There’s always something going on at Downstream Casino, and so much to love. Recently, the destination casino-resort completed a new wing to the hotel, adding 150 lodging rooms and an indoor pool. With a $240 heads-up tournament scheduled Feb. 16, Downstream is a sure bet for a great Valentine’s weekend getaway.
While we’re on the subject of love, poker room manager Dale Hunter loves his players so much, he’ll play the winner of the heads-up event for an additional prize of $500. In the unlikely event Hunter should win, the $500 will go into a drawing in the poker room.
Next month brings the Mid States Poker Tour to Downstream (March 7-17). Then our Ante Up Poker Tour arrives in May, with our main event over Memorial Day weekend. Tournament players get some love, too, with special poker rates at the resort.
Just to make things more interesting, the bad-beat jackpot was more than $110K at press time.
As this feature is being written, Choctaw Casino in Durant has kicked off its third annual World Series of Poker Circuit, drawing a good crowd. Ruth “Ruthless” Hall from Round Rock, Texas, is a local player you may have seen at an Oklahoma poker room or tournament. Since she’s out there playing (and cashing in the opening events), she has graciously agreed to be a “field agent.” Here are a few of her observations about Choctaw and its WSOPC series:
“The non-smoking poker room upstairs offers multiple cash games with bar-and-grill service available at the tables. The Choctaw dealers and poker staff are first class and always friendly. They also offer daily poker events with one-day structures for those who want to play in a smaller field.”
If major tournament play is your objective, head over to the conference center for private WSOPC action. The lines have been quick to register, but be sure to bring your Choctaw Players Card. I found it interesting you can register with a credit card online or at the casino for the multiple events offered. They also have single-table satellites to win your entry fee into these events (they run throughout the day for $70 or $125).
I recently played in the $365 re-entry $300K guarantee, which lasted three days and attracted 1,448 entries (198 made it to the final day). Though I finished 47th, it was a nice accomplishment in a tough field. And each trip to Choctaw I can honestly say I’ve made a new friend at the tables.
— Bonnie Demos is Ante Up’s Oklahoma-Kansas Ambassador. Email her at bdemos1@gmail.com.
