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Copyright © 2006 Scoop.

HEADLINE:
The World's Biggest And Richest Poker Tournament

Body:
Win Your Way To The World's Biggest And Richest Poker Tournament

SKYCITY Auckland is giving New Zealand poker lovers one of their best chances to realise the ultimate dream by securing a spot at the 2006 World Series of Poker championship event in Las Vegas, along with a shot at taking home one of the biggest prize purses in sports history!

Starting tomorrow, Saturday 1 April 2006, SKYCITY Auckland will begin hosting a very special new series of no-limit Texas Hold'em WSOP Satellite Poker Tournaments. These tournaments will be held every Saturday and Sunday (from 11am) for the next 10 weeks in SKYCITY's Poker Zone (level 3, SKYCITY Auckland), offering one of the only land-based methods of qualifying for entry into the World Series of Poker from New Zealand.

All satellite tournaments offer a buy in of $60 with a maximum of 60 people playing and minimum of 40 people. With each tournament win over the next 10 weeks, players will inch ever closer to a place in the final event to be held over the weekend of 17 and 18 June 2006. For those wishing to buy directly into the final, there is the option of paying $500 to start in the finals weekend.

The overall winner takes away a prize package consisting of:

* Automatic entry to the World Series of Poker No-Limit Texas Hold'em World Championship Event - to be held in Las Vegas from July 28, 2006 (valued at $US10,000); and in turn the chance to be in the running for the World Title! * Return airfares to Las Vegas, Nevada (to the value of NZ $7,500). * Share accommodation in Las Vegas for nine nights. * NZ $10,000 spending money.

The most sought-after element of the prize package is the automatic entry into the World Series of Poker championship event in Las Vegas. The standard entry fee is $US10,000 per person - which keeps most amateur poker players out of the running for the title. But, through SKYCITY Auckland's satellite tournaments - as little as $60 gets you a chance to win a seat at the tables that really count!

Geoff Hogg, SKYCITY Manager, Table Games, says the WSOP is unequalled by any other poker event in the world.

"It's universally considered the ultimate achievement in any poker player's career to gain the coveted title of World Champion," says Mr Hogg.

"These tournaments are a fantastic way for New Zealand poker lovers - both skilled or novice - to live the dream with a chance at a spot at the 2006 World Series."

SKYCITY Auckland introduced poker in December last year following a worldwide resurgence in the game's popularity.

To book a seat at one of SKYCITY Auckland's World Series of Poker satellite tournaments, simply contact Poker@skycity.co.nz or visit the SKYCITY Auckland Poker Zone after 7pm Monday to Friday or after 11am Saturday and Sunday. You must be 20 years of age or older to enter SKYCITY's gaming areas.

SKYCITY's Adelaide property, SKYCITY Adelaide, is also participating in a similar competition.

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