Poker
World Series of Poker Paradise Brings Buzz, Huge Prize Pools and Big Stars to the Bahamas

First WSOP Paradise eclipses $70 million in total prize pool
Main Event Champion to win biggest $5k tournament of 2023
Historic bracelets, strong fields and memorable appearances by poker’s biggest names and sports legends highlight the first winter series for the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Starting on December 3 at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, WSOP Paradise hosted some of the biggest poker tournaments of 2023 at various buy-in levels and surpassed its promised $50 million guarantee to achieve a total prize pool of more than $70 million.
“From hall of famers winning bracelets to celebrity sightings and a classic Phil Hellmuth entrance to the Main Event, WSOP Paradise exceeded even our own lofty expectations and became the final highlight of an incredible year,” the Senior Vice-President and Executive Director for the WSOP, Ty Stewart, said. “We thank every player who made the trip to the Bahamas to be part of the action and launch our newest tradition, Winter in Paradise.”
Event #1, Mystery Millions, kicked off the poker in paradise action by breaking the record for the largest poker event ever hosted in the Bahamas and things only heated up from there. The winter series saw exceptional turnouts for its high roller events, with many of the tournaments becoming the strongest of the year at their buy-in level. This included Event #3: GGMillion$ High Roller Championship, which was larger than its $25k counterpart at the WSOP in Las Vegas this summer.
All high-roller event entrants and prize pools can be seen below:
Event #3: GGMillion$ High Roller Championship ($25k buy-in)
- 533 entrants
- $13,325,000 prize pool
Event #7: Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em ($50k buy-in)
- 137 entrants
- $6,850,000 prize pool
Event #9: Ultra High Roller No-Limit Hold’em ($100k buy-in)
- 111 entrants
- $11,100,000 prize pool
The inaugural WSOP Paradise No-Limit Hold’em World Championship, better known as the ‘Main Event’, has solidified itself as the largest $5k buy-in poker tournament of 2023, with 3,010 entrants battling for the top prize. The first WSOP Paradise Main Event champion will soon take home a $2 million first-place prize in addition to the highly-coveted Main Event bracelet hand-crafted by Jostens from yellow gold, weighing nearly 95 grams and 494 genuine blue topaz round stones.
The full payout breakdown for the WSOP Paradise Main Event Final Table is as follows:
- 1st: $2,000,000
- 2nd: $1,200,000
- 3rd: $900,000
- 4th: $685,000
- 5th: $510,000
- 6th: $400,000
- 7th: $300,000
- 8th: $250,000
- 9th: $200,000
Although this is just the first edition of WSOP Paradise, players and fans at Atlantis witnessed a familiar scene for a WSOP Main Event on December 9 as Phil Hellmuth made his grand entrance into the Atlantis Ballroom dressed as Poseidon, joined by choreographed dancers, mermaids and a marching band. Other highlights from the series action include Hall of Famer Erik Seidel taking home his tenth career WSOP bracelet after winning Event #7: Super High-Roller No-Limit Hold’em and Japan’s Masashi Oya breaking through to claim his first-ever WSOP bracelet to go along with a massive $2.9 million first-place prize in Event #9: Ultra High-Roller No-Limit Hold’em.
Familiar faces from the sports world also attended WSOP Paradise including 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Tony Parker, two-time WNBA Champion and Las Vegas Aces’ Head Coach Becky Hammon, Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, FS1’s Nick Wright and more. Parker finished in the money for the first time in a live poker tournament in Event #4: Mini Main Event No-Limit Hold’em and Aguero competed at the feature table for the Main Event with a seat next to Daniel Negreanu.
The excitement surrounding WSOP Paradise builds on a banner year for the WSOP after the series shattered its all-time attendance record for its Main Event in Las Vegas this summer, 17 years after Jamie Gold defeated a crowd of 8,773 entrants in 2006 to take home the prestigious WSOP Main Event bracelet.
Livestreamed coverage for the Main Event continues on GGPoker’s YouTube channel and three post-produced television episodes will air on CBS Sports Network with commentary from legendary poker analysts Lon McEachern and Norman Chad.
Players should follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP .com for event news and updates.
Latin America
Mexico Gambling Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 40.64 Billion By 2033 | Astute Analytica

The Mexico gambling market was valued at US$ 11.37 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 40.64 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.71% during the forecast period 2025–2033.
