Latest news with #PokerStars
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
PokerStars casino review UK: Sign up today to double your first deposit bonus up to £500
WHILE the brand name tells us all about PokerStars' roots, the operator has expanded to cover every possible option within the gambling sphere. Poker remains an important part of the platform, but the company's casino operations have been attracting attention since their launch back in 2001. It's a place to find a great choice of games, backed with some eye-catching offers, but this PokerStars Casino review will go much deeper to find out more about the brand and what it promises. 🧑⚖️ The Sun UK's verdict: 4.39/5 PokerStars scores well in many areas on our Sun Factor rankings, but the big plus is its list of games. There are thousands of options here, and the catalogue is more diverse than most of its casino competitors. The range of games is backed by good value thanks to generous promotions with fair terms. With effective security, responsible gambling tools and solid infrastructure, it offers a good all-round package that scores an impressive 4.39/5. ⚡ PokerStars Casino quick facts We will be taking a close look at the operation as we work through this PokerStars review, but here are some essential facts about the platform: 💰 PokerStars bonuses and promotions PokerStars is an active site when it comes to bonuses and promotions. After taking advantage of the welcome offer, there is still lots to look forward to as an existing customer, such as free spins other promos. Players can enjoy 20% cashback every Wednesday, up to 100 free spins every Sunday and have the chance to win up to £1,000 cash every day with their Spin of the Day. PokerStars UK also has a loyalty and VIP programme. PokerStars welcome bonus 4 As a new customer to PokerStars, you have the chance to earn up to £500 in bonuses with the site's 100% deposit match, plus 50 free spins on top of that! That's a lot of free bets and spins you could potentially unlock, but there are terms and conditions attached, including some wagering requirements. Here are the important rules: You need to deposit at least £20 and use code 'FIRST500' upon signing up (the maximum qualifying deposit is £500). You must make the deposit with a debit card - VISA or Mastercard. The free spins are only eligible for selected games, which you can find on PokerStars website. Players must earn 5 redemption points for every £1 on the bonus and 2 redemption points for every £1 of spins to convert winnings into cash. Both the bonus and spins will expire after 7 days. PokerStars welcome bonus promo code The welcome offer at PokerStars requires a promo code to activate it and this is FIRST500. Look out for the relevant box when you complete the registration and first deposit processes. It may be pre-filled, but if not, you must enter the code FIRST500 🎰 PokerStars games and software providers 4 PokerStars UK works with 28 software providers to offer a wide and diverse range of slots and other casino games. The developers involved are some of the most respected and established in the industry, such as Playtech, NetEnt, Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger, Yggdrasil and IGT. Combined, the games producers provide over 3,500 titles on the PokerStars platform. That's a colossal amount, and the quantity is backed by quality. There are old favourites, along with innovative slots and table games offering a twist on classic rules. PokerStars also has a busy set of live casino rooms, where the choice is extensive once again. PokerStars online casino offers some exclusive titles that won't be found anywhere else, so they offer a full package in terms of their games section. ⭐ Top 3 highest RTP slots at PokerStars 4 There are many hundreds of slots to consider at PokerStars, but if you're looking for games with a high RTP, there are some that stand out. These include 81 Joker Fruits, Wheel of Fortune: Ruby Riches and Caribbean Wild. 🎰 Slot name 81 Joker Fruits Wheel of Fortune: Ruby Riches Caribbean Wild 🪙 RTP 98.02% 96.51% 96.33% 🧑💻 Software provider SYNOT IGT Core Gaming 📚 Theme Classic Slots Game Shows Pirates 💫 Reels 5x3 5x4 5x3 🤑 Paylines 81 30 15 🔥 Volatility Low to medium Medium Medium 📅 Year released 2022 2021 2023 🏦 Banking options to deposit and withdraw at PokerStars As an established operator, PokerStars works with several funding providers. There are many ways for players to deposit to and withdraw from their accounts. Popular e-wallets options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, MuchBetter, PaysafeCard and Neosurf are all available at PokerStars. Players who prefer using debit cards or a more traditional payment method can also opt for Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer. For most payment methods, the minimum deposit and withdrawal start at £10. PokerStars doesn't charge players any transaction fees. Processing times are generally quick within one to three days, with the exception of bank transfers, which could take up to 10 days in some cases. Payment method Min. deposit Min. withdrawal Processing time VISA £10 £10 1-3 days