pokerfuse online poker news

After a long wait, Doug Polk’s video explaining the Lodge situation is here.

Doug Polk’s video explaining what happened at the Lodge has been long in the making, but it’s finally here. At this point, it doesn’t offer many new insights, but it does talk about some of the theories that we’ve seen thrown around.

Perhaps the most important new fact is that the government has until April 9 to submit the request for civil forfeiture. Without this request, all the money and assets that were seized will have to be returned.

While the future of the Texas card club remains uncertain, Polk has once again confirmed that he’ll personally make all the players whole, no matter what.

By Ivan share:

More from week starting march 30

April 04

The first Founders Table Freeroll on FanDuel Poker happens tonight!

The first Founders Table Freeroll at PokerStars + FanDuel takes place tonight, offering $15,000 in prizes. Tickets should be waiting in eligible players’ accounts, so don’t miss out. Cards will be in the air at 7pm ET.
By Ivan share:

Tom Goldstein is still fighting to stay out of jail as he awaits sentencing for tax and mortgage fraud, but prosecutors are turning up the heat.

According to PokerNews, they argue Goldstein is a flight risk, pointing to his connections to wealthy gamblers, his failing marriage, and his open desire to play Andy Beal for tens of millions.

Goldstein, meanwhile, calls these claims “deplorable and unfounded” and is asking to move out of his home with his spouse and custodian, Amy Howe.

Prosecutors, not mincing words, say he “has not yet accepted reality” that “he is a criminal destined for prison.”

Goldstein’s legal team continues to push for a new trial, arguing the jury convicted on insufficient evidence.

By Sam share:

GGPoker is rolling out a massive $15 million promotional giveaway this April.

The promotion covers all game types and includes leaderboards, daily flipout tournaments, and new player offers.

The highlight is the Bounty Hunters Series, running April 5 to 28, which boasts over $80 million in prize money and an extra $1 million in daily leaderboard cash.

By Sam share:

Can you go from zero to hero on FanDuel Poker?

Stories about players building their poker bankrolls from nothing and reaching nosebleeds are the stuff that legends are made of.

While these types of feats were somewhat common in early days of online poker, they are much harder to accomplish these days.

If you’d still like to give it a go, no place is better for it than newly-launched FanDuel Poker. With a fair number of free tournament tickets up for grabs & and a big $150k No Sweat freeroll series starting next week, there are ample opportunities to build your bankroll without ever depositing a single cent.

By Ivan share:

Some more PLO wisdom from Vivi Saliba.

Pocket kings are a huge hand in No Limit Hold’em, but when it comes to PLO, KKxx is one of those hands that many players struggle with before the flop. Vivian Saliba offers some quick strategy tips and explains why not all PLO hands containing KK were not created equal.
By Ivan share:

Shaun Deeb just can’t catch a break…

Shaun Deeb found himself in a spot to win yet another bracelet at WSOP Europe. He outlasted nearly 2,700 entrants in the €565 Colossus, only to be denied the title by this sick cooler.

On the other hand, a strong start of the Prague series will certainly help Deeb in his Player of the Year efforts, putting him in a great spot ahead of the 2026 WSOP in Las Vegas.

By Ivan share:

Join the action in the Nightly Stars $50k event on FanDuel Poker.

Every night, there is a $50k guaranteed event taking place on the new FanDuel + PokerStars site. Sign up today, join the action, and claim your share of the rich prize pool!
By Ivan share:

If you like your poker with a side of homework, this is for you.

Spraggy breaks down what it claims to be the greatest final table in history, but it is less about the actual hands and more about the strategy and decision-making behind each play.

The focus is on game theory, mathematical probabilities, and the adjustments the pros make under pressure.

By Sam share:

Hourly satellites to Sunday Million running on FanDuel Poker.

April 12 will be a big day for online tournament players in the US, with FanDuel Poker hosting two Sunday Million events, with each tournament offering a $500k guarantee.

Satellites to the $109 Sunday Million are available at $20, taking place every hour to give as many players a chance to win their seats. And, importantly, you’ll get one satellite ticket for just signing up with the new platform, without even having to deposit!

By Ivan share:

WSOP Europe Main Event is underway in Prague.

The action is underway in the WSOP Europe Main Event, and Martin Kabrhel was in the mix. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on what side of the fence you are), it looks like we won’t see much of Martin’s antics in this one, as his pocket aces were cracked in a big pot early on.
By Ivan share:

No Sweat Series: $150,000 Freeroll Prize Money over FanDuel + PokerStars.