Mexico’s gambling market navigates a transformative legal landscape under the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law (LJRS), amended in 2021 and further refined in 2023 to address emerging challenges. As of 2024, the Dirección General de Juegos y Sorteos (DGOJ) mandates that operators maintain audited capital reserves of at least US$2 million and implement geoblocking tools to prevent cross-border betting—key measures tightening Mexico’s historically porous regulatory regime. State-level disparities complicate compliance: Jalisco imposes a 7% local tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), while Quintana Roo exempts integrated resorts to boost tourism. The FATF’s 2023 audit highlighted AML weaknesses, prompting real-time transaction reporting for bets exceeding $2,500 via SEGOB’s centralized platform.
Despite progress, Mexico State and Guerrero remain hubs for illegal gambling dens in the Mexico gambling market, which SEGOB estimates siphon $450 million annually from licensed operators. Licensing delays (12–18 months) and hefty fines for noncompliance—up to $1.5 million for AML breaches—have consolidated market power among incumbents like Grupo Caliente and Codere. Looking ahead, federal rulings on cryptocurrency betting (pending Q4 2024) could redefine growth, as blockchain adoption accelerates among newer entrants like Betcris.
Key Findings in Mexico Gambling Market
Market Forecast (2033) | US$ 40.64 Billion |
CAGR | 15.71% |
By Type | Casino (44.86%) |
By Channel Type | Offline (53.97%) |
By Payment method | Credits and Debits Cards (39.36%) |
By End Users | Gambling Enthusiasts (65.10%) |
Top Drivers |
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Top Trends |
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Top Challenges |
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Land-Based Casinos: Adapting to Declining Demand and Tourism Shifts
Mexico’s 347 land-based casinos face structural challenges in the gambling market, with 2023 revenue dipping 5% year-over-year to $1.4 billion due to waning foot traffic and inflationary pressures. Urban centers like Mexico City and Monterrey—home to 45 and 32 casinos respectively—report an 8% decline in per-venue revenue, as labor costs surge by 12% and younger patrons migrate online. Luxury resorts buck the trend: Grupo Caliente’s Tijuana Hippodromo Casino saw VIP table game revenue climb 14% in 2023, driven by cross-border traffic from San Diego. Slot machines, still generating 78% of casino income, are evolving—Aristocrat’s “Skill-based Cash Claw” machines now feature mini-games targeting Gen Z.
Meanwhile, 14 small casinos in Baja California closed since 2022, unable to afford biometric entry systems priced at $120,000 annually per venue in the Mexico gambling market. Diversification strategies are emerging: 22% of ancillary revenue now comes from non-gaming events, such as sold-out concerts at CDMX’s Casino Palace. In coastal regions, hurricane-related closures in Quintana Roo (affecting 7 casinos in 2023) underscore climate risks, prompting operators to invest in $40 million insurance pools.
Online Gambling Boom: Mobile Adoption and Payment Innovations
Mexico’s online gambling market, projected to hit $1.4 billion in 2024, thrives on smartphone penetration (82%) and cheap 4G data plans ($8/month average). Players aged 18–34 dominate the market (71%), drawn to Bet365’s live-streamed Liga MX matches and Codere’s bonus-heavy app. Live dealer games surged 33% YoY, with Evolution Gaming reporting 500,000 monthly users for its Mexico-specific baccarat tables. Payment integration bridges financial gaps: OXXO’s Spin service processes 41% of deposits via cash vouchers, while Bitcoin adoption grows slowly (6% of transactions) despite regulatory ambiguity. However, cybersecurity remains a hurdle—DGOJ’s post-February 2024 DDoS attack now requires SSL encryption and two-hour breach disclosure windows. Regional nuances persist: northern states prefer sports betting (67% of online revenue), while central Mexico favors slots (58%). However, monopolistic practices loom—Spain’s Luckia controls 19% of the poker market through exclusivity deals with Mexican influencers like Andrés “Kraneo” Chaurand. With 5G networks expanding to 15 cities by Q3, latency issues during live bets (a 27% complaint rate) may soon ease.
