Poker enthusiasts in New Jersey have reason to smile, thanks to the recent developments. The state now has the proud distinction of becoming the third state in the country to have legalized online gambling, much to the delight of poker players. Right from the mailman to cab driver to paramedic, all were exultant about the convenience online poker has to offer. No more hopping on to buses to get to crowded gambling casinos, where the painful wait for a table is inevitable. You can now sit in the comfort of your apartment and play all you want, take breaks off and on, make a quick sandwich, and get right back with renewed vigor. This seems to be the popular sentiment all around.
Changes in bracelet events
Recently, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) announced major changes to the bracelet events that are to be held outside of the U.S. Consequent to the first WSOP Asia-Pacific held earlier this year, decision has been taken to hold the event in even numbered years going forward. Whereas the WSOP Europe are planned to be held in odd numbered years. Seasoned tournament enthusiasts are waiting with bated breath for next year’s WSOP Asia-Pacific, which is scheduled to be held from Oct 1 – 17 at Crown Melbourne.
October is springtime in Melbourne and players traveling there are in for a pleasant experience. The event features 10 WSOP gold bracelets events and is expected to be well attended. However, there is no news yet of how the 2015 WSOP will turn out to be, though rumors abound that Spain is a hot favorite. The WSOPE bracelet events have been held since 2007 without any hitch. As for the WSOP 2014, Executive Director Ty Stewart announced that this promises to be a new era in international championships, and is quite enthusiastic and excited about the upcoming championship tournament. With the rotational approach that offers just one international event each year, things can be organized better.
About WSOP
It was in 1969 that the idea for a world level poker series was first conceived. The two men who spearheaded this concept were Tom Moore and Vic Vickey who took keen interest in bringing together the popular poker players of the time. The venue they chose was the Hotel Casino in Nevada in which Moore had a share. The first ever organized poker gathering was formally called Texas Gamblers Reunion. Till then, poker games were quite informal gatherings at tables to while away the time. The players were mostly road gamblers on the move, looking to make a quick buck.
It was after the formal gathering in Nevada that the nucleus for an organized World Series of Poker was born. Initially the format consisted of cash ring games with rather high stakes. Some of the popular players included Doyle Brunson, Jimmy “the Greek”, Johnny Moss and Puggy Pearson. At that point of time, gambling was legal only in Nevada, where people could concentrate on the game without worrying about police raids or being robbed when carrying large amounts of cash. Ultimately, the game got a special status after being organized at international levels, and became a regular annual event. Today, WSOP attracts the best players from the world over, and is a much sought after event.
Future expectations
The events slated to take place in the future at WSOP sound exciting. What with the announcement from Guy Laliberte, the multi-faceted, entrepreneur, philanthropist and ace poker player, among several others to his credit. Laliberte went on to say that poker enthusiasts are in for pleasant surprises during the 45th Annual World Series of Poker scheduled to take place in 2014. The second BIG ONE for ONE DROP should take place with the $1 million buy-in, with limited seats, all for a charitable contribution.
The organizers are all set for the fast approaching event of the year, as far as international poker is concerned. With corporate participation well in place and a satellite program set to cover the event. Caesers Interactive Entertainment CEO Mitch Garber is confident that a repeat performance of the 2012 BIG ONE for ONE DROP is a certainty. He further said that they are looking forward to collaborate with Laliberte and ONE DROP and make the forthcoming event an even grander success. Seasoned poker players with a consistent record showing support for charitable causes are expected to contribute liberally, as they did during the 44th Annual World Series of Poker in Las Vegas last summer. They expect the same patronage with players donating 1% of the winnings towards meaningful charity.
To sum it all up, poker enthusiasts the world over are in for an exciting phase, come 2014. With ONE DROP having celebrated its 6th anniversary this year, the expectations from the 45th Annual World Series of Poker are quite high. The organization has successfully lent a helping hand to over 300,000 people living in far flung places like West Africa, India, El Salvador and others. The plan for the next five years is to reach out to 700,000 people, making poker a meaningful game.