Goldstrike's "Serious Slot Series" for the serious

"This series is for serious slot players so we aptly named it the Serious Slot Series for Serious Slot Players," said Nancy Darcy, director of player development at Gold Strike Casino. "It's a bit of tongue twister but the prize money being put up will straighten that out.

Events will be held on April 1-3, July 22-24 and Oct. 21-23 with the Invitational "Return of the Champions" held on Dec. 8-11. Total cash prizes for each of the first three qualifying events is $125,000 with $40,000 guaranteed for first place winners. Each event is also limited to 280 entries.

The $50,000 invitational championship event in December will include all cash prizewinners from the three qualifiers. That means 74 cash winners from each tournament and a possible 222 seats to be filled for the season finale that offers the overall winner a $25,000 first place prize.

"We came up with this unique format so our players would be able to compete in something that was new and different. It is the only season-long format of its type to be offered in this market," said Darcy.

Each of the three tournaments has players competing in two qualifying sessions following a welcome banquet the night before play begins. Optional rebuys, one per person, are offered after the first two play sessions for $150. On the last day of each event, there will be 2 wild card drawings for the 49th and 50th semi-final spots. The top ten scores advance to the Sunday finals

The prize structure for the first three tournaments will pay off to 50th place as follows:

1st…. $40,000

2nd. $20.000

3rd…$15,000

4th…$10,000

5th…$5,000

6th…42,500

7th…$1,000

8 through 50th place…$250 each entrant.

In addition, the top 7 qualifying session players will win additional prize money from a $14,000 pool, as will the first four finishers in the rebuy session who compete for a share of $6,750 additional prize money.

The top 220 players from each of the three qualifying tournaments are invited to the championship tournament in Dec. and don't have to buy-in. First place in the finale pays $25,000 with 2nd paying $10,000, 3rd $5,000, 4th $2,500, 5th and 6th $1,500, 7th 1,000 and 8th to 10th $500.

The registration fee for the first tournament on April 1-3 is $350 and includes a comp room for two nights based on availability. To register contact any executive host or go to the VIP office adjacent to the main cage between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. registration is also accepted by phone for credit cards by 888-24K-PLAY, ext. 1316.