South Dakota State Poker Championship Set For Silverado-Franklin Gaming Complex

One poker player could walk away with as much as $100,000 in the 2011 South Dakota State Poker Championship. The first annual championship — a Texas hold ‘em event — is May 13 to 15 at the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex in Deadwood.

The number of players in the Championship will be limited to 320. If all 320 available seats are filled, the total prize payout for the championship will be $320,000.

“Tournament poker is incredibly popular, and this is a chance to match your skills against some of the best players in the game — and the possible $100,000 prize is a nice incentive,” said Tom Rensch, managing partner at the Silverado-Franklin. “I think it’s time for South Dakota to crown a state poker champion. It’s especially important to do that in Deadwood, where poker became legendary.”

South Dakota’s nine tribal casinos have been invited to participate by holding satellite tournaments leading up to the Championship. “They can send their best players to the state championship,” Rensch said. In addition, the Silverado-Franklin will hold its own satellite poker tournaments on Saturdays and Tuesdays prior to the state Championship.

For the Championship, the buy-in is $1,100. A $100 deposit will reserve your seat until May 1. Players who register and pay two weeks in advance will get 10 percent off lodging at the Historic Franklin Hotel.

To reserve a seat, call 605-578-3670, extension 637. For event details, visit the South Dakota State Poker Championship website.

Most Viewed Articles