Mastercard £10 £10 1-3 days PayPal £10 £10 1-3 days Apple Pay £10 £10 1-3 days Google Pay £10 £10 1-3 days MuchBetter £10 £10 1-3 days PaysafeCard £10 £10 1-3 days Neosurf £10 £10 1-3 days Skrill £10 £10 1-3 days Neteller £10 £10 1-3 days Pay By Bank £10 £10 1-3 days PokerStars Top Up £10 £10 1-3 days Luxon Pay £10 £10 1-3 days Bank Transfer £10 £10 3-10 days 📱 PokerStars mobile app and play PokerStars casino has a mobile app for both the iOS and Android platforms. It can be downloaded from the usual sources and it's free and fast. If you're already registered with the operator, you can use the app to make deposits and withdrawals, but if you're new to the platform, you can also sign up via the software. If you prefer not to make the download, PokerStars has a dedicated mobile-optimised site. The app has received good reviews for speed and functionality, with scores of 4.2 at Google Play and 4.5 with Apple. 👉 How to sign up at PokerStars Signing up for a new account at PokerStars is straightforward, and you should be ready to play in just a few minutes. Start things off by following these steps: Visit PokerStars' homepage here. The registration form is in three stages. In the first instance, enter your country. Next, you'll be asked to choose a username and password, before deciding whether to opt in for notifications. Finally, some essential personal information is required, including date of birth, email and other contact details. ⚠️ Responsible gambling at PokerStars Responsible gambling should be an important part of any online casino, and PokerStars UK has tools in place for anyone who needs assistance controlling their play. The operator has links to organisations such as GamCare and GAMSTOP. These are the tools that players can use to help maintain control: Deposit and wagering limits Reality check based on time played Timeouts Self-exclusion for temporary or permanent breaks It would be good to see a loss limit introduced, but this is a good range of measures for the time being. ☎️ PokerStars customer support PokerStars UK lists a wide range of options if anyone needs to find help. Beyond one of the better sets of frequently asked questions, there is live chat. This is the quickest way to sort queries, but this part of the service isn't 24/7. You can access the live chat during regular business hours. PokerStars online casino also has an email address dedicated to customer support, along with a local telephone number. Like many progressive casino operators, PokerStars UK also offers help via some of the major social media platforms. Options include: Live chat Email (support@ Telephone number Frequently Asked Questions Social media Support is available in English, Danish, Spanish, Bulgarian, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian and Swedish. 👇 FAQs about PokerStars Casino UK This PokerStars casino review should have answered most of the questions that commonly arise among players. Here is a recap of some of the more common queries: 1. Is PokerStars casino legit? Yes, PokerStars is a legal casino platform. It is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, and that license means it is allowed to provide gambling services to eligible players in the United Kingdom. 2. How long do PokerStars casino withdrawals take? Withdrawals from a PokerStars account will usually take between one and three days. For bank transfers, the processing time takes a little longer and funds will arrive in five days on average. 3. Is PokerStars a good casino? PokerStars generally receives positive reviews from most of its customers, so it can be regarded as a good casino. There may be some small negative aspects to the platform, but these are outweighed by the advantages. 4. Can I win real money on PokerStars? Yes, it is possible to win real money when playing PokerStars casino games. There are many titles that can be played with real money stakes, and players can win cash prizes subject to the specific rules of the individual game. 5. How many games does PokerStars Casino have? PokerStars Casino lists over 3,500 games. The brand works with 28 software providers to deliver a diverse catalogue, which includes some exclusive titles. 🔎 More casino reviews About the author James Anderson James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing. Find James on LinkedIn Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How a secretive billionaire's yacht turned into a Hollywood hotspot for Tom Brady, Sofia Vergara, and more
