Bikini models part of Father’s Day blackjack tourney at Fitz Casino & Hotel Tunica

by Rudi Schiffer
Senior consulting editor
TUNICA RESORTS, Miss. — The days of the really big cash tournaments are virtually a thing of the past and while a $20,000 cash prize for first place is not chopped liver, it doesn't hurt to have a theme or side show to perk up players to sign on.
The upcoming Father’s Day Blackjack Tournament has both. The event is set for Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16.
“I've always liked themes for tournaments,” said Adolph Lepre, vice president of table games at Fitz. “The bikini season is here so why not tie into that theme. It just so happened the International Bikini Model Team has an open date and of course, they are all expert blackjack players, hah.”
If you sign up to play you can meet and greet and take a photo with the lady of your choice at the reception in the Great Hall on Friday night, June 15, with registration set there from 5 to 8 p.m. An early bird round will also take place at 8 p.m. Late registration is set for Saturday morning from 8 to 10 a.m.
With a $150 buy-in, players also get a free room with the entry fee. Prize breakdown will be as follows: First place is $20,000 guaranteed from the prize pool. If there is not enough money in the prize pool to pay out $20,000, Fitz Casino will add the difference and then no more prizes will be awarded. If after satisfying the $20,000 first prize from the prize pool and there is a balance, then the awards for second through seventh place will be as follows: 2nd pays 40 percent of balance, 3rd pays 25 percent of balance, 4th pays 15 percent of balance, 5th pays 10 percent of balance, 6th pays 7.5 percent of balance and 7th gets 2.5 percent of balance. All prizes are non-transferable.
 “The real attraction, however, is the guaranteed $20,000 first place money, which I am happy to say is cash, not free play,” said Lepre. “Lots of our tournament players are regulars and drive a long way to get here and after competing for two days, they want to see cash.”
One thing won't happen, just so you are not disappointed. The ladies won't be in bikinis and will be cocktail dress appropriate. Sorry guys, but that's the regs from the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
To sign up now, call (866) 351-2518 and mention FDT612 or visit the host desk.

Rudi Schiffer is a columnist for Jackpot! Magazine and host of the Goodtimes Radio Show. The show is on Fridays from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on 1180 KXIQ Memphis. Listen at www.kxiqradio.com.