issue-18

JA N UARY–FE BRUARY
26 official championship events
AU$20M estimated championship prizepool*
World class poker room with over 70 tables
Home to three stunning hotels
Over 40 restaurants and cafes
Over 30 bars
Two nightclubs
24 hour VIP services
Exclusive parties
Poker legends
Celebrities
WWW AUSSIEMILLIONSCOM

AU SSIEMI LLIONSCHAMPIONSHIP SCHED U L E
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Date Time Event Tournament Cost (Buy in)**
Thur 17 6:15pm 1 No Limit Holdem - Day 1 Flight 1 $1,100
Fri 18 12:30pm 1 No Limit Holdem - Day 1 Flight 2 (Repechage) $1,100
Sat 19 12:30pm 1 No Limit Holdem - Day 1 Flight 3 (Repechage) $1,100
Sun 20 12:30pm No Limit Holdem - Day 2 $1,100
2:30pm
6th Annual Joe Hachem and Shane Warne
$1,000
Charity Poker Tournament
Mon 21 12:30pm 2 Pot Limit Omaha $1,100
Tue 22 12:30pm 3 No Limit Holdem Shootout $1,100
Wed 23 12:30pm 4 No Limit Holdem/Pot Limit Omaha $1,100
Thur 24 12:30pm 5 No Limit Holdem - Six Max $1,100
Fri 25 12:30pm 6 No Limit Holdem - Rebuys $1,150 / $1,000
Sat 26 12:30pm 7 No Limit Holdem Bounty Event $1,650
Sun 27 12:30pm 8 Main Event - Day 1 Flight 1 $10,600
2:15pm 9 No Limit Holdem Teams Event ^ $1,100
2:30pm 10 $100,000 Challenge $100,000
6:15pm 11 Limit Omaha Hi/HiLo $2,500
Mon 28 12:30pm Main Event - Day 1 Flight 2 $10,600
2:15pm 12 No Limit Holdem - Mix Max $1,100
6:15pm 13 Chinese Poker $5,000
Tue 29 12:30pm Main Event - Day 1 Flight 3 $10,600
2:15pm 14 Terminator No Limit Holdem $1,100
6:15pm 15 H.O.R.S.E $2,500
Wed 30 12:15pm 16 No Limit Holdem $1,100
12:30pm Main Event - Day 2
6.15pm 17 Pot Limit Omaha $2,500
Thur 31 12:15pm 18 Australian Poker Hall Of Fame Classic^ $550
12:30pm Main Event - Day 3
6:15pm 19 No Limit Holdem - Mix Max $5,000
Fri 1 12:15pm 20 No Limit Holdem - Six Max $2,500
12:30pm Main Event - Day 4
2.15pm 21 $250,000 Challenge^ $250,000
6:15pm 22 8 Game Mixed Event $5,000
Sat 2 12:15pm 23 Turbo No Limit Holdem Cubed^ $600 / $500 1 x RA
12.30pm
Main Event - Final Table
2.15pm 24 $25,000 Challenge $25,000
6:15pm 25 Pot Limit Omaha Hi Lo $1,100
Sun 3 2:15pm 26 Turbo No Limit Holdem - Six Max $5,000
* Schedule may be subject to change / ** Includes admin fee / ^ One day event
@crownpoker
facebook.com/crownpokerroom
*Tournament terms and conditions apply. Entry to the casino is open to all persons 18 years and over. Entrants must be a Crown Signature Club member. Membership requires appropriate identification. Full terms and conditions awaiting approval
by regulator. Please check on-line at www.crownpoker.com.au or at the Poker Desk, located on Level B2, Crown Entertainment Complex closer to tournament date for full terms and conditions. The estimated prize pool stated is based on the
2012 Aussie Millions Poker Championship prizepool. The prize pool will be adjusted for the number of participants. 100% of buy-in returned to players. Entry fee includes allowance for all administration and staff wages and is inclusive of GST.
All tournament entries and prize pools are in Australian dollars (AU$). Schedule subject to change without prior notice.

Entertainment
discover a world of
at crown
Located on the Southern bank of the Yarra River,
Crown is Melbourne’s premier entertainment venue,
offering a brilliant combination of luxury, warm service
and non-stop excitement.
Featuring one of the largest casinos in the Southern Hemisphere, Crown is also
home to three world-class hotels each with their own vibrant and sophisticated setting.
Boasting over 40 restaurants, cafes and bars, cinemas, an indoor amusement park
plus a theatre and two nightclubs.
Come into Crown and experience it for yourself.
www.crownmelbourne.com.au

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#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
环 球 博 彩 杂 志 有 限 公 司
澳 门 南 湾 大 马 路
665 号 志 豪 大 厦 16 楼 A 座
www.wgm8.com
《 环 球 博 彩 》 由 环 球 博 彩 杂 志 有 限
公 司 所 有 。 这 是 一 家 在 澳 门 新 闻 局
( 注 册 编 号 EP124) 和 商 业 及 动 产
登 记 局 ( 注 册 编 号 SO 31058) 正 式
注 册 的 澳 门 出 版 公 司 。 环 球 博 彩 杂
志 有 限 公 司 为 100% 澳 门 公 司 , 是
环 球 传 媒 网 络 集 团 的 一 部 分 。 该
集 团 还 包 括 环 球 传 媒 网 络 有 限 公 司
( 在 澳 门 注 册 ) 和 环 球 博 彩 ( 香 港 )
有 限 公 司 ( 在 香 港 注 册 )。
“ 环 球 博 彩 ” 标 题 、 杂 志 中 文 名 、
英 文 名 以 及 貔 貅 标 志 的 商 标 注 册
编 号 ( 分 属 类 别 9、16、35 和 41)
分 别 为 N/046785、N/046786、
N/046787 和 N/046788, 于 2010 年 7
月 23 日 在 澳 门 特 别 行 政 区 政 府 经
济 局 知 识 产 权 厅 注 册 , 有 效 期 至
2017 年 7 月 23 日 ( 最 初 申 请 于 2009
年 12 月 12 日 提 交 )。

Contents
14
History of the Aussie Millions
From humble beginnings the Aussie Millions
has risen to become one of the world’s most
prestigious poker tournaments.
42
Crown Hotels: Spoilt for choice
Crown boasts no less than three world-class
hotels: Crown Towers, Crown Metropol and
Crown Promenade. Let us help you choose!
20
Aussie Millions 2013: Crown’s Big Deal
Your blow-by-blow guide to the Aussie
Millions 2013: dates, times, buy-ins, expected
numbers and event histories.
46
24 hours in Melbourne
You’ve got one day free to experience the
delights of Melbourne. Here’s how to do it on
$30, $300 or $3,000.
26
Summer in Melbourne
Melbourne is simply an amazing place to
be in January. Sport, partying, café culture,
shopping, sightseeing and much more.
50
Crown Restaurants: Savor the moment
Melbourne is renowned as the food capital of
Australia, and Crown is the food capital of Melbourne.
Say no more.
32
Cash games at Crown: something for everyone
The Aussie Millions is the busiest time of year
for the huge range of cash games at Crown,
one of the world’s biggest poker rooms.
54
Birthplace of the Super High Roller
How about a $100,000 buy-in tourney? Not big
enough? What about $250,000 then? Even
better, why not play both!
34
The Nobu experience
The celebrity pairing of Chef Nobu and his
business partner Robert De Niro got the world’s
attention, but the sumptuous food kept it.
56
WSOP heads “Down Under”
The world’s number one poker carnival first
spread its wings in 2007, heading to Europe.
Now it’s Asia Pacific’s turn.
38
Aussie Millions 2013: Players to watch
The poker fan’s guide to the hottest Aussie
and international players to keep an eye on
during the 2013 Aussie Millions.
58
A World of Entertainment
Crown has sister properties in Perth, London
and Macau, China. Time to buy that round-theworld
ticket!
46
24 hours in
Melbourne
38
Aussie Millions 2013:
Players to watch
54
Birthplace of the Super High Roller
History of the
14 Aussie Millions
20
Aussie Millions 2013: Crown’s Big Deal
34
The Nobu experience
50 Crown Restaurants: Savor the moment 32
Cash games at Crown
26
Summer in Melbourne

