History in the Making: Women’s Poker Hall of Fame Debuts

Poker legends Barbara Enright, Susie Isaacs, Linda Johnson, and Marsha Waggoner are slated to be inducted into the new Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHOF) on February 2, 2008, at Binion’s Casino in Las Vegas.

Mike Sexton, of World Poker Tour fame has agreed to be the Master of Ceremony and Professional Poker Player and Industry Leader Jan Fisher will be the featured guest speaker at the induction ceremony and luncheon.

The public is invited to attend this prestigious event by becoming a charter member of the WiPHOF. Membership is $75.00 and includes a ticket to the induction ceremony and luncheon on February 2 at 11am, a commemorative gift, and entry into an invitational freeroll on February 3 at noon. Also, 20% of the membership fee will be donated to the Breast Cancer Angels Foundation which provides financial aid and services to women living with breast cancer.

Immediately following the Induction, the public will have an opportunity to play in a $500 + $60 open buy in tournament at 2pm. Play with the inductees, and other professionals such as Chip and Karina Jett, Barry and Allyn Shulman, Jeff Shulman, Mike Sexton, Jan Fisher, Maureen Feduniak, and more. Satellites for this event will be held on Friday, February 1st in the Binion’s Poker Room. Call for times.

Sunday, February 3 at noon is the invitational freeroll for members. It is for $1,000 in cash and prizes. In addition, the first-place finisher wins a seat to the World Poker Tour Boot Camp, a 2-day intensive instruction on poker by poker professionals.

Lupe Soto, founder of the Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS Tour) said, “It’s definitely time for the women in poker to have their own Hall of Fame to recognize their amazing contributions to the poker world. Unlike today, women weren’t always welcome in poker rooms. In the 1950's, Las Vegas had fewer than 20 poker tables and women weren't allowed to play the game. Yes, it was definitely a gentleman's game until a small spackling of women were brought in as poker dealers to create a better light on poker. However, having women in the poker room did allow for a small window of opportunity for women to play the game even though it was in an overwhelming and often intimidating atmosphere. Poker has been forever changed by their presence, talents, and contributions. What better way to recognize women for their achievements than to create the Women in Poker Hall of Fame?" Soto continued, “Together with an amazing group of industry professionals who volunteered their time and the historic Binion's Casino, LIPS has created a united organization and a permanent display to honor women in poker at Binion's Casino in Downtown Las Vegas."

The criterion for selection into the WiPHOF is significant and a candidate must meet all three points to be eligible.

1. A candidate must have been active as a player or industry leader at some time during a period beginning at least fifteen (15) years prior to election.

2. Player/industry leader must have contributed to the world of poker in some significant way, either by wins/cashes in major tournaments or by making significant contributions to the poker industry.

3. Player/industry leader must be a proponent of women's poker. Though not required to play in women-only events, she must support their existence.

For the past nine months, the WiPHOF Board of Directors has worked tirelessly researching and developing this program. The board members are Suzanne Carter, director of marketing for Ocean's Eleven Casino; Karina Jett, professional player; Maureen Feduniak, professional player and industry professional; Allyn Jaffrey Shulman, professional player and industry professional; and Lupe Soto, LIPS founder. Also contributing their time and talents are Margie Heinz (the first woman to deal the World Series of Poker) for historical review, and Gyla Whitlow, WiPHOF induction ceremony Event Producer.

The WiPHOF is absolutely thrilled to induct four very deserving and talented women into this 2008 inaugural year.

Barbara Enright was the first woman inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame and the first woman to sit at the final table of a WSOP main event. She is also the first woman to win three WSOP bracelets and has raked in more than $1,000,000 in career cashes.

Susie Isaacs, best known for being the first woman to win the WSOP ladies championship back-to-back has cashed several times in the World Series of Poker main event including a 10th place finish. She also is an accomplished author and lecturer sharing poker lessons and experiences around the country.

Linda Johnson, the "First Lady of Poker," is the studio announcer for the World Poker Tour. A skilled professional poker player, she won a gold bracelet at the WSOP. Linda was co-founder of the World Poker Industry Conference, the World Poker Player's Conference, and the Tournament Directors Association. She was the original chairperson for the Poker Players Alliance and still serves on its board of directors. Today, Linda teaches for the WPT Boot Camp and hosts charity events and seminars in cardrooms around the world.

Marsha Waggoner, "The Grand Dame of Poker," has cashed in 19 WSOP events. She started in the industry as a dealer and quickly found her way to the tables. As a professional player, her tournament winnings are close to one million dollars. Marsha currently hosts many poker tournaments around the country and in her home land of Australia.

News Added: 16 January, 2008

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