Many players are taking the opportunity to blast away at local tournaments and cash games to build a bankroll while the “regs” are off in Vegas chasing gold bracelets.
HOLLYWOOD TOLEDO: New promotions include triple-comp games of the week: Tuesday PLO $500-$2K buy-in (call about this one to get on the list); Thursday $3-$6 limit hold’em and Fridays $1-$3 PLO ($100-$500). Also, if you’re a fan of stud, Fridays at 3 p.m. they are successfully spreading a$1-$5 game. If you’re a tournament player, Hollywood Toledo offers the only twice-a-day tournament action in the region.
HORSESHOE CLEVELAND: Changes are coming as Karen Kaegin, who used to run the Gold Strike poker room in Tunica, Miss., is the new manager with Martin Wendel coming in as the second in command. Ohio players will recognize Martin from Wheeling and Toledo.
In May, a $200K freeroll was open to the top 300 players as part of the one-year anniversary of the Horseshoe. Until the World Series of Poker Circuit arrives, that is the biggest tournament in Ohio history. That was a great boost to the local poker economy. The cash action at the Shoe continues to roll along strong and tournament players are graced by free money added to every event making most tournaments rake free.
HOLLYWOOD COLUMBUS: Chris Moneymaker, pro ambassador, appears monthly on the third weekend of the month (see website for details). His May visit saw some big cash action, including a $100-$200 mixed game that ran through the night. The modified Hollywood Poker Open ran in May. World Poker Tour champion Sean Cunix led a four-way chop that ended a tournament that he ran over in the early and mid stages. Cash action continues to be robust, offering the biggest games in the state. Comps are best in the state where regulars can earn $4 per hour in combination with the poker-only rewards program.
HORSESHOE CINCINNATI: This Shoe continues to show lively action. Manager Jason Newman has managed to create a regular $6-$12 PLO/8 game along with the predictable no-limit action. PLO action is strong with multiple games across $1-$2, $5-$5 and $5-$10 running regularly. Look for 12-18 tables on weekdays and a full house most weekend nights. The room has started its bad-beat jackpot at $50K and increases $10K each Monday. There are a growing list of promotions, including a monthly high-card promotion the last week of every month. Bring your Reds ticket and get a free buffet … that’s pretty cool.
— Dan Harkenrider is Ante Up’s Ohio Ambassador. He hosts the Division of Poker and Chris Moneymaker radio shows. Email him at anteupdan@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @DivisionofPoker.
