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Esther Taylor joins BetMGM as new poker pro ambassador

Taylor was adopted and raised in the US after being born in South Korea, earning more than $3.2m in live tournament earnings and reaching 10 final table appearances at WSOP events.

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BetMGM new poker ambassador
Key Points
As a poker pro ambassador, Taylor will represent BetMGM Poker on live streams, social media, live tournament appearances and more
Along with Taylor, Darren Elias and Mike Lavin also currently serve as BetMGM poker ambassadors

Esther “E-Tay” Taylor has joined BetMGM as its new poker pro ambassador, where she will represent the operator across live streams, social media, live tournament appearances, and more.

Taylor was originally born in South Korea and abandoned at a bus terminal as an infant, but was eventually adopted and raised in the US. After starting a career in banking, Taylor began participating in competitive poker tournaments before taking time away to raise her daughter and re-joining the circuit in 2015. 

“From where I started in life to sitting here as a BetMGM ambassador, it opens my eyes to how precious life is and how one gesture of kindness can change everything,” Taylor said. 

“I’m extraordinarily grateful and beyond excited to represent a company I truly believe in and respect.”

Taylor has earned over $3.2m in live tournament earnings and appeared on 10 final tables across various World Series of Poker (WSOP) events. She is currently active on the 2026 circuit and has already competed in nearly half of WSOP’s first 20 events. 

Beginning in July, Taylor will play in the BetMGM Poker Championship from Aria Resort and Casino, which features a $4m guaranteed prize pool. 

BetMGM Director of Poker David Mileaf also spoke on the new collaboration, having said, “E-Tay’s life could have gone in many directions. She turned it into something legendary.

“Her performance in last year’s Poker Players Championship, one of the most highly regarded, really turned heads. She continues to elevate her game which speaks to both her skill and dedication. She’s simply an exceptional representative of poker and of our brand.”

Along with Taylor, Darren Elias and Mike Lavin also currently serve as BetMGM poker ambassadors. 

BetMGM launched a performance-linked promotion that rewards customers based on the scoring output of the US men's national team on June 4, tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Under the Goal Rush Grand Prize promotion, eligible customers who place a qualifying pre-match wager of $5 or more on a US match will receive a share of a $500,000 bonus bet pool each time the national team scores.

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BetMGM renewed its title sponsorship of Premier League Darts on May 29, keeping the sports betting operator attached to one of the Professional Darts Corporation’s main annual competitions

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