Who is the mystery billionaire behind the celebrity yacht where Tom Brady and Sofia Vergara were first linked? (Getty Images) While gossip columns have been buzzing with speculation about a rumored romance between Tom Brady and Sofia Vergara, a much more intriguing story has quietly emerged behind the glittering backdrop of luxury yacht parties. The true star of this summer's most talked-about celebrity gatherings is a man far from the Hollywood spotlight—billionaire entrepreneur Mark Scheinberg. Meet the Poker tycoon hosting the star-studded Yacht parties with Tom Brady and Sofia Vergara As reported by TMZ, these lavish yacht parties, which have drawn A-listers from across sports, entertainment, and the influencer world, are being orchestrated by none other than Scheinberg, the Israeli-Canadian businessman best known for co-founding PokerStars. 'Our sources say it's Israeli-Canadian businessman billionaire Mark Scheinberg's personal floating palace -- and he's the one treating his famous friends to sun, surf, champagne . .. and some sexy fun,' the outlet revealed. For those unfamiliar with the name, Mark Scheinberg launched PokerStars with his father in 2001. The platform quickly dominated the online poker industry, turning into a global behemoth and eventually selling for a staggering $4.9 billion in 2014. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Not one to rest on his laurels, Scheinberg shifted focus to hospitality, founding Mohari Hospitality, which invests in ultra-luxurious properties around the world. Today, he lives on the Isle of Man and boasts an estimated net worth of $5.6 to $6 billion. But Scheinberg's fortune isn't just fueling wild parties. Through the Scheinberg Relief Fund, his family has been actively supporting global charities and wildlife preservation efforts. Still, it's his newfound role as the unofficial 'host of the summer' that has raised eyebrows—and curiosity. His opulent private yacht has become the center of some of the most exclusive gatherings of the season. From NFL stars like Brady to Hollywood elites like Vergara, his guest list reads like a who's who of celebrity culture. But Scheinberg isn't handling these social affairs solo. Assisting him is longtime friend Doug Chabbott, who helps coordinate the guest lists. However, TMZ noted, 'One source claims not every celebrity has said yes to their invitation. They've been turned down by some stars who thought it was odd being they didn't know Mark or Doug.' As for Vergara, while some speculated a budding romance, insiders insist, 'Doug's been linked to her in the past, but we're told it's all just friendly fun and nothing romantic.' So while the headlines focused on Brady and Vergara, the real story is the billionaire poker mogul turning heads with his secretive, star-studded floating paradise—proof that sometimes, the most fascinating people are the ones you've never heard of. Also Read: "At the end of the day...": Patrick Mahomes does not mind being snubbed at NFL top 100, his main goal is something else For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Edinburgh Reporter
08-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Is Online Poker Legal in Mongolia? Here's What You Should Know
The popularity of online poker has spread to all the corners of the world. However, it is widely not legally accepted in different countries. This is what has changed drastically in the last several years in Mongolia. A field that was one of the most unregulated areas is now open to direct intervention of the government. But in case you are asking yourself whether or not online poker is legal in Mongolia the following is what you ought to familiarize yourself with in 2025. freepik The Legal Background: A Grey Zone No More For several decades, Mongolia has been in the grey legal area concerning online poker. Although the classical variant of gambling or rather the land-based component was prohibited in a direct manner, online gambling has not been directly discussed in the act. Due to this, Mongolian players had no problems with playing international poker games at sites like PokerStars or GGPoker and avoiding any legal persecution. The completeness of lack of enforcement along with thin online controls provided the impression that online poker was condoned, even when they were not actually legal. This enabled an underground community of successful online poker to emerge. It was common for players to use foreign platforms — a typical poker site Mongolia users would access might be based in Europe or Asia — and to handle payments through digital wallets or foreign bank accounts, all while avoiding domestic regulation. Nevertheless, to the government, this unregulated industry became both a financial and social menace as it grew. Concerns about gambling addiction, fraud, and the outflow of money intensified pressure from stakeholders to control or completely ban online gambling. Mongolia's Legal Pivot in 2025 The amendments to the Mongolian laws that had to do with gambling were far-reaching and were done by the Parliament in May 2025. The changes directly affected the face of online gambling because they criminalized all digital casino game websites, online poker sites, online slot machines, and online lotteries. Online gambling services face criminalization too, under the law. This also involved people who assist other people to open an account, provide payment services, or encourage criminal companies to gamble or advertise their websites in either way. The new law gives the state agencies the authority to block the websites that engage in illegal gambling. Owing to this, thousands of websites that deal with gambling such as poker sites, have already been blockaded or become unreachable domestically in Mongolia. Governments are also increasing