This isn’t a typical tournament series where you’re expected to buy in. Instead, it’s built entirely around freerolls, meaning there’s no entry fee.

🗓️ The series runs from April 6 to 12.

💰The 24 freeroll tournaments have $150,000 in total prize money.

➡️ You need a ticket to enter.

🎫 Tickets distributed daily to players from April 6 to 12.

💻 All you need to do is log in each day and check for ticket drops.

❌ No opt-in is needed.

By Sam share:

April 03

Big Game on Tour new episodes on YouTube.

Huge characters like Phil Hellmuth and Antonio Esfandiari are front and centre.
By Sam share:

Fan Duel bringing Sunday Million to the US could have wider implications.

By this point, most players are aware that the new PokerStars + FanDuel platform will be hosting two Sunday Million events on April 12, with each tournament awarding at least $500k.

While we don’t know what the operator’s plans for the future are, bringing Sunday Million to the United States could certainly have bigger implications, hinting at the desire to rebuild the PokerStars’ legacy as the leader in online MTTs.

By Ivan share:

Winamax has just kicked off their new poker podcast, Sit & Talk!

Hosted by PonceP and Londam, the show brings a fresh, relaxed vibe to poker discussions. Each month, a new guest joins the table for casual conversations full of entertaining stories, no lectures, no formal segments, just genuine talk. It’s a filmed podcast, designed to be lighthearted and easygoing, unlike any poker show Winamax TV has done before.

The first episode features Harper, the well-known poker journalist who has long been a key figure behind Winamax’s coverage and poker storytelling in France.

Check out the first episode!

By Anuj share:

The PokerNews Podcast this week is all about the uncertain future of poker in Texas.

Chad speaks with Texas Card House owner Ryan Crow about the Lodge raid and the legal gray area that clubs like his operate in.

The episode offers a preview for a new documentary, “Battle for Texas Poker,” which promises to dig into the high-stakes drama behind the scenes.

By Sam share:

The Irish Poker Open just keeps getting bigger.

After drawing 4,562 entries last year, the Main Event has already surpassed that number, yet another record for Europe’s most iconic tournament and the event isn’t even done yet, as players can still enter the tournament.
By Anuj share:

Another prop bet in the making!

Aaron Barone is looking to spice things up and get some extra motivation for his online grind with a 24-hour prop bet, with the aim of playing 150 tournaments in that period.

The bet is apparently still in its early stages, so if you’re someone who likes to get involved with this sort of stuff, shoot him a message with what you think fair odds would be.

By Ivan share:

The Remote UK Gambling tax increase is starting to have an impact.

PokerStars UK has adjusted its rewards program, removing the Select and Select+ tiers that offered up to 65% rakeback. Rakeback is now capped at 40%, and players report that the rake needed to earn rewards has also gone up.

When taxes rise, the burden often falls on players and this is a clear example. Not great news for the UK online poker players.

By Anuj share:

A few years ago, this version of the US online poker market didn’t exist.

Well, it really is pretty remarkable.

Some of the biggest iGaming brands in the US are now offering online poker—and that’s with legalization in only a handful of states. A few years ago, this likely would’ve required federal legalization to even seem plausible.

Yet here we are.

DraftKings is in the mix with Electric Poker (essentially Spin & Go). It’s a limited format for now, but it shows intent—and there’s always the possibility they expand into formats like All-In or Fold down the line.

BetRivers Poker is already live in four states and set to launch in a fifth (New Jersey), quietly building one of the broader footprints in the market.

And now FanDuel has entered the space using PokerStars branding, launching in three states with potential to expand into West Virginia and possibly Connecticut.

Current footprint:

DraftKings: PA, MI, NJ
FanDuel: PA, MI, NJ
BetRivers: PA, MI, WV, DE (soon NJ)
BetMGM: PA, MI, NJ
WSOP: PA, MI, NJ, NV

By Anuj share:

FanDuel Poker’s welcome bonus goes live again after issues with opt-in.

PokerStars US/FanDuel Poker has addressed the earlier issues with the welcome bonus and opt-in requirements. The offer is now live again.

Players who opt in will get a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 plus up to $30 in bonus tickets when they play through their first deposit. If you signed up for the April 1 version of the bonus, you just need to opt in again to be eligible, the operator wrote on social media.

