Early Life
Mark Scheinberg was born in Israel in 1973 and moved to Toronto, Canada, with his family at the age of 13. He attended Fanshawe College but is a dropout. He later pursued ventures in the online gambling industry.
Rise to Success
In 2001, Scheinberg co-founded PokerStars with his father, Isai Scheinberg. Under Mark's leadership, PokerStars became the world's largest online poker business. In 2012, PokerStars acquired Full Tilt Poker, further expanding its reach. In 2014, the company was sold to Amaya Gaming Group for $4.9 billion, with Scheinberg pocketing a substantial profit.
Key Business Strategies
Scheinberg's success can be attributed to his ability to identify and capitalize on the growing online poker market. He focused on providing a secure, user-friendly platform and strategically acquired key competitors. After the sale of PokerStars, he transitioned into real estate and luxury hospitality through Mohari Hospitality. His investments include a stake in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a historic Madrid hotel and a luxury resort in Costa Rica, and in 2023, he acquired Tao Group Hospitality, which operates over 80 restaurants and clubs globally.
Philanthropy
Scheinberg and his family founded The Scheinberg Relief Fund in March 2020, allocating $50 million to support COVID-19 relief efforts and other charitable causes. The fund supports various initiatives across multiple countries. He supports conservation and community initiatives across Africa and the Americas, including co-founding the Wildlife Ranger Challenge and contributing to Natural State, which promotes rewilding and nature restoration.