WPT Enterprises Up on $700 Million Bid by Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson

Friday, July 8th, 2005

By Belinda Goldsmith

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. poker champion Doyle Brunson has bid $700 million cash for WPT Enterprises Inc. (NasdaqNM:WPTE - News) just days after the company known for its World Poker Tour television show launched an online gaming site.

Market rumors of the bid, which were later confirmed by WPT, sent its shares surging almost 59 percent on Friday to a new high of $28.20 on Nasdaq.

The bid offers a 100 percent premium over the Thursday closing price of $17.75 which valued WPT at about $357 million.

"This bid was unsolicited," Chief Financial Officer Todd Steele told Reuters. "We are going through the normal evaluation process for anything of this nature, and that will likely result in bringing it before the board."

Steele did not have a date for a board meeting or details of terms of the bid, which was received on Thursday and the company was trying to verify.

WPT spokeswoman Jackie Lapin said the bid was made by Brunson with a team of unidentified financial backers.

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World Series of Poker is serious stuff

Friday, July 8th, 2005

BY BILL GLAUBER
Chicago Tribune

LAS VEGAS - (KRT) - Poker? A game?

Not here, not inside the World Series of Poker, which began its signature event Thursday, no-limit Texas Hold `Em.

Forget banter, bonding and a few lazy hands among friends. This was a strenuous marathon - with bathroom breaks. And the event lured thousands of players in the wake of a boom that has turned poker into a national craze.

Maybe big-time tournament poker will have all the staying power of the Hula Hoop.

Or maybe it will turn into pro golf.

America grabs a chair at poker's biggest table

Thursday, July 7th, 2005

By David Leon Moore
USA TODAY

LAS VEGAS — It is after 2 a.m. Tuesday in the giant poker room at the Rio hotel and casino. Two tired players are left at the final table of a big-money event, nerves fraying, the tension thickening, the crowd growing. Then 25-year-old Israeli card shark Rafi Amit, closing in on the kill, utters a crude expletive and all hell breaks loose.

At the World Series of Poker, the world's biggest and most prestigious poker tournament, the penalty for that obscenity is 10 minutes away from the table, and tournament official Jack Effel immediately tells Amit to leave.

The dealing continues, though, and for 10 minutes alternating blocks of $8,000 and $16,000 in chips are raked from Amit's stack and given to his opponent, 38-year-old Vietnamese-born pro Vinny Vinh. An infuriated Amit and his posse mock Vinh and Effel. One of Amit's supporters makes a comment about meeting Vinh in the parking lot. The anger grows, and Effel calls security to bounce two of the spectators. Then he turns to Amit.

"You want another 10 minutes?" he threatens.

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Inaugural Women's Poker Convention Scheduled In Las Vegas

Wednesday, July 6th, 2005

The recent interest in and popularity of poker has created a demand for a conference specifically about poker and specifically for women. The goal of the conference is to provide women with needed information to successfully navigate the terrain of the poker landscape and emphasize the influence women have in the world of poker.

(PRWEB) July 6, 2005 -- The Women’s Poker Convention (August 12 – 14 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino)provides an opportunity for women to take their game to the next level by learning to improve their skills through the experiences shared by top professional players.

Hosted by renowned poker author Lou Krieger, the goal of the convention is to empower women with necessary information to successfully challenge their opponents and to emphasize the influence women have in the world of poker.

The keynote speaker is celebrated high-stakes player Jennifer Harman, who holds a World Poker Tour title as well as two World Series of Poker bracelets. Other world-class poker players presenting during the seminars include three time World Series of Poker champion Barbara Enright, two time World Series of Poker champion Susie Isaacs, noted Poker writer Amy Calistri, and professional players Roxci Rhodes, Cat Hulbert, and Lacey Jones.

The seminars are followed by a panel discussion and will close with a women’s poker tournament where the champion will take home her share of the prize pool, along with a prize package including a publicity kit, professional photograph session, a profile in Woman Poker Player magazine, and a private tutoring session with a professional player.

The recent popularity of poker has created a demand for a convention specifically about poker for women. Women are the fastest growing demographic of new poker players. This year’s World Series of Poker ladies tournament attracted a record turnout with a 300 percent increase in registrations from 2004, yet the numbers of women who play poker professionally are still a minority.

To qualify for the early registration discount, women should register by July 12th. The registration fee includes all formal functions, continental breakfasts, and lunches.

For sponsorship opportunities and more conference information, visit www.womenspokerconvention.com