Online poker continues to return to its pre-Black Friday success in the US
The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Online series, boasting a combined player pool for Nevada, Michigan, and New Jersey, concluded with a mix of successes and areas for improvement. Of note, Michael Mizrachi was a big winner, taking down the $888 No-Limit Hold ’em event for $108,815.
The series saw a significant jump in participation compared to previous years, with nearly 45,000 entries and $30.2 million awarded in prizes. However, the Pennsylvania online market displayed concerning trends.
The three-state merger proved effective, generating substantial prize pools. The $400 Colossus attracted the most players, exceeding 3,300 entries with a prize pool surpassing $1.2 million. The $1,000 NLH Mystery Bounty boasted the largest overall prize pool at $1.77 million, showcasing the series’ potential for generating significant payouts. The crowning achievement belonged to Daniel Maor, who conquered the $10,000 WSOP Online Championship, earning a hefty $330,263.
However, Pennsylvania’s online bracelet events presented a different story. Participation dipped slightly compared to 2023, with all seven tournaments hovering around 200 entries. Only two events managed to break the $100,000 prize pool mark, suggesting a need for larger fields.
While smaller player pools offer an increased chance of winning a bracelet, they also highlight the limitations of a segregated market. Joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) would allow Pennsylvania to connect with other regulated states, significantly boosting player pools and prize money.
Looking forward, the global poker community awaits the international WSOP Online series. With their series traditionally kicking off in late August, players can expect similar timing for 2024. Additionally, live events like WSOP Europe and the newly announced WSOP Paradise in December offer numerous opportunities for bracelet victories throughout the remainder of the year.
