Gambling in the USA
THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® RELEASES WSOP® PARADISE DAILY EVENT SCHEDULE
The World Series of Poker (WSOP), in partnership with GGPoker, today unveiled the daily event schedule for its recently-announced new winter series, WSOP Paradise, which will run from Dec. 3-14 at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Players looking to travel to the series and buy into the tournament directly can now book their stay at Atlantis Paradise Island via a “players exclusive” offer.
For players looking to qualify online, 1,000 packages can be won for the Main Event, including an 11-night hotel stay at Atlantis Paradise Island, a $5,000 tournament buy-in, and daily complimentary lunch buffet access. GGPoker also announced a commitment of 200 packages to be won for the GGMillion$ event, including an 11-night upgraded stay in Atlantis’ The Cove or The Reef, a $25,000 buy-in, and daily complimentary lunch buffet access.
Additionally, the Mystery Millions event will use GGPoker’s OnLive format allowing players to participate in online Day 1s and fast-forward into the money before arriving on-site in the Bahamas.
Furthermore, players in the upcoming Millionaire Maker in Paradise event, part of GGPoker’s WSOP Online 2023 series (Aug. 20 to Oct. 2) will also have the opportunity to win their way from the online felt to the Bahamas; play will pause once 100 participants remain in that event and resume on Dec. 4 at Atlantis Paradise Island.
For specific information on times of WSOP Paradise qualifiers, which begin later this month, players should check within the GGPoker client.
WSOP Paradise builds on the momentum generated by the record-breaking 54th annual WSOP, which took place at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip this summer. Featuring 15 bracelet events in total, the series will be headlined by more than $50 million in guaranteed prize pools, including a $5,000 Main Event with a $15 million total prize pool guarantee and a $1,500 Mystery Bounty with a $5 million guarantee.
“It’s official, WSOP Paradise is set to deliver an unforgettable new winter series with our jam-packed schedule,” said Ty Stewart, SVP & Executive Director of the World Series of Poker. “We can’t wait for cards to be in the air in paradise this December, and we look forward to crowning our first Main Event champion at Atlantis Paradise Island. Whether you made the trip to Vegas or not, you don’t want to miss out on what we’ve got in store with our partners at GGPoker.”
2023 WSOP PARADISE FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
|
Dates/Events |
Buy-In  |
GTE |
|
Dec. 3 – Mystery Millions |
$1,500 |
$5,000,000 |
|
Dec. 4 – MILLIONAIRE MAKER in Paradise [Final 100 – Final Day]* |
$1,500 |
$5,000,000 |
|
Dec. 5 – GGMillion$ High Rollers Championship |
$25,000 |
$10,000,000 |
|
Dec. 5 – Mini Main Event No-Limit Hold’em |
$1,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Dec. 7 – High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha |
$25,000 |
$2,000,000 |
|
Dec. 7 – 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em |
$3,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Dec. 8 – Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em |
$50,000 |
$2,000,000 |
|
Dec. 8 – Mystery Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha [ONLINE] |
$2,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Dec. 9 – Ultra High Roller No-Limit Hold’em |
$100,000 |
$5,000,000 |
|
Dec. 9 – Main Event – NLHE Championship |
$5,000 |
$15,000,000 |
|
Dec. 12 – Flip & Go $800 |
$800 |
|
|
Dec. 13 – No-Limit Hold’em FREEZEOUT [ONLINE] |
$1,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Dec. 13 – Pot-Limit Omaha Championship |
$10,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Dec. 13 – The Closer [Turbo Bounty] |
$2,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Dec. 14 – High Roller No-Limit Hold’em [6-Handed] |
$10,000 |
$1,000,000 |
*Participants must take part in Millionaire Maker in Paradise Day 1 tournaments online at GGPoker during the upcoming WSOP Online 2023 series in order to qualify for the concluding live action at WSOP Paradise.
GGPoker, who sent 774 players to the 2023 WSOP Main Event, plans to qualify an unprecedented number of players for WSOP Paradise.
The WSOP reserves the right to cancel, change or modify the tournament or any tournament event, in part or in whole, without notice.
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:
-
500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
-
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:
-
HCAL, LLC
-
JCM Global
-
Konami Gaming, Inc.
-
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.
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.”
Sky River Casino has announced that an Elk Grove resident has won a whopping $511,311 while playing progressive blackjack on March 31, 2025. The Sky River Rewards member hit the big win after playing the table game for less than an hour.
“Our progressive table games and slot machines continue to be really hot here at Sky River Casino. Our players have had an impressive number of life-changing jackpots and our winning streak continues. We look forward to the next big win and welcome adults near and far to visit to explore and enjoy our high-energy atmosphere, lively promotions, exciting gaming, and unparalleled dining experiences,” said Michael J. Facenda, President of Sky River Casino.
The lucky local guest plans to use her winnings to renovate a kitchen and build a house back home.
“Without question, the best part of my job is watching our valued members and guests experience jaw dropping wins like this one. We all share in the incredible excitement that is absolutely contagious and can be felt throughout the casino,” said Charleen Ripley, VP of Casino Operations for Sky River Casino.
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