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Has the recession hit the 2009 World Series of Poker? It sure seemed that was the case after Saturday's starting field attracted the smallest number of participants since 2003.
873 players took to the table including the likes of Gambling911.com friend Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, Greg Raymer, Chris Moneymaker and Chris Ferguson. That number still surpasses the total who played in 2003, which was 839. This was also the year that Chris Moneymaker won and helped to kick start today's poker craze. The following year attracted 2576 players.
Harrah's, which owns the World Series of Poker, was hopeful the recession would have a limited effect on the main event after positive increases in attendance were observed at a number of events leading up to this weekend.
The overall take on the Las Vegas Strip was down 23 percent to $474 million in December and things have only gotten worse. Las Vegas hoteliers are raking in $5.8 million per day less than they were a year ago, according to the latest figures from the convention and visitors authority. For those participating in the 2009 WSOP, this means room rates under $50 at some of the Strip's better hotels over the next two weeks.
Brandon Cantu sat atop the leaderboard after Saturday's play. The young UltimateBet.com poker player has one bracelet this year, coming in 1st and winning a whopping $228,867 at Event #48 - WSOP Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo 8 or Better.
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
