News
Sports
The World Series of Poker has set several Northern Nevada participation records since it first came to South Shore in 2005.
In April of that year, a record 542 players signed up for a $200 buy-in tournament, the largest turnout for a single-day tournament in Northern Nevada history. Then last November, a Northern Nevada-record 156 women registered for a WSOP ladies-only tournament, while the $340 buy-in event attracted the second-most participants in Northern Nevada history.
Local gaming executives are hoping that trend continues on Thursday when the 2008-09 WSOP Lake Tahoe Circuit Event kicks off at Harveys Resort Casino and Spa.
“We are hoping that we get even more people than last time,” said Harveys Race and Sports Book Manager Steve Schorr. “We know the economy is a little soft right now, so we did more advertising this time around.”
The Associated Press reported last month that Nevada casinos had a rough August, reporting a decrease in money won from gamblers for a record eighth straight month. "Win" is a gross figure, with no operating costs or other expenses deducted. It represents casino revenue only, not hotel, restaurant or bar revenues.
But if star power translates to increase participation, then Schorr could be correct in his prediction.
Defending main event champion Chris Ferguson, who has career earnings of more than $6 million, and poker legend Johnny Chan, who’s won more 10 WSOP titles and whose career earnings are nearly $5 million, are both expected to be in Stateline on Nov. 14 for the $5,000 buy-in championship event.
In past years, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson have graced the converted poker hall outside the Hard Rock Cafe in Harveys.
The first event Thursday is a Harrah’s employee tournament that is open to all casino employees. Friday is the first tournament open to the public, a $340 buy-in No Limit Hold’em tournament that typically attracts the largest turnout of the nine-day long event.
Tournaments continue daily from Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 16.
“Things are hectic — like always with this thing — but we’re feeling good about it,” Schorr said. “We had our last meeting (on Tuesday) and everything is complete in the checklist, so we’re ready to go.”
For more information, visit www.worldseriesofpoker.com.
In April of that year, a record 542 players signed up for a $200 buy-in tournament, the largest turnout for a single-day tournament in Northern Nevada history. Then last November, a Northern Nevada-record 156 women registered for a WSOP ladies-only tournament, while the $340 buy-in event attracted the second-most participants in Northern Nevada history.
Local gaming executives are hoping that trend continues on Thursday when the 2008-09 WSOP Lake Tahoe Circuit Event kicks off at Harveys Resort Casino and Spa.
“We are hoping that we get even more people than last time,” said Harveys Race and Sports Book Manager Steve Schorr. “We know the economy is a little soft right now, so we did more advertising this time around.”
The Associated Press reported last month that Nevada casinos had a rough August, reporting a decrease in money won from gamblers for a record eighth straight month. "Win" is a gross figure, with no operating costs or other expenses deducted. It represents casino revenue only, not hotel, restaurant or bar revenues.
But if star power translates to increase participation, then Schorr could be correct in his prediction.
Defending main event champion Chris Ferguson, who has career earnings of more than $6 million, and poker legend Johnny Chan, who’s won more 10 WSOP titles and whose career earnings are nearly $5 million, are both expected to be in Stateline on Nov. 14 for the $5,000 buy-in championship event.
In past years, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson have graced the converted poker hall outside the Hard Rock Cafe in Harveys.
The first event Thursday is a Harrah’s employee tournament that is open to all casino employees. Friday is the first tournament open to the public, a $340 buy-in No Limit Hold’em tournament that typically attracts the largest turnout of the nine-day long event.
Tournaments continue daily from Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 16.
“Things are hectic — like always with this thing — but we’re feeling good about it,” Schorr said. “We had our last meeting (on Tuesday) and everything is complete in the checklist, so we’re ready to go.”
For more information, visit www.worldseriesofpoker.com.
