is committed to working with the Québec government and industry experts to develop a regulation that prioritizes consumer safety and responsible gaming.
The Triumphant Return of Unibet Online Series: 5 Questions for Unibet Ambassador David Lappin (October 2023)
Top line: “Unibet’s trademark Unibet Online Series (UOS) is making a triumphant return, with guarantees in seven figures.”
Key takeaways:
- Unibet Online Series (UOS) returns after an 18-month break with a record €1.1 million in total guaranteed prizes.
- The latest UOS installment runs for 23 days, featuring 228 tournaments and marking the largest series hosted by Unibet.
- Unibet has no immediate plans to introduce the Mystery Bounty format, aiming to prioritize good experiences for casual players.
New York Online Poker: Q&A with Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. (October 2023)
Top line: “When Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) last spoke with Poker Industry PRO, it was mid-March and a bill that he had introduced the month prior called for legalizing online casino gaming and online poker in New York.”
Key takeaways:
- Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. plans to introduce a new bill to legalize online poker and casino gaming in New York.
- The bill may include a provision for New York to join multi-jurisdictional gaming compacts, allowing for shared player pools across states.
- The proposed legislation aims to capitalize on the popularity of mobile sports betting in the state.
Success and Potential for iPoker Europe: An Interview with Carlo Cavaliere (November 2023)
Top line: “Playtech’s online poker operations has been making significant strides in the global dot-com market. iPoker stands tall as the third-largest online poker network globally, trailing behind industry giants GGPoker and PokerStars but above stalwarts like Unibet Poker and 888. Traffic is up…”
Key takeaways:
- iPoker is now third globally, growing 30% year-over-year.
- It leads in Italy, is third in the French-Spanish market.
- State-owned FDJ boosts iPoker.EU with a large casual player base.
- Plans include new features and potential expansion into Portugal.
- iPoker remains neutral on Italy’s shared liquidity stance.
Michigan, Golden Hearts, and the Future of Sweepstakes in the US (November 2023)
Top line: “Online sweepstakes casinos are a popular entertainment option in the United States, especially in states that don’t have regulated online gambling. The platforms are legal and offer customers the opportunity to play their favorite games and redeem their winnings for real money.”
Key takeaways:
- Sweepstakes casinos are exiting Michigan due to increased scrutiny by regulators.
- Golden Hearts Games also left Michigan after the Michigan AG ordered it to cease operations over violations of state law.
- The departure of sweepstakes casinos from Michigan is not an indication of a larger trend, but a specific interpretation of Michigan’s igaming laws.
- Companies may decide to leave certain states based on risk management, legal advice, and the level of business they have in the state.
