By Sean Chaffin
Poker players looking to escape some chilly fall weather have the perfect opportunity in October. The $5,000 WPT bestbet Bounty Scramble runs October 19-23 at the property in Jacksonville, FL with a $1 million guarantee and the chance at a major score along with some major poker fun.
This marks the seventh bestbet event on the WPT Main Tour and players can expect a top-notch experience with plenty of amenities.
Poker Palace
bestbet has become one of the south’s top poker destinations. The property offers numerous regular tournaments and promotions and has become a popular WPT stop.
Not only does bestbet make for an inviting and fun place to play, but the property also works to promote the game in Florida and beyond. bestbet offers regularly streamed poker action as part of its bestbet LIVE series, with regular streams each month. The casino also hosts the bestbet Poker Show, a weekly radio program focusing on all things poker for every level of player.
As the largest poker venue in Florida, bestbet offers 20,000 square feet of space with 88 tables. It is a spacious facility that caters to players. The room spreads numerous games at stakes for low rollers and high rollers alike.
In Season XVI, it was Paul Petraglia adding his name to the Champions Cup and taking home $315,732 in first-place money – his first-ever cash on the WPT Main Tour. A pilot from St. Augustine, FL, Petraglia is a fittingly a regular at bestbet and a big fan of the property.
“Bestbet Jacksonville is home for me,” Petraglia said after his win. “This is where I come to play all the time – cash, tournaments … mostly tournaments now. I used to be a cash player, transitioned over to tournaments, but this has always been where I play.”
Along with the WPT Championship action, players can get in on 21 other events beginning October 5 with buy-ins ranging from $200 to $1,500. The cards will be flying and there will be all kinds of action for rounders of any bankroll level.
The WPT bestbet Championship is a bit different than most on the tour. The bounty scramble format offers players a chance at an extra $2,500 for knocking out some of the bigger names in the field. Some of those names include four-time WPT champion Darren Elias, actor/comedian Kevin Pollack, former Patriots and Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour, Matt Savage, Lacey, Jones, Kitty Kuo, Marvin Rettenmaier, and others. Bounty busting will mean some big cash for those in this field.
Side Action
Beyond the felt, bestbet offers plenty of fun. That includes some great opportunities to bet on the country’s best horse and greyhound racing. Arrive a day early for some racing fun, or head to the betting windows for a day or if you, unfortunately, bust out. Maybe that superfecta will be a winner instead.
bestbet also offers players some nice dining options. That includes the Aces Up sushi bar, offering up some of the best in Northeast Florida. The restaurant features hand-rolled sushi and sashimi, tempura fried rolls, and daily creative-specials.
The bestbet Poker Deli also features quality dining options. The eatery features traditional American options like classic burgers, sandwiches, but also fare like shrimp and quesadillas. Those looking for healthier options will have plenty of salads to choose from as well.
Had a long day at the tables? Relax a bit with some liquid libations. Grab a beer or a glass of wine at the bar. Beyond traditional poker, gamblers will also have some extra options as the bestbet recently debuted: One, Two, and Three Card Poker; Pai Gow; and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
There should be plenty of excitement at the bestbet and the first two starting flights are set for October 19 and 20 with Day 2 kicking off on October 21. Don’t miss out and make plans to be in the field in Florida.
Click here for a complete schedule of the WPT bestbet. Click here for the schedule and rules of the WPT Championship event.
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WPT bestbet Jacksonville Champions
- Season XVI – Paul Petraglia, $315,732
- Season XV – Sam Panzica, $354,335
- Season XIV – Tyler Patterson, $359,870
- Season XIII – Ryan Van Sanford, $421,068
- Season XII – Jared Jaffee, $252,749
- Season XI – Noah Schwartz, $402,970
- Season X – Shawn Cunix, $400,600
Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and host of the True Gambling Stories podcast. Follow him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions.
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