Hustler Casino Set to Host Larry Flynt's Poker Challenge Cup

Hustler Casino in Gardena, California, is set to host Larry Flynt's Poker Challenge Cup tournament, Feb. 23-March 9. This new 14-day world-class event will culminate with an industry first on March 9 - a seven-card stud championship that will award the winner $1 million. Players now can enter ongoing three-round satellite events up until March 8 to win a seat to play in this $1 million event. Complete details are available in the casino.

On March 8, a $2,000 buy-in no-limit hold'em championship will be held, in which players will receive $10,000 in tournament chips to start.

Players may receive a $49 room rate at Hustler Casino's partner hotel, Holiday Inn-Torrance, which includes transportation service to and from the casino. The casino features 18 plasma flat-screen TVs for sports viewing, and Hustler's food and beverage department will be offering special menu items throughout the tournament.

A recently appointed management team is now in place at Hustler Casino, including Mike Dixon, poker manager; Jim Miller, tournament director; Warren Karp, tournament coordinator; and Frank "Chicago" Estes, dealer coordinator.

Dixon brings more than 15 years of successful management experience to his position, and was instrumental in refocusing Hustler Casino's effort to improve player satisfaction. He believes that all players are critical to the success of Hustler Casino, regardless of the limits they play. So, while Hustler has enjoyed success with its high-limit games, and will continue to develop the high-limit section, Dixon expects to achieve similar success in building a foundation for strong lower-limit games.

"My team believes that it is important to focus on the games and the limits that the players desire most," stated Dixon. "For example, rebuilding Hustler's lower-limit player base and offering $1-$2 and $2-$4 games is just one step in the direction of providing all players something they desire. This, in addition to expanding our already popular $3-$6, $4-$8, and $6-$12 player base, will increase the opportunity for players to graduate to higher limits."

Additionally, a better structure for jackpots and promotions has taken shape. Most notable is the addition of a $100,000 super hold'em jackpot in $3-$6 through $6-$12 games four times daily.

One major sign that player satisfaction is critical to Dixon is the implementation of a new table floor plan. The main feature of this transformation is increased "elbow room." Players now enjoy a more comfortable area in which to play, made possible by increasing the space between tables. This has resulted in easier access for players to all of the important amenities they need, and, more importantly, enables the Hustler staff to gain better access to players and serve them more efficiently. The new layout also makes access to valet parking, Corky's snack bar, and the Sushi Bar more convenient.

One person who provided a major influence in Dixon's career is Joseph Giaimo, with whom he worked for more than 10 years. Dixon learned the importance of building a strong team, from porters to senior management. This thinking is the key to how Dixon will approach his new position. "Building a strong team with players as our ultimate focus is what we will do," he concluded.