Insiders Say Cash Games at Commerce Casino During L.A. Poker Classic are Poker's Best

Players Come from Around the World to Partake in Often-Lucrative Play--$20 Million is Expected to Change Hands During the Tournament, With Plenty of That Cash Making it to the Casino Floor

Leading Pros Make It Their Premier Stop

News provided by

Commerce Casino/ Jackie Lapin Media Relations

Feb 09, 2011, 07:18 ET

COMMERCE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Here's what poker's players-in-the-know say about the cash games at Commerce Casino during the L.A. Poker Classic (LAPC):

"Christmastime all over again, just on a two month delay switch."— Phil Laak, recent World Series Bracelet winner and former WPT Invitational champion
"The Mecca of poker, whether it's tournaments or cash games ... nothing even comes close." – Antonio Esfandiari, owner of a WSOP bracelet and former LAPC winner
"The variety of games and limits available makes the LAPC the highlight of the year for cash players." – Mark Gregorich, considered one of the most successful cash game players in America
"The month of February is the business of the year for me, because that's when Commerce Casino holds its L.A. Poker Classic." –- Todd Brunson, WSOP bracelet holder
"The cash games at Commerce have always been top notch...add in some of the most lucrative tournament series outside of Las Vegas, where even $300 buy-in events can generate $1 million prize pools and you've got some of the most lucrative action in the United States."— Bluff Magazine, December, 2010

From now to March 3, 2011, Commerce, the World's Largest Poker Casino, is the magnet for cash game players from around the world. At the 240+ gaming tables can be found an array of the players of varying specialties, talents, level of play and expertise who create a momentum unlike any other in poker. The cash games go day and night, with players drawn to Commerce around the 54-tournament LAPC schedule.

Some come to play the tournaments and when they bust out, go downstairs to partake in the cash games; others come strictly to play the high stakes events where fortunes can change hands at the turn of a card. Many players who love medium stakes find the tables brimming with new players with an influx of cash.

Notes Phil Laak, "When (Tournament Director) Matt Savage comes down to run the LAPC, he brings a pouch of magic poker dust. After he sprinkles it about, it seems that the whole floor is invigorated. It's like every table in the casino is filled most of the time and the selection is just off the hook. As far as games, there is anything and everything a poker player would want... and then they always have the food covered, too. The food is great, which is nice because it keeps the players happy and it keeps them in their seats... not out roaming about looking for restaurants! Back in the day when I was starting out, I pretty much cut my teeth at Commerce, so whenever I get a chance to re-dose on poker there I feel like I am coming home."

Another big fan of Commerce cash games is Todd Brunson, who reported in CardPlayer Magazine in April 2008: "I play more poker during this month than I do during the entire World Series of Poker. I know that's hard to believe as the WSOP is twice as long and I play every day while it's going on... During the LAPC, I play in the main event, but I play in the side games every day for as long as I possibly can. I'm at the felt for as long as the game lasts or as long as I can stay awake while playing reasonably well. That's pretty much it! No hanging out with friends, no going to the movies, no playing with dogs or wife, no drinking (well...almost none), and no TV for God's sake!"

The LA Poker Classic offers $2 million in guarantees and is expected to top out with $20 million in prize money. With $20 million in prize money floating around, plenty of it finds its way to the casino floor.

The most popular games are No Limit Hold'em, mostly $25-50 and $50-$100. However, the high stakes mixed games are among the most legendary with $1000-$2000 stakes. Pot Limit Omaha has also become a favorite.

"We strive to create an environment that gives every poker player what he or she desires—great action and an opportunity to win; a wide variety of stakes and games; an appealing and comfortable atmosphere; convenience in food, parking and lodging; pleasant dealers and cardroom staff; and secure ways to safeguard one's bankroll by opening a player bank account for the entire length of the tournament," says John Griffo, Director of Casino Development. "Commerce is an exciting place to be in January and February!"

So much so that it leaves only one problem. As cash game king Mark Gregorich says, "There is so much action that I wish I had eight or nine clones of myself to deploy."

The full event schedule and overview for Commerce Casino's L.A. Poker Classic can be found at www.CommerceCasino.com or by calling (323) 721-2100.

About Commerce Casino

Commerce Casino, the largest poker casino in the world, has more than 200 tables featuring about every form of poker: Texas Hold'em, 7-Card Stud, Omaha, Lowball, Pot Limit, Mexican Poker, Pineapple, Draw, and many others. Also offered are Baccarat-- with the most tables in California--Pan and California games. Commerce Casino is also recognized for its innovative "Bring Your Home Game to Commerce" program enabling poker fans to invite friends/family for a casual home game, bachelor party or birthday celebration with a professional dealer in a casino setting. Horseracing fans can also find the Commerce Casino Racebook a great setting for off track betting. Commerce Casino is located at 6131 East Telegraph Rd., Commerce, CA 90040, just off the Santa Ana (5) Freeway at the Washington Blvd. exit. For more information, go to CommerceCasino.com or call 323.721.2100

SOURCE Commerce Casino/ Jackie Lapin Media Relations