Aftermath Interactive AB, a Sweden-based independent game studio, and Hensel Grad P.C., a U.S. gaming law and advisory firm, announced a strategic agreement to develop a skill-based poker game for launch in the US.

The strategic agreement partners Aftermath Interactive’s innovative game development expertise with Hensel Grad’s deep knowledge of U.S. gaming laws and regulation. Together the companies will create a truly skill-based digital poker experience. The concept builds on Aftermath Interactive’s free-to-play game Hands of Victory which is currently in early soft-launch. Non-US players can try the game out by participating in tournaments hosted on the Challengermode platform.

“Our vision leverages patent-approved technology and our Hands of Victory IP to evolve poker as a competitive skill game and provide players with fun, new ways to showcase poker-related skills while competing for prize money. By introducing novel, skill-enhancing game mechanics, more action oriented, character-based gameplay and a dynamic, decision-based scoring system, we believe a pay-to-enter version of Hands of Victory can fill a profound hole in the US market. Thanks to this strategic agreement we can now explore various paths to deliver that vision transparently and in line with state and federal laws,” Kim Lund, CEO of Aftermath Interactive, said.

Hensel Grad will draw on its knowledge of gaming laws and regulations to help shape the pay-to-enter version of Hands of Victory game for the US in a manner that ensures the game qualifies as a game of skill under state laws.

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“U.S. courts have long held that traditional poker is a game of chance and, therefore, subject to state gambling laws. The Hands of Victory game is different from traditional poker. It will equip players with a wide range of tactical tools to put an entertaining and engaging twist on poker and will be unlike any other game currently available to U.S. players,” Susan Hensel, Co-founder and Partner of Hensel Grad, said.

Aftermath Interactive is a start-up game studio run by gaming veterans with 50+ years combined experience in crafting, operating, and promoting games including gambling games. Hensel Grad is a firm established by former gaming regulators to assist gaming companies in navigating the often complex and disparate U.S. state-based regulatory environment. By agreeing to work together, the companies will optimize one another’s knowledge to offer U.S. poker players and other gamers a fresh opportunity to demonstrate and develop their game playing skills.

ACR Poker is the place to be in June for those who love poker vacations. In addition to offering getaways to sunny Aruba and Las Vegas, they’re running their Punta Del Este satellites to Uruguay for the $1 Million GTD Enjoy Poker Series Main Event.

“We run these Uruguay satellites several times a year and they’re always a player favorite. These promise to be even better than normal because the Main Event is a supersized $1 Million GTD and we’re potentially giving you two cracks (entries) at it,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker.

The first two Punta del Este satellites are on Sunday, June 16 and 23 at 6:05 pm ET. They guarantee 12 total Full Packages to Uruguay, valued at $7000 each. Included are two $1650 entries to the $1 Million Main Event, airfare, a 10-night luxury hotel stay from August 2 to 12, spending money, and more.

The final satellite is on Sunday, July 14 at 3:05 pm ET. It guarantees 10 Main Event entries only, so it’s designed for players who live locally, or those who prefer to make their own travel arrangements.

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Moneymaker noted that the Full Packages satellites are their Beast tournament. Players can buy-in for $95 or qualify for free by ranking on the weekly leaderboard. The Entry Only satellite has a $165 buy-in, but players can qualify via $16.50 daily Super Satellites from July 9-14.

In addition to all the thrilling poker action in Uruguay, players will have plenty of time for fun off the tables while staying at the 5-star Enjoy Punta del Este Resort and Casino. It has a breathtaking beach, countless amenities, upscale restaurants, and incredible nightlife.

Compete against former world champ poker legend Chris Moneymaker heads-up

As the countdown to the Main Event of Vegas’ hottest summer series begins, ACR Poker is offering poker players the chance to win a “money-can’t-buy” Moneymaker Vegas Experience this July, including a two-week stay in Vegas.

Starting this weekend, ACR Poker players can qualify for a chance to win a heads-up battle with poker legend Chris Moneymaker. After battling each other through various qualifying rounds, two players will each compete against Moneymaker for the opportunity to win a 14-night luxury stay in Las Vegas, $10K buy-in to a Main Event, and an exclusive itinerary of activities around Las Vegas, immersing them in a unique VIP atmosphere.

ACR Poker players can join one of four $8.60 buy-in multi-table tournaments (MTTs) on June 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th (all at 3pm ET) for a chance to win. The top two winners from each MTT will advance to a final 8-handed Sit & Go on Monday, June 17th at 3pm ET. The top two finishers in the Sit & Go final will then face ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker in online heads-up battles on Tuesday, June 18th, playing a best of three.

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For poker players looking to witness the action, the epic heads-up matches will be live-streamed on ACR’s Twitch channel. Whoever beats Moneymaker will win an incredible prize package, which includes a round-trip flight, luxury accommodation from July 1st-14th, $10,000 entry to the prestigious Vegas Main Event, entry to an exclusive ACR Pros Meet-up event, plus a unique opportunity to spend time with Moneymaker in Las Vegas.

“This is a great opportunity for poker players to step up their game and experience the thrill of playing in Las Vegas,” said Moneymaker. “I’m looking forward to welcoming the winners to Sin City and giving them a glimpse into life as an ACR Pro. I’m also excited to see who has what it takes to beat me in a heads-up battle!”

The Moneymaker Vegas Experience promotion gives poker players the chance to learn from one of the best in the game. Moneymaker has been on a recent hot streak, finishing in 6th place in ACR Poker’s $12.5 Million GTD Venom tourney, bagging $382,007. He followed that up with a magical win at Event #1 (GG Million$ Live) at the Triton Super High Roller Series in Montenegro, earning $903,000.

Moneymaker also noted that ACR Poker is offering players further opportunities to secure their spot in the Vegas Main Event through a variety of satellite tournaments running throughout June.

For more information on the Moneymaker Vegas Experience and other upcoming promotions, visit ACRPoker

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