Poker Giants Report 2018 Earnings: Winners and Losers

The financial results for 2018 are in, and while some poker companies thrived, others faced significant challenges. 888 Holdings PLC saw a 37% drop in poker revenue, from $77.9 million to $49 million. The Stars Group acquired Sky Betting & Gaming and BetEasy, increasing its adjusted EBITDA by 30% to $780.95 million. PokerStars' revenue from poker increased by 1.1% to $886.6 million. partypoker's revenue increased by 40% to £67.39 million ($89.13 million). Unibet Poker's online poker revenue increased by 17% to $23.1 million.

PokerStars introduced changes to its Stars Rewards system, increasing the value of chests and changing their distribution. The new system features different types of chests, with the black chest now offering the highest prize of $700. The Jackpot Chests promotion, running until April 14, offers an additional prize with a probability of 1 in 100.

partypoker launched a new format of Hold'em with a 36-card deck, similar to 6+ Hold'em on PokerStars. The new format features different rules, including the removal of cards below six and the inclusion of an ante from each player. The game is available in six limits with buy-ins ranging from $2 to $1,000.