By Anuj share:

Phenom Poker is back online after its recent security scare.

The crypto-based platform had gone offline following a hack, which has now been contained. In total, around $94,267 in USDT was taken from its token liquidity pool; importantly, no player funds were affected.

Since returning, Phenom Poker has also rolled out a few updates, including the addition of Open Face Chinese Poker and new satellite tournaments.

By Anuj share:

One of PokerStars’ earliest team members, Chris Straghalis, has retired after nearly two decades with the company.

Joining in 2004 as employee #41, Strag, as he’s known in the poker community, held roles across Affiliates, Online Marketing, Poker Innovation & Projects, and eventually became Director of Poker Product and Director of Online Poker Experience.

He was behind numerous projects, but personally, I’ll always remember him as the mind behind Power Up, my favorite game on PokerStars.

In his LinkedIn farewell, he shared that he’ll start his next chapter by playing at the ongoing Irish Poker Open.

What an incredible journey, few employees have had such a long and influential run at PokerStars. Wishing Strag the very best in his next adventures!

By Anuj share:

Sunday Million to debut in the 🇺🇸.

The Sunday Million will run on April 12. It is available for players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Rather than a single tournament, it features two events with combined guarantees of $1 million. This is a first for US players!

Remember you need a FanDuel Poker account if you want to play.

By Sam share:

Chris Moneymaker thinks the poker boom could happen again.

The man who sparked the poker boom more than two decades ago thinks it could happen again. It might not have the same impact as in 2003, but Chris Moneymaker believes the WSOP’s renewed deal with ESPN has the potential to grow the game once more.

Check out his latest interview with Poker Org.

By Anuj share:

PokerStars x FanDuel is live, and early players are enjoying huge value.

FanDuel Poker, using PokerStars branding but on a new poker platform run by FanDuel, is officially up and running. Every player needs to create a new account to play, and if you haven’t signed up yet, you’re missing out on big overlays.

Being early days, the site is still building its player base—but they’re offering juicy guarantees to attract players. For example, the daily Nightly Stars tournament has an ambitious $50,000 guarantee for just a $100 buy-in. Unsurprisingly, the first two nights were overlaid, and this trend will likely continue.

Big events are coming over the weekend. The new Sunday Dynasty tournament literally doubles the guarantee to $100,000 for the same $100 buy-in. Sign up now to take advantage of early registration perks, including generous welcome offers and free tickets.

By Anuj share:

Woah, the Irish Poker Open is going global!

Europe’s largest poker festival just announced three exciting new stops, including its first foray into the US.

This year, the tour kicks off in Sydney, Australia from September 6–15, then heads to Marrakech, Morocco from November 10–15. The US debut is set for next year, with dates to be revealed soon.

Big moves for one of poker’s biggest festivals, it’s going worldwide!

By Anuj share:

Wait… ClubWPT Gold has quietly added another charge and this time it’s sales tax.

Starting April 1, some players are now seeing sales tax applied to digital purchases, based on their physical location at the time of checkout. The platform says it’s to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

To be fair, ClubWPT Gold isn’t alone here; Global Poker has already been doing the same. Still, it’s unlikely to sit well with players, especially given the existing costs tied to features like time bank, reveal, and rabbit hunt.

What’s surprising is how little attention this change is getting so far. For now, it’s flying under the radar, but that might not last long.

By Anuj share:

A strong early surge is building even as FanDuel Poker smooths out initial issues.

PokerStars on FanDuel may be dealing with a few early hiccups, but that hasn’t slowed player interest.

Day 2 pulled in close to 3,000 tournament entries, around 1,000 more than Day 1, a strong sign that momentum is already building.

With the Easter break coming up, there’s still plenty of room for things to settle in as the platform continues to evolve. Now that Pennsylvania has joined New Jersey and Michigan, all three states are sharing the same player pool, opening up more game options and bigger prizes.

It’s early days, and while some issues are still being worked through, the overall trajectory looks promising. More updates (and likely promotions) expected soon. Keep watching this space!

By Anuj share:

It’s a busy stretch for live poker in Europe right now.

Two major Main Events are running side by side, the WSOP Europe Main Event in Prague and the Irish Open Main Event, backed by PokerStars and Paddy Power, with PokerNews keeping close tabs on both.

So far, the €5,300 WSOP Europe Main Event has drawn over 700 entries from its opening flight. Meanwhile, the €1,150 Irish Open Main Event is already well past 4,000 entries on its final Day 1 flight.

