Techme101.com

Professional poker player Maurice Hawkins has denied provoking a Thanksgiving poker altercation that was seen across social media.
The video appears to show a man confronting a seated Hawkins and then violently swinging his fists at the pro card player.
Maurice Hawkins denies being involved in poker altercation
According to reports from PokerNews, Hawkins was playing in a private game in Palm Beach County, Florida, when the incident reportedly occurred.

Maurice Hawkins Gets Assaulted in Poker Home Game!?
This is the Rundown with @ChadAHolloway pic.twitter.com/aFOWC3hO0Z
— PokerNews (@PokerNews) November 28, 2025

According to an unidentified individual who provided the video, they claimed the confrontation stemmed from Hawkins “running his mouth about how good a boxer he was.” However, this has not been independently verified.
Hawkins has won over 20 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit rings and, most recently, set a record for the most rings won at an event at Caesars New Orleans.
He was battling with Ari Engel for the WSOP Circuit ring record and won his 20th and 21st rings, winning the $600 Pot-Limit Omaha and $400 No-Limit Hold’em tournaments at the Caesars New Orleans WSOP Circuit series.
His win was made all the more significant after besting 18-time ring holder Daniel Lowery, in what the WSOP called “the poker skills that have made him the most decorated player in WSOP Circuit history.”
Hawkins hits back on social media
Hawkins posted a video aimed at PokerNews and a number of other individuals that he said have misinformed people about the narrative. He stated that he felt the reporting misrepresented the situation.

Chad Holloway and poker news. Yall really setting yourself up for a defamation suit. First I am going to win enough money make you pay in court . pic.twitter.com/SReREGGZ78
— EatingOnAllStages (@mauricehawkins) November 28, 2025

“So let me get this right, Chad Holloway puts out a f***ing video that says I got in a fist fight, when the dude attacked me from the blind side,” said the poker pro.
The celebrated card legend then said, “Then he (Holloway) said that I was running my mouth. Are you trying to say Chad Holloway and Poker News aren’t targeting me? Trying to defame my name?” These are his allegations and not verified.
It seems there is a defined backstory to the battle between Hawkins and PokerNews, as the site previously reported that a former backer, Randy Garcia, claimed that in 2019, a previous backer of Hawkins contacted the news outlet, alleging he was owed a six-figure sum.
Garcia reportedly said, “He said he couldn’t pay me and that on the next big score, he would get me. Since our deal ended, he has cashed for almost $1 million and still tells me to ‘be patient.’ He has had a number of six-figure scores and refuses to even pay me $1.”
A Florida court ended up awarding Garcia $103,000, plus interest and fees, bringing the total to about $115,800. Hawkins told PokerNews at the time that he and Garcia were trying to “[handle] it amicably” and that he was actively paying the debt down.
The situation popped back up again in 2022, when new allegations were made. Hawkins responded by saying, “I’ll pay him when I can,” and insisted he had already paid off most of what he owed.
Featured image: World Poker Tour via Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0
The post Maurice Hawkins denies role in viral Thanksgiving poker altercation video appeared first on ReadWrite.

Mikki Mase, a well-known face in the gambling world with a $43.5 million fortune, has hit back at a recent social shun from UFC’s Dana White.
White, in recent media coverage, has allegedly denied any connection to Mase and labeled the player a “cheater,” breaking any public ties that the combat sports and punditry veteran has with the gambler.
Mikki Mase speaks out against Dana White
Mase, speaking with VLADTV, spoke frankly about his relationship with White and revealed that he believed the UFC figure had attempted to distance himself from him publicly.

