Record-Breaking Televised Poker Tournament Expected in Black Hawk

Black Hawk, CO – Officials at Golden Gates Casino and Poker Parlour in Black Hawk, Colorado, are preparing for a

record-breaking event when the nationally-televised show, Heartland Poker Tour, returns next month. Due to strong

previous attendance and higher gaming limits in the state, HPT predicts July’s stop will produce the largest cash payout in

the production company’s five-year history.



“We are positioned for a potential million dollar prize pool,” says Heartland Poker Tour President Todd Anderson. The prize pool is determined by the number of players in the field, with players entering for as little as $85.



The Heartland Poker Tour saw its largest season five prize pool when the tour stopped at Golden Gates Casino earlier

this year. The top 43 finishers each got a share of $640,800. Colorado resident Kyle Simpson, 28, took first place and

pocketed $191, 340.



“Simpson’s victory was one of our favorites on the tour,” Anderson says. “He was strapped financially, barely scraping up enough money to play, and that win changed his life.”



Heartland Poker Tour invites poker enthusiasts and casual players to compete for a chance to play poker on TV and win

“life-changing money.” Qualifying rounds start July 6 for those who hope to win their way into the Main Event. With new

higher gaming limits, players may also buy directly into the Main Event on July 17 and 18th, with play continuing until the

field is reduced to six. The remaining six will participate in on-camera interviews and move to the HPT set, assembled on

site, to compete for an expected six-figure first-place prize on July 19th.



“We anticipate this HPT event at Golden Gates Poker Parlour will be our biggest ever with a potential $1 million prize

pool,” says Jef Bauer, Golden Casino Group General Manager. “The added excitement of craps, roulette, higher-limit

games and 24-hour action should draw in our largest crowd ever. We can’t wait!”



Because the buy-ins are reasonable and the prize money is substantial, HPT tournaments appeal to players at every skill

level. Executive Producer Greg Lang credits their mission of “Real People, Unreal Money” for the HPT’s popularity. “At

every stop on the tour, we see amazing stories of everyday people fulfilling their dreams on national TV,” Lang says.



The upcoming event in Colorado’s popular gaming town will be produced into episodes 112 and 113 and broadcast in

January 2010. Heartland Poker Tour is available on TV in over 100 million US households, in addition to widespread

distribution in Europe and the Caribbean. Seats are available in the audience for anyone interested in viewing the

taping. Structures and schedules can be found at www.heartlandpokertour.com.

News Added: 16 June, 2009

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