Bonnie Damiano: A Woman and Her Game By Ann Castro

When you hear the name Bonnie Damiano, you have to think "poker tournaments and poker cruises." It's a no-brainer. She's a tournament producer with a unique knack for turning out fun-filled, quality events.

It's no wonder. A high-stakes poker player herself, Bonnie stays busy in the game she loves. She was an assistant tournament director for this year's World Series of Poker and Hall of Fame, has been the coordinator for the World Poker Players Conference and World Poker Industry Conference in Las Vegas the past two years, and teams up with partners Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and Mark Tenner at Card Player Cruises to bring poker players together on vacations packed with fun and plenty of poker, from the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera to the Mediterranean and Alaska.

It was Bonnie's "no-fear" attitude, perseverance, and caring nature that ultimately won her respect in the poker community. While playing at many tournaments, she couldn't help but feel something was missing. That got her thinking, and her 20 years of event planning experience kicked in.

Having organized conventions and special events, like pregame and halftime shows at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, she thought, "Why not do the same thing with poker tournaments - make them more of an event with a personal touch, more attention to details, and an increased level of fun for the players?"

It took two years of persistence and presentations to 15 different properties before Bonnie finally was able to achieve her dream of putting on a tournament in Vegas. Poker tournaments haven't been the same since.

Playing the wild card. The concept has never been done before? Forget about it; Bonnie has no qualms about breaking new ground - especially with lady luck on her side. "I've been fortunate," she said, "to have had the support of several properties and my poker friends, who always let me try different ideas."

For example, take her Four Queens Poker Classic, Sept. 18-Oct. 6. Players from around the world know her reputation and have flown into Las Vegas for the action. True to form, Bonnie has added some new twists. One started as a joke last year when Jack McClelland was describing a tournament's prizes. "The winner not only gets a trophy and $17,000," he announced grinning, "but breakfast with Bonnie!"

That got the room going - and Bonnie's mind turning. As a result, she's hosting a "Breakfast of Champions" at Hugo's restaurant for everyone winning an event at this year's Four Queens Poker Classic. "It's no easy task to win," she explained, "because the playing field is getting tougher each year. The players are getting more educated and experienced. I wanted to do something to honor and thank them for playing." An appetizing breakfast, special guests, and entertainment are scheduled.

Also at this year's Four Queens Poker Classic, Bonnie is continuing an event that was created a year ago: a "bubble" tournament. "I've been on the bubble so many times myself - nobody likes to be there, " she said. "You feel like you played all day for nothing." Thanks to Bonnie, players caught on the bubble can now play for something - a Card Player Cruises vacation on this year's World Cup of Poker at Sea cruise, Dec. 1-8.

Upping the ante. Now, enhancing a tournament atmosphere is one thing, but Bonnie has kicked her concept up a notch. She'll be the first to take a poker tournament to an island during the upcoming Caribbean Classic in Aruba, Oct. 8-15.

Could a poker tournament get any better? Sandy beaches lined with beautiful girls, crystal blue water, snorkeling, golf, ATV riding, unbeatable weather, and reportedly some of the liveliest games around. Additionally, the seventh annual Russ Hamilton Golf Tournament is being held in Aruba during the Caribbean Classic. Bonnie has coordinated her dear friend Russ' golf events the past four years. See the Caribbean Classic ad in this issue for details.

Once the Four Queens Poker Classic is over, a number of players will be hopping a midnight flight to Aruba to play in the Caribbean Classic. Expected to take advantage of these back-to-back tourneys are some of poker's top professional players and Bonnie's longtime friends, such as Phil Hellmuth, Russ Hamilton, Annie Duke, Howard Lederer, Tom McEvoy, Linda Johnson, Scotty Nguyen, and Men "The Master" Nguyen, as well as Bonnie's partner and close friend, John Robertson.

Sweetening the pot. Bonnie is making a career out of doing good things for poker and poker tournaments. The integrity and professionalism she's brought to the game generate respect. Bonnie ensures that events are highly organized, run fairly, and offer good structures so that players have time to play and use their skill. And she guarantees one more thing: Every event is loaded with fun times.

Holding the title of tournament producer, Bonnie handles every aspect of an event, from start to finish. And that includes one more thing: She takes a personal financial risk with each event. In preparation, Bonnie contacts a property, gives a presentation to the owner and/or general manager, devises a budget, and organizes, markets, staffs, and manages the event to ensure its success. Not surprisingly, cardrooms often seek her expertise when putting on tournaments in order to enjoy the same level of results.

"I've found that people generally want to come back to my tournaments, not just because they're run professionally and deliver lively games, but because of my concern, personal touch, and attention to detail." Reflecting, she added, "Hopefully, players also walk away winning some money, making new friends, and realizing someone really cared about them."

Bonnie's caring nature and charm shine through all facets of her events and cruises. Although each tournament is planned with poker players in mind, she also ensures that it is a win-win situation for the property and staff. "You can't have a successful tournament," she stated, "without the support of the property behind you and a good staff. You're only as good as they are." Everyone can expect to be appreciated and treated fairly at one of her tournaments.

A major tournament at Pechanga Resort & Casino will be added to her 2003 schedule. The dates will be announced shortly.

In the meantime? As a single mom, Bonnie stays busy with her two children, plays golf, and skis in Colorado with her friends. And, of course, she fuels her passion for poker by playing in and supporting other tournaments along the way. After all, that's where her friends are … and where her heart lives.