Online poker once again became home to a charity celebrity poker game on Sunday. In conjunction with PokerStars, actor and poker player Hank Azaria debuted the new Hank’s Home Game series on the site’s YouTube channel.
The star-studded game will regularly feature six celebrities interacting and competing on camera. Players can win their share of a $50,000 donation to the charities closest to their hearts.
“Hank’s Home Game is all about great company and good conversation,” Azaria said in a news release. “While we hope our home game will keep everyone entertained during testing times, it has also been a chance to continue raising money for charity.
“I am delighted that I have been able to work with PokerStars on this fun series, and I hope people enjoy it as much as we enjoyed playing each game.”
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Hijinks via the PokerStars Home Game feature
Azaria, the famous voice behind the Simpsons, plays host to the series. Along with him, the first episode also featured Don Cheadle, Jon Hamm, Michael Ian Black, Josh Charles, and Michael Cera.
Each celebrity goes home knowing his chosen charity will receive a donation from PokerStars. However, the amount is determined by the play money chips won by each player.
James Hartigan and Joe Stapleton provided commentary for the first episode. In the first episode, Cera won a big hand late to end in the top spot.
His $20,000 top prize is going to First Responders First. The organization helps front line health care workers get supplies they need.
“I’m very excited,” he said after the win. “This was so cool.”
More home games with Hank in the works
PokerStars and Azaria have more episodes already planned. A few upcoming guests include Amy Schumer and Jack Black.
Hank’s Home Game piggybacks on the Stars CALL for Action the company produced in May 2020. That event featured $1 million donated to charities with more than 90 celebrities playing the free money PokerStars.net site.
Actor David Costabile took down the tournament with $100,000 donated to his charity, World Central Kitchen. The group supplies food to those who need it most.
“Providing entertainment for our community is at the heart of everything we do at PokerStars, and Hank’s Home Game is a great reflection of this,” PokerStars group public relations associate director Rebecca McAdam Willetts said.
“Our Home Games are a great way for people to connect and compete from home, and they can do so for free. Hank and many of his talented guests’ natural passion for poker has made bringing them together for good causes a real pleasure. We hope it also provides much-needed entertainment for viewers at home.”
How do PokerStars Home Games work?
For players new to the option, PokerStars Home Games allow players to create their own club with friends. The feature allows for numerous tournament and cash game options.
Home Games allow for easy customization including club name, leaderboards, regular games, and other features. Players can connect from locations all around the world.
For those outside regulated real money jurisdictions, PokerStars.net also allows players to utilize Home Games. These won’t be for real money, but can make for some fun action and bragging rights.
For a complete review on PokerStars Home Games, click here.
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