Fighting Cancer at the WSOP Has Its Perks

Be it coincidence, true heart-felt philanthropy, or an effort to look good in the eyes of those U.S. legislators who are out to get poker, poker and charity are sure holding hands a lot these days.   

Most common is the charity poker tournament.  Jennifer Harman held one for the Nevada SPCA recently at Caesar’s Palace, and there are two separate events to raise money for Darfur aid, one by PokerStars, and one at the 2007 World Series of Poker.  Now, the WSOP is simply asking for charitable donations with no poker tournament involved whatsoever. 

The WSOP announced this week that anyone who donates $1,000 to the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI), will have access to a special VIP lounge at the Rio for the entire duration of the World Series of Poker.  The lounge will be open 24/7 and feature custom-made WSOP pool tables, plasma televisions, internet access, and food and beverage.  Those who donate will also receive VIP parking privileges. 

NVCI is the official community relations partner of the WSOP, with the mission of “…[reducing] the burden of cancer for Nevada, the nation and the world through innovative and collaborative research, education and patient care.”

Originally published 12:47 AM Saturday, May 19, 2007