Singapore to have high-stakes poker tournament

Singapore (dpa) - The first high-stakes poker tournament in Asia has received approval from the Singapore government with a projected prize pool of more than US$ 2 million, organizers said on Friday.

''Poker has slipped into the consciousness of the business world,'' The Business Times quoted Joseph Wong, director of Capital Events, as saying. ''It is an opportunity to put Singapore on the world map in terms of lifestyle tourism.''

The opening event of the Bet fair Asian Poker Tour is set to be held from November 12 to 17. It is organized by Capital Events in partnership with London-based Betfair, a registered bookmaker and the world's leading betting exchange.

High-stakes poker tournaments in the US and Europe draw Hollywood celebrities, world-class card sharks and online players.

With the holding of the tournament, the city-state, anxious to shed its staid image, is taking another step toward becoming a challenger to top-tier entertainment centres. Two casino resorts, among the world's costliest, are planned for completion in 2009.

Tournament organizers told the newspaper the entrance fee will be US$ 5,000. They expect about 300 players to take part, and some slots will be reserved for locals.

News Added: 30 June, 2006

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