Poker Deals: Venetian, Peppermill, Hard Rock and more

Don't Miss the Final Deep Stack of 2008 at the Venetian. The first three Extravaganzas of 2008 drew 26,000 entrants and produced a total prize pool more than $14,000,000. When tournament poker players voiced their desire for more starting chips the Venetian stepped up to the plate and created the Deep Stack. The first event, held in February 2007, proved to be a huge success due to the increased amount of starting chips and favorable blind structure. The Venetian's success prompted others in the industry to follow suit, with the trend becoming so popular that even the World Series of Poker began doubling players' starting stacks for their events. Since coining the term "Deep Stack" the Venetian has been instrumental in motivating their competitors to create such terms as, "Mega Stack," Monster Stack" and "Big Stack."

The final Deep Stack Extravaganza of 2008 is slated for November 1-25 with buy-ins ranging from $540-$2,500. Starting stacks for $330 no-limit hold 'em will be $10,000 with an additional $2,000 in chips for an optional $10 staff bonus. The $540 and $1,060 events will begin with $12,500 and an additional $2,500 for an optional $10 staff bonus.

The $2,500 event will start with $15,000 and an additional $2,000 with the optional $10 staff bonus. All events begin at noon with 30 minute levels in $330 events, 40 minute levels in $540 and $1,060 events, and one hour rounds in the $2,500 event.

A $225 buy-in super satellite for the $2,500 event will be played Saturday, November 22 at 7 p.m. It features a $225 buy-in and players will receive $4,000 in starting chips. Tournament winners will earn points to qualify for best overall player cash awards. For more information see the information see the Venetian ad in this issue of Poker Player Newspaper.

Ten Days of Great Tournament Action at the Peppermill in Reno. The Fall Poker Tournament is scheduled for October 17- 26 and will feature increased starting stacks. Buy-ins range from $120 to $1,060 for the championship event. Players receive $3,000 in starting chips in the $120 events, $4,000 in the $225 events, and $10,000 in the $1,060 championship event. Players also receive an additional $1,500 in starting chips for an optional $10 dealer bonus buy -in the $120 events, and an additional $2,000 in the $225 events and championship event. The tournament will be held in the Tahoe Grand Ballroom. Special room rates of $39-$59 per night for the Montego Bay and $49-$69 for the tower are available. A gold bracelet will be awarded to the winner of the championship winner. For more information see the Peppermill ad in this issue of Poker Player Newspaper.

The Poker Lounge at the Hard Rock. If you are looking for a different kind of poker room with unique amenities, check out the Poker Lounge at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas. Cardroom Manager, Houston Waldie and his experienced staff have created a very innovative cardroom. For a more comprehensive description and photos of the Poker Lounge at the Hard Rock see the Cardroom Roundup in this issue of Poker Player Newspaper.

Podcasting-the Next Evolution. I was recently honored to be part of Dianna Donofrio's new podcast show, "Women's Poker Yak." Her main focus is primarily women who have made an impact in the poker world. The podcasts will spotlight some of the most prominent women in poker and the gaming industry. Listen to my interview along with others such as Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson at www.womenspokeryak.com. Dianna is not only a poker player but is actively involved in raising money through various celebrity and charity poker tournaments.

Debbie Burkhead is a long time poker player, writer and sales rep for Poker Player. You may contact Debbie at PokerMs@aol.com