From the CEOs
Crown’s Aussie Millions Poker Championship, Asia-Pacific’s largest
and most prestigious poker tournament, is hosted by Crown Melbourne,
one of the world’s leading integrated entertainment resorts.
Commencing on Thursday, 17 January 2013, players at the
Aussie Millions will have the opportunity to compete in some of the
game’s most popular variations and sit alongside some of the most
notable poker players from around the globe.
With an impressive line-up of tournaments, including the
opening event, the no limit hold’em 2-day event, the Joe Hachem and
Shane Warne Charity Poker Tournament and the Super High Roller
events such as the AU$100,000 and $250,000 Challenges, poker enthusiasts will be able to witness
some of the greatest players in the world competing in Melbourne at Crown.
The Aussie Millions Main Event will start on Sunday 27 January and is expected to smash all
previous records and prize pools. The world-class poker staff at Crown are always available to assist
with queries you may have relating to the Aussie Millions, our award winning hotels (Crown Towers,
Crown Metropol, Crown Promenade), our restaurants, tours and much more.
On behalf of the entire Aussie Millions team we look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne for
the summer and wish you the best of luck at the poker tables during the 2012 World Series of Poker.
Kind regards
Greg Hawkins
Chief Executive Officer
Crown Melbourne
Welcome to World Gaming’s 2013 Aussie Millions Poker
Championship special issue. When the idea of making a special issue
of World Gaming to be distributed at the 2012 World Series of Poker
in Las Vegas arose, I was instantly hooked. The WSOP and the Aussie
Millions are two poker tournaments very dear to my heart. One
because it is the undisputed biggest and best in the world, and the
other because it is the premier event of my homeland, Australia, and
my adopted home, Asia.
Our magazine is mainly distributed in Macau and throughout the
rest of Asia and Australia, so many of you will be seeing World Gaming
for the first time. If you like what you read, please pick up a free 12 month subscription by visiting our
website wgm8.com. No strings attached, and we even pay the postage!
Thanks to our Editor James Potter and Deputy Editor Ben Wilson, our designers Lem Wong, Chen
Tao and Desmond Fox, all our contributors and everyone else who made this magazine possible.
I could wax lyrical about the wonders of Crown Melbourne, the Aussie Millions and Melbourne
in January during our perfect Aussie summer, but there are plenty of others within these pages
doing that already.
I play the WSOP each year, so if you see me please say hi. I’ve also played the Aussie Millions
almost every year since its inception in 2003, and there’s no doubt I’ll be there once again in January
for the 2013 instalment. I’d love to see you there!
Play well and run good
Andrew W Scott
Chief Executive Officer
World Gaming Magazine Limited

From the Editor
Putting together this magazine about the Aussie
Millions was an easy task for me. Crown Melbourne is
where I started my professional poker career well over a
decade ago. The poker room holds wonderful memories,
as does the Aussie Millions Poker Championship itself,
having made numerous final tables over the years.
I’ve traveled the world playing poker but I
honestly only ever feel at home when I am at Crown.
With the Aussie Millions, Crown has created a fantastic
tournament, run by top-class poker room staff.
I haven’t always lived in Melbourne and Crown is like a home away from home
to me. Even the most discerning Las Vegas or Macau visitor will be surprised at just
how well we do the casino thing here “down under”. Crown is not just a casino it’s a
world-class complex with everything you need under one roof.
I would urge you to come down and enjoy this wonderful country and everything
on offer during summer in Australia. Our country, and especially Melbourne, is a
wonderful place for families and singles alike. The incredible café culture and most
vibrant array of international cuisines in the Southern Hemisphere will have you
clamoring for more. Sports fans will enjoy the incredible events Melbourne offers
at this time of year, such as the Australian Open tennis. You can hire a car or jump on a
plane and find there is a huge range of Australia’s “must do” attractions right at your fingertips.
But even more important than all this is the fact you can enjoy one of the best
poker carnivals in the world. With its incredible schedule of events, Crown’s famed
Aussie Millions is simply world class.
I hope you enjoy coming to the Aussie Millions as much as I have enjoyed telling
you about it. See you all down here in January.
James Potter
Editor
World Gaming Magazine Limited
FOR
YOUR
CHANCE TO WIN
See page 13 for full details

An invitation from
Joe Hachem
I have always loved helping poker grow in popularity and have
been fortunate in that respect. Becoming a World Champion has
allowed me to become an ambassador for poker and increase the
game’s popularity back home in Australia.
Obviously my greatest poker achievement came when I was
crowned World Champion at the 2005 World Series of Poker, but
that said, whenever I am asked about the one tournament I would
love to win it’s the same answer every time – the Aussie Millions
Main Event.
So it is with great pleasure that I invite everyone at the World
Series to my hometown, Melbourne, Australia, for the Asia Pacific
region’s biggest poker tournament.
Crown Melbourne holds a special place in my heart, as it is
where I honed my skills as a professional player. There is a huge
range of cash games and tournaments to suit every budget and
you will find the Crown Complex caters to every need as well as any
casino in the world.
The Aussie Millions has grown from humble beginnings into
one of the world’s best tournaments. Thousands of players from
around the world have travelled here and not only enjoyed the
poker but everything else this great city and country has to offer.
I am a proud Australian and love how we welcome people to our
wonderful country. You will find us very friendly hosts.
Australia, and Melbourne in particular, offers a vast array of
fantastic restaurants and bars featuring the best of local and
international food and drink. You can also take the opportunity to
enjoy all the wonderful sport like the Australian Open tennis and
other great events taking place in Melbourne over summer.
Take my word for it and join me at my second home, Crown.
Come down to the Aussie Millions, enjoy the hospitality and one
of the greatest tournaments you will ever have the pleasure of
playing.
See you at the 2013 Aussie Millions!
Joe Hachem
WSOP Champion 2005

Why the WGM gang loves
Crown’s Aussie Millions
For those of you not familiar with World Gaming magazine, we are based in Macau and pride ourselves on being a cultural
combination of East and West, taking the best of both to produce a world-class magazine that embodies the spirit of world gaming.
Our team of writers are mostly represented by animals from Chinese mythology. The leader of our gang, Pai Yao, is the ninth son of
the Dragon. You couldn’t ask for a better mascot to guide you on your gaming and betting journey as he provides blessings of good
fortune and wealth, making him the luckiest character of all. Each writer has a special interest and knowledge: The Dragon is a high
rolling gambler who experiences what most of us only dream of. The Tiger is our electronic gambling guru. The Eagle is a lawyer and
entrepreneur with decades of gaming industry experience. The Stallion is our resident party animal. The Panda is a connoisseur of
restaurants, cafés and food from all over the world. The Butterfly is a lady who regularly shops in the world’s fashion capitals, and
when it comes to travel no one does it more stylishly than The Phoenix. You can find out more about the gang at www.wgm8.com.
Pai Yao The Dragon
The Tiger The Eagle
“Crown is just a great casino. I
love coming here because I get
well looked after and I have
everything I need under the
one roof.”
“I love coming for the action.
If I want a high stakes game
of poker or want to be looked
after in one of the numerous VIP
rooms on offer I can get on and
do it in comfort.”
“You will find all the greatest and
latest electronic gaming options
at the Crown Entertainment
Complex. Aussies love their
games just as much as their
friends from the United States so
I am very well taken care of here.
There are many different styles of
game and areas to play in.”
“There is plenty of action to be
had at Crown. This is a vibrant
place to play table games and
the main gaming floor is a
hive of excitement. I also enjoy
bumping into the famous stars
and VIPs when I am staying at
Crown Towers.”
The Stallion
The Panda
The Butterfly
The Phoenix
“I love to party in Melbourne. If
you want a pub and a beer no
problem, if you want a nice quiet
bar to take a date no problem, if
you want to party all night until
you drop just ask and I’ll point
you in the right direction.”
“Melbourne is a culinary wonderland.
One of the best things about
the Aussie Millions is that some of my
favorite Melbourne eating haunts
are all in the one place - the Crown
Entertainment Complex. The only
problem I have is where I am going
to dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
I’m simply spoilt for choice!”
“Great shopping, great coffee,
cocktails, a day spa and fitness
center and Gold Class cinemas.
The boys can have their poker,
there is plenty at Crown to keep
me happy.”
“Australia may be a long flight
but once you are here it is an
easy place to get around. The
standard of accommodation at
Crown is first class and you are
spoiled with three great options
catering to different bankrolls.”

