Announcing the Sixth Annual
JACK BINION WORLD POKER OPEN

2005 Jack Binion World Poker Open Schedule of Events Announced

Everywhere you look -- casinos, television and the Internet -- poker is booming. Poker tournaments are growing even faster. Now entering its sixth consecutive year, the Jack Binion World Poker Open has skyrocketed in popularity and is now one of the top three poker tournaments in the world, both in terms of prize money and attendance.

Last year, thousands of poker players came to Tunica, Mississippi (6,163 in all) from all parts of the globe -- including all regions of the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America, and places in between. Total prize money paid out for last year's tournament was a staggering $7,856,435 -- more than the Masters in golf or Wimbledon in tennis. Prize money was paid to players from virtually every state in the country and 22 different nations.

The winner of the championship event was Barry Greenstein, from California. He received $1,278,370. Amazingly, Greenstein donated (and continues to donate) all of his poker tournament winnings to charity. The tournament was televised as part of the popular World Poker Tour, which was watched by millions of viewers on The Travel Channel, and was carried live on radio over the Internet.

Since its inception in March 2000, the Jack Binion World Poker Open has grown by about 20 percent annually -- in terms of attendance and prize money -- making it one of the fastest-growing annual events in any sport or competition. This year promises to be even bigger and better for both poker players and poker fans, alike. The 2005 World Poker Open will feature a total of 20 events -- including popular variations of poker such as Texas hold'em, Omaha, Seven-card stud, and other card games. Best of all, tournaments are open to everyone who plays and enjoys poker -- from players who participate in weekly home games to professionals. Buy-ins for each tournament range from $200 up to $10,000 for the championship finale. However, many players win their way into a tournament by playing in "satellites" -- which are smaller tournaments costing as little as $65.

This year, the winner of the Jack Binion World Poker Open is guaranteed to receive $1.5 million for first place, making it one of only a few poker tournaments in the world which guarantees making someone a millionaire. The World Poker Open will also continue its annual tradition of hosting a "Ladies Only" poker tournament which is to be held on Sunday, January 23rd. But that's just a small part of all the action which goes on at the Gold Strike and Horseshoe casinos. There are numerous cash games taking place around the clock, hosted by the Gold Strike Poker Room and the Horseshoe Poker Room. These cash games provide something fun and exciting for everyone's budget, as games start at $1-5 limit and go all the way up to pot-limit and no-limit. Everyone is welcome to come and play.

All tournaments will be held at the Gold Strike Casino's Grand Ballroom and at the Horseshoe Casino, with the final table Championship Event at the Gold Strike. All events will start promptly at 12:00 noon each day. Horseshoe Casino-Hotel and Gold Strike Casino-Resort welcome all guests and players who want to come and enjoy the excitement of tournament poker. Affordable rooms and meals will be provided by both casinos.

Hotel reservations can be made by calling Carole Lambert or Laura Fowler at the following telephone number (which makes reservations for both properties for the 6th annual Jack Binion World Poker Open):

Horseshoe Casino-Hotel: 1-800-303-7463 or 1-662-357-5500

NOTE: A special media-celebrity poker tournament will kick off the three-week spectacle, which is to be held on Wednesday, January 5th. To be invited, please contact Nolan Dalla � Media Director, Jack Binion World Poker Open.