A Las Vegas Poker Room Will Close Next Month

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA (BrokeFish Poker) — Las Vegas is losing another poker room. The Sahara, located at the far North end of the Las Vegas Strip, is shutting its poker room on November 16th. The closure of the room will result in the loss of several tournaments.

The Sahara Las Vegas Poker Room

Paul Hobson, the General Manager of The Sahara, said that the space where the poker room is located will be used for additional  slot machines, including an area where players can play new test games.

-Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor

Police Say a Hit & Run Outside an Ohio Poker Room was Actually a Robbery & Murder

 

RIVERSIDE, OHIO, USA (BrokeFish Poker) – On October 4, 2023 police responded to what appeared to be a hit & run accident at The Poker Hub at 5520 Burkhardt Road in Riverside, Ohio. Police found a 58-year-old man, David L. Mills of Beavercreek, Ohio, with a serious head injury. Mr. Mills was transported to Miami Valley Hospital, but a few days later would die die as a result of the injuries sustained.

This week, Montgomery County, Ohio prosecutors announced that three men have been indicted on felony charges in connection with the death of Mr. Mills:

• Eric Caldwell, age 23, of Dayton, Ohio
• John Disney, age 35, of Dayton, Ohio
• Ryan Wilson, age 40, of Dayton, Ohio

Suspects Eric Caldwell (left), John Disney (center), and Ryan Wilson (right)

Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Disney, and Mr. Wilson are accused of robbing Mr. Mills, hitting him with a car and then fleeing the scene. The trio were indicted by a Grand Jury for murder, aggravated robbery, and felonious assault. Mr. Wilson is already in custody for an unrelated case and is begin held ast the Mansfield Correctional Institution. Arrest warrants have been issued to take Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Disney into custody. It is expected that the three will be arraigned in Montgomery County, Ohio court on November 5, 2024 at 8:30 AM local time.

--Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor, BrokeFish Poker

Bally’s Black Hawk Addresses Tournament Chip Discrepancy from Recent Main Event

BLACK HAWK, COLORADO, USA (BrokeFish Poker) — A recent tournament chip discrepancy during the recent Bally’s Poker Open Main Event is being addressed by management of Bally’s Black Hawk. The event, which ran October 10-13, was a $1,200 buy-in no-limit Texas Hold’Em tournament with a 14.2% rake. During the event it was found by tournament directors that more chips were in play than there should’ve been based on the number of entries. 

Amid speculation about the issue, Bally’s Black Hawk issued a statement late Friday outlining the issue, confirming that an investigation is underway in cooperation with the Colorado Division of Gaming, and noting that they are implementing changes after a review of tournament procedures:

During the main event of the most recent BPO, Bally's Poker Room Management identified a discrepancy in the tournament chips, where more chips were in play than could be accounted for by the tournament structure, the number of buy-ins, or the standard color-up processes between rounds. Upon discovering the issue, Bally's promptly notified the Colorado Division of Gaming, and we have been actively investigating the matter in cooperation with the Division. Additionally, we have conducted a thorough review of our tournament procedures and are implementing changes to enhance the way our tournaments are conducted.

As the leading poker tournament venue in Colorado, maintaining the highest level of transparency and integrity in our events is our top priority. We deeply value our guests and recognize that unanswered questions can lead to speculation and erode trust. As we continue our investigation, we will keep the poker community informed of any significant findings. In the meantime, we appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to resolve this matter.

Bally’s Black Hawk

BrokeFish Poker will keep the poker community updated as more information becomes available about the investigation and corrective action.

--Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor, BrokeFish Poker

Professional Poker Player Damien LeForbes Pleads Guilty to Federal Offenses

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (BrokeFish Poker) – Professional poker player Damien LeForbes is facing up to 15 years behind jail and 6-figures in fines after pleading guilty to federal charges for money laundering and the operation of an unlawful sports betting operation. Mr. LeForbes, who earned over $56,000 in live poker tournaments according to The Hendon Mob, will be formally sentenced by a Federal Judge in January 2025.

