Australian Poker Tournaments Drawing in Tourists
During the past decades, Australian Poker matches have made an indelible mark in the world of poker. Throughout the past few years, these poker tournaments have positioned Australian Poker in the limelight; gaining attention and attracting poker pros and vacationers around the globe.
As the World Series of Poker increases in popularity, events such as last year’s partnership with the renowned Crown Casino have proven extremely successful. Millions of tourists, fascinated by the attention poker ‘down under’ is receiving, are drawn to the widely popular Aussie games, creating a whole new branch of gaming tourism for Australia.
Travelling Down Under - the WSOP:
Last year (2013) brought the alliance between the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and Crown Casinos to the poker arena. This event, titled the WSOP APAC, ran through early April, and won world-wide attention as the first ever WSOP event in Australia’s history. Five different bracelet events were featured at the Crown Melbourne, home for the Aussie Millions, which began in the late 1990’s.
The Crown Melbourne and Aussie Millions:
Crown Melbourne is a fashionable destination for tourists, drawing over 18 million global and local guests each year. Aside from casinos in northern America, it is known as the biggest poker-room on the planet. Having hosted and televised the Aussie Millions for numerous seasons, the main prize pool has been known to exceed several million dollars. Champions like Gus Hansen, Oliver Speidel, Lee Nelson, and Alex Kostritsyn have set the poker stage for success. Last year’s $100,000 and $250,000 Challenges helped to distribute millions in cash prizes. This year, the main event culminated in an estimated first prize of AUD $1.6 million, along with a championship bracelet valued in excess of AUD $25,000.
Hundreds of thousands of excited hopefuls are actually flocking to Australia to experience the poker life and maybe even have a chance at one of the wins.
ANZPT and Sydney:
In March 2014, the Australia New Zealand Poker Tour (ANZPT) will return to Sydney, Australia. As an international multicultural hotspot, Sydney already features many diverse venues. In addition to tourist favourites, such as Aboriginal Art Gallery presentations, and the infamous Sydney Opera House, Sydney will host this year’s ANZPT 6, beginning March 12th and running through March 24th 2014, at the Star Casino. The ANZPT major event will include a 2.2 thousand AUD$ buy-in.
The APL
As the world's greatest free-to-play league-poker event, the APL has attracted approximately 750,000 Australian members since 2005. The APL delivers casino-style poker to pubs, hotels, and local clubs. While the play is generally free, players have garnished over AUD$25 million in prize money. With well over 2,000 venues, free poker is available to locals and tourists alike, and tourists have come to love this free participation and possibility of earning some cash for their skills!
Drawing in Tourists:
As interest in poker matches and opportunities for free-play expand exponentially, the Australian Poker Tournaments are hotter than ever. From the Aussie Million’s shootouts, to the ANZPT pro-trophy events, the Australian poker tournaments have created a permanent impression, designed to make everyone a winner! Aussie tourism is expected to rise this year, in large part to the exciting gameplay of the events and the open participation options.