surveillance of online payments especially those that can be associated with offshore casinos. Moreover, the new legislations openly forbid online gambling advertisements. Any advertising of online poker or other games that was carried out via websites, mobile apps, affiliate networks, or even social media is now discussed as a violation of Mongolian legislation. The punishment includes an administrative penalty to a criminal trial. The Sports Betting Exception Although the 2025 legislation was mainly limiting, an exception has actually been carved through it, and that is where sports betting is concerned. Both online and offline sports betting have been legalized through a state licensing system. This was done based on economic strategy. Legalizing a popular form of gambling, controlling it, and thus gaining control of tax revenues was one of the things the state intended to do in order to halt the continuous stream of money flowing to unlicensed foreign operators. This legal difference between sports betting and other gambling activities is quite important. The fact is that, although poker and other games resembling casino ones are forbidden online, sports betting operators have an opportunity to receive official licenses and operate their activities under the governmental control of Mongolia. However, this might be under stringent supervision of the government such as identification, accountable gambling measures, and making the financial affairs visible. This legal structure on sports betting will not automatically be applied to other forms of games such as poker according to the government. Until today, online poker is not availed of such an exemption. Legal Consequences for Players and Providers The new gambling laws are mostly directed at muzzling illegal activities and the worst penalties will be on the hands of persons operating, promoting, or facilitating online gambling sites. Now, speaking of individual players they cannot be left alone entirely. The players themselves may not be charged with a criminal offense; however, in case of the repeated occurrence of a prohibited gambling activity, a fine or an administrative measure may be applied on the basis of Article 4 of the law. The government has instructed financial dealings to watch flag and scrutinize any transactions that are assumed to be related to online gambling. In other instances, their user accounts can be frozen or their funds can be confiscated in cases where it is being used to perpetrate criminal activity. There is also surveillance of the applications of virtual private networks (VPNs) and digital wallets which could assist a user in circumventing local blocks. This enforcement situation is a new one that presents signs of being rather serious as the government gets down to crackdown. State-initiated media and public enlightenment have been applied as a means of cautioning the citizens on the effects of engaging in illegal gambling, such as poker. The Skill Game-Debate Another point that has emerged in Mongolia as it did in several other countries is the fact whether poker is a game of chance or skill. Pro-poker parties state that poker is a game of complexity and strategy quite unlike slots lottery or other pure games of chance in which luck alone takes the upper hand. In this regard, they assert that poker should be considered as a sport/competitive activity and not gambling as is the case with other types of gambling. Companies such as the Mongolian Sport Poker United Association have gone out of their way to ensure that poker is taken as a skill rather than a game of chance. This group is certified by the International Federation of Match Poker and it popularizes poker as a sport, rather than a gambling game. Nevertheless, the law of 2025 fails to distinguish between poker and other games of chance notwithstanding the attempts to do it. At the time being, the Mongolian legal system regards poker as similar to Internet casinos and virtual slots. freepik How Mongolia Compares to Other Countries This of Mongolia is more prohibitive as compared to a number of other countries that have either legalized or regulated poker. As an example, there is a detailed system of gambling control in the United Kingdom, where licensed online poker sites are present. In the state of the United States, such as New Jersey or Pennsylvania, online poker is governed by state law in certain parts as well. On the other hand, Mongolia has lumped prohibition that best fits those found in places such as China where most gambling is prohibited on the web and its sites are actively blocked. This rift represents two approaches to online gambling at a world level. Other nations are convinced that the better options to use are regulation, oversight, and taxation rather than prohibition. Others such as Mongolia call tough prohibition the only avenue available to curb the negative social and economic effects of gambling. Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Chris Eubank offers blunt opinion over Conor Benn rematch after iconic brawl