Damien LeForbes

Mr. LeForbes is said to have been a frequent player at Resorts World Las Vegas. In the plea agreement that Mr. LeForbes signed, he admits to taking millions of dollars in illegal bets via checks, cash, cryptocurrency, and digital payment processors over a period of three years. Mr. LeForbes also admitted to recruiting casino employees to help enrich his operation.

Mr. LeForbes was being prosecuted by the United States Attorney for the Central District of California.

--Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor, BrokeFish Poker

Concord Casino Owner Andy Sanborn Arrested on State Felony Charges

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA (BrokeFish Poker) — Former New Hampshire State Senator Anthony “Andy” M. Sanborn of Bedford, N.H. was arrested earlier today for theft by deception. Mr. Sanborn, the owner of Win Win Win, LLC which operates the now closed Concord Casino in Concord, New Hampshire is accused of misrepresenting the gross receipts of the business by approximately $1 million in order to receive over $188,000 more in grant money from New Hampshire’s “Main Street Relief Fund” that was established during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella indicated alleged that “In their grant application, Win Win Win and Andy Sanborn distorted the casino’s gross receipts and this falsification resulted in Win Win Win and Andy Sanborn receiving $188,474.33 more in grant monies than the amount to which they were due under the grant formula.”

Anthony M. Sanborn, former New Hampshire State Senator and owner of Concord Casino

Theft by deception is a Class A felony in New Hampshire which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail. 

Mr. Sanborn has been in a legal battle over the licensure and sale of Concord Casino after the New Hampshire Lottery Commission declared him unsuitable to hold a charitable gaming license. That determination led to the closure of Concord Casino, effectively putting dealers and other staff out of work. Concord Casino’s closure also resulted in the elimination entirely of licensed live cash poker and tournament poker in the City of Concord.

According to a report from The New Hampshire Bulletin, Zachary Hafer and Adam Katz, attorneys for Mr. Sanborn, allege that the Attorney General is attempting to sabotage Mr. Sanborn’s attempt to sell Concord Casino. “In an eleventh hour attempt to sabotage a sale of Win Win Win, the same AG who has been enjoined repeatedly for violations of Mr. Sanborn’s constitutional rights by three New Hampshire superior court judges, who has had his legal positions soundly rejected time and again by administrative law judges (overseeing the licensing case), and whose office is currently facing potential sanctions for prosecutorial misconduct, has now arrested Mr. Sanborn on the eve of a sale to a qualified buyer. We are disappointed, but not surprised. And we remain confident that the New Hampshire judiciary will continue to do justice and hold the AG accountable,” wrote Mr. Hafer and Mr. Katz in a statement to The New Hampshire Bulletin.

Mr. Hafer and Mr. Katz’s allegation prosecutorial misconduct regards documents seized during the execution of a search warrant. The attorneys allege that notes about legal strategy and other items protected by attorney/client privilege were improperly turned over to investigators. 

While the Attorney General noted that “the charges for these arrests are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” it was also stated that a criminal investigation remains active and ongoing. For Mr. Sanborn, this means his legal woes may not be over as additional charges could be filed by State and/or Federal prosecutors in the future. 

--Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor, BrokeFish Poker

Jack Binion and Daniel Negreanu to Host Charity Poker Tournament in November

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA (BrokeFish Poker) -- Casino legend Jack Binion and seven-time World Series of Poker Bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu will host a Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament on November 8, 2024. The tournament, which will award $10,000 to first place and give away numerous prizes including fine wines and jewelry, will raise money for Keep Memory Alive and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Keep Memory Alive is a nonprofit organization with a goal of increasing awareness and raising funds for research, management, and treatment of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s.

In addition to Mr. Negreanu, who has over $53 million in career poker tournament winnings according to Global Poker Index (GPI), well known poker players Jason Koon and Ryan Riess will be at the charity poker tournament on November 8th. Mr. Koon has over $58 million in career poker tournament winnings according to GPI, and Mr. Riess has over $16 million in career poker tournament winnings according to GPI.

