If you went looking for the genuine heart of the poker community, someone who offers both creativity and positivity, most roads would lead to Jaman Burton. Through his popular poker YouTube channel, The Drawing Dead Vlog, countless livestreams, and meetup games across the country, Burton has built a reputation as a creator who entertains, connects, and always keeps things honest.
Now, with a new partnership at BetMGM, his story is entering a new chapter, one grounded in the same authenticity that’s carried him this far.
The origin story
Burton is the first to admit his early steps into poker were far from glamorous. “My first time playing at a casino was at Harrah’s St. Louis. I was scared to death,” he recalls. “I just didn’t know how anything worked — how do you get chips? What do you tip? Do the drinks cost money, etc.?”
That sense of humility never left. Even as his content began to take off, and his poker acumen improved, he kept his focus simple: document the game in a way that’s honest and fun. He laughs at himself as much as anyone else, and fans connect with that balance.
Despite a busy schedule filled with a regular job, being a father, and creating content, Burton still finds ways to connect with people from around the world. And his new role with BetMGM is bringing him closer to fans on a regular basis.
The role of content
Burton has never seen poker content as a path to clout or fame. For him, it’s always been about connection. “If you have plans on creating content in order to be ‘famous,’ even ‘poker famous' — don’t! You really have to love the ‘content creation’ process just as much, if not more, than playing poker.”
That perspective shaped The Drawing Dead Vlog, which has grown into one of the most popular poker series online. His creativity, humor, and willingness to show both wins and losses have turned casual viewers into a loyal community. Plus, it's one of the highest quality viewing experiences in the poker content space, and that's all thanks to Burton.
A new partnership
When BetMGM came calling, Burton wasn’t looking for a flashy deal — he was looking for alignment. “It wasn’t about a logo or quick wins,” he explains. “It’s about working with people who care about players and believe in what I’m building.”
The new partnership also had him teaming up with fellow creators and BetMGM Ambassadors like Ashley Frank, Abby Merk, and Brantzen Wong for a coast-to-coast project that emphasizes storytelling and community.
And while he still jokes about being “a cash game guy who’s bad at tournaments,” he held his own — finishing 31st in the $3,000 Potomac Poker Open Main Event at MGM National Harbor for $5,905 right after our interview.
Burton doesn’t measure success by trophies or leaderboards. For him, poker is a platform to share stories, bring people together, and show the human side of the game. “I don’t overcomplicate it — I just want to make people smile.”
That mission sums up his journey better than any result could. Whether through a vlog, a meetup game, or his new role with BetMGM, Jaman Burton has built his place in poker not just by playing the game, but by making the community around it stronger.