Chris Eubank Jr outpointed Conor Benn in their brutal grudge match last month, and the 35-year-old believes a rematch is "very likely" to happen later this year Chris Eubank Jr is optimistic that a rematch with Conor Benn will take place later this year. The 35-year-old secured a unanimous decision victory over his rival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in front of a crowd of 67,000, in their highly anticipated April bout and feels there's a strong desire for them to square off again. Plans for a second fight are already being discussed, with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh eyeing a September date, provided both fighters are in shape and willing. Despite rumours that Eubank might choose a different opponent, the buzz around a rematch persists. "The rematch is very likely to happen. The demand is there," Eubank Jr shared with Mirror Sport during the PokerStars European Poker Tour Monte-Carlo event. "The fight we put on last Saturday was something that won't be forgotten. People, they really fell in love with that performance - from both of us. So in all likelihood there will be a rematch at some point this year." Having faced numerous high-profile opponents throughout his career, Eubank Jr acknowledges that his recent win has opened up several possibilities, including a potential bout with Canelo Alvarez. However, regardless of his next move, Eubank Jr believes he's now in a better position for future negotiations, having learned from previous experiences. The Brighton-born boxer reflected on the business side of boxing, admitting he had made mistakes in the past by signing the wrong contracts and making poor deals. However, he believes he has gained valuable experience and now knows his worth as a fighter, reports the Mirror. "The business aspect of boxing is crucial, and I've got it wrong so many times throughout my life where people take advantage and to make the wrong deals, sign the wrong contract. But you live and you learn," he noted. "Now I'm experienced enough to know the things I should be doing, the things I shouldn't be doing, what I'm worth as a fighter, what types of contracts are good to sign and what types of contracts you should stay away from. I have an amazing team around me of people that are watching my back at all times, and I'm in an amazing position now. "After that performance [against Benn], all the doors are open. There's not a fight in boxing right now that couldn't be made. So that's a beautiful feeling to know you're in that position, you're in the driving seat, and these next 12 months are going to be incredible." Speaking at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, where he was participating in a private poker game organised by PokerStars, Eubank Jr acknowledged that the €5,000 minimum buy-in was no longer a daunting amount for him, especially after his substantial earnings from the Benn fight. Instead, he viewed the trip as an opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment. "To a lot of people, they couldn't imagine playing with large amounts of money, risking losing that type of money, and that being something that's relaxing to them," he explained. "But when you've been in these environments for so long it does become therapeutic, it does become fun, it does become relaxing. "It becomes something you can do to take your mind off all the craziness that's going on in the other parts of your life. For me, poker is fun, it's truly enjoyable, it's a passion and I'm happy doing it, so it is a relaxing activity for me." Felix Schneiders, a PokerStars ambassador and seasoned player, is familiar with matching wits against top sports figures. Having ousted football legend Sergio Aguero from last year's EPT Monte-Carlo, he values poker's even playing field where anyone with a few thousand euros can compete - a common scenario in this swanky locale. "I just met Chris for the first time, I shook hands with him," he said. "To be honest I didn't know who he was because I'm not into boxing, not into football, not into cars, not into anything like that, so I don't know if I have the right topics at hand! But I'm just going to sit down and have some fun with the lads, I'm just going in there without any expectations apart from having fun. "Aguero, he sat down at my table [last year], I didn't know who he was, busted him. It was a very unfortunate spot for him - he had ace-jack, flopped a jack, I had queens and we got it in. After I busted him he shook my hand and I was feeling something is special about this guy, I don't know what. Then I sat down again and my neighbour said to me 'do you know who you just busted?' "I was like 'no I don't' and he went 'check him out on instagram'. He's got like 8 million followers - yeah okay, nice, good to know. That's the beauty of poker. That's what I like about the game." For those facing Eubank in Monte-Carlo, the boxer himself serves as a prime example of sitting down at the poker table and finding yourself just metres away from the most famous person you've ever met. However, even the boxer isn't immune to the thrill of sitting across from superstars. "I've played against all sorts of people around the globe," he shared. "Very high stakes, very private