The YouTube channel prefaced the interview, stating that Mase “vehemently denied Dana White’s assertions that they don’t know each other and that Mase is a cheater. White had claimed on a podcast that Mase’s casino bans were due to cheating, implying Mase was untrustworthy.”
During the interview, the interviewer informs Mase that White appeared on an Andrew Schulz-led podcast, Brilliant Idiots, where he denied any connection to the card player.
The millionaire celebrity gambler retorted, “How you gonna say you don’t know me? He goes on there (Brilliant Idiots) and says he doesn’t even know me.”
The interview continued with Mase repeating that he and White follow each other on social media and that they have appeared on gambling live streams on Mase’s friend Aiden Ross’ channel.

“There are videos of us together. We were on Aiden’s livestream together, gambling…We follow each other. We talk. He follows me to this day,” states Mase.
Mase doubled down on his verdict on White’s alleged comments, saying, “He lied about knowing me…He’s lying about me being a cheater.”
White and Mase connections denied amid UFC gambling probes
As we reported, White and the UFC have been under heavy media scrutiny after the odds on the bout between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier del Valle were marred by betting controversy that led many sportsbooks to pay back millions.

Mobile customers with losing bets on the Dulgarian UFC fight will receive a cash credit within 24 hours (singles), or within 24 hours of the last leg being determined (Parlay/SGP/Super Parlay) should that bet have won without that leg included.
— Caesars Sportsbook Support (@CaesarsHelp) November 2, 2025

This led to White appearing on TMZ to refute links between the bloodsport and rigged betting, placing the blame on any athletes connected to gambling or any illegal approaches.
White dismissed the impact of betting and match-fixing in the sport at the time (November 2025), “Now people are saying, there are hundreds of fights (involved in fixed outcomes), that is total b***shit, clickbait b***shit. There are not hundreds of fights being investigated, clickbait.”
It has been speculated by some commentators that White’s remarks may be part of an effort to publicly distance himself from prominent gambling figures, though there is no evidence of any improper intent.
Featured image: VLADTV
The post Mikki Mase blasts Dana White for denying ties and calling him cheater appeared first on ReadWrite.

Police in New South Wales have charged a couple from Kazakhstan for allegedly rigging a win of over AUD$1 million ($773,850) at a Sydney casino.
Organised Crime Squad detectives from New South Wales Police (NSW Police) made the arrests after the couple was observed using a camera device while playing at the Crown Sydney.
NSW Police arrest couple for Sydney casino winnings
Dilnoza Israilova and Alisherykhoja Israilov have been named as the two individuals who were taken into custody by the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad Casino and Racing Unit as part of the alleged illegal activity.
Upon their arrest, the NSW Police special unit found “small, magnetised probes, batteries, and a mobile phone with a fitted attachment that allowed the camera function of the phone to discreetly view, capture or record images.”
In addition to the litany of illegal gambling paraphernalia, the couple had a small “custom-made mirror attachment for the same mobile phone,” and as a result were charged with “dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception.”
Under a police operation known as Strike Force Antree, the pair were identified as having been involved in other Australian casino locations. According to the unit and the inquests, the couple flew from Kazakhstan in October 2025 and visited multiple entertainment venues.
The NSW Police report stated that the couple visited the location on the day they arrived from their travels and, over the course of two months (October 2025 to November 2025), made $1,179,412.50 using deep-seated earpieces through which they received instructions to place wagers.
After the initial arrests, the NSW Police investigated their apartment, finding “gambling props, high-end jewellery, and $2000” dollars.
Court date set for couple
Speaking as part of a release linked to the casino case, Commander of the Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said the specialist unit works in tandem with casino locations to take down any alleged fraud.
“Our detectives collaborate closely with casino security to identify and disrupt unlawful behaviour. This strong cooperation is vital to maintaining the integrity of gaming operations and is reflected in outcomes like this,” Det Supt Faux said.
The Israilovas were refused bail and would face the fraud and gambling charges at the Downing Centre Local Court, Division 7, on December 11 and February 11, 2026.
Featured image: NSW Police
The post Kazakhstani couple charged with stealing over $1 million at a Sydney casino appeared first on ReadWrite.