History
of the
by James Potter
Now in its eleventh
year Crown’s
Aussie Millions
has become one of
poker’s must-notmiss
events. WGM
explores the history
of the Southern
Hemisphere’s and
Asia’s largest poker
tournament.
Many argue if you were to name the four most important annual poker tournaments in the world
“majors” like in tennis or golf, the Aussie Millions would sit alongside the WSOP in Las Vegas, the
PokerStars Caribbean Adventure and the EPT grand final. If you’re a serious poker aficionado
then this is definitely a tournament you should play at least once.
Held every year at the iconic Crown Melbourne, the Aussie Millions is one of those titles that every
poker player dreams of winning. Not only is it the biggest poker tournament held in Australia, it is also
the largest in the Asia-Pacific region and the Southern Hemisphere.
All the big international names in poker have made the trek “down under” to play this prestigious
tournament. Phil Hellmuth, Gus Hansen, Patrik Antonius, Phil Ivey, John Juanda, Daniel Negreanu and Erik
Seidel are just a few of the big names to have battled local legends such as Joe Hachem, Jeff Lisandro,
Tony G and Billy “the Croc” Argyros.
14
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

Held every year at the iconic
Crown Melbourne, the Aussie
Millions is one of those titles that every
poker player dreams of winning.
WHAT PROS SAY ABOUT THE
CROWN AUSSIE MILLIONS...
“One tournament a year! The place I keep coming back to,
Melbourne – the poker, the tennis, the atmosphere and the
people. The exquisite effort by Crown to make it a great event
for the novice, the aspiring amateur and the high-stakes pro
keep you coming back time after time!”
GUS HANSEN, 2007 AUSSIE MILLIONS CHAMPION
“I look forward to being in wonderful Melbourne to play the
Aussie Millions every year. Crown runs an amazing series and
there are so many events and satellites to choose from to suit
all bankrolls. My favorite time of year!”
OLIVER SPEIDEL, 2012 AUSSIE MILLIONS CHAMPION
“Anyone who has been lucky enough to compete in the Aussie
Millions at Crown, knows it is a first class event unmatched by
any other stop on the poker circuit. The hotel, the weather, the
staff, the food all combine to make this a special experience
every year and one I always look forward to.”
ERIK SEIDEL, 2011 AUSSIE MILLIONS $250,000
SUPER HIGH ROLLER CHAMPION
“Crown is an excellent venue and if you’ve never experienced
Melbourne I highly recommend it.”
DANIEL NEGREANU, 4-TIME WSOP BRACELET WINNER
AND 2-TIME WPT CHAMPION
“The Aussie Millions is awesome. The people from ‘down
under’ are not actually ‘down under’ but instead a cut above!
And what an amazing city! Melbourne. Wow! For sure they
found the ideal place to hold such a prestigious event!”
PHIL LAAK, WSOPE BRACELET WINNER
AND WPT CHAMPION
“The Aussie Millions is one of the best if not the best
tournament in the world. Quite simply, if you don’t attend
you are not qualified.”
TONY G, WPT BAD BOYS OF POKER CHAMPION
“The Aussie Millions is amazing and there is simply no better
place to be in the world in January.”
MARVIN RETTENMAIER, ETP MONTE CARLO
GRAND FINAL CHAMPION
“I can honestly say that the hospitality of Crown and the grand
scale of the Aussie Millions is second to none. Melbourne in
January is a great time to visit, but everything about this place
has me coming back for more!”
MARIA HO, LAST WOMAN STANDING IN THE 2007
WSOP AND 2011 WSOPE MAIN EVENTS
“Aussie Millions is one of the absolute best and most prestigious
and professional poker tournament series in the world.”
LYNN GILMARTIN, POKERNEWS.COM PRESENTER
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
15

HISTORY OF THE AUSSIE MILLIONS
You won't find a better poker atmosphere
outside the World Series than at the Aussie
Millions and it boasts more than its fair share
of action and adventure. This year’s tenth
anniversary event, which took place in January
2012, saw Oliver Speidel walk away as champion
with a cool AU$1.6 million (US$1.7 million). Just
as big a story was Phil Ivey’s Aussie Millions
campaign. Ivey finished 12th in the Main Event
and took down the AU$250,000 Super High Roller
for a monstrous AU$2 million, showing just why
many consider him up there with the likes of Stu
Ungar – vying for the title of “greatest ever to
grace the felt”.
AUSSIE MILLIONS 10 YEARS ON
Crown’s Aussie Millions has played an
important role in the development of poker in
Australia. The Crown Poker Room first opened in
June 1997, which makes its meteoric rise to one
of the most respected poker rooms in the world
particularly impressive.
In July 1998 the first Australasian Poker
Championship was held with an AU$1,000 buy-in
and just 74 runners. In 2000 the buy-in was upped
to AU$1,500, increasing to AU$5,000 in 2002 when
the tournament rescheduled to January, where it
has remained ever since. Re-branded as the “Aussie
Millions Poker Championship” in 2003 with an
increased buy-in of AU$10,000, this was the year
it truly became recognized as a major event on the
international poker circuit.
The Aussie Millions became increasingly
popular with European players in the early
2000s as they escaped the harsh European
winter for the sunshine of the Australian summer.
Internationals dominated the early years with
winners Peter “the Poet” Costa and Tony “the
Lizard” Bloom hailing from England and Lee
“Final Table” Nelson and Jamil “the Real Deal”
Dia coming from New Zealand. By 2005 the prize
pool had soared to over AU$2.6 million and Dia
became the first winner to walk away with AU$1
million for first place. Player numbers continued
to grow – increasing by over 70 percent year on
year – before hitting a new high of 747 entrants
in 2007, the year poker superstar Gus “the Great
Dane” Hansen lifted the trophy.
In 2009 the Aussie Millions saw its first ever
homegrown champion in the form of Stewart Scott
and this heralded a period of Aussie dominance
that continues to the present day. Every champion
since 2009 has been Australian, keeping the trophy
firmly on home soil. Since 2007 the tournament
has averaged 722 entrants and with an entry fee of
AU$10,000 a pop that makes it one of the biggest
poker tournaments held anywhere in the world.
10 YEARS OF CHAMPIONS
Year Winner Country
First Prize
(AU$)
Runners
Prize Pool
(AU$)
Peter Costa
England
2003 394,870 122 1,220,000
Tony Bloom
England
2004 426,500 133 1,330,000
Jamil Dia
New Zealand
2005 1,000,000 263 2,630,000
Lee Nelson
New Zealand
2006 1,295,800 418 4,180,000
Gus Hansen
Denmark
2007 1,500,000 747 7,470,000
Alexander Kostritsyn
Russia
2008 1,650,000 780 7,800,000
Stewart Scott
Australia
2009 2,000,000 681 6,810,000
Tyron Krost
Australia
2010 2,000,000 746 7,460,000
David Gorr
Australia
2011 2,000,000 721 7,210,000
Oliver Speidel
Australia
2012 1,600,000 659 6,590,000
16
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

