Binion's Horseshoe Set to Host 2001 World Series of Poker

The 32nd annual World Series of Poker, the largest and most prestigious poker tournament in the world, is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 16 at Binion's Horseshoe in Las Vegas. The 33-day event will feature 27 separate tournaments, culminating with the $10,000 buy-in world championship event, in which the 2000 winner, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, took home the first prize of $1.5 million, the largest in World Series of Poker history.

Since its inception in 1970, the World Series has awarded more than $150 million to more than 50,000 participants. The support of the poker community has been tremendous, leading to the largest and longest-running poker tournament in history. Due to the increase in the number of entrants in the final event over the past few years, the championship event has been extended to five days this year. In the event that the championship draws more than 625 players, first place will be worth $2 million, with second place paying $1 million and every player at the final table guaranteed at least $100,000.

Stu Ungar, a three-time world champion, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Two new events have been added this year, S.H.O.E. (seven-card stud, Texas hold'em, Omaha high-low split, and seven-card stud high-low split) and the "Oklahoma Johnny" Inaugural Seniors World Championship, which will be a no-limit hold'em event with a $1,000 buy-in. Participants must have been born before May 7, 1951, to qualify as a senior.

The dealers event has proven to be so successful that it has been expanded to include all casino employees. It will be a limit hold'em event with a $500 buy-in.

Tex Morgan's TEARS tournament structure will make its World Series of Poker debut.

The traditional gold bracelet will be awarded to the winner of each event, and all players reaching a final table will receive a 2001 World Series of Poker jacket.

Supersatellites will start on Tuesday, April 17. From April 17 to April 21, one supersatellite will be held nightly at 7:30 p.m. Beginning on Sunday, April 22, two supersatellites are scheduled, one at 4 p.m. and a second at 8:40 p.m. The buy-in will be $220 with rebuys during the first hour for $200.

There will be 74 tables allotted for tournament action, satellites, and live games. Tournaments, single-table satellites, and high-limit poker action will be located on the mezzanine level. Supersatellites and mid- and low-limit games will be held downstairs on the west side of the casino. Single-table satellites are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 16, and will run 24 hours a day through the duration of the tournament.

The tournament staff consists of Bob Thompson (director), Cathi Wood (coordinator), and tournament assistants Tom Albert, Tom Elias, Robert Thompson, and Carol Trimble. David Lamb will head the supersatellite staff, and Neal Alba, Bill Guynn, and Linda Williams will run the single-table satellites. Emily Fitzsimmons is booking room reservations and has secured room blocks at several of the surrounding properties. Reservations are coming in at a record pace, with some Downtown Las Vegas hotels almost sold out. Reservations can be booked by calling (800) 93-POKER, Ext. 7344.

Binion's Horseshoe has been running satellites for the final event since January. These satellites have been very well-received by the players, and to date, nine seats have been awarded for the championship event. For more information on these satellites, call the Binion's Horseshoe poker room at (702) 366-7397.

Binion's Horseshoe is a unique combination of the original Horseshoe, which consists of 80 quaintly decorated rooms, and the 280-room high-rise tower in the heart of Downtown action. The race and sportsbook is in full operation in the casino. The swimming pool, located on the 25th floor, offers a spectacular view of the city and is open during the day, May through October, depending on the weather. Within a four-block radius of the hotel, there are many shops and restaurants under the Fremont Street Experience.

Binion's Horseshoe offers a variety of fine restaurants. Binion's Ranch Steak House is a penthouse restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the Las Vegas skyline at night. It's a world-class restaurant that's widely known for its outstanding offerings, such as fine steaks and prime rib. Gee Joon's restaurant offers Szechwan and Cantonese dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. The coffee shop/buffet is open 24 hours, and quick refreshments are available in both of the 24-hour snack bars. And, the New York-style deli serves the best in freshly sliced meats.

The friendly, courteous Horseshoe staff will be on hand throughout the tournament to provide service with "Western hospitality." Take your shot at the 32nd annual World Series of Poker – maybe you will be the one to take home $2 million this year!