6 Mar
Last month it was reported that the Horseshoe Cincinnati would be canceling events on the tour of the WSOP Circuit series set for March 19-30 due to “logistical and scheduling difficulties.”
Digging deeper into the reasons behind the cancellation, an investigation by FOX news determined that the Horseshoe Casino “refused to comply with state gaming laws.” The issue goes back to 2013 when a WSOP Circuit stop at the same venue found casino officials waiting until the last minute to provide details regarding placement of the event’s security cameras.
Ohio laws stipulate that each player, their cards, respective wagers and the result of every hand be captured on camera at all times. Two years ago, the Horseshoe failed to comply with those regulations.
Regulators at the Ohio Casino Control Commission were apparently flabbergasted this year when honchos at the Horseshoe “submitted the same exact surveillance plan.” The commission did not let the matter go this time, putting the kibosh on the entire event, much to the dismay of Ohioans who were looking forward to playing poker later this month.
That included the winner in 2013, Brad Albrinck, who took home a WSOP ring and $221,994 when he bested the field of 740 who each ponied up $1,675 to play in the Main Event. Albrinck stated that the inability to defend his title in 2015 is “a huge deal for the poker community in Cincinnati.”
Apparently, it is not only Cincinnati where Ohio gaming regulators have taken issue with the Horseshoe. The Horseshoe Casino in Cleveland was set to be a part of the WSOP Circuit in 2013, but regulators nixed a plan to use the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel ballroom to host the event.
A 2 + 2 thread devoted to the cancellation of the Cincy tour stop brought up some interesting posts. Allen Kessler wondered, “Will players who booked flights be compensated in any way?” Good luck with that one, Chainsaw.
Kessler can afford the useless airline tickets after binking the $2,140 8-Game Mix at the Commerce Casino’s L.A. Poker Classic just a few days ago for $22,600. Chainsaw was trailing the field with nine players remaining. Well done, Allen!
