LAS VEGAS (AP) – If the World Series of Poker is lucky, the popularity of the Las Vegas championship’s newest event could cause a poker chip shortage.
The annual set of 68 tournaments at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino that rewards millions of dollars to the best card sharks starts Wednesday with a new event dubbed the Colossus expected to attract at least 10,000 players.
The Colossus represents the lowest buy-in in 35 years with players ponying-up $565 each to win their share of a $5 million prize pool, with the winner likely walking away with nearly $600,000.
The 45-year-old event now owned by Caesars Interactive Entertainment Inc. is also spreading the wealth for its $10,000 no-limit Texas Hold ’em main event and hosting an online tournament that will end with a live poker matchup.
The World Series of Poker drew 82,360 players last year with 10 percent winning some of the $227.7 million in prize money.