Hard Rock's Buy-In Charity Poker Tournament

Gambling for charity is one of those weird oxymorons that doesn’t totally make sense, but is still fairly enticing. Case in point: The Buy-In Charity Poker Tournament. The second installment in the recurring series, taking place Friday through Saturday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood), will ask poker players to pony up big bucks for the chance to come away with the jackpot. The good news: Although cats with names like Texas Pete and The Moist won’t all be able to get their hands on a prize pool that could reach up to $500,000, 70% of the net income will assuredly find its way into the mits of the Hollywood Police Athletic League, an organization that seeks to create a safe environment for area youth through sporting leagues and educational guidance.

Tournament-style Texas Hold ’Em poker rules apply: Players can buy in on either Friday or Saturday at 10 a.m. for the low, low price of $3,000. Those with enough skills to take their tables — i.e. limitless stamina, an unwavering poker face, and a little help on the river — will survive to play again on Sunday at 10 a.m., where they’ll have a shot at the grand prize (all told, 10% of the total field will receive a payout). The first event in the series was held in May, and netted $40,000 for the Miami Beach Health Foundation. Hopes are high that this event will garner the Hollywood PAL even more. For more information call 954-327-ROCK, or visit www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com.
July 18-20, 2008