HISTORY OF THE AUSSIE MILLIONS
CROWNING GLORY
The Crown Entertainment Complex can be
summed up in one word: huge. The floor space
leaves Vegas casinos for dead because unlike
gaming meccas such as Macau or Las Vegas,
Crown is the only casino in the city of Melbourne.
But don't be concerned, the sheer size of the
complex and gaming areas will ensure that you’ll
find an atmosphere that is right for you. Crown
Melbourne also has one of the best high roller
facilities anywhere in the world and there are
plenty of areas where you can find a quiet place
for a drink or to place a bet.
The complex is nestled on the banks of the
Yarra River, which gives it a uniquely European
flavor. With three world-class hotels, tennis
courts, pools, gymnasiums, bowling lanes, movie
theatres and countless restaurants and bars all
situated under one roof there is more than poker
on offer when visiting the Aussie Millions.
WORLD-CLASS POKER
The Crown Poker Room is one of the biggest
and most professionally run in the world with
over 50 permanent tables. This number increases
during the Aussie Millions to cater for a fantastic
tournament schedule of 26 tournament events,
countless satellites and a vast array of cash
games. The room operates 24 hours a day and
you will find well-trained staff and a world-class
standard of operation. Crown has been running
their poker room for 15 years and they know what
players expect. They are in their element when
running a world-class tournament like this.
Many poker players become frustrated when
they go to a tournament and there is a lack of
great poker action outside the Main Event. Have
no fear this is not the case at the Aussie Millions.
There are some excellent lead-up events and a
wide range of cash games and limits on offer,
making the trip more than worthwhile. The Main
Event itself is considered by players to be one of
the most well structured and well run anywhere
in the world. You get a 30,000 chip starting stack,
long levels and hours of play, particularly early on
in the tournament, which is very appealing to the
poker tourist who wants to enjoy their holiday as
much as the on-the-felt action. The tournament
starts nine-handed and becomes eight-handed
at the close of day 1, dropping to six-handed
when it gets down to the last 36 players. With
an AU$10,000 buy-in and the Aussie dollar now
on par with the US there is even more appeal to
make the trip “down under”.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to
travel to Australia then this is the perfect excuse
to combine a bit of gaming with an exotic travel
experience. Check out www.aussiemillions.com
for everything you need to know about planning
your trip.
MAKE YOUR OWN PIECE OF HISTORY: BECOME THE FIRST
AMERICAN TO EVER WIN THE AUSSIE MILLIONS
While many have come close a US citizen has never won the Aussie Millions Main Event, though
not through want of trying. No Americans made the final table at all in 2012 and while Miami’s Randy
Dorfman managed to get close in 2011 he had to settle for fifth. Reno’s Steven Friedlander came up
short with seventh place in 2010, as did Pennsylvania’s Zach Gruneberg in 2009. Some have come
even closer only to come up agonizingly short, stumbling at the very last hurdle:
FOR
YOUR
CHANCE TO WIN
2009
RUNNER-UP – PETER RHO
2nd place prize: AU$1,000,000
The Las Vegas native was within touching distance of the trophy
and things seemed to be going Rho’s way when, facing a raise from
Aussie Stewart Scott, he looked down to see A♥ J♣ and moved all-
in. Unfortunately Scott had his gun loaded with A♠ A♦ and shot
Rho’s dreams of an Aussie Millions title down in a hail of bullets.
2008
RUNNER-UP – ERIK SEIDEL
2nd place prize: AU$1,000,000
While he emerged victorious in the 2011 AU$250,000 Super High
Roller and may be one of the best no limit hold’em tournament
players in the world, Seidel couldn’t get the job done against
Alexander Kostritsyn after the latter’s J♥ 9♥ outflopped Seidel’s
A♠ Q♣ to give the Russian the title.
2007
RUNNER-UP – JIMMY FRICKE
2nd place prize: AU$1,000,000
Fricke battled his way through the 747-strong field to find himself
heads-up with Gus Hansen. Unfortunately, the man former Full Tilt
director Howard Lederer referred to as “a freak and a very weird
dude” came up short when he moved all-in with an open-ended
straight draw and ran into Hansen’s pocket Aces, which held to give
the “Great Dane” the title.
See page 13 for full details
Visit our website www.wgm8.com to read and comment on every article ever published by World Gaming.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
17

The
Rise of China's
Middle Class
“The Biggest Story of Our Time”
– Forbes Dec 2011

"The Chinese
middle class is
going to change
the world. It's
like saying how
big a deal is the
internet,"
Crown Chairman
Mr. James Packer
60 Minutes, May 2012.
Attention:
Gaming stakeholders!
If you’re a gaming stakeholder, you can’t afford to ignore
this phenomenon. In fact, you need to embrace it and
understand it. Most importantly plan for it. In Macau, a
jurisdiction that’s grown to eclipse its North American
counterparts and become the gambling mecca of the
world, anticipation of this next phase of growth has the
local gaming operators salivating with delight.
What are the opportunities for you?
China’s middle class is growing and their disposable
income will continue to increase. There is a propensity
to travel, to indulge, to aspire for the finer things in life.
And now the rest of Asia is getting into the game.
Singapore is being hailed as the best of breed for their
two successful integrated resorts and its relationship
with the regulators. The Philippines will have four new
casinos soon. South Korea gaming is growing. Taiwan
and Japan are hopeful. Laos and Cambodia want to make
their own marks. Vietnam is getting ready!
Are you ready? Want to tap into this growth?
Work with people who know the marketplace. World
Gaming Consultants (WGC) will help you decipher
each country’s own set of rules, habits, cultures, taboos,
superstitions and most importantly, gaming regulations.
WGC is a Macau based agency with many decades of
collective gaming experience. We provide market entry
guidance and consulting, so that effective business and
marketing strategies can be developed. We also offer
custom publishing, English/Chinese translation, graphic
design and event planning services.
Contact us today at info@wgm8.com.
Andrew W Scott
CEO, World Gaming Limited

Aussie Millions 2013
Crown’s Big Deal
We take a closer
look at the 2013
Championship
schedule and what
to expect when
you head “down
under” for the most
impressive poker
event in the Asia
Pacific region.
Crown’s Aussie Millions Poker Championship
held annually in Melbourne, Australia, is one
of the major events on the international poker
tournament calendar. Taking place over a threeweek
period during the peak of the Australian
summer, more than 3,000 players are expected
to take part in 26 events, encompassing several
popular poker variations. The prize pools alone
should provide substantial incentive to travel
the globe, with each winner also receiving a
championship ring as a memento of their victory.
While some entry fees may sit outside the budget
of some players, anyone can qualify. There are
countless satellite tournaments held throughout
the year and during the event, offering players
the chance to win a place in the coveted Aussie
Millions Main Event for a fraction of the AU$10,600
entry fee. At the time of press the Australian and
US dollar were almost exactly the same value.
EVENT 1: AU$1,100 OPENING EVENT
NO LIMIT HOLD’EM (NLHE)
Thursday 17 January 2013 at 6:15pm
The 2012 opening event saw a massive
946 players generate an AU$946,000 prize pool,
making it the largest field on the schedule.
Numbers are expected to grow in 2013 so expect
a huge field and another monster prize pool. Could
this event crack 1,000 entries? Day 1 is divided into
three separate starting days: flight 1 on Thursday
17 January, flight 2 on Friday 18 January and flight
3 on Saturday 19 January. This tournament uses a
repechage format, where players eliminated from
any of the day 1 flights are able to re-enter on
subsequent day 1 flights, along with new players.
Players who make it through the respective day
1s will reconvene on Sunday 20 January for day
2. This has to be the best value tournament on
the schedule.
EVENT 2: AU$1,100 POT LIMIT OMAHA (PLO)
Monday 21 January 2013 at 12:30pm
The generous structure for this tournament
features a “second chance” format. Players start with
half their chips up front and can collect the other
half at any time during the first two levels regardless
of their stack size. Lovers of the gamble will eat this
event up, so expect around 200 players.
EVENT 3: AU$1,100 NO LIMIT
HOLD’EM SHOOTOUT
Tuesday 22 January 2013 at 12:30pm
The shootout format, where players must
win their respective tables before progressing to
the next stage of the tournament, was added to
the Aussie Millions schedule in 2011 and proved a
resounding success. Organizers expect this event
to increase from the 150 entrants in 2012 and offer
a decent prize pool.
EVENT 4: AU$1,100 NO LIMIT
HOLD’EM/POT LIMIT OMAHA
Wednesday 23 January 2013 at 12:30pm
A new addition to the Aussie Millions
schedule in 2012, this mixed game proved
extremely popular. With PLO growing in popularity
in recent years and NLHE remaining the most
widely recognized poker variant, this event will
surely draw one of the biggest fields.
EVENT 5: AU$1,100 NO LIMIT
HOLD’EM – SIX MAX
Thursday 24 January 2013 at 12:30pm
Introduced in 2011 and surpassing all
expectations with a massive field of 372 players,
in 2012 it attracted 385 entrants. The surge in
popularity of these short-handed tournaments
ensures there will be even more money on offer,
so expect to see a six-figure first prize in 2013.
20
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

