Casino City's Friday Five: Poker and esports edition

Fancy a little poker? Online or offline? Or how about an esports match? All of the above?

This week, we really can have it all, thanks to PokerStars' SCOOP, the impending WSOP Europe event, and a live event studio in Las Vegas. We also have some news on problem gambling awareness tools, for which we give a big hurrah.

5. MGM Resorts hits milestone with GameSense
GameSense, MGM Resorts International's responsible gambling program, has initiated more than 160,000 conversations about problem gambling since its implementation late last year. The program's main focus is to inform guests via person-to-person talks with trained staff, but educational materials are also available through touchscreens. Emphasis is also placed on how to have fun while staying within your gambling limits.

Through this, MGM hopes to make the discussion of problem gambling a mainstream one.

4. Videoslots launches My RTP feature
Here's another neat tool with which to track your gameplay, courtesy of Videoslots – the My RTP tool.

With it, players can access their personal return to player rates on specific games, as well as go over their wins, hit rates and spins per session. Add in the ability to compare game sessions and see who's winning what and where, and your wallet has a new, powerful ally.

Videoslots offers this tool with the idea of supporting total transparency. Videoslots CEO Alexander Stevendahl said, "My RTP delivers key information in a coherent and engaging manner, and will allow our players to enjoy an even more sociable and healthy online casino experience.

"We pay a lot of attention to player feedback at Videoslots, and My RTP fills a genuine gap in the market for a complete statistics package for online slot players."

We are excited to inform you that we are now live with MY RTP! You can find it under “My Profile” -> Then “My RTP”
Let us know what you think!!! #casinonews #videoslots #slotsnews #RTP2018 pic.twitter.com/SCDc0lVKAN
— Videoslots Casino (@Videoslotscom) April 3, 2018

3. Poker Central launches live event studio at Aria Resort
Poker Central, a haven for those crazy about poker, has partnered with ESP Gaming, a competitive gaming content creation company, to unveil a live event studio at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

This state-of-the-art venue, owned and operated by Poker Central, will host all live events distributed via the PokerGO service. ESP Gaming will use the space to host live esports events, an absolute must-have in this day and age.

This 10,000-square-foot studio features nine poker tables and room for 300 people, including space for 120 fans or event spectators.

A permanent high roller home in the heart of Las Vegas.
The PokerGO Studio at @AriaLV.
Coming May 2018. pic.twitter.com/HEh9d9Xv69
— PokerGO (@PokerGO) April 5, 2018

2. PokerStars' Spring Championship of Online Poker guarantees $1 million
The 10th annual SCOOP – or Spring Championship of Online Poker – runs from 6-21 May, boasting at least one $1 million-guaranteed tournament every day. Players will be able to buy in at low, medium and high levels. Additionally, PokerStars is offering players yet another chance to win a Platinum Pass to the upcoming PokerStars Players No-Limit Hold'em Championship, to be held in 2019 in the Bahamas. Passes are worth $30,000.

1. WSOP Europe set for 11 October in Czech Republic

World Series of Poker Europe Returning to Europe’s Largest Poker Room in 2018 WSOP EUROPE SET FOR OCTOBER 11 - NOVEMBER 2 AT KING’S CASINO ROZVADOV 10 Gold Bracelet Events to Be Offered in 2018 https://t.co/VNCBrif8K7 … pic.twitter.com/4HaVsDfWnT
— King's Casino (@PokerroomKings) April 4, 2018

WSOP Europe will return to the Czech Republic in October, touching down at King's Casino is Rozvadov.

Last year's tournament saw more than €25 million won and almost 8,000 entrants go head-to-head over the course of multiple poker events. King's Casino and World Series of Poker representatives are hopeful that this year's competition will surpass those numbers.

From 11 October to 2 November, players can compete for 10 official WSOP gold bracelets.