Top 5 Poker Cheating Scandals of 2024 It’s that time of year when we look back at the past 12 months – the good and the bad! – and today the focus is on the (alleged says my lawyer!) bad guys of poker.

It’s that time of year when we look back at what we all went through over the past 12 months – the good and the bad! – and today the focus is on the (“alleged” says my lawyer!) bad guys of poker and their attempts to cheat the rest of us! 5 Marked cards at the WSOP We start with a simple but very brazen cheating attempt from this year’s World Series of Poker – card marking, one of the oldest cheats in the book!

ACR Poker Purges Four Bots with Huge stacks from the $12.6 Million Venom ACR Poker has purged four AI bots wielding big stacks from the $12.6 Venom tournament. The $230000 worth of buy-ins will now be redistributed.

ACR Poker has purged four AI bots wielding big stacks from the $12.6 Venom tournament. The unethical accounts were sitting with $230,000 worth of buy-ins which will now be redistributed automatically throughout the field. Recap of bots banned mid Venom:Withia – 23 starting stacksVerucasalt5 – 10 starting stacksMReGoR – 32 starting stacksacquiton – 27 starting stacksThats $230k worth of buy ins (ignoring rake).Now if I hopefully understand this correctly, this money is already being…

PokerOK CEO Ivan Bryksin Declares War on Poker Stables The CEO of Russian poker skin PokerOK Ivan Bryksin has declared war on the stables that he feels are ruining the game for recreational players.

The CEO of Russian poker skin PokerOK, Ivan Bryksin, has declared war on the stables that he feels are ruining the game for recreational players. Bryksin stated this week that stables are “hands down, the greatest threat to the purity, integrity and equality of poker today”. Poker stables, or “funds” as they are sometimes referred to, back groups of players financially and often include a training school element, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies to improve their “horses” chances of winning.

Francesco Garofalo GGMillions DQ sees $1.1million refunded GGPoker have been praised for their anti-cheating measures after refunding $1.1million following the DQ of one of their biggest online event winners

GGPoker have been praised for their anti-cheating measures after refunding $1.1million following their disqualification of Francesco “forzaitalia” Garofalo from one of their biggest online events… The shock news was met with delight by English pro Patrick Leonard, who woke up to an unexpected six-figure bankroll boost… Wow just woke up to this. I think my biggest security refund previously was at most $2k. It’s a beautiful day to have a beautiful day I guess!

PokerStars and Bwin ordered to repay more than €400000 player losses In a recent ruling both PokerStars and Bwin have been ordered to refund more than €40000 to losing players in the Netherlands.

In a remarkable ruling that could have implications for thousands of online poker players, both PokerStars and Bwin have been ordered to refund losing players in the Netherlands. This week’s Dutch court ruling found that the two online gaming companies had been illegally offering games from 2006 to 2021 and therefore the €hundreds of thousands lost by two gamblers were null and void. According to reports in De Telegraaf newspaper, a man from Almelo lost €217,000 on PokerStars, across a mix of poker, casino games and sportsbetting.

Allen Kessler Slammed for $5million Freeroll Complaint Allen Kessler has been slammed on Twitter/X for complaining about a $5million freeroll with $1million going to the winner

In a “you couldn’t make this up” moment, the incorrigible Allen Kessler has somehow found a way to complain about being given a free shot at a $5million prizepool with $1million going to the winner. And it didn’t go unnoticed… pic.twitter.com/fhbfWdj1KR — Barry Carter (@Barry_Carter) December 13, 2024 In what can best be described as a facepalm moment, Kessler’s negativity clashed with almost everyone else at the WPT World Championship festival in Vegas.

Jon “Apestyles” Van Fleet Doing $10K to $100K Bankroll Challenge on WPT Global WPT Global ambassador Jon “Apestyles” Van Fleet is doing a $10k to $100k bankroll challenge. If he fails his beard will be shaved off!

WPT Global ambassador Jon “Apestyles” Van Fleet has tweeted about doing a $10k to $100k bankroll challenge. If he fails, his beard will be shaved off! Apestyles is one of poker’s true legends. With tens of millions of dollars worth of tournament winnings, you’d have to say that if anyone can do this, he certainly can. I’ve decided I’m doing a 10k to 100k by May challenge on @wpt_global cash games.

Hand of the Week: Linus Loeliger and Michael Addamo Clash in GGPoker High-Stakes Cash Game Linus Loeliger and Michael Addamo two of the greatest poker players alive have clashed in an extraordinary hand on GGPoker.

Linus Loeliger and Michael Addamo, two of the greatest poker players alive, have clashed in an extraordinary hand on GGPoker. The pair were grinding in a $200/$400 game that played with a $100 ante to boost the action. Hand of the Week Action Preflop: Michael Addamo kicks off the action by raising to $880 with K♦6♦ in the hijack. Linus Loeliger flat calls on the button with 5♠3♠ and an unknown player with the handle BTC200K-FORSURE and a Chinese flag calls in the big blind.