EVENT 6: AU$1,150 NO LIMIT
HOLD’EM - REBUYS
Friday 25 January 2013 at 12:30pm
With AU$1,000 rebuys the action for this event
is fast and furious with players all trying to build a
stack as quickly as possible. Current Aussie Millions
champion Oliver Speidel won his first title in this
event in 2011.
EVENT 7: AU$1,650 NO LIMIT
HOLD’EM BOUNTY EVENT
Saturday 26 January 2013 at 12:30pm
Following a similar format to the Bay 101
Shooting Star, each table is allocated a bounty
player (normally a pro or other big name player)
awarding AU$1,000 to any player that busts
their table’s bounty. This two-day event will play
down until there are 32 players remaining on day
1. At the start of day 2, there will be a re-draw
for seats based on chip stacks to four tables of
eight players each. Each table then becomes a
shootout, with the top two players making the
final table. This is a fantastic event and one of the
highlights of the Aussie Millions schedule.
EVENT 8: AU$10,600 MAIN EVENT (NLHE)
Sunday 27 January 2013 at 12:30pm
As one of the few remaining independent
events on the international poker circuit,
Crown’s Aussie Millions Main Event has
effectively become one of the top four poker
“majors”. Boasting five full days of play, day 1
will be split into 3 flights, on January 27, 28
and 29. With a 30,000 starting stack, 90-minute
levels on day 1 and day 2 and 2-hour levels from
day 3 onwards the structure is one of the best
in the world. Play begins 9-handed, becoming
8-handed by the end of day 1 with a re-draw
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
CHAMPIONSHIP
SCHEDULE
Date Time Event Tournament Cost (Buy in)**
Thur 17 6:15pm 1 No Limit Holdem - Day 1 Flight 1 $1,100
Fri 18 12:30pm 1 No Limit Holdem - Day 1 Flight 2 (Repechage) $1,100
Sat 19 12:30pm 1 No Limit Holdem - Day 1 Flight 3 (Repechage) $1,100
Sun 20 12:30pm No Limit Holdem - Day 2 $1,100
2:30pm
6th Annual Joe Hachem and Shane Warne Charity
$1,000
Poker Tournament
Mon 21 12:30pm 2 Pot Limit Omaha $1,100
Tue 22 12:30pm 3 No Limit Holdem Shootout $1,100
Wed 23 12:30pm 4 No Limit Holdem/Pot Limit Omaha $1,100
Thur 24 12:30pm 5 No Limit Holdem - Six Max $1,100
Fri 25 12:30pm 6 No Limit Holdem - Rebuys $1,150 / $1,000
Sat 26 12:30pm 7 No Limit Holdem Bounty Event $1,650
Sun 27 12:30pm 8 Main Event - Day 1 Flight 1 $10,600
2:15pm 9 No Limit Holdem Teams Event ^ $1,100
2:30pm 10 $100,000 Challenge $100,000
6:15pm 11 Limit Omaha Hi/HiLo $2,500
Mon 28 12:30pm Main Event - Day 1 Flight 2 $10,600
2:15pm 12 No Limit Holdem - Mix Max $1,100
6:15pm 13 Chinese Poker $5,000
Tue 29 12:30pm Main Event - Day 1 Flight 3 $10,600
2:15pm 14 Terminator No Limit Holdem $1,100
6:15pm 15 H.O.R.S.E $2,500
Wed 30 12:15pm 16 No Limit Holdem $1,100
12:30pm Main Event - Day 2
6.15pm 17 Pot Limit Omaha $2,500
Thur 31 12:15pm 18 Australian Poker Hall Of Fame Classic^ $550
12:30pm Main Event - Day 3
6:15pm 19 No Limit Holdem - Mix Max $5,000
Fri 1 12:15pm 20 No Limit Holdem - Six Max $2,500
12:30pm Main Event - Day 4
2.15pm 21 $250,000 Challenge^ $250,000
6:15pm 22 8 Game Mixed Event $5,000
Sat 2 12:15pm 23 Turbo No Limit Holdem Cubed^ $600 / $500 1 x RA
12.30pm
Main Event - Final Table
2.15pm 24 $25,000 Challenge $25,000
6:15pm 25 Pot Limit Omaha Hi Lo $1,100
Sun 3 2:15pm 26 Turbo No Limit Holdem - Six Max $5,000
* Schedule may be subject to change / ** Includes admin fee / ^ One day event
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
21

2013 AUSSIE MILLIONS: CROWN’S BIG DEAL
taking place on day 2. Play continues until 36
players remain, at which time there is another
re-draw and play becomes 6-handed. The ante
structure is excellent, with the average stack
never under pressure throughout the entire
event, and the format sees the cream rise to the
top. Add in the fact that over 60 percent of the
field satellite their way in and it becomes one
of the best value tournaments held anywhere.
As the Aussie Millions Main Event continues
the events don’t stop, with the schedule specifically
designed to give players something else to do if
they bust from the main. Unlike other festivals that
end once the main event gets going, the Aussie
Millions gives players almost too many choices.
EVENT 9: AU$1,100 TEAMS EVENT (NLHE)
Sunday 27 January 2013 at 2:15pm
This event sees two players sharing one stack,
with play rotating between the teammates every
level. In a unique twist, the first partner plays with
half the start bank, and if they are eliminated
from the tournament, their partner sits with the
remaining stack. Once into the second level, the
team has its full stack and either teammate can
bust the team.
EVENT 10: AU$100,000 CHALLENGE (NLHE)
Sunday 27 January 2013 at 2:30pm
The Aussie Millions has a number of
unique events on its calendar, but none more
prestigious over the years than the $100,000
Challenge. While other events around the world
have added six-figure buy-ins to their schedule,
the Aussie Millions has been doing it for the
past seven years. The best of the best battle it
out against the richest of the rich, in what was
previously a strictly closed-door affair. Regular
attendees include Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen, Patrik
Antonius and Tom Dwan along with Aussie
locals Joe Hachem, Tony G and Jeff Lisandro.
Past champions have included Dan Smith, Sam
Trickett, Dan Shak, David Steicke, Erick Lindgren
and John Juanda.
EVENT 11: AU$2,500 LIMIT OMAHA HI-LO
Sunday 27 January 2013 at 6:15pm
EVENT 12: AU$1,100
NO LIMIT HOLD’EM – MIX MAX
Monday 28 January 2013 at 2:15pm
Becoming increasingly popular on the
international circuit mix max events start as fullring
games, redraw to six-max events at a later
stage and finish heads-up. Two mix max events
have been introduced for the 2013 Aussie Millions,
events 12 and 19.
EVENT 13: AU$5,000 CHINESE POKER
Monday 28 January 2013 at 6:15pm
This event returns after its successful
introduction last year.
EVENT 14: AU$1,100 TERMINATOR
NO LIMIT HOLD’EM
Tuesday 29 January 2013 at 2:15pm
Every player starts with one terminator
chip and when you bust a player you receive his
terminator chip. If you are knocked out you can
cash in the terminator chips you won along the
way, as part of the prize pool is set aside to make
these payments.
EVENT 15: AU$2,500 HORSE
Tuesday 29 January 2013 at 6:15pm
EVENT 16: AU$1,100 NO LIMIT HOLD’EM
Wednesday 30 January 2013 at 12:15pm
EVENT 17: AU$2,500 POT LIMIT OMAHA
Wednesday 30 January 2013 at 6:15pm
EVENT 18: AU$550 AUSTRALIAN
POKER HALL OF FAME CLASSIC (NLHE)
Thursday 31 January 2013 at 12:15
Members of the Australian Poker Hall of Fame
will be out in full force for this one, with bounties
put on their heads and some great prizes up for
grabs. This one is sure to be great fun as the old
guard mixes it up with the young guns.
EVENT 19: AU$5,000
NO LIMIT HOLD’EM MIX MAX
Thursday 31 January 2013 at 6:15pm
EVENT 20: AUD$2,500
NO LIMIT HOLD’EM SIX MAX
Friday 1 February 2013 at 12:15pm
This tournament has a ridiculously slow
structure so be sure not to miss it.
EVENT 21: AU$250,000 CHALLENGE (NLHE)
Friday 1 February 2013 at 2:15pm
The $100,000 Challenge is an incredible event
to witness, but it’s not the biggest buy-in on the
schedule. In January 2011, what began as a rumor
around the Crown Poker Room quickly grew into a
reality when the world’s first ever AU$250,000 buy-in
tournament was held. A staggering 20 players ponied
up the buy-in, with stalwart Erik Seidel taking home
the AU$2.5 million first prize. In 2012, 16 players
entered with legend Phil Ivey winning the event.
In 2013 the $250,000 Challenge will again feature
prominently, with more wealthy businessmen from
Asia expected to participate, as this year there is no
clash with Chinese New Year festivities.
EVENT 22: AU$5,000 EIGHT-GAME
MIXED EVENT
Friday 1 February 2013 at 6:15pm
EVENT 23: AU$600 TURBO
NO LIMIT HOLD’EM CUBED
Saturday 2 February 2013 at 12:15pm
A new addition to the 2012 Aussie Millions
schedule, players will have the option to purchase
a single AU$500 rebuy and add-on prior to the end
of the first break. Players have just 20 seconds to
act so expect the action to be fast and furious.
EVENT 24: AU$25,000 CHALLENGE (NLHE)
Saturday 2 February 2013 at 2:15pm
Returning to the Championship once more,
the scheduling issues that saw a reduced field play
in 2012 have been resolved, with more than 50
entrants expected to participate in 2013.
EVENT 25: AU$1,100 POT LIMIT
OMAHA HI-LO
Saturday 2 February 2013 at 6:15pm
Another event making its first appearance at
the Aussie Millions, Crown claim this tournament
is the most requested event they have ever had so
expect a large field.
EVENT 26: AU$5,000 TURBO
NO LIMIT HOLD’EM SIX MAX
Sunday 3 February 2013 at 2:15pm
The final event on the schedule will be action
packed as players take their last shot in the event
most requested by Crown’s high rollers, who want
to have some fun at the end of the carnival.
The 2013 Aussie Millions Poker Championship
is set to be the biggest and best on record, so we
suggest you start packing now! With satellites for
the Main Event running across most of the major
online poker rooms, your chance at winning a
summer holiday “down under” has never been
better. What are you waiting for?
Visit our website www.wgm8.com to read and comment on every article
ever published by World Gaming.
22
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

