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Seminole Hard Rock Casinos Hosts Biggest Poker Event in Florida

On May 27th, 2008, the biggest poker event in Florida will be coming to Broward County, a significant tribute to poker growing popularity in the area and the power of the Seminole Tribe's gaming empire. As many as two hundred ten players are expected to participate in the event that requires a $3,000 buy-in cost to enter. The entry cost and the potential $125,000 first place prize money-surpasses what is usually allowed by the state at the racing track casinos at Broward County.

This has been made possible by the gaming compact that was signed between the Seminole Tribe and Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida last November 2007. The tribe will keep around $600 or 20% of each buy-in cost. The Seminole Tribe said that the larger buy in cost is needed because the gambling compact requires the tribe to donate seventy percent of the total take to charity or about $100,000 if all of the 210 slots will be filled.

But Seminole Poker Director Peter Arsenis still expects a big turnout for the poker event because there are a lot of poker players that are anticipating the event. Profits from the event will help the Miami Beach Health Foundation, which is co-chaired by singer Barry Gibb. Gibb is expected to attend the poker tournament. The event angers managers of nearby racing track casinos or "racinos" in Broward County.

The Seminole Tribe casinos has a lot of advantage over other casino facilities like the opportunity to open for games twenty-four hours a day, which attracts more competitive players and the opportunity to offer tournaments like this poker event that features bigger stakes. Gulfstream Park and the Mardi Gras Racing Track and Gaming Center located in Hallandale, Beach and the Isle Casino at Pompano Park can just open for business twelve hours under the current state regulation. Mardi Gras Poker Director Bobby Veillette commented that while these racinos can offer multiple players' event that has an entry cost up to $880 million, most mini-events have a buy-in cost of less than $100 because of the time difference and other legal problems.

Peter Arsenis commented that they are hoping to host the world poker tour event to the Hard Rock as soon as possible. To entertain as many as one thousand players, the Seminole Tribe plans to add security cameras and improve other existing security measures to the huge Hard Rock Live music theater.

By Todd Sanders,
06/08/2008, Sunday

Seminole Hard Rock Casinos Hosts Biggest Poker Event in Florida

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