Tom Goldstein Pleads Not Guilty Banned from Playing Poker! High-flying lawyer Tom Goldstein has pleaded not guilty to 22 counts related to tax evasion and is banned from playing poker while he awaits trial.

High-flying lawyer Tom Goldstein has pleaded not guilty to 22 counts related to tax evasion and is banned from playing poker while he awaits trial. Dan Bilzerian’s buddy was in a federal court on Monday to continue insisting that he is innocent of tax evasion. Goldstein entered a plea of not guilty as previously indicated by his legal team, and also signed a legally binding agreement not to gamble in any fashion in the run up to his trial date.

Leon Tsoukernik in Incredible Recovery after Overdose Coma Leon Tsoukernik has recovered from his recent life-threatening overdose coma. “Im absolutely fine I feel fantastic” he told Czech media this week.

Leon Tsoukernik, the highstakes player and former King’s Casino owner, has recovered incredibly quickly from his recent life-threatening coma following a suspected drug overdose. “I’m absolutely fine, I feel fantastic,” he told Czech media this week. (courtesy of Leon Tsoukernik) The 51-year-old Czech, a larger-than-life character known for his “Loose Leon” tag as a nosebleed-stakes PLO player, was rushed to hospital just two weeks ago. Tsoukernik was suspected to have been administered an overdose of Propofol, the drug that ended pop star Michael Jackson’s life.

Gal Yifrach Indicted Again for Continuing Illegal Gambling Operation Gal Yifrach is up against a superseding indictment following claims by federal investigators that he continued his activities for more than one year after the first indictment.

Gal Yifrach is up against a superseding indictment following claims by federal investigators that he continued his activities for more than one year after the first indictment. The second indictment was filed by a grand jury in the United States District Court Eastern District of California on January 16, 2025, with two key additions from the original. Gal Yifrach Gal Yifrach Facing Serious Prison Time All the way back in March 2022, Gal Yifrach, a WSOP bracelet winner, hit the poker headlines after being indicted for running an illegal gambling business and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Dan Bilzerian Spills the Beans on Indicted Lawyer Dan Bilzerian has given his take on his relationship with indicted lawyer Tom Golstein revealing that the pair played in high-stakes private games together.

Dan Bilzerian has given his take on his relationship with indicted lawyer Tom Golstein, revealing that the pair played in high-stakes private games together. Dan BilzerianDan Bilzerian’s back story to his own poker career is that he made his fortune by playing against ultra-wealthy opponents in some of these games. What we didn’t know, until very recently, is that Tom Goldstein was another regular participant at the same tables, as revealed in Bilzerian’s book The Setup.

Controversial hand deep in 888 Madrid Main Event A controversial hand deep in the 888poker LIVE Madrid Main Event has raised questions about the use of shot clocks when deep in the money.

A controversial hand deep in the 888poker LIVE Madrid Main Event has set the internet alight and raised questions about the use of shot clocks when deep in the money. Controversy at the 888 Madrid. Player 3bets from SB but it is ruled that he was timed out. Did he announce raise in time? If so, I didn’t hear it. Nor did I hear dealer give 10 sec warning. Does a moment like this (when a ruling is needed) make shot-clocks self-defeating?

Antonio Esfandiari Returns to Poker with a Bang Antonio Esfandiari is back playing poker again after an extended break from the game making his return on High Stakes Poker with a spectacular hand.

Antonio Esfandiari is back playing poker again after an extended break from the game, making his return on PokerGO’s No Gamble, No Future with a spectacular hand. Antonio EsfandiariThe American has long been a prominent figure in the community and has had a storied career marked by significant achievements, including his $18,346,673 prize from the 2012 Big One for One Drop. Esfandiari has captivated audiences for many years and we expect fans will be pushing hard to convince him to make his return a full-time move.

Alleged Poker Cheat Arrested Fleeing US to Colombia One of the men accused of being part of a high stakes private poker games cheating gang has been arrested while trying to flee to Colombia.

One of the men accused of being part of a high stakes private poker games cheating gang has been arrested while trying to flee to Colombia. Shane Hennen is believed to have been trying to evade authorities investigating the Jontay Porter NBA stat-shaving scheme. Shane Hennen (circled) The latest twist in the multi-pronged saga saw Hennen arrested by police at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Sunday morning.

Best Poker Hands of 2024 Every year we are inundated with a collection of special hands from the poker calendar. Each one is special in its own right for its own reasons.

Every year we are inundated with a collection of special hands from the poker calendar. Each one is special in its own right for its own reasons. Everyone has their own opinions on this, but our choices below were certainly amazing to witness. Adrian MateosPoker Hand Strengths Explained by VIP-Grinders Adrian Mateos Ends 2024 WSOP Main Event Run to Horrific Bad Beat This first hand hit Spanish poker legend Adrian Mateos for six, only minutes after he correctly hero-folded pocket kings against the aces of Will Berry on a queen-high board.

