World Series of Poker Circuit at Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland)

World Series of Poker Circuit at Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland)

This is the 51st WSOP Circuit tournament series played since January 2005.

What is now the Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) originally opened up as the Empress Casino, back in 1993. The casino has since been sold twice and has undergone both expansion and renovation. It is now the largest casino (measured by number of tables and gaming devices) in the greater Chicago area. The current Horseshoe Casino configuration has more than 100 live table games, 3,200 electronic gaming devices, and a 34-table poker room, making it one of the largest casinos in the Midwest.

Poker pioneer Jack Binion bought and took over the Empress Casino in 2001. He renamed the property as the “Horseshoe Casino.” It became officially known as “Horseshoe Hammond,” since it is actually located in Hammond, IN. Harrah’s Entertainment purchased the casino from Binion in 2004, and retained the name. However, in an effort to align itself with the Chicago area, the casino is now known as the Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland).

The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) underwent a $500 million renovation, which was completed last year. On August 8, 2008 (8-8-08) entertainment diva Bette Midler hosted and performed at the grand re-opening.

The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) is the closest gaming facility in proximity to downtown Chicago, which is just 16 miles away. In fact, the downtown skyline can be seen from many parts of the casino, which is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

A large marina is adjacent to the casino, which holds many water craft. The casino is a popular destination for boats which come to the resort from all over the region, especially during summer months.

The casino is located less than a mile from the Indiana-Illinois border. The closest major airport is Midway, on Chicago’s south side. Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is about an hour away. The casino offers shuttle service to many parts of Chicago and the region.

The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) draws visitors predominately from the Chicago area. However, the WSOP Circuit attracts many players from all over Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio.

This marks the second year that the Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) has hosted a WSOP Circuit stop. Last year’s field came close to setting attendance records. A big turnout is also expected this year, and the first event of the new 2009-2010 season did not disappoint. The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) has now hosted two of the three largest WSOP Circuit tournaments in history.

The Horseshoe Casino poker room regularly holds 34 tables. However, the WSOP Circuit took over the special events center called “The Venue.” This additional floor space holds 78 more poker tables. This means the Horseshoe Casino holds up to 112 poker tables combined, making it the largest capacity facility of any WSOP Circuit event.

“The Venue” is regularly used for shows and attracts many of the biggest names in music and entertainment. The Venue holds up to 3,000 people. But most of the theatre seating was moved aside for nearly two weeks in favor of poker tables, all packed with players.

This is one of two major poker tournaments held annually at the Horseshoe Casino. In addition to the WSOP Circuit, the casino will be hosting the “Chicago Poker Classic,” to be held February 26 through March 7, 2010. This tournament is expected to offer nine major events, plus several second chance tournaments. Attractions include $350,000 in added prize money, plus a brand new Porsche Cayman luxury car as the grand prize.