Russ Hamilton Coming to the World Series of Poker

Russ Hamilton is reportedly going to take part in the 2009 World Series of Poker event called "Table of Champions".   Hamilton is one of two controversial players scheduled to take part in that event - the other being Slim Preston (Amarillo Slim).  The later player was alleged to have engaged in "inappropriate" behavior with a minor, something Preston insists was not "child molestation". 

Both men will draw plenty of scrutiny though Preston's defense of his actions appears to have brought him some modest support.  Hamilton, on the other hand, has said nothing in the wake of a 60 Minutes report that connected the one time World Series of Poker champion to a much publicized online poker cheating scandal.

Hamilton, who was recently reported to the IRS by some angry poker players, refuses to discuss the allegations lodged against him as per his lawyer's request. 

Poker icon Doyle Brunson predicts that Hamilton will show up at the WSOP.

"Russ Hamilton is caught between a rock and a hard place," Brunson said.  "Russ is accused of being the mastermind behind the cheating scandal at UB. The evidence looks like Russ is guilty but I've learned to wait for the verdict to be handed down. If Russ shows up, he is going to take lots of abuse from angry poker players, and if he doesn't show, every will say, "See there, he is admitting he is guilty." My guess is he will be there."

Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher