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GSN's 'WORLD SERIES OF BLACKJACK' Adds New Level When Casinos From Around the Country Send Top Players to Compete in Televised Finals at the Las Vegas Hilton
40 Top Players From Casinos Nationwide Compete for the $1 Million Prize Pool
Planet Grande Pictures Will Produce Third Season of the Series
Series Tapes in February and Premieres in June
PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 13 -- GSN, the network for games, is
breaking new ground with its third installment of television's only blackjack
program, 2006 WORLD SERIES OF BLACKJACK. For the first time ever, the
signature series is incorporating top players from sanctioned qualification
casinos who have competed and won one of the 40 seats in this exclusive
nationally televised tournament. Additionally, the historic Las Vegas Hilton
will serve as the host casino for the 13-episode series produced by Planet
Grande Pictures with John Watkin and Eamon Harrington as executive producers.
The announcements were made today by Rich Cronin, President and CEO of GSN at
the company's Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour presentation.
"We are excited to be the home of blackjack on television, and this new
tournament structure will bring together top players from across the country,"
said Cronin. "The WORLD SERIES OF BLACKJACK will feature the best players
from qualification tournaments held at casinos nationwide. The popular
series, produced by Planet Grande, will bring viewers hours of exciting
blackjack strategy and action for its third season in a row."
The new qualification structure introduced this year opened the doors on
this elite tournament, creating a new promotional opportunity for
participating casinos. Several major casinos in the U.S. are sending their
top players to Las Vegas in February including Foxwoods Resort Casino in
Connecticut, Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in New York, Ute Mountain Casino,
Hotel & Resort in Colorado, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Minnesota and Lucky
Eagle Casino in Washington. Others are Casino Del Sol in Arizona, Cherokee
Casino Resort in Oklahoma, Thunder Valley Casino in California, Pearl River
Resort in Mississippi, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino in California and
host casino Las Vegas Hilton in Nevada. Additional participating casinos will
be announced prior to the finals.
Seats in the first two seasons of the event were by invitation only and
featured some of the industry's top expert professionals. This season's
tournament is the first to be opened to the casino public. The series will
include eight one-hour preliminary rounds leading to two semi-finals and two
wild card shows concluding with the final. The 40 person player roster will
compete for a share of the $1 million prize money.
The Las Vegas Hilton is the new home of the WORLD SERIES OF BLACKJACK
which is being taped in February for a June premiere. Famous for its high end
play and championship tournaments, the Hilton is home to superstar Barry
Manilow and recently signed Reba McEntire for her exclusive Las Vegas
engagements in 2006. The Hilton recently completed a multi-million dollar
construction and renovation enhancement project that includes a stunning new
lobby and casino. As the home of the competition the Las Vegas Hilton will
also send their top players to compete in the tournament.
2006 WORLD SERIES OF BLACKJACK is being produced by Planet Grande Pictures
with John Watkin and Eamon Harrington serving as executive producers. In
addition to WORLD SERIES OF BLACKJACK, Planet Grande is producing the series
"Small Town Secrets" about the under-belly of America's heartland as well as
their first movie for television, "Arbor Springs."
More information about the series, specific premiere date and talent will
be announced at a later date.
About GSN
GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated
to game-related programming. The network features game shows, reality series,
documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN
has allowed viewers to play-along with on-air programming via their computers
and GSN.com since 2002. Reaching more than 58 million Nielsen homes, GSN is
distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite
providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and
Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press
website at corp.gsn.com.
About The Las Vegas Hilton
The Las Vegas Hilton ranks among the world's most famous and popular
resort destinations, located blocks from the Las Vegas Strip and adjacent to
the Las Vegas Convention Center, offering 3,000 luxurious rooms and suites
situated on 59 acres. The property is one of the largest hotels in the world
and features top-name entertainment, 14 distinctive restaurants, a
full-service health club and spa, Star Trek: The Experience (TM) and much
more.
Resorts International is an affiliate of Colony Capital LLC and is the
only privately held gaming company licensed in four gaming jurisdictions:
Indiana (Resorts East Chicago), Nevada (Las Vegas Hilton), New Jersey (Resorts
Atlantic City, The Atlantic City Hilton), and Mississippi (Resorts Tunica and
Bally's Tunica.)
About Planet Grande Pictures
Planet Grande is a television production company based in Malibu,
California, specializing in high profile documentaries, series and
entertainment specials. Over the years, Planet Grande has been honored with
numerous industry awards including Emmys, Aces, Clios and several Festival
Golds. Their client roster includes both broadcast and cable networks.
-GSN-
SOURCE GSN
Web Site: http://www.gsn.com http://corp.gsn.com
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