games, very famous individuals, and it's incredible that you get to meet and spend time with all these characters. In a normal world, you would never sit down and play with Bruno Mars, you wouldn't be in his company. "But poker brings all these diverse characters and personalities into one room, onto one table, and you get to spend time and converse and listen and learn. That is actually probably one of the most attractive things to me about poker. "It's not even about the money, it's about the people and the experiences and the stories." Some aren't just renowned figures; they're also skilled poker players in their own right. When pressed to identify his most formidable opponents, he doesn't hesitate to mention one standout: Neymar. "Most athletes that I've ever played with have been like myself, just action, gamble, but it's not like skill, it's just fun," he explained. "I've seen Neymar play very skilfully and been very impressed with how he plays when he wants to play well. "There are definitely times where he doesn't give a s*** about playing well and is just there to gamble, and those are the best games you can imagine, but he's a very, very good player." The fact that numerous top-tier athletes attend European Poker Tour events – from Aguero to Rafa Nadal to Brazilian icon Ronaldo – is no fluke, and Eubank notes the mental similarities between his sport and his hobby. "Boxing and poker are extremely cerebral activities," he observed. "You have to be extremely sharp, you have to have a very strong mentality to be able to perform at the highest levels of these two worlds. A lot of people wouldn't imagine this, but in my opinion boxing is 70 percent, minimum, mental. You've got to be able to deal with the pressure, the pain, the sacrifice, and with dedication. "And if you can't deal with all of that it doesn't matter how fast and strong and fit you are, you're not going to win. You'll crumble under the pressures of boxing, and it's exactly the same with poker - you can crumble under the pressure. "You can go all in with aces, somebody goes all in with kings, they hit a king, you lose your entire stack and 'oh my god I've just lost all this money, what am I going to do?' Some guys, they fall apart, they chase, they tilt off the rest of their stack and it's a disaster. "And some guys are able to keep composed, keep the game plan, understand that it's a part of the game and not let it distract you from playing the best poker you can play. They're very mental activities and the people with the strongest will and the most discipline, those are the guys who excel."
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Chris Eubank Jr gives honest verdict on Conor Benn rematch after brutal fight
Chris Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn in front of more than 60,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a number of fans have been calling for a rematch between the pair Chris Eubank Jr believes a rematch with Conor Benn is 'very likely' to happen this year. The 35-year-old beat his compatriot by unanimous decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in front of 67,000 spectators in their long-awaited April fight, and is confident the appetite is there for the pair to go toe-to-toe once more. Details of a rematch have already been shared, with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh hoping for a September fight if both men are fit and ready. And, despite speculation over Eubank opting for a different opponent, talk of another meeting isn't going away. 'The rematch is very likely to happen. The demand is there,' Eubank Jr tells Mirror Sport at the PokerStars European Poker Tour Monte-Carlo. 'The fight we put on last Saturday was something that won't be forgotten. People, they really fell in love with that performance - from both of us. So in all likelihood there will be a rematch at some point this year.' The 35-year-old has taken on plenty of top opponents over the course of his career, and recognises plenty of options have been put on the table thanks to his victory over Benn. A match-up with Canelo Alvarez has been touted, but whatever happens next, Eubank believes he's in a stronger position for negotiations after learning from past mistakes. 'The business aspect of boxing is crucial, and I've got it wrong so many times throughout my life where people take advantage and to make the wrong deals, sign the wrong contract. But you live and you learn,' he says. 'Now I'm experienced enough to know the things I should be doing, the things I shouldn't be doing, what I'm worth as a fighter, what types of contracts are good to sign and what types of contracts you should stay away from. I have an amazing team around me of people that are watching my back at all times, and I'm in an amazing position now. 'After that performance [against Benn], all the doors are open. There's not a fight in boxing right now that couldn't be made. So that's a beautiful feeling to know you're in that position, you're in the driving seat, and these next 12 months are going to be incredible.' Eubank Jr is speaking at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Casino, where he is taking part in a private poker game organised by PokerStars. The €5,000 minimum buy-in is certainly a sum he can afford, after his seven-figure purse from the Benn fight, but the trip is about fun and relaxation as much as it is about making money. 