The World Series of Poker is the biggest name in poker worldwide. It all started in 1970 when casino operator, and famous gambler, Benny Binion, invited seven of the best-known poker players to a tournament at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, a casino that he owned.
The tournament format back then was to have a set start and stop time, and the winner was determined by secret ballot.
Now the biggest name in poker comes to Potawatomi Hotel & Casino for two weeks of tournament action.
Today, there are forty-five events culminating with the Main Event boasting a $10,000 buy-in, thousands of entrants and a multi-million payout. The popularity of poker spurred the series to expand beyond the confines of Las Vegas and into casinos throughout country for what is today known as WSOP Circuit Events, featuring some of the biggest tournaments of the year for many host casinos.
It was recently announced that the WSOP Circuit Events will make their first appearance in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from February 2-13 at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, a Midwest Gaming Preferred Property. While most Circuit Events are held at Harrah’s-owned properties, the Potawatomi event will be only one of five non-Harrah’s properties to host a circuit event.
Organizers are expecting a guaranteed prize pool of at least $750,000 with the main event being held February 10-13. The property is expecting a large turn-out for the event and will utilize their 20-table poker room, as well the casino’s main ballroom.
“Milwaukee has been a great market for poker, and having the World Series of Poker here will only elevate that reputation,” said Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Poker Manager Jeff Gemini. “Both the casino and its guests are thrilled that Potawatomi will be the site for the WSOP’s first visit to Wisconsin.”
There will be a total of twelve events beginning with a $365 buy-in No-Limit Re-Entry Event with a guaranteed prize pool of $100,000 to kick things off on February 2, a $250 buy-in Seniors Event on February 4th and even a $135 buy-in Ladies Only Event on February 12. The main event will feature a $1,675 buy-in, will allow one re-entry and carry a $750,000 guaranteed prize pool.
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is one of the premium resort-style casinos in Wisconsin. It opened as a small bingo hall in Milwaukee’s once desolate Menomonee Valley in 1991 to what is today the most visited destination in the state of Wisconsin with more than 6 million guests annually. Playing home to a 1.1 million s1.1 milliquare-foot casino, featuring slot machines, table games, a new bingo hall, several restaurants and a 500-seat theater and ample meeting and event space, including a 381-room luxury hotel, this is a spot any gaming enthusiast should have on their list.
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s impact reaches well beyond the property’s four walls. Since 1994, the casino has helped fund Milwaukee-area children’s organizations to the tune of nearly $17 million. In addition, the The Forest County Potawatomi continues to build its footprint in Milwaukee through other investments. The Potawatomi Business Development Corp. has helped diversify the Tribe’s business holdings and sustain its economic wherewithal. Its headquarters are on the former Concordia College campus, just west of downtown Milwaukee, where millions of dollars in improvements have already been invested.
The tribe has also made a significant impact from an environmental standpoint. It, along with a number of other civic and community entities, helped clean up the Menomonee Valley to allow for all of the progress that has occurred.
From a 45,000-square-foot bingo hall to a 1.1-million square-foot entertainment destination, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino has a 25-year record of growing and giving in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley. That reputation is sure to remain intact over the next quarter century.
For more information and reservations, visit PaysBig.com or call 1-800-729-7244
WSOP Schedule of Events – or visit WSOP Circuit Events
Feb. 2 – 11:00 am 1A $365 No-Limit Hold‘em Re-Entry ($100K Guarantee 4-day event)
Feb. 2 – 4:00 pm 1B $365 No-Limit Hold‘em Re-Entry ($100K Guarantee 4-day event)
Feb. 3 – 11:00 pm 1C $365 No-Limit Hold‘em Re-Entry ($100K Guarantee 4-day event)
Feb. 3 – 4:00 pm 1D $365 No-Limit Hold‘em Re-Entry ($100K Guarantee 4-day event)
Feb. 4 – 10:00 am $250 Seniors Event (Must be age 50+ – 1-day event)
Feb. 4 – 3:00 pm 2 $580 No-Limit Hold’em (2-day event)
Feb. 5 – 11:00 am 3 $365 No-Limit Hold’em (30-minute levels – 1-day event)
Feb. 6 – 11:00 am 4 $365 No-Limit Hold’em (2-day event)
Feb. 6 – 4:00 pm 5 $365 Pot-Limit Omaha (Re-entry – 2-day event)
Feb. 7 – 11:00 am 6 $365 No-Limit Hold’em Six Max (One re-entry 2-day event)
Feb. 8 – 11:00 am 7 $365 No-Limit Hold’em Monster Stack (Double Starting Stack – 2-day event)
Feb. 9 – 1:00 pm 8 $2,200 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller Re-Entry (2-day event)
Feb. 10 – 11:00 am 9A $1,675 Main Event ($750K Guarantee – 4-day event)
Feb. 11 – 11:00 am 9B $1,675 Main Event ($750K Guarantee – 4-day event)
Feb. 11 – 4:00 pm 10 $365 No-Limit Hold’em Turbo (1-day event)
Feb. 12 – 11:00 am $135 Ladies Event (1-day event)
Feb. 12 – 3:00 pm 11 $580 No-Limit Hold’em (2-day event)
Feb. 13 – 11:00 am 12 $365 No-Limit Hold ‘em (30-minute levels – 1-day event)
