Gambling in the USA
2021 WORLD SERIES OF POKER® IN REVIEW: WEEK THREE HIGHLIGHTS AND WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

The 52nd annual World Series of Poker® (WSOP®) wrapped up its third week of play at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino with thrilling wins and new champions crowned. Week three delivered on excitement with poker legend Phil Hellmuth winning his record-breaking 16th gold bracelet and a stacked, star-studded faceoff in the final day of Event #36: $10,000 Dealer’s Choice Championship.
Poker fans and interested media can tune into the weekly WSOP virtual press conference on Friday, Oct. 22 at 12 p.m. PST where host Tiffany Michelle will dive deeper into this week’s milestone events with special guests, bracelet winners and more. This week’s virtual press conference can be viewed on the WSOP YouTube channel
Week 3 Highlights:
Poker legend Phil Hellmuth took home his 16th WSOP Gold Bracelet in Event #31: $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw. The 16th Gold Bracelet extended Hellmuth’s record of having the most championship wins in WSOP. This is his first gold bracelet in a 2-7 poker game and his third in a non-Hold’em variation.
- Anthony Koutsos Wins First WSOP Bracelet in Event #35: $500 Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em
Anthony Koustos, a real-estate agent by day, took home his first WSOP gold bracelet and $167,272 in winnings. A poker player of nine years, this was Koutsos’ first time at the World Series of Poker and his third bracelet event. - Karolis Sereika Wins First WSOP Bracelet in Event #37:$1,500 Super Turbo
Karolis Sereika won Event #37: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Super Turbo, taking home his first WSOP gold bracelet, making it the first live Lithuanian WSOP bracelet. This is Sereika’s biggest win to date at $195,310.
- WSOP Adds Two More Main Event Starting Flights as U.S. Travel Restrictions Ease
In response to the easing of travel restrictions into the U.S., WSOP has announced two more Day 1 Event flights. Day 1E and Day 1F will take place November 8 and November 9.
Adam Friedman made history, winning Event #36: $10,000 Dealer’s Choice Championship for third consecutive time and denying Phil Hellmuth his 17th WSOP gold bracelet. Friedman now has four gold bracelets and over $2 million in cashes.
What To Look Forward To:
- Thursday, Oct. 21 – Event #41: Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em
Players will face-off for a chance at a WSOP gold bracelet in a $2,500 buy in, no re-entry tournament. - Sunday, Oct. 24 – Online Event #5: WSOP.com Online Bracelet Championship
Players will compete for a WSOP gold bracelet in one of the newly added online bracelet events.
- Upcoming WSOP live streaming on PokerGO: PokerGO.com is live streaming 36 days of action from the 2021 World Series of Poker, including the entire $10,000 Main Event from start to finish. Coming up are live streams of Event #39: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha on Friday, October 22, Event $40: $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship on Saturday, October 23, and Event #44: $3,000 Limit Hold’em 6-Handed on Sunday, October 24. Watch now on PokerGO.com.For real-time WSOP coverage, please visit PokerNews.com https://bit.ly/3uLIQdj.
Gambling in the USA
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa Named Luckiest Casino in US by Casinos.com

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has been named the luckiest casino in the US according to a recent study conducted by Casinos.com. The resort claimed the top spot based on an in-depth analysis of Tripadvisor reviews, measuring the frequency of luck-related keyword mentions.
With a 25.49% luck rate, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa topped the list thanks to glowing guest feedback, including frequent mentions of jackpots, hand pays and bonus wins. 50 reviews mentioned the word “jackpot,” and 19 even referenced a “hand pay.”
Casinos.com tracked keywords such as lucky, luck, won, winning, success, jackpot, hand pay, winner, bonus, profit to determine which U.S. casinos inspired the most winning moments among visitors.
“I hit 4 jackpots. I stayed one night. I had a blast. The machines are as loose as anywhere else,” wrote one Tripadvisor reviewer, noted Casinos.com, capturing the essence of why the casino landed in the No. 1 spot.
“We’ve always known this was a lucky casino, but it’s exciting to see that recognized through data-driven research. It’s a testament to the vibrant energy on our casino floor and the unforgettable experiences we strive to create for every guest,” said Steve Bonner, President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
The ranking reinforces Seminole Hard Rock Tampa’s reputation as one of the premier gaming and entertainment destinations in the US. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa was not involved in the study and was unaware of it until the results were publicly released.
Over the past year, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa has paid out nearly 839,000 jackpots totaling more than $2.45 billion, continuing to deliver thrilling high-stakes gaming. Since May 1, 2024, the casino resort has awarded 375 jackpots of $100,000 or more, amounting to an impressive $61 million in winnings. Notably, 47 of those massive wins stemmed from bets of $5 or less and nine came from wagers of $3 or less.
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa offers a fully integrated casino experience with a sleek, modern design and welcoming atmosphere of 245,000 square feet of gaming space and entertainment. With 5230 of the hottest slot machines and a full range of table games such as poker, blackjack and baccarat, there is no shortage of opportunities to win. Additionally, guests can enjoy live craps, roulette, and sports betting at their leisure.
Gambling in the USA
California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.
Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage
The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.
Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved
The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.
Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions
Among key licensing matters:
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500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
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Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
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Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.
Key Employee Licensing Actions
The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:
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Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
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Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny
The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.
Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.
Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals
Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:
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HCAL, LLC
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JCM Global
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Konami Gaming, Inc.
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PDS Gaming, LLC
Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.
Notable Withdrawals and Denials
In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.
A Broader Look Ahead
With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.
Gambling in the USA
NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.
Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.
The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.
On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.
Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”
For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”
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