For poker players, a jewel of the sea is Ocean's Eleven Casino in Oceanside, California. This little casino with the big heart greets its customers and visitors with a warm welcome, like a stopover visit with a favorite relative. Ocean's Eleven is comfortably ensconced in a beachside resort town, so it's truly a family vacation destination that has something for everyone. Great fishing, terrific restaurants, water sports, white, sandy beaches, and great weather anytime of the year make it the perfect weekend destination – and, of course, a great place to play poker.
This casino by the sea is unique in many ways. First, it has the rare distinction of having the original management team in place, and has grown from 60 employees to more than 300 in seven short years. Families are the rule rather than the exception at Ocean's Eleven, and the family feeling you sense when you arrive is real … many brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, and cousins have had the opportunity to grow and prosper at this family-style casino. Partner and General Manager, Bob Moyer is very proud of his talented and professional floor and dealing staff, who add the always noted personal touch with their exceptional customer service skills. Moyer speaks with pride when he says, "Bar none, I have the best management team and staff of any casino around. We are truly a family that works together and looks out for each other. When times are good, they're good for all of us. When times are tough, we pull together."
"Our success is due to the collaborative efforts of every person who works here," stated CEO Haig Kelegian proudly.
Along with customer service, Ocean's Eleven has built its reputation on events that create a strong following and color it as a casino with style. Its premier event, the California Ladies State Poker Championship in September, still stands today as the one event the ladies can't wait to get to every year. This five-day ladies-only tournament brings gals together from all over the country and as far away as Canada for a weekend to remember, with every bow, whistle, and bell in place. And the men come along just to see what all of the fussing and giggling's about! While the men play live poker (and sometimes try to finagle their way into a party), the women dine, dance, party, and get down to some enthusiastic poker playing.
The men are not left out at Ocean's Eleven, and they relish their competitive events, too, including the Oceanside Open Poker and Golf Tournament, Poker & Ponies at Del Mar Racetrack (which always a sellout), and the famous "Hat & Jacket" tournaments, which are always a favorite.
Tournament Director Star McCormick continually researches the public's interests, trying to find the next great thing for tournament play. Star states that many players come to Oceanside for a "got to play" getaway weekend. Her husband, Casino Manager Chuck McCormick, has instituted a new beginning-player program that has been received enthusiastically. He stated, "It's so great to see new players come in and eventually graduate from small limits to bigger limits. New players always create a more energized environment."
Haig Kelegian states that he is most pleased with the positive reputation that Ocean's Eleven has in the city of Oceanside, and with the charitable work that his management and employees are committed to each year. And continually, Ocean's Eleven strives to bring a better product to the poker industry and create a genuinely nice environment for players to enjoy. As a result of its very liberal comps, great food, and a staff that's ready and waiting to serve, Kelegian always says, "When you think poker … think Ocean's Eleven!"