Aussies to host $60m poker event

2005-12-13 12:11

Melbourne - Melbourne's Crown Casino announced Tuesday that it will host the world's richest poker tournament next year - a winner-take-all battle for US$60m.

Six of the world's best card players will compete in the series of elimination matches in July, said the Crown Casino, controlled by the family of Australia's richest man and big-time gambler Kerry Packer.

The players will have to ante-up $10m to buy into the match, due to be televised around the world through the Fox Sports Network in the United States and other networks in Europe and Asia, Crown chief operating officer Richard Longhurst said.

"We consider this a coup for Crown Casino and for Melbourne and we are thrilled to be an integral part of this landmark international event," Longhurst said.

"The $80m winner-take-all event is a one-of-a-kind show that will not just take America by storm, but the international community as well," he said.

- SAPA