Since the Horseshoe opened in 2008, the familiar towering figure moving around the poker room has been manager Jeremy Smith, but not anymore. The 6-foot-8 Smith is moving on to run the Horseshoe in Cleveland. “Coming to Cleveland is an exciting opportunity for myself and everyone involved.” he said. “With the Horseshoe being the first casino and poker room in Ohio, I think the poker room has the potential to be extremely busy.” He’s been involved with Chicago poker rooms almost from their beginning, starting as a dealer at Harrah’s East Chicago. Smith quickly moved up gaining the respect and loyalty of area players.
“Jeremy’s passion and expertise in the poker industry makes him one of the top poker leaders in the business,” said Dom Niro, the manager of Daytona Beach (Fla.) Kennel Club’s poker room and a former Chicago-area manager. “He has taught many individuals, and is someone people should look up to.”
In 2006, Smith became the first tournament director for a televised event in the Chicago area and he has assisted with many other Chicago events, including the WSOPC at the Horseshoe. Smith also has been a key figure in many Chicago-area charity events.
Smith’s new room in Cleveland has 30 tables as opening day is planned for May 14.
CHARITY VOTE: With an important legislative vote coming up affecting Illinois 501c charities, regulations that limit volunteer dealers to four events is a key issue. Casino poker dealers are a skilled position that not everybody can do. Dealers need to excel at social, physical and math skills.
Charity tournaments are an excellent resource to learn the dealing trade. Rockford Charitable Games over the years had more than 30 dealers work the WSOP, including one at the 2002 final table.
— “Chicago” Joe Giertuga is Ante Up’s Chicagoland Ambassador. Email him at chicago.joe@comcast.net.
