Where next for the WSOP?

[TylerD]

Its looks like Binions won't be reopening so where will the WSOP go this year? Will it be the same in a different casino or doesn't that matter?

Any thoughts?

[Wake up CALL]

Harrahs, they have purchased Jack Binion's Mississippi properties and are salivating over the chance to own the Binions name in Neveda. Jack Binion may reopen Binions in Vegas since he has a $20 million note on Becky's interest and now has mucho dinero from his deal with Harrahs.

[Josh W]

I'm not sure, and would hate to be spreading a false rumor, but hasn't Jack's nevada gaming license been revoked?

[George Rice]

His deceased brother's was revolked. I don't think Jack's was. But I may be wrong.

[Dynasty]

If Binion's Horsehoe isn't re-opened, it's possible there won't be a WSOP in 2004. The WSOP name is the property of Binion's. So, if the casino isn't up and running or the WSOP rights aren't sold to another casino, there won't be any WSOP this year.

Harrah's in Las Vegas does not have a poker room. The one they had has been closed for at least three years. So, it will be difficult for them to run such a large tournament. But, they'll probably figure it out if the opportunity is there.

I would expect the Bellagio to be aggressive. They've been pushing their big tournaments very hard since they started running them in the last couple years. I would expect them to either make some effort to get the WSOP rights or run some other "world championship" event if the Horseshoe doesn't run the WSOP. They won't be quiet on the sidelines.

There's no reason to believe anybody else is really a player in Las Vegas.

[MaxPower]

What about Steve Wynn? Don't you think he would want the WSOP?

[MaxPower]

I'd be happy to host it at my apartment. I have one poker table that seat's eight, so I'll need to get some more.

[Dynasty]

[ QUOTE ]
What about Steve Wynn? Don't you think he would want the WSOP?

[/ QUOTE ]

Wynn would probably want it. He could buy the rights and hold the event at Le Reve (opening fall, 2005). For 2004 and 2005, he could arrange for it to be held at a temporary site.

BTW, Le Reve (just north of the Venietian) is really coming along. Based on the way it looks from the outside, I would think they could open before the fall, 2005 date I've heard before.

[Mason Malmuth]

Hi Tyler:

First, these casinos are sometimes able to reopen faster than seems possible. I have no idea if that's the case here, but if it does happen I would expect the WSOP to be unchanged.

On the other hand, if Binion's doesn't make it back, than my guess is that the WSOP is immediately diminished in value, and the World Poker Tour Championship which occurs at Bellagio in April (I believe) will become the tournament.

Best wishes,
Mason

[Ted Geisel]

Jack's license was not revoked in Nevada.