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board has said it’s backing all three of New York City’s finalists for a casino license on Monday (December 1).
The Gaming Facilities Location Board, which features five members, chose three casinos to be granted downstate licenses, with each license requiring a $500 million payment. Resorts World New York City, Bally’s New York Casino and Metropolitan Park all won approval.
While licenses don’t have to be given out, the financial problems encountered by the state indicate that awarding them is the best possible decision.
A further $500 million is also guaranteed in construction commitments, and this revenue could prove valuable.
Bally’s vision for a $4 billion casino resort at Ferry Point Park in the Bronx, featuring a hotel, entertainment center, and waterfront views. Credit: Bally’s Corp
There were eight casino proposals targeting a license in July. The Avenir, Caesars Palace Times Square, Freedom Plaza, Bally’s New York Casino, Metropolitan Park, Resorts World New York City, the Coney and MGM Empire City all put bids forward. However, only three were chosen in the end, while MGM pulled out earlier this year.
The gaming commission is expected to hand out the licenses by the end of the year.
The three contenders recommended for a casino license
The three proposals are spread out across the different areas of the city.
Resorts World New York City’s latest casino application brings total spend up to $7.5 billion. Credit: Resorts World New York City
Queens features two of the three casinos hoping to be awarded a license. Resorts World is looking to plan a significant upgrade of its current location in order to feature many more table games. This expanded location will be worth $7.5 billion.
Metropolitan Park is the other venue in Queens, with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is collaborating with Hard Rock to create a plan of action.
This involves the parking areas around Citi Field being transformed into a resort. While the casino would be the main focus of attraction, there would also be food halls and a performance centre.
A rendering of Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, part of a proposed entertainment complex with a Hard Rock Hotel, casino, and public green space. Credit: Metropolitan Park
“I feel confident. I feel bullish. Bet on Queens,” said Donovan Richards, the Queens Borough President, ahead of the vote.
“Why go to Manhattan? You can stay in Queens! Queens becomes a global entertainment hub,” added Richards.
The final proposal came from Bally’s New York Casino. Company chairman Soo Kim wishes to build a casino and hotel right next to Ferry Point Golf Course in the Bronx.
New York State Gaming Commission will now need to review the finances and legal standing of each casino bid.
Only then will licenses be awarded.
UPDATED: Gaming Facilities Location Board decision added on December 1, 2025.
Featured image: Canva
The post UPDATE: state regulators vote to award three New York casino licenses appeared first on ReadWrite.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced the income from its Sunday race meeting, which amounted to HK$70.2 million ($9 million), will be donated to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
This comes after seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the district of Tai Po went up in flames. It has now been reported that at least 146 people are known to have died.
On Saturday (November 29), three days of national mourning began, with many leaving flowers and handwritten notes to mourn the victims. The Hong Kong Jockey Club first announced on November 27 that the proceeds from Sunday’s closed-door race meetings would be donated to support victims of the fire.
They also stated that the Mark Six lottery draw would be postponed to 2 December, three days after its original date of 29 November. The club announced a donation of HK$100 million too, through its Charities Trust, to support victims and the families involved.
Hong Kong Jockey Club donates HK$170.2 million in total
In an update on Sunday, the company said: “The Club extends its deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and sympathies to those who have suffered injury and loss as a result of the fire. The Club’s Charities Trust will continue to work closely with relevant government departments and non-governmental organisations.”
The club continued to explain that trust-supported programs were activated immediately to provide practical support to the families in need. This included providing support to transitional housing operators to furnish vacant units and provide daily necessities, as well as emergency medication, emotional and bereavement support.
It also involved helping older residents and carers to connect to social services, organizing online sessions for parents and supporting kindergartens and nursery schools, and arranging subsidies to affected students to help with uniforms, stationary, and other supplies.
Featured Image: Cyril Yoshi / CC BY-SA 4.0
The post Hong Kong Jockey Club runs race meeting behind closed-doors and donates proceeds to fire victims appeared first on ReadWrite.