With Day 2 still to come and late registration open, there’s a real chance the Irish Open could surpass last year’s numbers and set a new record for its biggest Main Event ever.

Safe to say, it’s a packed schedule for poker across Europe.

By Anuj share:

PokerStars US relaunches on FanDuel in the US, offering players a chance to build a bankroll from scratch through its $150,000 No Sweat freeroll series.

We’ve got you covered in our article on how to build a bankroll during the No Sweat Series over on FanDuel Poker.

Remember there are new welcome bonus offers available and that you must sign up for a new account even if you used to have a PokerStars account.

By Sam share:

Latest episode of Between Two Phils from BetRivers Poker drops.

There also loads of promotions happening over on BetRivers Poker this month.
By Sam share:

In case you missed it the first time round. An ultimate thread on the new FanDuel + PokerStars deal.

@pokerprojones aka Nick Jones, aka the font-of-all-poker-knowledge, gets into the nitty-gritty on the new PokerStars partnership with FanDuel and what it means for you, the players.
By Sam share:

The cards-up live stream from the Irish Open Main Event starts today.

Ahead of the that, Stapes caught up with newly minted PokerStars ambassador, David Lappin for some light hearted fun.
By Sam share:

Check out the new PokerStars US platform over on FanDuel Poker.

Remember to sign up first even if you used to have a PokerStars account in New Jersey, Michigan or Pennsylvania.
By Sam share:

It seems that GGPoker ambassador Kev Martin has a reality livestream up his sleeve.

As we all wait with bated breath for Game of Gold season 2, it looks like Kmart is taking matters into his own hands.

In his latest post on X, Martin calls for a “wildcard player” to enter a poker reality livestream.

What we know from the application form:

📌 Hosted by Kevin Martin.

❌ Applications close April 8, 2026.

🌎 All travel expenses covered.

💰 No buy-in, 100% free to participate.

🎥 Filming takes place May 18–25, 2026.

By Sam share:

Great things running each day on FanDuel Poker thanks to PokerStars US.

It’s worth checking out the Nightly Stars tournament if you are in NJ, MI or PA.

Remember you need to sign up to FanDuel as a new player even if you used to have a PokerStars account.

By Sam share:

High-stakes poker or improv theater? Sometimes it’s tough to tell.

According to Poker Night’s latest livestream, the real action comes less from the cards and more from the personalities.

Jennifer Tilly, Xuan Liu, Jungleman, BetRivers Poker ambassador Phil Hellmuth, and Kelly Minkin share the table for a cash game that is equal parts poker and performance art.

By Sam share:

PokerStars-FanDuel get cozy—new accounts for everyone.

PokerStars has officially merged with FanDuel Poker in the US, and every player is required to set up a brand new account.

Even if you already have a FanDuel account, you are not off the hook.

As Anuj reports, the platform now operates under the 'PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel’ branding, and the transition brings with it a $1,000 deposit match bonus and $30 in free tickets for new signups.

By Sam share:

BetRivers shows Delaware poker players some love.

Delaware poker players used to have had it rough, with more than a year of no online poker options. That changed when BetRivers Poker launched in June 2025. Since then, they’ve tried to make up for lost time.

Their latest move is the Diamond State Rakeback promo, which runs until June 28, 2026.

It is aimed mainly at the serious grinders, giving up to 250 percent extra Bonus Store Points depending on your iRush Loyalty Level.

No opt-in is needed; if you play at least five dollars in rake or fees, you qualify.

By Sam share:

Check out the video on the FanDuel PokerStars collaboration.

Everything you need to know about the new FanDuel Poker platform.
By Mike share:

Free Tournament Tickets worth $30 when you sign up to FanDuel Poker.

Alongside the deposit bonus, players are also being given tournament tickets to get started. No deposit necessary.

By simply logging into the new Fan Duel Poker platform and opting in through the promos page you can get:

2 × $5 Spin & Go tickets

1 × $20 satellite ticket for the Sunday Million

By Sam share:

April 02

The silent boom at the Irish Open.

Irish Open organizers rejoice. The Deaf Championship at the Irish Open went from a whisper to a roar, multiplying its attendance tenfold in just one year. What the organizers have achieved has been astounding!
By Sam share:

Why you should sign up to FanDuel Poker right now – in under one minute!

