Poker
ACR POKER NAMES NEW SUNDAY TOURNAMENT AFTER POKER LEGEND CHRIS MONEYMAKER

ACR Poker, the popular online poker site, is launching a new weekly tournament in honor of former world poker champ and ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. It starts on Sunday, July 28th.
Known for his historic 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event win, Chris Moneymaker continues to inspire poker players worldwide. His victory, famously known as the “Moneymaker Effect,” showed that anyone could become a poker champion by starting online. The Sunday Moneymaker tournament is a tribute to his legacy and offers players the chance to turn ordinary. experiences into something extraordinary.
The Sunday Moneymaker tourney ($109 buy-in) is a rebrand of ACR Poker’s staple Sunday Warmup, with even more money on the line. There’s a $300,000 guarantee every Sunday at 1:05pm ET, except the last Sunday of the month where it’s bumped up to $500,000. Players can compete for life-changing prizes every week, with approximately $45,000 for first place in the $300,000 GTD tourney and $75,000 in the $500,000 GTD event.
“I’m thrilled to have an ACR Poker tournament named after me and be part of this budget-friendly, big weekly event,” stated ACR Pro, Chris Moneymaker. “Just like the recent Moneymaker Experience, where players won a VIP trip to join me in Vegas, this tourney is designed to give poker players the opportunity to experience their own ordinary-to-extraordinary moments.”
The first Sunday Moneymaker is on Sunday, July 28th at 1:05pm ET with the supersized $500,000 guarantee. Players can qualify through the two Mega Satellites that day at 10:05 am ET that have 50 seats GTD ($11 buy-in) and 75 seats GTD ($22 buy-in), respectively.
Moneymaker added that there is a Mega Satellite in the hours before every Sunday Moneymaker tourney. And there is a path to qualify for each that starts with a freeroll (50) and goes to Micro Hyper Sats ($1.05, $2.10).
Latest News
ACR POKER ADDS BONUS FLIGHTS TO MASSIVE DUAL VENOM TOURNAMENTS, GIVING PLAYERS ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN

Extra flights to take place on Saturday, April 26th for the $10 Million NLH and $2 Million PLO events
ACR Poker is giving players another shot at poker glory with the addition of bonus flights for the huge Dual Venom tournaments that are running side by side. Included are a massive $10 million GTD NLH event and $2 million GTD PLO event. The bonus flights will take place this Saturday, April 26th at 1:05pm ET, ahead of the final Day 1 flight on Sunday, April 27th.
Day 1 survivors from the six flights in the $10 Million NLH Venom will return for Day 2 on Monday, April 28th, and if they advance, continue to Day 3 on Tuesday. Day 3 survivors will compete for the Venom NLH title at the Final Table on Wednesday, April 30th at 4:05pm ET. With a $2,650 buy-in, the champion is set to win an estimated $1 million. Meanwhile, the winner of the $2 Million PLO event, which ties as the largest Omaha event in ACR Pokerâs history, is projected to win a top prize of $400,000.
âVenom is really heating up and the extra flights are another chance for anyone who still wants to make a run at Day 2 and get a piece of the huge prize pools and the Venom glory,â said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker.
Thereâs still time for players to lock in their Venom entry through ACR Pokerâs Venom Fever Satellites, with qualifiers starting at $0. Venom Madness, Direct and Mega Satellites offer players affordable routes into both headline tournaments. Additional opportunities include the Venom Vault, which has already awarded over $150,000 in prizes and 22 X $2,650 seats.
ACR Poker is also hosting Venom Specials during every Day 1 and Day 2 of the Dual Venoms, featuring over $14 million in guaranteed prizes. Plus, the $500,000 GTD Venom Warmup has daily Day 1 flights running through this Sunday, April 27th, for just a $66 buy-in.
Latin America
Mexico Gambling Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 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 2025â2033.
Mexicoâs 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 DirecciĂłn 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 bettingâkey measures tightening Mexicoâs 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 FATFâs 2023 audit highlighted AML weaknesses, prompting real-time transaction reporting for bets exceeding $2,500 via SEGOBâs 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 (12â18 months) and hefty fines for noncomplianceâup to $1.5 million for AML breachesâhave consolidated market power among incumbents like Grupo Caliente and Codere. Looking ahead, federal rulings on cryptocurrency betting (pending Q4 2024) could redefine growth, as blockchain adoption accelerates among newer entrants like Betcris.
