This column is on an assortment of topics – you know, things spinning around in my mind and announcements that need to be made.
Thanks – Many people have responded to the request for donations to help poker veteran Jack Slatter, who is in need of a heart transplant. I especially want to thank many of the poker dealers at the Oasis Open who were so generous in donating some of their tournament tokes. Jack is taking good care of himself and trying to prepare for the surgery if the opportunity arises. He has asked me to send his thanks to everyone who has helped with their donations, cards, and phone calls. "I am extremely touched by the generosity the poker community has shown me," said Jack.
World Poker Tour Invitational Freeroll – The World Poker Tour will be sponsoring a $200,000 invitational freeroll Feb. 25-26, 2003, at Commerce Casino immediately following its L.A. Poker Classic tournament. The WPT is inviting world champions, members of the Poker Hall of Fame, all WPT event winners, and special VIPs and celebrities to play in the largest freeroll event ever televised. Also, each casino that is a charter member of the WPT will receive one invitation for a VIP entry into the tournament.
And there is another way to gain entry into this freeroll. Anyone who registers by Feb. 1, 2003, for the $25,000 WPT championship event that will be held at Bellagio in April will receive an invitation to the WPT Invitational Freeroll.
The purpose of this event is to get the best of the best together, along with celebrities, to promote the WPT tour.
Gambling Problems? During a recent trip to Lucky Chances Casino, I noticed signs prominently displayed that advised players who have gambling problems to please see the shift manager for information about getting help. I think every casino should have some type of program available to refer players with gambling problems to organizations that can help them.
English Only? An article in the San Francisco Chronicle tells of a lawsuit filed against Lucky Chances and Artichoke Joe's for invoking the English-only rule during the play of poker hands. The attorney for the plaintiff argues that this policy violates the rights of players who speak limited English. Tiffany Rystrom, an attorney for Lucky Chances Casino said that civil rights laws allow businesses to impose language restrictions that are justified by " business necessity." The English-only rule helps prevent collusion at the poker table. I will keep you posted on the outcome of this one.
Partypoker.com Million II Buy-in – The buy-in for the March 1-8 Partypoker.com Million II will be $5,000 plus entry fee, which has been reduced from last year's $8,000 buy-in. More than 100 players will earn their entries online. Other players wishing to play in this event, which will have an estimated prize pool of more than $1 million, may contact the Card Player Cruises office at (888) 999-4880. This tournament is part of the World Poker Tour, but unlike other events, players must register in advance to ensure a reservation on the ship.
Now, let's play poker!