In this column, we deliver the most interesting topics happening at the entertainment capital including the biggest news, recent updates, and upcoming events within the location.
WSOP’s response to staffing issues
As exciting as the upcoming 52nd World Series of Poker may be, it’s unlikely that an event of that magnitude, especially amid a pandemic, would not have its share of challenges and mishaps. From added safety protocols to vaccination requirements, WSOP appears to be facing a shortage of dealers in light of the upcoming full schedule of 88 bracelet events.
Last Wednesday, two poker rooms under Caesars Entertainment, Bally’s and Flamingo Las Vegas announced its timely closure from September 26 through November 26, 2021, and while the post did not necessarily correlate the shut down to staffing issues, the coinciding dates with the festival and confirmation from staff are suggestive that this decision was made in a bid to have a smooth sailing fall series.
“Please join us at the World Series of Poker in the Rio Convention Center for bracelet events, satellites, daily deep stack tournaments and cash games or Caesars Palace Poker room for cash games and daily tournaments” , as stated in the post.
Dates for this year’s live WSOP begin on September 30 and is scheduled to run through November 23rd for eight weeks of action-packed games. Despite its minor hiccups, WSOP is also railing in some good news with international attendees now welcome to travel directly to the United States considering the government’s recent removal of the entry ban for a number of countries. With that said, a boost in the series’ participants may be expected given the latest development.
Golden Nugget’s 2021 Grand Poker Series underway
Another fall festival is brewing in the city of Las Vegas with this year’s Grand Poker Series having already kicked off its first few events last September 28th. With a total of 50 tournaments on schedule, interested players still have time to make their way down to one of Sin City’s famous poker rooms, the Golden Nugget. The Grand Poker Series has a notable history dating back to 2008 and while this may be its first fall season, the esteemed games remain to be a staple in many poker players’ calendars.
Running through October 18, over $1.2 million in guaranteed prizes will be awarded to the tournaments’ lucky winners with buy-ins for the events ranging from $100 to $600, its most expensive event being the $500,000 guaranteed Championship No Limit Hold’em tournament. Players will have three chances to make the final day across three starting flights beginning on October 7th, 11am. Previous year’s events saw a 1,313-entry field with 2019 champion Michael Policastro bagging a $90K score for his win.
Grand Poker Series
Sep 28 – Oct 18, 2021
Golden Nugget Las VegasClick link for complete schedule https://t.co/GKbfM1tcOz pic.twitter.com/YTSEYoYLm1
— GNLV Poker (@GNLVpoker) August 29, 2021
Aside from the festival’s lower buy-ins in comparison with the overlapping WSOP, the Grand Poker Series has an equally entertaining lineup with a variety of games including Pot Limit Omaha, H.O.R.S.E., triple draw lowball, and triple stud among others. Additionally, three Seniors Events, each with a $50,000 guarantee complete the schedule as well as a tag team No Limit Hold’em event for those looking for a unique experience.
Robbins settles $1.25 million lawsuit against Borgata
While it has been a year since Massachusetts pro Scott Robbins’ ordeal went down at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic city, it is only now that both parties have finally wrapped up the case. Having been served a lifetime ban, Robbins filed a $1,253,368.75 lawsuit against Borgata last July, suing the company for damages, including the emotional and physical affliction he went through at the time.
Robbins’ trip to play a World Poker Tour series back in September 2019 took a whole different turn after he reportedly made a suicide joke upon checking in at the property. That same day, Robbins was forced to exit the hotel, proceed to the hospital for a psych evaluation and ultimately find alternate lodging. Several months later, he filed a series of complaints not limited to breach of contract, libel, violation of civil rights, and false imprisonment, with the biggest component of the seven-figure value, an estimated $850,000 potential winnings for having missed the said poker tournaments.
As of September 9, court records show that both parties have finally settled the issue with Borgata’s offer to Robbins undisclosed.