FanDuel Online Poker is up and running. We’re bringing you extensive coverage of everything that happens, as it happens, but maybe you don’t have the time to read through it all.

If that’s the case, this one-minute video gives you a quick list of reasons why you should sign up right now to get all the benefits, including a big welcome bonus, tournament tickets, access to a $150k freeroll series, and more!

By Ivan share:

PokerStars/FanDuel Poker kicked off with a bang!

The first day was huge on the newly launched FanDuel Poker. As per our counts, the first day saw over 2,000 entries across nearly a dozen tournaments!

The standout was the $5 Daily Drew, which drew an impressive 611 entries. Not bad for day one! Expect these numbers to climb as the weekend rolls in and more players join the action.

If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s a good time, fields are smaller and early overlays are likely, plus you can still claim your preferred screen name.

By Anuj share:

Claim your PokerStars screen name before it’s gone!

With PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel now live and all players required to create new accounts, screen names are effectively reset across the entire player pool.

Make sure you sign up afresh to get yours!

By Sam share:

The latest PokerNews Podcast emergency episode covers Doug Polk’s first public video since the Lodge Raid.

Chad, Mike, and Ben discuss everything from Doug’s commitment to players to the slew of raid conspiracy theories.

Despite the ongoing investigation into illegal gambling and money laundering, everyone hopes there might be a positive outcome, though nobody is willing to put a timeline on it.

The WSOP Circuit event at Texas Card House is still on, so poker in Texas isn’t folding just yet. For now, everyone is playing the waiting game.

By Sam share:

What the flop giveth, the turn and river taketh away.

According to PokerNews, the final hand of the €3,300 PLO Mixed event at WSOPE was one that Shaun Deeb won’t soon forget.

Deeb, chasing his ninth bracelet, went heads-up against Frank Koopmann and flopped a king-high flush. Find out how it all went down in the PokerNews article. It’s brutal.

By Sam share:

How to claim the new deposit welcome bonus at FanDuel + PokerStars explained here.

Here’s how to claim the new welcome deposit bonus from FanDuel Poker.

➡️ Register for an account with Fan Duel (all players must create a new poker account).

➡️ Log in and opt in to the promotion from the offers page.

➡️ Make a deposit between $10 and $1,000.

➡️ Receive a 100% match, up to $1,000.

By Sam share:

Live stream of WSOP Europe Prague Main Events stars tomorrow.

Mark your calendar y’all. Tomorrow the stage is set for the beginning of the WSOP E Main Event and they are live streaming all of the action.
By Sam share:

The pink diamond Ladies WSOP Europe bracelet has officially been revealed.

Alright, ladies — first look is in! 💎

The custom pink diamond WSOP Europe bracelet for the Ladies Event has officially been revealed, and it’s looking pretty stunning. At first glance, it might seem like a classic WSOP bracelet, but take a closer look and you’ll spot the pink-coated suits, a really nice touch that sets it apart.

The Ladies WSOP Europe bracelet event kicks off in just a couple of days (April 4), taking place in Prague, featuring a €1,000 buy-in and a field exclusively for women.

With so many well-known and talented players expected to show up, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest ladies’ events outside the US. Definitely one to watch!

By Anuj share:

Get all the info you didn’t know you needed on the FanDuel Poker platform here.

We work hard on these guides to create the best resource for you guys.

If you want to know all things FanDuel Poker especially now it’s the home to PokerStars US then check this out!

And you want to sign up you can do so here!

By Sam share:

Poker streams keep vanishing.

Triton Poker’s live streams from Jeju have been pulled from YouTube, and it’s not the first time poker content has been caught in the crosshairs of YouTube’s policies.

According to Barry Carter at PokerStrategy, the removal comes with no clear explanation or chance for the operators to respond. The streams, which regularly attract over 100,000 viewers, are now only available on Triton Plus, Twitch, and Kick.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Hustler Casino Live faced a similar suspension last September, and even the popular streamer Spraggy got hit with a false strike mid-stream recently.

As Carter notes, poker channels have little recourse against YouTube’s algorithm and automated bans.

By Sam share:

Who else is excited for the Sunday Million from PokerStars + FanDuel next week?

PokerStars ambassador and newly minted US Chess ambassador Jen Shahade will be!

Don’t forget you need to sign up all over again in order to play, even if you once had a Stars account.

By Sam share:

Phenom takes a hit, but says user wallets are untouched.

Phenom Poker confirmed a security breach that took their site offline earlier this week.

