A global cyber outage has disrupted much of the world's infrastructure, extending its impact to the online poker industry. Partypoker and BetMGM Poker, including the Borgata Poker brand using Partypoker software, are among the affected networks. Players are unable to log in and access games from their desktop, while mobile device users can still play without issues.
The outage is linked to a recent update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. The update caused widespread disruptions to computer systems globally, specifically a faulty software update from CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software designed to protect Microsoft Windows devices from malicious attacks. A Partypoker spokesperson confirmed the issue is linked to global outages resulting from CrowdStrike's update.
At the time of writing, Partypoker and BetMGM/Borgata websites remain down for desktop users. Other online poker networks like Bet365, PokerStars, GGPoker, and 888poker have not been impacted. The outage is not a cyber attack but due to a buggy update causing conflicts with Windows systems affecting both businesses and individual users.
The broader impact of the outage began on Friday morning, affecting multiple sectors worldwide, including airlines, television networks, businesses, stock exchanges, supermarkets, and healthcare systems. Airlines experienced grounded flights causing queues and delays at airports and train stations. TV channels like Sky News were taken off air. Windows users experienced Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), causing unexpected shutdowns or restarts.
CrowdStrike acknowledged the outage, stating that an issue was isolated and a fix deployed. Microsoft also stated that underlying causes for outages in its Office365 apps/services have been fixed. Despite these efforts, the disruption has been considered one of the most significant global IT outages in recent years, affecting numerous services reliant on Microsoft's infrastructure.
Despite the WSOP wrapping up, high-stakes action hasn't slowed down. The Triton Poker Series, renowned for its high buy-ins and elite player field, recently concluded its event in London. The series saw massive prize pools and notable performances from top pros. Michael Addamo emerged victorious in the £100,000 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event, adding another significant title to his impressive poker resume.
The World Poker Tour (WPT) has announced its highly anticipated WPT World Championship, set to take place in December 2024 at the Wynn Las Vegas. This event is expected to attract a large number of players, with a record-breaking $15 million guaranteed prize pool. The poker community is already buzzing about the potential for life-changing payouts and the high level of competition.
Online poker continues to thrive, with major platforms like PokerStars, GGPoker, and partypoker hosting a variety of tournaments and series. The PokerStars WCOOP (World Championship of Online Poker) is in full swing, offering millions in guarantees across numerous events. GGPoker's GGMasters Overlay Edition has also gained significant attention, providing players with added value and substantial prize pools.
Several rising stars have made their mark in the poker world since the WSOP. Ali Imsirovic, a consistent performer in high roller events, secured multiple victories, solidifying his status as one of the game’s top talents. Additionally, Landon Tice's deep run in the PokerGO Tour's Poker Masters series has garnered attention, showcasing his potential as a future star in the poker scene.
Phil Ivey, a poker legend, continues to demonstrate his prowess. Fresh off his strong performance at the WSOP, Ivey has remained active in both live and online tournaments. His recent victory in a high-stakes cash game streamed on PokerGO further cements his reputation as one of the greatest players of all time.
The poker community’s commitment to giving back remains strong. Several charity events have been organized post-WSOP, including the annual “Big One for One Drop” tournament. This event, known for its million-dollar buy-in, raises substantial funds for clean water initiatives globally. The poker community's involvement in philanthropy highlights the positive impact of the game beyond the tables.
On the legislative front, several countries are making strides towards regulating online poker. Germany recently implemented new regulations, offering a more structured framework for online poker operators and players. In the United States, Michigan and Pennsylvania have reported significant growth in their online poker markets, with discussions ongoing about potential interstate poker compacts.
The poker calendar remains packed with exciting events. The European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona is set to kick off soon, promising a mix of high-stakes action and diverse tournament offerings. Additionally, the WSOP Circuit continues to tour globally, providing players with numerous opportunities to compete for prestigious rings and substantial prize money.
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