The Cherokee Resort and Casino, in Tulsa, OK will present the Ladies Poker Association (LPA) Pro-Tour Poker Tournament, August 5. The $550 buy-in ladies’ tournament, the first major event of its kind, is expected to attract more than 100 entrants, some very exciting prize money, and a seat in the prestigious televised World Poker Tour “Ladies Night Invitational” tournament.
“This is the first $550 buy-in event on the LPA Tour”, comments Linda Johnson, a member of the LPA advisory board and renowned poker player. “There are a lot of serious women players in the heartland of America. So I am hoping for a large number of entries.” Registration opened July 1 and $65 satellites continue every day to August 5th.
Among the notable poker women attending this event are the “First Lady of Poker”, Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher, business partners in Card Player Cruises. Both have visited the Cherokee Casino before and look forward to returning. “There are many excellent players at the Cherokee. I think we’ll see lots of aggression, determination to win, and great poker!” Linda said.
The LPA Pro-Tour is in its first year focusing on women at a pro level. The Cherokee Casino is happy to play a part. “We’re delighted to recognize the ladies in poker,” expresses Rick O’Connell, Cherokee Director of Poker and Table Games. “We have many distinguished women players.”
The Cherokee Resort and Casino is at the forefront of poker in Oklahoma. The 36-table card room offers a variety of games and tournaments. Much of the credit for the record-setting success of the poker program is widely attributed to O’Connell, Sr. Poker Director Tony Armstrong, and Poker Manager Jimmie Sims.
Cherokee expansion and development plans promise even a higher quality of service and more recreational activities for the future. New lodging and dining facilities are planned, among other amenities. The Resort & Casino’s growth has been noticeable, the quality recognized, and the desire to stay on top of the game has thrust the Cherokee Nation into the top spot of the Oklahoma’s gaming industry.
The Ladies Poker Association was co-founded by Crystal Osgood-Gray and Sherry Godfrey to recognize women in the world of poker. The first tournament was held March 17, 2007. “We are dedicated to focusing on recognizing women in poker and hope to fulfill that through the LPA,” Godfrey explained.
Both the LPA Ladies Pro-Tour and the Cherokee are working together to hold what is expected to be an exciting, major new poker tournament and regional title for women players. For more information, go to: www.ladiespokerassociation.com and www.cherokeecasinos.com.