According to CEO Matt Valeo, the attackers compromised a team member’s computer and made off with $94,267 from the site’s token liquidity pool.

The company insists that no player funds were affected, since individual balances are stored outside Phenom’s control.

“Although this event is frustrating… I’m personally glad to see the system working – players were able to control and withdraw their funds even while our app was offline.”

Phenom plans to restore the stolen liquidity and switch to an in-game currency called CHIP to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Cash games resume April 4, but tournaments will have to wait a little longer. All MTTs that were running during the outage will be paid out based on ICM.

By Sam share:

Negreanu is back on the YouTube streets.

We covered it via the PokerOrg article, but watch Daniels full take on the WSOP x ESPN partnership and what he thought of that Krissy Foxen fold that made the rounds last week.
By Sam share:

Negreanu says ESPN’s WSOP return will bring the hype.

Daniel Negreanu is pleased about the World Series of Poker returning to ESPN after a few years away.

He believes that the network’s storytelling and production, driven by Omaha Productions, will make the Main Event more engaging for viewers.

“I really think that you’re going to see a major upgrade across the board in terms of what you’re seeing.”

So, if you missed poker as a TV spectacle, ESPN is betting you’ll tune in this summer.

By Sam share:

Andy Stacks heads to WSOP Europe.

As the WSOP Prague stop is underway, famous faces descend. For the first time high stakes poker pro Andy Stacks will be playing in the event.

Check out his pre-game Q&A below.

By Sam share:

Sunday Millions from PokerStars returns on April 12 in North America!

In just two weeks time the Sunday Million returns, this time on FanDuel via PokerStars! $1 million will be guaranteed across two events.

This is all very exciting!

By Sam share:

PokerStars and FanDuel have finally joined forces in the US, and Anuj points out the biggest shake-up:

you have to make a new account, even if you were a PokerStars US or FanDuel Poker regular.

The upside? Everyone qualifies for the full set of welcome bonuses, even if you’ve cashed in on them before.

New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania players can now play together, but all your old balances and accounts are gone.

By Sam share:

April 01

David Lappin responds to Terrance Reid.

A measured response from Lappin, with a call for real effective change to be made for the way staff and dealers are paid at live events.
By Sam share:

Mixed reactions greet PokerStars x FanDuel new software.

Now that the new PokerStars x FanDuel platform is live, player feedback is rolling in and it’s a split pot.

Some users are praising the software as “user-friendly” and “solid,” while others aren’t holding back, calling it a massive downgrade. As expected with any major update, plenty of players are also chiming in with suggestions and areas for improvement.

It’s classic poker community energy, resistance to change on one side, cautious optimism on the other. We’ve rounded up a few tweets, though the conversation is happening across other platforms too, including Discord.

Early days, but the verdict? Definitely mixed.

By Anuj share:

PartyPoker appoints yet another prominent player as its ambassador.

PartyPoker Tour has expanded its ambassador roster once again, this time bringing in Barny Boatman, founding member of the Hendon Mob and former PokerStars Team Pro, as its 10th ambassador, with the appointment made earlier this week.

He now joins the likes of Joe Beevers, Barry Carter, Sam Acheampong, Glenn Brown, Natalie Bromley, Rebecca Hardisty, Daniel Garcia, Niall Farrell, Barbara Jimenez, and the Staple brothers as part of the growing lineup.

Adding a bit of April 1st humor, he sarcastically tweeted about the “end of my long and happy association with Party Poker,” saying he “very much enjoyed” his time and “wished it could continue,” before blaming “exciting new project” clashes, a classic tongue-in-cheek bluff that landed well.

Nice touch. Well played!

By Anuj share:

Minor bumps for PokerStars x FanDuel, but the cards are flying again.

PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel is officially live, marking a big change for PokerStars operations in the US market.

With the move, PokerStars has retired its legacy software and launched a brand-new poker client. And like any fresh deal, there were a few shaky hands early on. Some teething issues cropped up, leading to a brief pause as games were taken down for emergency maintenance.

But no long delays here, the tables are back up, games are running, and players are back in action on FanDuel Poker.

By Anuj share:

You need to sign up to play on the new PokerStars platform on FanDuel even if you once had an existing Stars account.

Both new and existing PokerStars players in Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey need to sign up and create a new account if you want play on the new site, housed on FanDuel.