Sports Betting Dominance: Soccer, Partnerships, and Integrity Risks
Sports betting fuels 39.51% of Mexico’s gambling market revenue, driven by soccer’s cultural ubiquity. Liga MX’s 2023 Apertura saw $2.1 billion wagered, spiking 18% during América vs. Chivas clashes. Strategic sponsorships deepen engagement: Sorare’s NFT fantasy league with Tigres UANL attracted 200,000 users in six months, while Betcris’ in-stadium kiosks at Estadio Azteca process $3 million per matchday. The 2026 World Cup looms large—DraftKings’ $52 million ad blitz targets Mexican expats in the U.S., leveraging dual-national stars like Julián Quiñones. Yet match-fixing persists: SEGOB’s Integrity Unit uncovered 12 third-division players manipulating yellow card stats for Costa Rican syndicates. Automation is mitigating risks—Sportradar’s AI flags irregular betting patterns in 92% of Liga MX matches—but oversight gaps linger in amateur leagues. Basketball and baseball are niche bright spots; the NBA’s Mexico City games drove a 27% YoY increase in prop bets, while the Sultanes de Monterrey’s partnership with FanDuel boosted baseball handle by $12 million in 2023.
Economic Contributions: Jobs, Tax Revenues, and Regional Disparities
Gambling sustains 148,000 direct jobs in Mexico gambling market, though wages lag—dealers earn $460/month on average, 23% below the living wage. Federally, the industry contributed $700 million in taxes in 2023, with casinos providing 58% via a 30% GGR levy. State-level disparities are stark: Nuevo León (24% of tax contributions) and Quintana Roo (21%) benefit from dense casino clusters, while Chiapas and Oaxaca account for <1%. Tourism multipliers are immense—Cancún’s casino visitors spend $290 daily versus $110 for others—but regional inequality widens: Mexico City captures 34% of revenue despite housing 13% of the population. IMCO estimates illegal operators drain $310 million in annual taxes, though SEGOB’s blockchain payment-tracker pilot (launched April 2024) slashed unlicensed revenue by 19% in three months. Unionization efforts are rising—30% of casino workers now belong to SUTTCLM, which negotiates healthcare benefits—but automation threatens roles: self-service betting terminals will replace 8,000 cashiers by 2026.
Tourism Integration: Casinos, Resorts, and Cross-Border Opportunities in Mexico Gambling Market
Integrated resorts drive Mexico’s $2.1 billion gambling-tourism nexus, blending gaming with luxury stays and golf. Grupo Vidanta’s Nuevo Vallarta property draws 500,000 annual visitors, 44% from the U.S., via packages bundling blackjack tournaments with yacht charters. Cruise tourism amplifies growth: Royal Caribbean’s Cozumel stopovers generate $180 million from casino excursions, targeting retirees with free-play credits. Cross-border betting is surging in gambling market of Mexico—23% of Texas bettors use VPNs to access Caliente’s U.S. college football markets—but peso volatility dampens foreign spending. Post-2023 devaluation, Californian visitors reduced average casino budgets by 14%, prompting operators to lure Argentinian high rollers with direct flights to Mérida. However, climate risks temper gains—Hurricane Otis disrupted 12 coastal casinos in 2023, costing $87 million in closures. For sustainability, SECTUR’s 2024 initiative promotes “golf-and-gaming” circuits in underdeveloped states like Aguascalientes, leveraging partnerships with PGA Tour Latinoamérica.
Technology Adoption: AI, Blockchain, and Virtual Reality Advances
Mexican operators in gambling market invested $230 million in tech upgrades in 2023, prioritizing AI tools for personalization and fraud detection. Codere’s chatbot resolves 83% of inquiries with a 4.7/5 satisfaction score, while Caliente’s machine learning model flags problem gamblers via behavioral cues like 3 AM logins. Virtual Reality casinos are expanding—Win Systems’ VR parlors in Guadalajara offer Meta Quest-powered blackjack, drawing 12,000 monthly users—but remain niche due to $600 headset costs. Blockchain adoption addresses transparency: 15% of licensees use Bitso for Bitcoin payouts, settling withdrawals in 22 minutes versus three days for banks. Cybersecurity gaps persist, evidenced by January 2024’s $4.5 million hack of Apuesta Total’s player database. Rural adoption lags—only 38% of Oaxaca’s casinos have 5G—but partnerships with Telcel aim to launch 150 5G gaming zones by 2025, slashing latency for esports bets.
