The Aussie Millions: More Than a Million Reasons to Visit Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia

"For once in my life I am speechless. I've played in and won tournaments all over the world, but this one means a great deal; it is very special."

- Peter "The Poet" Costa, Crown Casino's 2003 Australasian champion

It took poker pro Peter Costa the better part of 24 hours of intense poker, played out against 121 rivals from 25 countries over two days of tough tournament action, to emerge triumphant as the 2003 Australasian no-limit hold'em poker champion. Yet, in less than a minute, his heartfelt words signalled to the world that Crown Casino's Aussie Millions had finally come of age, and had propelled Crown Casino, Melbourne onto the international poker circuit as the home of the richest poker event in the Southern Hemisphere.

When top tournament pro Erik Seidel returned to the United States from Melbourne earlier this year, he echoed Costa's sentiments, explaining, "I can safely say that the tournament at Crown Casino is my favorite destination on the tour. Melbourne is one of the world's greatest cities, the food is wonderful, the accommodations are luxurious, and the Aussies are some of the friendliest people I've met anywhere. It's one of the safest bets that anyone attending the Aussie Millions will have a fantastic time."

With such glowing endorsements, expect Crown's 2004 Aussie Millions to beat the 2003 benchmark, attracting a heightened U.S. presence and more celebrated international poker names.

Crown will up the ante in 2004 with 15 days of poker action, Jan. 3-17, including a three-day format for the A$10,000 (US$6,800*) buy-in main event. Several developments guarantee that Crown's Aussie Millions will appeal to the cream of the poker profession, who will vie for the lion's share of the anticipated US $1 million-plus main event prize pool.

Crown has confirmed that Team Ultimatebet will be in attendance, including 1994 WSOP Champion Russ Hamilton, nine-time gold bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, 1998 WSOP Champion Scotty Nguyen, Annie Duke, Robert Williamson III, and Layne Flack.

A 90-minute seminar will feature guest speakers Hellmuth and Duke, with the entire Team UB participating in a question-and-answer session, giving all avid poker players and interested novices a rare opportunity to hear from some of the best in the business.

Other well-known players pledging their attendance at the Aussie Millions include Mel Judah, Tom McEvoy, Australia's Gary Benson, Andy Glazer, defending champion Peter Costa, and the U.K.'s "Fab Four," collectively known as The Hendon Mob, who will culminate their Prima Poker Tour at the 2004 Aussie Millions. Additionally, many high-stakes cash-game players have expressed serious interest in making the trip "down under" for what is building to be one of the greatest international poker fields ever assembled outside of the United States.

Novices should not be deterred, as Crown's poker room caters to every bankroll. The tournament schedule offers a wide range of buy-ins, plus a wide variety of games, including both limit and pot-limit. Crown Tournament Director Danny McDonagh is dedicated to giving all players the chance to "stay in the hunt." Satellite support has been offered from both online and brick-and-mortar casinos, including Bellagio (value-added satellite during the Five-Diamond Poker Classic – Dec. 16, US$540 buy-in, no rebuys), Hollywood Park Casino (regular two-tier satellite program hosted by Marsha Waggoner), www.primapoker.com (satellite program to commence Nov. 1), and www.empirepoker.com (satellites from as low as US$1). Satellites will also be held daily at Crown Casino throughout the Aussie Millions, from US$85 with no rebuys.

If you are lucky enough to be traveling "in tandem," and it's not all about just poker for your partner, Crown's Aussie Millions will provide the complete poker/vacation destination and a sensational summer escape from winter. Melbourne was recently voted the world's most liveable city.

Accommodation alternatives include the opulent luxury of the five-star Crown Towers (US$150-$170 per night), or the stylish and relaxed facilities of the brand-new Crown Promenade Hotel (US$105 per night), featuring an exclusive offer for Card Player readers: Book your accommodations, confirm your participation in the 2004 Australasian Poker Championship, and mention that you read Card Player, and you will receive two nights' free accommodations at the Crown Promenade Hotel (offer available until Dec. 1, 2003).

The world-class Crown Entertainment Complex, positioned in the heart of Melbourne, offers a world of entertainment spanning two city blocks and delivering an inspiring and exceptional range of choice. The complex celebrates Melbourne's diverse dining and shopping culture with more than 40 restaurants, 17 bars, 34 exclusive retail stores, and the nonstop action around-the-clock of Australia's largest casino.

An endless array of leisure options available under one roof means you'll never have to leave the complex, but you can explore the new cultural haven of Federation Square and the Victorian Arts Centre, plus the many surrounding parks and gardens, all of which are within walking distance. If you are a tennis fan, look to extend your stay for a few days to see some Australian Open tennis action, scheduled for two weeks commencing Jan. 19.

Tournament Director McDonagh says, "The 2004 Crown Australasian Poker Championship is about more than just cards, it's about real, homegrown Aussie hospitality. It is the total poker experience."

For all inquiries, contact Crown Tournament Director Danny McDonagh at [email protected], or +61 411 560 233, or in the Crown poker room at +61 3 9292 5797. For further information, including the official entry form, satellite details, and more, go to www.pokernetwork.com or www.auspoker.com.

* All U.S. dollar amounts are based on the exchange rate at this time.