Top 3 Poker Prop Bets in 2024 Poker player prop bets are something we can guarantee every year from the relatively sane to the craziest wagers you can dream up.

Poker player prop bets are something we can guarantee every year, from the relatively sane to the craziest wager you can dream up. This year has seen some remarkable wagers that have captured the attention of both fans and fellow players alike. Here are the top three prop bets that stand out in 2024. Landon Tice vs. Jeremy Becker – The Ultimate WSOP Crossbook Bet In a clash of poker philosophies, young stars Landon Tice and Jeremy Becker entered into a high-stakes prop bet that promised to add an extra dimension for the watching fans during the 2024 World Series of Poker.

Daniel Negreanu Poker Rule Changes Aim to Stop Cheating Daniel Negreanu has suggested some rule changes that he believes would protect against cheats and angleshooters

Daniel Negreanu has suggested some rule changes that he believes would not only improve player/viewer experience, but also protect against cheats and angleshooters… Negreanu has spent the last couple of weeks at GGPoker’s WSOP Paradise festival in the Bahamas, and although he didn’t do quite as well as he’d hoped for at the tables, he came away with some ideas. Poker rule changes I would vote for: 1. No face covering of any sort.

Mario Mosböck – From Pro Footballer to High-Stakes Poker Player Mario Mosböck and his rise from professional football player to high-stakes tournament crusher has been nothing short of outstanding.

Mario Mosböck is proving to be one of the new stars of the live poker scene. His rise from professional football player to high-stakes tournament crusher has been nothing short of outstanding. The 27-year-old Austrian seemingly appeared out of nowhere only a few years ago, and already he is mixing it with the best at the Triton Super High Roller Series, and with much success. But when you see what kind of training and support he had, you will understand.

Top 10 Craziest Prop Bets Made by Poker Players Poker is best known for its intense strategic battles but how many people realise that much of the betting that goes on in the community is actually away from the felt?

누군가 포커에 대해 언급하면 테이블 건너편에 있는 한 쌍의 인물이 선글라스를 끼고 서로를 위협하려고 열심히 쳐다보는 이미지가 종종 떠오릅니다. 외부인들이 생각하지

Nick Vertucci Dumped from HCL in Wake of Sexual Harassment Scandal Hustler Casino Live showrunner Nick Vertucci will “no longer be involved” with the show after multiple public allegations of sexual harassment

Nick Vertucci will “no longer be involved” with Hustler Casino Live after multiple public allegations of sexual harassment led to his colleagues distancing themselves from the controversial showrunner. Effective immediately, Nick Vertucci will no longer be involved with High Stakes Poker Productions. We look forward to continuing to deliver the best high stakes poker content to the community. — Hustler Casino Live (@HCLPokerShow) October 9, 2024 “Effective immediately, Nick Vertucci will no longer be involved with High Stakes Poker Productions.

WSOP poker depression for Brazilian pro Fernando Macedo as language barrier costs him dearly Not speaking English isnt usually a problem in the cardrooms of Las Vegas but for Fernando Macedo it cost him 8 hours and a $500 buy-in.

No habla Inglés? Not speaking English isn’t usually a problem in the cardrooms of Las Vegas, but for Brazilian pro Fernando Macedo, it cost him 8 hours and a $500 buy-in when he mistakenly thought the Casino Employees event was open to all! Fernando MacedoMacedo is far from new to the World Series of Poker, but this year he decided to kick things off early. Too early, however, as he entered event #2, the traditional Casino Employees event, thinking the word “employees” meant “some sort of king”.

Legendary Nirvana producer and WSOP bracelet winner Steve Albini dies aged 61 Steve Albini double WSOP bracelet winner and the man behind In Utero Nirvanas final album has died of a heart attack aged 61.

The music and poker world were both in mourning today after news that Steve Albini, double WSOP bracelet winner and the man behind In Utero, Nirvana’s final album, has died of a heart attack, aged 61. Albini was not only known for his amazing behind-the-scenes sound abilities for Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and The Pixies, but was also a musician in his own right, forming Big Black in the early 80s and Shellac a decade later.

HCL boss Nick Vertucci Accused of Sexual Harassment Nick Vertucci one of the main faces behind Hustler Casino Live has been outed by multiple women as a serial sexual harasser and general all-round sex pest.

Nick Vertucci, famous as one of the main faces behind the Hustler Casino Live brand, has been outed by multiple women as a sexual harasser and general all-round sex pest. 🚨🚨🚨Time to break the silence over @NickVertucciNV using his control over @HCLPokerShow to harass women and keep witnesses from speaking up. I’m posting some receipts. Poker world, please share your stories about #IckVertucci. Let’s stop the harassment! pic.twitter.com/iK6y6lODmr — Julia from Palmdale (@JuliaInPalmdale) October 5, 2024