LIFE IS
A SEARCH
JEEP® GRAND CHEROKEE
THE ULTIMATE
SEARCH ENGINE.
Offi cial Vehicle Partner of the Aussie Millions

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Summerby The
Melbourne
Melbourne
in
by The Phoenix
26
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

With long sunny days,
glorious sunsets and cool,
star-filled nights Melbourne
in summer is one of the
most idyllic places on the
planet. WGM takes a look at
what the “culture capital of
Australia” has to offer.
A
busy, bustling city whose inhabitants are always on
the go, Melbournians have a culture of “doing”, not
sitting back and watching the world go by. Last year
Melbourne was officially judged “the world’s most liveable
city” and it’s easy to see why. Should you be fortunate
enough to find yourself in Melbourne during January you
will find plenty to occupy your time.
Melbourne is particularly family-friendly with sights
like the Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Zoo and the
Royal Botanic Gardens all within walking distance of the
city center. While Melbourne has a reputation for having
“four seasons in one day” January is the height of the Aussie
summer and the sunniest month of the year. The sun rises
just after 6am and doesn’t set until nearly 9pm, blazing
away for around 450 hours of the month, so don’t forget
the sunscreen!
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
27

SUMMER IN MELBOURNE
Young and Jackson hotel
CAFÉS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Australia, very much like the US, is a
multicultural country. It is often said Melbourne
has the second-highest population of Greeks of
any city outside Athens. The city has large Chinese,
Italian and Vietnamese communities and people
from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America have all
settled in Melbourne and live in harmony. Over onethird
of Melbournians were born outside Australia.
One of the best things this brings is incredible
diversity to Melbourne’s food and drinking culture.
The Crown Entertainment Complex is the
epicenter of these culinary delights. You can enjoy
silver service or dine à la carte by the Yarra river, sipping
a glass of good Australian Chardonnay or Shiraz. For a
more in-depth look at Crown’s fine dining options read
our “Savor the moment” feature on page 50.
For those looking to sample the nightlife
Crown also offers a great selection of bars such as
the luxurious “ultra-lounge” Club 23, adjacent to the
Mahogany Room on level three of Crown Towers.
Offering a mix of food, finely crafted cocktails and
gaming tables in a comfortable plush setting offset
with a stunning backdrop of Melbourne, this is a
stylish night out for those wanting to live it up.
Sample a pint of Naked Ale at Melbourne’s
oldest and most iconic hotel, Young and Jackson,
located on the corner of Flinders Street and
Swanston Street in central Melbourne, just a
few minutes stroll from Crown. Home to Chloé,
a famous nude painting by French artist Jules
Joseph Lefebvre, this beautifully restored building
is a Melbourne institution and a comfortable blend
of boutique bar and classic pub.
Melbourne’s many alleyways hide some
world-class bars and eateries and those willing to
venture off the beaten track will find themselves
rewarded with a diverse selection of watering
holes. You will be amazed at how competitive the
prices are and it is worth remembering there is
no 18 percent standard tipping in Australia. There
is no obligation to tip at all, but every waiter will
gladly accept a little something if they have been
particularly helpful.
Over one-third of Melbournians were born
outside Australia. One of the best things this
brings is incredible diversity to Melbourne’s
food and drinking culture.
The Twelve Apostles
28
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

SPORTS
Melbournians will argue until they are blue in
the face that they live in the sporting capital of the
world. A former Olympic City playing host to the
Games of the XVI Olympiad in 1956, Melbourne
also boasts the Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis
Tournament as a popular attraction, bringing in
thousands of visitors every January.
The highlight of the summer, the Australian
Open is an event you should make every effort
to attend. The world’s best tennis players will be
displaying their talents under sunny, blue skies
and poker players from all over the world regularly
head “down under” to catch both the Aussie
Millions and the Australian Open. Motor sport
fanatics may wish to extend their trip to include
the opening leg of the Formula 1 Season, the
Melbourne Grand Prix, which runs during March
and Melbourne also hosts a leg of the Moto GP.
Melbourne is home to no less than four worldclass
sporting stadiums. At this time of the year there
is plenty of international cricket at the Melbourne
Cricket Ground. Melbourne also hosts soccer, rugby,
rugby league and is also home of Australia’s greatest
thoroughbred horserace, the Melbourne Cup, known
as “the race that stops the nation”. The Melbourne
Cup runs during November but you can still enjoy
some of the world’s best thoroughbred racing at one
of Melbourne’s four renowned racetracks.
Melbourne is also home to the iconic
Melbourne Cricket Ground, more usually called
the “MCG” or just “the G”. Undisputedly Australia’s
most famous sporting stadium, the MCG has a
capacity of 100,018 people and sees enormous
crowds watching the cricket during January’s hot
summer nights.
If you like to swing a golf club you won’t be
disappointed. The last couple of years have seen
plenty of rainfall so the courses are in stunning
condition. Boasting deep lush fairways, powderfilled
bunkers and billiard table greens you
couldn’t ask for more. Make a few enquiries around
the poker room and other players looking to head
out for a round will bombard you with offers.
WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE
There are a host of sights for those willing
to travel outside the confines of the city and it is
worth hiring a car to see the fantastic attractions
throughout the state of Victoria. Make sure you drive
on the right side of the road – that’s the left side by
the way!
Yarra Valley wineries: Less than an hour’s drive
from the center of Melbourne are some of the best
vineyards in the country. Rolling green hills, cafés,
bars, restaurants, bed and breakfast accommodation
– it’s all there at your fingertips. The only problem
may be the fact you will be in no condition to drive
back after sampling the Pinot Noirs and the local
cooler climate Shirazes. Consider an organized tour
to avoid driving duties.
Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island:
Head down south to discover some of the best
beaches and golf courses you will find anywhere in
the world. This coastal haven also boasts some good
wineries. Those wanting to get closer to the native
wildlife should check out nearby Phillip Island, home
SUMMER IN MELBOURNE
The Moët & Chandon vineyard,
Yarra Valley
of the Koala Conservation Center and the famous
Fairy Penguin Parade. Also home to wallabies,
kangaroos and Australia’s largest fur seal colony,
Phillip Island’s close proximity to Melbourne means
this is all just a day trip away.
Great Ocean Road: The Great Ocean road is
west of the city and runs for 150 miles over some
of the most breathtaking coastal scenery you will
ever see. The winding road takes in sheer white
cliffs and stunning beaches and is also home to
a popular tourist attraction, the Twelve Apostles.
This dramatic natural rock formation, formed by the
crashing waves that wash the craggy shoreline of
western Victoria, is an enduring symbol of natural
power and beauty. Those wishing to explore the
surf more closely should visit surfing hotspot Bells
Beach, considered by many as the greatest surf
beach outside Hawaii.
You can do this trip in a single day or in a more
relaxed two or three. There are a host of wonderful
places to stay and it is possible to organize a tour if
you don’t fancy driving yourself.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
29

SUMMER IN MELBOURNE
The beautiful Sydney harbor on a typical summer’s evening
Uluru (Ayer’s Rock)
JUST A SHORT FLIGHT AWAY
Sydney: There is great debate over which is the best city in Australia.
Sydney is the largest with 4.4 millions residents but Melbourne has 4 million
and is closing the gap every year. While Melbourne is a city with a lot of
things happening Sydney is home to many of Australia’s iconic landmarks
and is simply breathtaking. This big and bustling international city never
sleeps and has an electric atmosphere. The city is wrapped around one of
the most magnificent harbors in the world, giving Sydney its “Harbor City”
nickname. There is excellent top-end shopping and dining and if you like
the big city atmosphere this is the place to visit. The world-class beaches
are also a must-see.
Queensland: Home of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the state
of Queensland is Australia’s tropical wonderland. With incredible beaches
and wildlife, Queensland is perfect for those who want to sink their teeth
into the outdoor culture. You will find the locals warm and welcoming. This
is where most Australians go for their holidays so there is plenty to do, but
Queensland is also perfect if sitting by a beach doing nothing is your idea
of a perfect holiday.
The Red Center: When you hear people talking about the outback this
is what they are referring to. The middle of Australia is a red desert with a
host of incredible things to see. Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock), the Olgas
and Kings Canyon are all natural wonders that will leave you breathless.
Local indigenous art and culture from one of the oldest civilizations on the
planet is also on display.
The Northern Territory: The home of outback Australia. Darwin and
Alice Springs are its two major cities, but with populations of 130,000 and
30,000 respectively they are hardly bustling metropolises! The Northern
Territory is where you will find the world-famous Kakadu National Park. At
over 7,500 square miles, Kakadu is nearly half the size of Switzerland, and is
home to an amazing array of flora, fauna and natural beauty. Go fishing or
maybe meet one of our world famous crocodiles, but don't get too close or you
might find yourself heading home with some teeth marks as a souvenir!
30 #18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE Visit our website www.wgm8.com to read and comment on every article ever published by World Gaming.