Just so you know, all players, can take advantage of a new 100% deposit bonus up to $1000 plus $30 in free tickets.

By Sam share:

A million jackpot just hit Winamax Expresso in Omaha variant.

Well, well, well… Winamax Expresso just hit the million jackpot and it came in the Expresso Omaha variant 🤯

This might actually be the first time ever a lottery-style Sit & Go in Omaha has reached that level. And it came in a €5 buy-in, just wow!

By Anuj share:

Kevin Martin wraps up his WSOP Online run.

GGPoker ambassador Kmart looks back on the WSOP Online and talks about his wins and where he can still improve.
By Sam share:

Terrance Reid tries to clear up WSOP Europe misinformation around their 'staffing fees’.

Hopefully Reid’s post will allay some fears that dealers and staff were not being paid fairly.
By Sam share:

Who named this PokerStarsUSonFanDuel thing?

Ok so… PokerStars has integrated with FanDuel with a new poker platform. Big win for US poker!

Also… Ben’s reaction is perfect: who names their account PokerStarsUSonFanDuel?

My tongue is broken just thinking about it. 😅

By Anuj share:

You’ve got to hand it to Doug Polk.

Making a personal guarantee to make players whole is huge. He’s said it before, but he makes his pledge crystal clear in his latest YouTube video on what happened at the Lodge.
By Sam share:

🚨In case you are living under a rock…PokerStars has relaunched as 'PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel.’

❗️Former PokerStars players need to sign up again with a new account.

🦦 All players can claim a new 100% deposit bonus up to $1000 + $30 in free tickets.

🇺🇸 New three-state player pool connects Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for the first time.

By Sam share:

Mike Matusow not a fan of the Doug Polk Lodge video.

I actually thought all of Doug’s points seemed sound and coherent, but Matusow does not agree.
By Sam share:

Here’s a first look at the new PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel poker client!

The new FanDuel Poker software is here in the us and it’s worth checking out.
By Anuj share:

Welcome to a new era. Here is all you need to know about PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel.

Thanks to 'pokerprojones’ who comes back with a thread of all threads to keep us in the loop.
By Sam share:

PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel is live!

The wait is over! PokerStars has merged with FanDuel. And they are now live in all three states: PA, NJ, and MI, sharing the same player pool.

There are some cool welcome offers and promotions to kick things off – definitely worth a look if you’re interested.

By Anuj share:

Follow GGPoker today to get the code for WSOP freeroll tickets.

Per Daniel Negreanu, this is not a drill, nor a joke. Follow the GGPoker socials today and they will be dropping a code for a freeroll that is giving away WSOP entry.
By Sam share:

Looks like Phenom Poker has been hacked. And no, pretty sure this isn’t an April Fools.

Today we got attacked by a sophisticated group who was able to compromise a team members machine. Unfortunately, a private key was compromised and the hacker was able to move some site funds before we were able to act.

🚨According to Phenom Poker top brass, player funds are safe.

By design, Phenom (and therefore even a hacker), DOES NOT have access to your player wallets.
We shut the site down as a precaution – we have the team reviewing all contracts, endpoints, wallets to make sure there are no other vulnerabilities.

By Sam share:

Not long to go now before PokerStars migrates over to FanDuel!

All the details on what to expect from the software from our resident expert on all such things, Anuj.
By Sam share:

Jen Shahade shone light on historic abuse within chess, and comes out victorious.

This is monumental. Jen bravely took a stand against the US Chess Federation for their role in the abuse she and other women faced within the organization, and has emerged victorious.

Not only has the lawsuit she raised against the Federation been “resolved,” she is now the first-ever US Chess Ambassador. We are so proud of her.

Shahade’s comments below are featured in The Guardian article published last month.

“It’s upsetting to see how there’s still lots of abuse against women. But I’m tremendously proud of bringing this to light in chess. It’s my biggest achievement because, as in so many other cultures, there’s a long and embedded history of abuse.”

Below is a collection of mainstream articles that highlight what Jen brought to light and how it has reshaped the world of chess for women in the game.

By Sam share:

April. A month of Phils and prizes at BetRivers Poker.

BetRivers is going all-in on their April Phil’s Month promo.

From April 1 to 30, players in all four BetRivers states can rack up rewards just by playing as usual. There are daily chances to win exclusive Phil Hellmuth or Phil Galfond bobbleheads, and you don’t even need to opt in.

By Sam share:

March 31

A new era of online poker in the US is about to begin.