The charity tournament is open to the public and all skill levels from beginners to advanced players. and tickets/buy-ins can be purchased at Keep Memory Alive’s website. The buy-in is $800. There is also an option to purchase a ticket for $200 to gain access to the festivities without playing the tournament, which include wine & spirit tastings, entertainment, and a dine-around culinary experience by The Sin City Chef. 

--Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor, BrokeFish Poker

Vertucci Out at Hustler Casino Live

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (BrokeFish Poker) -- Hustler Casino Live today announced that Nick Vertucci, who had been accused of inappropriate conduct and the sexual harassment of multiple women, “will no longer be involved with High Stakes Poker Productions.” 

The announcement was made in a tweet at 2:57 PM Eastern Time. 

X post from Hustler Casino Live on October 9, 2024.

The announcement came following calls from multiple members of the poker community for Mr. Vertucci to be removed from the Hustler Casino Live stream poker show.  

--Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor, BrokeFish Poker

WSOP Champion Johnny Chan Joins Greenlite Ventures as Brand Ambassador

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (BrokerFish Poker) -- Greenlite Ventures, Incorporated announced on Tuesday that World Series of Poker Main Event winner Johnny Chan has joined the company as a Brand Ambassador. Mr. Chan, who is the most recent player to win back-to-back WSOP Main Events, will be promoting the upcoming launch of Greenlite’s artificial intelligence sports advisory services and arbitrage betting alerts and be a part of the company’s podcasts, advertising campaigns, and special events.

"I've got to give my good friend and Greenlite CEO, Rafael Groswirt, an enormous amount of credit for what he's accomplishing with the company. I am confident he will lead the company to continued success, and that's why I am very honored to be Greenlite's Brand Ambassador," said Mr. Chan.

As Brand Ambassador, Mr. Chan will regularly appear with Greenlite Podcast Director Jeff DeForrest on the hit podcast "Bury Your Bookie" and participate in radio, podcast, and TV interviews on sports betting programs worldwide. Mr. Chan and Mr. DeForrest will discuss and showcase Greenlite’s multiple platforms including the under development No Limit AI Arbitrage Alerts, a service that will enable premium weekly subscribers to lock in profits by taking advantage of line movements and odds discrepancies across multiple betting platforms that are identified by artificial intelligence technology.

Greenlite Ventures trades over the counter under the ticker $GRNL. The stock closed up over 8% Tuedsay to close at $2.06 giving the company a valuation of over $158 million.

A Johnny Chan Pokermon card is is available as a 1/1 NFT collectible:

--Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor, BrokeFish Poker

Poker Rooms to Close as Hurricane Milton Bears Down on Central Florida

TAMPA, FLORIDA, USA (BrokeFish Poker) -- Hurricane Milton rapidly intesified on Monday, becoming a Major Category 5 storm with sustained winds in excess of 170 miles per hour. The storm, which has prompted numerous watches and warnings across Florida, is expected to make landfall Wednesday in the Tampa Bay area.

The threat of storm surge as high as 12 feet, along with heavy rainfall and damaging winds, has led to mandatory evacation orders. With the evacuations, many who work at poker rooms and gaming facilities across Florida will be leaving the area and some poker rooms have announced plans to close.

Win Derby in St. Petersburg, Florida was one of the first rooms to close, announcing that at 4:00 AM Monday it would close down until Hurricane Milton had cleared the area. Other poker rooms and gaming facilities in Florida are expected to close at least temporarily due to the storm. 

--Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor, BrokeFish Poker

Live! Casino in Maryland to Offer Free Poker Class

HANOVER, MARYLAND, USA (BrokeFish Poker) -- On October 19, 2024, Live! Casino in Maryland will be offering a free class to help new players learn poker. Called "How to Play Poker," the two hour session will take place on the second floor of the casino's poker room and is open to people who are 21+ and are not excluded from gaming. 

More information can be found here. Attendees must RSVP by October 12, 2024 as seats are limited.

--Matt Soleyn, Senior News Editor, BrokeFish Poker