Social Challenges: Addiction, Crime, and Regulatory Backlash
Problem gambling afflicts 2.3% of Mexican adults, per CONADIC’s 2024 survey—double the global average—with Sonora (4.1%) and Sinaloa (3.8%) hardest hit in the gambling market. SEGOB mandates operators fund 134 addiction clinics via 1% GGR contributions, yet only 17% of users self-exclude despite pop-up prompts. Cartels exploit weak oversight: 2023 saw $270 million laundered through Michoacán casinos, triggering federal raids and 11 venue closures. Public resistance grows—49% oppose new casinos per IEP polls—stalling projects in Querétaro and Puebla. Youth protections tightened in January: influencers like Rivers_GG face $25,000 fines for promoting betting on Twitch. Meanwhile, industry-funded harm reduction campaigns—like Caliente’s “Juego Responsable” school workshops—reach 200,000 teens annually. Balancing growth and ethics remains pivotal, as unchecked expansion risks replicating Spain’s 2010 addiction crisis, warns OECD’s 2024 Mexico report.
Mexico Gambling Market Key Players:
- Big Bola Casinos
- Caliente
- Codere México
- PlayCity Casino
- Strendus
- Betcris México
- Other Prominent Players
Key Segmentation:
By Type
- Sports
- Fixed Odds Sports Betting
- Pari-Mutuel Betting (Horse and Dog racing)
- In-Play/Live Betting
- Exchange Betting
- Spread Betting
- Others
- Casino
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Teen Patti
- Three Card Poker
- Four card poker
- Red Dog
- Others
- Lottery Games
- Scratch-offs
- Bingo
- Keno
- Electronic Gaming Machines
- Others
By Channel Type
- Offline
- Casinos
- Betting shops/halls
- Arcades
- Bookmakers
- Online
- Virtual Game
By Payment Method
- Credit and debit cards
- E-wallets
- Prepaid cards and Vouchers
- Bank Transfers
- Cryptocurrencies
- Others
By End User
- Gambling Enthusiast
- Dabblers
- Others
Latest News
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Latest News
ACR POKER LAUNCHES ‘MONEYMAKER MAY-HEM’, OFFERING PLAYERS A CHANCE TO JOIN CHRIS MONEYMAKER IN LAS VEGAS FOR $10K MAIN EVENT

As the Sunday Moneymaker tourney approaches its one-year anniversary this summer, ACR Poker is launching a month-long pre-celebration this May with the Moneymaker May-Hem. This promo gives players a chance to join the 2003 WSOP Main Event Champion and poker legend Chris Moneymaker for a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience during the Main Event of Vegas’ hottest summer series.
Throughout the month of May, every player who plays a $109 buy-in Sunday Moneymaker on ACR Poker and reaches a final table in any of the weekly events will earn a spot in a Final Sit & Go Showdown on Sunday, June 1st at 4pm ET.
The Final Sit & Go winner will receive a VIP package complete with a $10,000 buy-in to the Vegas Main Event, $5,000 cash for travel and other expenses, and the chance to meet Chris Moneymaker in Las Vegas. Second and third place finishers will receive $109 Sunday Moneymaker Tickets.
“The Sunday Moneymaker has become something really special, and it’s been incredible to watch it grow since we launched it last year,” said Moneymaker. “This May promo is a huge thank you to our community and every player who’s been part of this ride. I’m looking forward to welcoming the winner in Vegas, talking strategy, and hopefully celebrating a deep run in the Main Event together.”
The Sunday Moneymaker, which launched in July 2024 to honor ACR Pro and poker icon Chris Moneymaker, has quickly grown into one of ACR Poker’s weekly signature events. Since its debut, the Sunday Moneymaker has already attracted over 78,000 entrants and awarded more than $13 million in total prize money. The tournament features a $300,000 guarantee every Sunday, with a $400,000 prize pool on the final Sunday of each month.
Moneymaker noted that players can also qualify for each Sunday Moneymaker through ACR Poker’s satellites in the hours before every tournament, with paths starting at freerolls ($0), Micro Hyper Sats ($1.05, $2.10), and Mega Satellites ($11, $22) offering guaranteed $109 seats.
For poker players looking to follow the action, the Final Sit & Go Showdown will be live-streamed on ACR’s Twitch channel on Sunday, June 1st.
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