'To a lot of people, they couldn't imagine playing with large amounts of money, risking losing that type of money, and that being something that's relaxing to them,' he says. 'But when you've been in these environments for so long it does become therapeutic, it does become fun, it does become relaxing. 'It becomes something you can do to take your mind off all the craziness that's going on in the other parts of your life. For me, poker is fun, it's truly enjoyable, it's a passion and I'm happy doing it, so it is a relaxing activity for me.' PokerStars ambassador Felix Schneiders is another of the players in the game, and he's no stranger to pitting his wits against elite athletes. He knocked Sergio Aguero out of EPT Monte-Carlo last year, and enjoys that poker allows you to sit down on level footing with anyone else who has a few thousand euros in their pocket - which in this part of the world is a lot of people. 'I just met Chris for the first time, I shook hands with him. To be honest I didn't know who he was because I'm not into boxing, not into football, not into cars, not into anything like that, so I don't know if I have the right topics at hand!' he says. 'But I'm just going to sit down and have some fun with the lads, I'm just going in there without any expectations apart from having fun. 'Aguero, he sat down at my table [last year], I didn't know who he was, busted him. It was a very unfortunate spot for him - he had ace-jack, flopped a jack, I had queens and we got it in. 'After I busted him he shook my hand and I was feeling something is special about this guy, I don't know what. Then I sat down again and my neighbour said to me 'do you know who you just busted?'. I was like 'no I don't' and he went 'check him out on instagram'. He's got like 8 million followers - yeah okay, nice, good to know. That's the beauty of poker. That's what I like about the game.' For Eubank's opponents in Monte-Carlo, the boxer himself is a prime example of sitting down at the felt and finding yourself metres away from the most famous person you've met. But the boxer isn't immune from getting excited about sitting down opposite superstars himself. 'I've played against all types of people all around the world,' he says. 'Very high stakes, very private games, very famous people, and it's amazing that you get to meet and spend time with all these characters. Because in a normal world you would never sit down and play with Bruno Mars, you wouldn't be around the guy. But poker brings all these different characters and personalities into one room, onto one table, and you get to spend time and speak and listen and learn. 'That is actually probably one of the most attractive things to me about poker. It's not even about the money, it's about the people and the experiences and the stories.' Some of them aren't just big names, though - they're talented poker players in their own right. And when asked to name his toughest opponents, he barely misses a beat before replying with a single name: Neymar. 'Most athletes that I've ever played with have been like myself, just action, gamble, but it's not like skill, it's just fun,' he says. 'I've seen Neymar play very skilfully and been very impressed with how he plays when he wants to play well. There are definitely times where he doesn't give a s*** about playing well and is just there to gamble, and those are the best games you can imagine, but he's a very, very good player.' It's no coincidence that plenty of elite athletes make it along to European Poker Tour events - from Aguero to Rafa Nadal to Brazilian legend Ronaldo - and Eubank recognises the mental parallels between his sport and his pastime. 'Boxing and poker are extremely cerebral activities,' he says. 'You have to be extremely sharp, you have to have a very strong mentality to be able to perform at the highest levels of these two worlds. 'A lot of people wouldn't imagine this, but in my opinion boxing is 70 percent, minimum, mental. You've got to be able to deal with the pressure, the pain, the sacrifice, and with dedication. And if you can't deal with all of that it doesn't matter how fast and strong and fit you are, you're not going to win. 'You'll crumble under the pressures of boxing, and it's exactly the same with poker - you can crumble under the pressure. You can go all in with aces, somebody goes all in with kings, they hit a king, you lose your entire stack and 'oh my god i've just lost all this money, what am I going to do?'. 'Some guys, they fall apart, they chase, they tilt off the rest of their stack and it's a disaster. And some guys are able to keep composed, keep the game plan, understand that it's a part of the game and not let it distract you from playing the best poker you can play. They're very mental activities and the people with the strongest will and the most discipline, those are the guys who excel.'
