Poker News

H. Scot Krause

While it’s not the bargain features we normally portray in my columns, the expansion of the Bellagio poker room in Las Vegas deserves a “pick” for its impressive new design and style. The recently expanded poker room features 40 tables of hot poker action and some of the highest stake game offerings tobe found anywhere in the world. The smoke-free poker room, located next to the Race & Sports Book, offers guests 24-hour tableside dining, complimentary beverage service, safe deposit boxes, a full-service cashier cage with five windows and an overhead state-of-the-art music system. There also are eight 32″ television monitors and 11 42″ plasma screens throughout the room for viewing sporting events or other programming. “Bobby’s Room” is the new two-table high-limit room named in honor of 1978 World Series of Poker Champion and Mirage Resorts President and Chief Executive Officer Bobby Baldwin. “Bobby’s Room” will host a variety of the high limit games and will require players to buy-in for a minimum of $20,000. In addition to “Bobby’s Room,” a fivetable high-limit area sits in an elevated section of the poker room. Daily tournaments will be held and interested players can visit the poker room for more details.

The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas continues the popular “Diamonds are Forever” promotion for poker room players. Card players can win cash drawings each day, Monday through Friday through July 29, 2005. Play in the poker room with a Club Palms card and poker players who make a flush in diamonds, Sunday through Thursday will be entered to win $200 cash in the following day’s drawing. There will be a total of $1,000 in daily prizes. The Poker Room can provide complete details.

Club Palms slot club members can also earn “Presents for Points” through June 30, 2005. Earn points playing your favorite slot, video poker and video keno games with your Club Palms card. Then, redeem your points for presents including American Express Checks, logo hats and t-shirts, chocolates, cordless phones, IPODs, camcorders and much more from the exclusive Palms Catalog. Stop by Club Palms for more information. Center Strip, Hawaiian Luau Parties are back at the Imperial Palace. Now in its 14th year, the Strip’s only regular Hawaiian luau is open to the public and takes place every Tuesday and Thursday evening with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. The luau features the Polynesian Revue with a spectacular fire-knife dance, hula lessons and more. The all-you-can eat buffet includes free mai tais and pina coladas and is highlighted with the hotel’s stunning fruit and vegetable carvings. Tickets are available at the Imperial Palace reservations desk, on the hotel’s web site or by calling 888-777-7664. Tickets start at $31.95.

On the Las Vegas local’s scene, The Cannery (North Las Vegas) continues to expand both the casino and its poker room offerings. In addition to various limit Texas Hold’em games and tournaments, they are now spreading 7 Card Stud and Omaha on a regular basis. Plan to join in on another festive activity at the Cannery too. The Third Annual Blues, Brews, & BBQ Festival will be held on June 17 and 18. Featured musical artists include John Lee Hooker Jr., Blowin’ Smoke, Blues Storm & Section 8, and Moody Scott. Local BBQ restaurants will be featured along with the “Bottomless Beer Mug” - taste 30 types of beer and cider from 10 breweries for $15. Admission is only $5.

That’s it for this week!

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