Ante Up for Chicago Police Memorial Foundation

Officers from the Chicago Police Department are always there when you need them. Now is your opportunity to step up when they need you.

The annual Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament benefiting the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation will be held in The Venue at Horseshoe Casino Hammond on Thursday, November 18, starting at 6:00 p.m.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring the lives and memories of the department's fallen heroes. The Foundation provides support and financial assistance to the families of Chicago police officers killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

The organization also provides tuition assistance and education grants (grammar school through college) for the children of officers injured in the line of duty and pays the insurance premiums for officers who are terminally ill.

Since 2007, more than $1.2 million in assistance has been provided to deserving families.

The upcoming poker extravaganza will go a long way to provide much needed funds and at the same time give poker enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy some top-notch competition playing their favorite game in The Venue, home of the recent World Series of Poker Circuit Event.

Tournament buy-ins, priced at $200 per person (cash only), may be purchased on the day of the event only. Registration begins at 4:00 p.m. Each buy-in gives the player 10,000 in starting chips. The call "shuffle up and deal" will be proclaimed promptly at 6:00 p.m.

A $50 event/spectator party ticket will also be available. It includes a buffet and unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. Credit cards for this ticket will be accepted.

As always is the case when Horseshoe is involved in a charity poker tournament, the prize structure includes some very enticing incentives for serious poker players.

First place is worth $4,000 in cash plus a $10,000 World Series of Poker Regional Event Seat, which will give the winner an opportunity for a chance to compete in a $1 million championship tournament in Las Vegas.

The runner-up will be awarded $3,500 in cash plus a $1,600 World Series of Poker Horseshoe Circuit Event seat.

There will be cash prizes for the top 15 players. The prize pool will be determined by the number of participants.

The $50 event/spectator party admission tickets are available for purchase in advance at The Venue box office, by calling 219-473-6060, or online at www.thevenue-chicago.com.

CASINO NEWS:

Congratulations to the Grand Victoria in Elgin, Illinois for being a finalist in two categories in the American Gaming Association's 2010 Gaming Voice Awards which recognize achievement in public relations, marketing, advertising and communications. The property received two nominations for Best Outdoor Advertisement and two more for Best Print Advertisement. The ads, created in partnership with The Glenn Group, promoted the Prime BurgerHouse restaurant.