PokerStars has officially confirmed it: PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel is going live for US players on April 1 at 8 AM ET! The new platform will be played on new software, bringing together players from New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania into a single shared network.

For more details on FanDuel Poker, check out this page.

By Anuj share:

PokerStars’ current software is nearing its final hand in the US.

Enjoy the final hours as PokerStars’ software will be discontinued in the US from tomorrow, with Ontario following later. The new PokerStars x FanDuel platform will be live shortly, though no launch date has been announced yet.
By Anuj share:

The latest episode of Inside the Mind of a Pro drops us right into the chaos of the 2025 WSOP Main Event bubble.

With 1,476 players left and 1,465 paid, it’s the classic moment where every hand feels like life and death—at least for the short stacks. Winamax’s sponsored pro Leo Margets, sits comfortably with 383,000 chips at 4,000/8,000 blinds, and is our guide through the tension in this episode.

And if you all remember correctly Margets made history that year. What. A. Run.

By Sam share:

Wynn has dropped the full schedule for its 2026 Summer Classic.

The festival runs from May 20 to July 13, with the headline event being the $10,400 Wynn Summer Championship and its $10 million guarantee.

“We’re excited to bring players a summer schedule built around big guarantees and a great overall experience… we think there’s something here for every type of player.”

If you will be in Vegas for the WSOP this may be a good series to check out as the date coincide.

By Sam share:

There’s nothing like winning at your own party.

Apparently, hosting the tournament is the secret to winning it. Paul Phua, co-founder of Triton, casually swept up the $3.2 million prize at his own 10th anniversary party.
By Sam share:

Listen to the Ante Up Poker Podcast.

The crew dig into poker’s hot gossip, from the WSOP Main Event returning to ESPN to the mysterious closure of The Lodge. With tales from their Arizona adventure and a baseball-inspired One Outer, this episode is a full house of chatter.
By Sam share:

GGPoker brings back the big bucks in April.

The Bounty Hunters Series returns for April. The series will feature a staggering $80 million in guarantees along with enticing leaderboard prizes.

The event will run throughout the month, offering a packed schedule for bounty chasers everywhere.

By Sam share:

March 30

Deaf NHL High Roller at Irish Open more popular than ever.

Gregory Olson’s win in the €350 High Roller was the headline act, but the real story was the surge in attendance. The Main Event alone grew from 29 runners last year to 224 this year.

This kind of inclusivity at the poker tables is amazing to see.

By Sam share:

Gronk shakes up PokerStars The Big Game.

Ivan reports that this week’s The Big Game on Tour was all about Gronk, who had the pros scratching their heads.

After losing chips with a cautious approach, Gronk switched gears. He won a big pot with pocket kings and suddenly decided to play several hands without ever checking his cards.

By Sam share:

If anyone knows Paul Phua it’s Rob Yong.

Give the video a watch if you want to get to know Phua a little better who is a regular at the Triton tables and the man behind the training site: Paul Phua Poker.
By Sam share:

Poker pro and RHOBH Jennifer Tilly turned another year older while filming Episode 17 of Hellmuth’s Home Game, but the poker gods weren’t handing out gifts.

The $25/$50 cash game sponsored by BetRivers Poker featured a star-studded table, yet it was Dan “Jungleman” Cates who walked away with the biggest pot—not the birthday girl.

According to PokerNews, the highlight came when Tilly tried to press her pocket eights, only to watch Cates make two pair on the river and claim a $19,225 pot.

By Sam share:

Doug mentions his video on the Lodge will be dropping in a few days time.

Ahead of his high-stakes cash game stream, Doug mentioned his upcoming video, which will get into what really went down at the Lodge.

He says he is awaiting approval—presumably from legal—before it airs, but it should be soon.

By Sam share:

WSOP Main Event final table set for August 3 to 5.

I’m still not convinced about the 20-day break before the final table plays out at the WSOP, but the dates are set, and the channel is ESPN.
By Sam share:

BetRivers Poker: getting max value out of all formats.

Over on pokerfuse, we run through all the ways BetRivers Poker offers value to players through its different game types.

Players in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia have access to these offers.

By Sam share:

Should the WSOP be aired on YouTube instead of ESPN?

I mean, Simon makes a good point!
By Sam share:

Señor Tilt vs Kylie Jenner. The mash-up we didn’t know we needed.

If this comes off, it will be AMAZING.
By Sam share:
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