Champion of all the players … that Harrah’s allows

To the editor:

In Nevada, casinos bar advantage gamblers from playing on their premises. Advantage gamblers are professional gamblers who legally play games with an edge over the casino. An example is card counters.

Harrah’s bars many advantage gamblers. Harrah’s also puts on The World Series of Poker. This is likely the largest gambling event existing, and annually crowns one player as poker’s world champion.

But Harrah’s excludes players from The World Series of Poker who have been barred for their skills at blackjack or other games, and inexplicably prevents some of the best players anywhere from competing.

While Harrah’s could admit barred advantage gamblers for the event on a limited basis, it chooses not to. Therefore, many potential ‘contenders’ are absent from the field in The World Series of Poker.

The effect of this policy is to taint the series and call into question the legitimacy of the ultimate winners. The participants vying for this title should pressure the owner to open the field to these otherwise qualified and skilled players.

What honor is there in being crowned the best in the world when a Babe Ruth of the game may be sitting at home?

When Harrah’s limits the field and prevents some great players from playing, the event is in danger of becoming little more that the spectacle that is professional wrestling. This event helps put Nevada on the map.

Harrah’s should assist it in staying there by assuring that its winner is the true world champion — and not just the champion of those who Harrah’s allows to play.

Bob nersesian

LAS VEGAS

THE WRITER IS A LOCAL ATTORNEY WHO REPRESENTS ADVANTAGE GAMBLERS.