at
Crown
something
for everyone
Whether you’re a high roller or play for more modest stakes you
will find a game to suit your bankroll at Crown. WGM gives you
the lowdown on taking the Aussie dollars home.
32
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

The Crown Poker Room is the largest in the Southern
Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. They
don’t just specialize in tournaments – there are plenty
of cash games. Ask the friendly staff for whatever you
want to play and if the interest is there you will get your
game.
Some casinos run great tournaments but don’t really
know what it takes to keep the cash games pumping,
though the Bellagio and the Venetian in Las Vegas are
obvious exceptions. Now you can add Crown to that list
as they run a 50+ table card room 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week.
Don’t expect to wait for hours when you get
knocked out of a tournament. Crown regularly opens
more tables and makes sure cash games are a priority so
there is always plenty of staff manning the cash game
tables. So what sort of cash games can you expect to
find at Crown?
NO LIMIT HOLD’EM (NLHE)
[Note: the Australian and US dollar are almost exactly the same value.]
If you are a Texas Hold’em player you have nothing
to worry about. Stakes start with $1/2 NLHE and $2/3
NLHE. Both these games run with a clock that ensures
the game moves along at a good pace so you get to see
plenty of hands an hour.
The next level is $2/5 NLHE and Crown also offers
$5/10 NLHE but it is during major championships like
the Aussie Millions that the cash action really fires up. In
addition to the lower stakes games already mentioned
Crown also spread $10/20 NLHE and $25/50 NLHE and
above.
OTHER GAMES
Crown also spreads some good limit games if there
is enough interest. You will also find some great Omaha
games spread over every conceivable structure with a
wide array of games with forced straddles and the like.
There is a regular $2/4 pot limit Omaha game and $10/20
and $20/40 limit Omaha games are also firm fixtures. With
a big tournament on expect Crown to run $5/10, $10/20,
$25/50, $100/200 and $200/400 pot limit Omaha and
even higher games at times.
Mixed games are also available and Crown run
dealer’s choice games that include no limit and limit
Hold’em, pot limit and limit Omaha (both high and hi-lo),
five and seven card stud and deuce to seven triple draw.
There is even a local poker variant called Manila, which
uses a stripped deck of 32 cards, though don’t expect
to get the best of the natives here as they have all been
playing it for years.
The staff running the Crown Poker Room listen to
their customers. If the players want a certain game then
they are prepared to run it. Here’s hoping we see you
down under and good luck at the felt.
for
your
chance to win
See page 13 for full details
Visit our website www.wgm8.com to read and comment on every article ever
published by World Gaming.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
33

The
by The Panda
34
experie
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

World Gaming’s culinary expert
The Panda gives some insight
into one of Crown Melbourne’s
hottest and most fashionable
dining venues.
Robert De Niro is my partner and
he trusts my cooking. We do not discuss
food, but we talk about the
business.
nce
I
am one furry bear that loves choice. I don’t mind if it’s a great
sandwich or black caviar as long as it’s of the best quality. I want
to feed my ravenous hunger on food that I crave, when I crave
it. Crown gives me this choice. Great steaks and French, Italian
and Asian cuisine are just a few of the fantastic dining options
available, and Crown always has something new and exciting
to offer. Asian food is probably my favorite, from a steaming hot
bowl of noodles all the way up to silver service dining. I am often
seen at one of my favorite Japanese teppanyaki restarants, Koko,
and Silks does fantastic contemporary Chinese.
The most internationally famous of all Crown’s dining
outlets must be Nobu. Dining here is an experience that should
be on top of everyone’s list. Contemporary Japanese fusion is
about as close as I can come to describing Nobu, but even then
I am not doing it justice. I am not usually a fan of restaurant
chains, but the fact that Nobu has managed to maintain its high
standard across 26 restaurants worldwide is quite remarkable.
Each and every individually renowned establishment continues
to impress food critics around the globe.
The breathtaking interior design, which boasts decadent
décor in dark and warm colors offers the perfect surrounding to
match the cuisine. The helpful staff, innovative bar and extensive
wine list further adds to the Nobu experience. If you are into
stargazing then Nobu won’t disappoint as a host of international
and local celebrities enjoy being wined and dined at one of
Melbourne’s hottest “places to be”.
It has been a while since I last dined at Nobu and I have never
had the pleasure of meeting Chef Nobu in person. I called some
of my fellow “foodies” at Crown and asked if they could get me
an interview with Chef Nobu, and to my surprise they already had
an interview on hand, so let’s hear from the great man himself:
You started out working in a sushi restaurant in Tokyo, and then by
chance a customer offered you the opportunity to work and live in
Lima, Peru. Did you ever think this invitation would amount to all
of the success your restaurants now have?
Chef Nobu: When I was in Tokyo, I wasn’t expecting to be able
to work in foreign countries, but I always had a dream to go to
other countries to live.
How influential was your relationship with Robert De Niro in helping
get your first Nobu restaurant off the ground?
Chef Nobu: Robert De Niro is my partner and he trusts my cooking.
We do not discuss food, but we talk about the business. We go
out for a drink sometimes. Nobu New York was my first Nobu
restaurant, and I couldn’t have opened it without his support.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
35

THE NOBU EXPERIENCE
Nobu was voted the best sushi restaurant in
Los Angeles by Bon Appetit magazine and
also won a Michelin star in 2007. How do you
think Nobu raises the bar and outshines other
Japanese restaurants?
Chef Nobu: I offer good food, good service
and the customers leave fulfilled and
happy. I was not thinking about receiving
any titles, but I feel honored to have
received a Michelin star.
Nobu is known for its signature dishes such as
Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño. Which dish
do you think truly reflects the essence of your
creativity and culinary technique?
Chef Nobu: It has to be my black cod with
miso dish – one of Robert De Niro’s favorites;
it remains one of Nobu’s most popular
dishes. This is a sweet and silky fish dish that
is simple, elegant and always impressive.
[Christian Price, restaurant manager at
Nobu in Melbourne, adds, “[Nobu’s] black
cod with miso is a taste sensation that is
renowned around the world for its melt in
the mouth texture and a mix of sweet and
savory flavours. The dish is served with den
miso, which is a sweet miso and a stick of
hajikami, a pickled ginger that is known
for its palate cleansing characteristics.
Many chefs around the world have tried to
replicate Nobu’s signature dish.”]
You are based in Beverly Hills, but what is your
favorite Nobu location to visit?
Chef Nobu: All of my restaurants are my
favorite, but I feel most comfortable in my
hometown restaurant in Beverly Hills. There
are also Nobu restaurants in the United
Kingdom, Australia, Europe, the Bahamas,
South Africa, and even Hawaii and Russia.
How important is the architecture and design
of your restaurants in creating an overall fine
dining experience?
Chef Nobu: It is very important that an
impression is formed when you walk into
a restaurant and sit down at a table. You
have to feel relaxed in the space.
These days, how involved are you in the dayto-day
operations of your restaurants?
Chef Nobu: Most of my time spent in my
restaurants is spent communicating with
my staff, especially chefs, and greeting my
customers.
Nobu is an institution; it has appeared
in films like Casino and Memoirs of a
Geisha, and for Gap and Rado advertising
campaigns. What is your opinion on the
celebrity status of Nobu and your celebrity
clientele?
Chef Nobu: I’m a chef, and my life is cooking.
Personally, I don’t feel like a celebrity. I’m very
happy as a chef and that people from all over
the world enjoy my food.
Visit our website www.wgm8.com to read and comment on every
article ever published by World Gaming.
36
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

