Ho-Chunk Gaming Marketing Manager Beth Anacker on the Upcoming MSPT Main Event
This weekend, the PokerNews Live Reporting team will be in Columbus, Minnesota to live report the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) Running Aces Harness Park, and then from September 20-28 it’s back to Wisconsin for a $200,000 guaranteed $1,100 buy-in Main Event at Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells.
This marks the fifth time the MSPT has visited the Dells, and it’s grown at each of the four prior stops. Most recently, Jason Sell topped a field of 383 entrants to capture the MSPT Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells and $97,539 in prize money.
Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells will kick off their $250 qualifiers — which advance the top 20 percent of the field to the Main Event — on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. and will continue them all week long. Then, starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, Day 1a of the Main Event will take place. Saturday will be Day 1b, which will also start at 4 p.m.
PokerNews recently spoke to Beth Anacker, Ho-Chunk Gaming Senior Marketing Manager, to talk about the upcoming MSPT.
PokerNews: The MSPT has been to Ho-Chunk several times. What inspires you to keep bringing the MSPT back to town?
Anacker: Each time the MSPT is here our event numbers go up and up, obviously the players enjoy this tournament. It is a crazy time here but the staff and I look forward to this event.
Are Ho-Chunk players excited for the MSPT? Has there been a general excitement in the room?
The players are excited for the MSPT. They know the cash games will be busy all week. The super satellites always have a great turnout and start the excitement for the Main Event.
What sort of things has Ho-Chunk been doing to prepare for the MSPT?
We normally have 12 tables in the room, but have added three more tables — we know we will need them. We are also offering a room rate special in the hotel for the MSPT players.
Can you describe the poker room at the Ho-Chunk?
The most popular game is $1/$2 no-limit hold’em, and $3/$6 and $4/$8 limit are also popular. On Friday night there is a $2/$5 pot-limit Omaha game. Our 'Super Bad Beat Jackpot' is currently over $120,000. We have tournaments on Sundays and Tuesdays at 1 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m.
Can you tell us a little about your property and the surrounding area?
Ho-Chunk Gaming provides a fun and exciting gaming experience 24 hours a day and is located in the scenic Wisconsin Dells area, which is also known as the Waterpark Capital of the World.
Are there any activities players should check out when in town for the MSPT?
A visit to downtown Wisconsin Dells, take a ride on the Wisconsin Original Ducks or take a scenic boat tour on the Dells Boats.
If you had to recommend three things for players to do other than poker while at Ho-Chunk, what would they be?
Check out the newest slot machines — Avatar and Mini-Star Roulette, try your luck playing bingo, and place a bet at off-track betting.
Finally, where’s the best place to eat at the Ho-Chunk?
The Ho-Chunk Grill is our newest dining outlet featuring Klements Sausage products located right off the gaming floor.
Here’s a look at the full MSPT Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells schedule:
Date | Time | Event | Buy-In |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday, Sept. 20 | 3:00 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
Sunday, Sept. 21 | 1:00 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
Tuesday, Sept. 23 | 1:00 p.m. | Bonus No-Limit Hold’em | $55 |
Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 12:00 p.m. | Main Event Super Satellite | $60 |
Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 6:30 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
Thursday, Sept. 25 | 12:00 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
Thursday, Sept. 25 | 6:30 p.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
Friday, Sept. 26 | 9:30 a.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
Friday, Sept. 26 | 4:00 p.m. | Main Event Day 1a | $1,100 |
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9:30 a.m. | Main Event Qualifier | $250 |
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 4:00 p.m. | Main Event Day 1b | $1,100 |
Listen to Bryan Mileski talk about Season 5 of the MSPT on a recent PokerNews Podcast. Click here to listen.
For more information on the MSPT Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells, visit msptpoker.com.
*Lead photo courtesy of wisconsindellsimo.com.
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