World Series of Poker Kicks Off At Binion's Horseshoe

The month-long World Series of Poker kicked off in Las Vegas on April 20. Held at Binon's Horseshoe Casino in famed downtown "Glitter Gulch," this granddaddy of all poker tournaments is expected to draw the largest turnout of players yet for the massive "World Championship Hold'em" tournament" which last year drew 512 entrants. The championship event will be held May 14th through the 19th with each contestant anteing-up $10,000.00 for the privilege of competing with the top players in the world for millions in prize money. Last year's grand champion and 1st place winner, Chris Ferguson, hauled away a hefty 1.5 million for his efforts.

Twenty-six preliminary tournaments are being held at Binion's through May 14th, establishing championships in various other poker games prior to the main Hold'em event. Last year's top place winners divided up better than 15 million in total prize money. In addition "satellite" tournaments are held in a number of other casinos for those smaller players trying to build a bankroll large enough for the World Championship "buy-in."

Top poker players from all over the world, the media, and hordes of spectators have stampeded into "Glitter Gulch," a fact that brings tears of joy to the many downtown businesses and smaller casinos that have lost customers to the massive growth of mega-casinos on the ever expanding "Strip." "This is the biggest and busiest month of the year," says one downtown dealer, "there's an air of excitement and anticipation you won't find anywhere else in the world, it's electric! And," he adds with a smile," the tips are bigger and better too. Seems like everyone who comes to town during the series is infected. It's like they part of something huge and wonderful, and for at least a little while everyone can feel like a high-roller."

According to the Las Vegas Sun, one small fact though, has caused a number of well-known players and tournament floor personnel to voice their collective disgruntled voices. This is Horseshoe owner Becky Behnen's announced intention to take 3% of the total prize money and divide it up among all the Horseshoe employees. Traditionally a cut into the purse goes to those who are actively involved in the tournament itself, dealers and floor supervisors. Including cashiers, computer operators, payroll clerks, and the like seems to have created a bit of dissention that has gone beyond the confines of the Horseshoe. Las Vegas publisher, Anthony Curtis, is quoted as saying: "The Horseshoe is playing with fire. There are rumblings that players are upset, and there are a number of casinos around the country that might think of hosting a competing…..world championship."

Ah well, that's poker for you, a more reactionary bunch of guys you won't find anywhere. Seems like any change in the rules will generate a response. Aside from that, however, this year's event promises to be the best yet and we wouldn't be surprised to see a good six million in the pot for the championship Hold'em game.

Gambling Times wishes all the entrants at Binion's good luck, and barring that, at least a whale of a lot of fun!