Key Findings in Mexico Gambling Market
Market Forecast (2033) | US$ 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
Mexicoâs 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 Monterreyâhome to 45 and 32 casinos respectivelyâreport an 8% decline in per-venue revenue, as labor costs surge by 12% and younger patrons migrate online. Luxury resorts buck the trend: Grupo Calienteâs 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 evolvingâAristocratâs âSkill-based Cash Clawâ 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 CDMXâs 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
Mexicoâs 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 18â34 dominate the market (71%), drawn to Bet365âs live-streamed Liga MX matches and Codereâs 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: OXXOâs Spin service processes 41% of deposits via cash vouchers, while Bitcoin adoption grows slowly (6% of transactions) despite regulatory ambiguity. However, cybersecurity remains a hurdleâDGOJâs 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 loomâSpainâs Luckia controls 19% of the poker market through exclusivity deals with Mexican influencers like AndrĂ©s âKraneoâ 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 Mexicoâs gambling market revenue, driven by soccerâs cultural ubiquity. Liga MXâs 2023 Apertura saw $2.1 billion wagered, spiking 18% during AmĂ©rica vs. Chivas clashes. Strategic sponsorships deepen engagement: Sorareâs NFT fantasy league with Tigres UANL attracted 200,000 users in six months, while Betcrisâ in-stadium kiosks at Estadio Azteca process $3 million per matchday. The 2026 World Cup looms largeâDraftKingsâ $52 million ad blitz targets Mexican expats in the U.S., leveraging dual-national stars like JuliĂĄn Quiñones. Yet match-fixing persists: SEGOBâs Integrity Unit uncovered 12 third-division players manipulating yellow card stats for Costa Rican syndicates. Automation is mitigating risksâSportradarâs AI flags irregular betting patterns in 92% of Liga MX matchesâbut oversight gaps linger in amateur leagues. Basketball and baseball are niche bright spots; the NBAâs Mexico City games drove a 27% YoY increase in prop bets, while the Sultanes de Monterreyâs 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 lagâdealers 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 LeĂłn (24% of tax contributions) and Quintana Roo (21%) benefit from dense casino clusters, while Chiapas and Oaxaca account for <1%. Tourism multipliers are immenseâCancĂșnâs casino visitors spend $290 daily versus $110 for othersâbut 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 SEGOBâs blockchain payment-tracker pilot (launched April 2024) slashed unlicensed revenue by 19% in three months. Unionization efforts are risingâ30% of casino workers now belong to SUTTCLM, which negotiates healthcare benefitsâbut 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 Mexicoâs $2.1 billion gambling-tourism nexus, blending gaming with luxury stays and golf. Grupo Vidantaâs 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 Caribbeanâs Cozumel stopovers generate $180 million from casino excursions, targeting retirees with free-play credits. Cross-border betting is surging in gambling market of Mexicoâ23% of Texas bettors use VPNs to access Calienteâs U.S. college football marketsâbut 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 MĂ©rida. However, climate risks temper gainsâHurricane Otis disrupted 12 coastal casinos in 2023, costing $87 million in closures. For sustainability, SECTURâs 2024 initiative promotes âgolf-and-gamingâ circuits in underdeveloped states like Aguascalientes, leveraging partnerships with PGA Tour LatinoamĂ©rica.
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. Codereâs chatbot resolves 83% of inquiries with a 4.7/5 satisfaction score, while Calienteâs machine learning model flags problem gamblers via behavioral cues like 3 AM logins. Virtual Reality casinos are expandingâWin Systemsâ VR parlors in Guadalajara offer Meta Quest-powered blackjack, drawing 12,000 monthly usersâbut 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 2024âs $4.5 million hack of Apuesta Totalâs player database. Rural adoption lagsâonly 38% of Oaxacaâs casinos have 5Gâbut 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 CONADICâs 2024 surveyâdouble the global averageâwith 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 MichoacĂĄn casinos, triggering federal raids and 11 venue closures. Public resistance growsâ49% oppose new casinos per IEP pollsâstalling projects in QuerĂ©taro 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 campaignsâlike Calienteâs âJuego Responsableâ school workshopsâreach 200,000 teens annually. Balancing growth and ethics remains pivotal, as unchecked expansion risks replicating Spainâs 2010 addiction crisis, warns OECDâs 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
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