With so many world-class
players making the trip
“down under”
it’s tough to pick a winner,
but there are several players
worth keeping an eye on.
OLIVER SPEIDEL
The reigning Aussie Millions champion
comes from a banking background and is one
of the many local Melbournian players to watch
out for at the tables. While he didn’t become
a household name until winning the Aussie
Millions, Speidel has been a consistent performer
since 2010. In 2011 he won the AU$1,000 no limit
hold’em rebuy event at the Aussie Millions before going on to take down the
Manny Pacquiao World Poker Event in Manila in December 2011.
Since winning the Aussie Millions Main Event Speidel has gone on to show
his class, final tabling the 2012 Australia New Zealand Poker Tour Sydney Main
Event and the 2012 Asian Poker Tour Manila.
Oliver is a very aggressive yet canny player and will be fired up to defend
his title come January – while the odds of winning back-to-back titles might
be enormous, writing this young man off would be a huge mistake.
38
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

JOE HACHEM
The Lebanese-Australian shot to
fame after becoming the 2005 World
Series of Poker Main Event champion,
winning US$7.5 million in the process.
In 2006 he silenced critics by taking
down the Bellagio Five Diamond
World Poker Classic for another US$2
million. Australia found a poker hero and Hachem has gone on to
earn an impressive US$12 million in career tournament earnings,
announcing to the rest of the world he is up there with poker’s elite.
The most impressive thing about Joe is that he has never let
his excellent results in those two huge tournaments dampen his
enthusiasm for winning. It’s this hunger and professionalism that
make him a true champion.
The one title Joe wants more than anything is that of Aussie
Millions Main Event champion. While Hachem finished 3rd in the
2012 $100,000 Challenge after playing some incredible poker, so
far Crown has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for the
Australian Poker Hall of Famer. However, we’re sure it is just a matter
of when, not if.
ANDREW HINRICHSEN
Another local Melbournian,
Andrew Hinrichson has been posting
consistent results since 2009. By the
end of 2010 he had accumulated a
tidy bankroll with 2nd place in the
high rollers event at the Macau Poker
Cup Championship, but that was only
a taste of what was to come.
While Hinrichson’s 2011 got off to a slow start with a 6th
place finish in the 2011 Aussie Millions 6-handed event, he upped
the tempo at the WSOP going deep in the Main Event, eventually
finishing 23rd for a payday of over $300,000.
Hinrichson’s 2011 already looked like a year most players can
only dream about, but he raised the bar still further in October to
claim his first title with a win in the €1,000 no limit WSOPE event in
Cannes, France, where he won close to $200,000. So far he has had
a fairly quiet 2012 but we expect a big run at the Aussie Millions.
JONATHAN KARAMALIKIS
Don’t be fooled by Jonathan Karamalikis’ youth. This
online tournament specialist is one of Australia’s internet
poker young guns and has had no problem making
the transition to major live tournaments, something he
accomplished with ease in 2007. A likeable character from
South Australia, his poker travels have seen him cashing
in tournaments in Australia, New Zealand and Macau, as
well as picking up two cashes at last year’s WSOP.
The figures speak for themselves. In just five years of live tournament poker
Karamalikis has amassed US$1,290,579 in prize money, from 33 cashes including
seven first places.
Melbourne, and particularly the Aussie Millions, has been a happy hunting
ground for Karamalikis. Seven of his 33 cashes, totaling $314,807, have been at the
Aussie Millions, including a victory in the AU$1,650 no limit hold’em bounty event in
2010 for a US$113,247 collect. He also won the 2010 Victorian Poker Championship
at Crown for a US$89,746 payday.
Karamalikis’ biggest score to date was winning the 2010 Asia Pacific Poker Tour
Grand Final in Sydney, which saw him become US$454,304 richer.
GUS HANSEN
Another former Aussie Millions Champion the
“Great Dane” is from Copenhagen, Denmark, but like
many successful European poker players now resides
in Monaco. Originally a backgammon player, he moved
to New York to play professionally then discovered he
was far more successful at poker. Since swapping the
dice for cards he hasn’t looked back.
The only player ever to win four WPT titles –
although one of these came in the invitation-only Bad Boys of Poker event – Hansen
has also won a WSOP bracelet taking down the £10,000 2010 WSOPE high roller
heads-up event, winning £288,409 (US$444,925) in the process.
With over US$10.2 million in career tournament earnings Hansen is a formidable
player. His book Every Hand Revealed, which chronicled his 2007 Aussie Millions win,
showed a keen mathematical mind lurks behind his extremely loose-aggressive image.
No stranger to success in Australia, in addition to his 2007 Aussie Millions Main
Event win Hansen finished 23rd in 2010 for over US$46,000 and came 3rd in the
2012 AU$250,000 Super High Roller for over US$800,000. With over 20 percent of his
career tournament earnings coming from the Aussie Millions, Hansen is definitely
one to watch in January.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
39

AUSSIE MILLIONS 2013: PLAYERS to watCH
PATRIK ANTONIUS
A former professional tennis player and
coach the Finnish poker pro first popped up on
the radar back in 2005 with deep runs in three WPT
events, three cashes at the WSOP and a 3rd place
finish at the EPT Barcelona. Less than one month
later Antonius announced his presence on the
world stage taking down the EPT Baden Classic.
To date Antonius has earned US$5.3 million in career tournament earnings,
although aside from his EPT title has been unsuccessful in claiming either a
WPT title or a WSOP bracelet. However, this is probably because he prefers to
concentrate on high stakes cash games rather than a lack of skill. Antonius is the
second most successful online player ever winning over US$11.8 million in the
nosebleed high stakes cash games.
Antonius’ record at the Aussie Millions Main Event is impressive with a 13th
place finish in 2007, a 41st place finish in 2009 and a final table appearance in
2011 where he eventually finished 8th for over US$120,000. He topped that
off by finishing runner-up to Ivey in the 2012 AU$250,000 Challenge for a
monstrous US$1.23 million payday.
PHIL IVEY
Widely regarded as the world’s best poker
player Philip Dennis Ivey Jr., better known to the
poker world as Phil Ivey, is often referred to as the
“Tiger Woods of Poker” and when you see his results
it’s easy to see why.
In addition to being poker’s most successful
online cash game winner with total profits of over
US$19 million, Ivey currently sits 3rd in poker’s all-time money list with career
tournament earnings of over US$16.1 million.
With an impressive 42 WSOP cashes including 23 final tables, Ivey has
won eight WSOP bracelets across a wide range of poker variants including
pot limit omaha, 7-card stud, 7-card stud hi-lo, 2-7 draw and mixed games
like SHOE and HORSE.
Ivey has had several notable results in Australia, finishing 2nd at the 2010
Aussie Millions AU$100,000 Challenge for US$553,776 and coming 12th in
the Main Event in 2012. In addition to this Ivey took down the massive 2012
Aussie Millions AU$250,000 Challenge for over US$2 million. While he has yet
to make the final table of the Aussie Millions Main Event this may be because
the stakes aren’t big enough!
SAM TRICKETT
A regular on the UK circuit since 2007 this
fearless British pro has cemented his place in the
upper echelons of the poker world with some
superb results over the last 18 months.
Trickett defeated a star-studded field to take
down the 2011 Aussie Millions AU$100,000 event
for over US$1.5 million before going on to finish
runner-up to Erik Seidel in the AU$250,000 Super High Roller less than a week
later for over US$1.3 million.
He followed this up with a final table appearance at the WPT Diamond
Championship in Paris before taking down the Partouche Poker Tour Main
Event in Cannes for €1 million and bagging a 4th place finish in the WSOPE
€5,000 PLO event for over US$107,000.
This earned Trickett a monstrous US$4.59 million in tournament winnings
for 2011 bringing his total career tournament earnings to over US$6.3 million,
putting him in the number one spot on England’s all-time money list.
In addition to his tournament success Trickett is a regular in Macau’s “big
game” where he competes against high-caliber players such as Phil Ivey and
Tom Dwan and has booked wins of over US$1.5 million in a single session.
TOM DWAN
The New Jersey native first came to the poker
world’s attention as an online poker phenomenon
back in 2006 where he became renowned for playing
in the nosebleed high stakes games on Full Tilt.
Before Black Friday Dwan amassed US$2.4
million in online cash game winnings, though his
biggest high came in June 2009 when he was up
a sizable US$7.2 million. Since then Dwan has moved into the live arena and is
a regular in Macau’s “big game” where the stakes range from HK$5,000/10,000
to HK$20,000/40,000 and higher (about US$650/1,300 to US$2,600/5,200).
Probably one of the best poker players yet to win a WSOP bracelet Dwan
has come agonizingly close, losing out to New Zealand’s Simon Watt in a 2010
WSOP US$1,500 no limit event. Despite never winning a major title Dwan has
amassed over US$2.1 million in career tournament earnings, final tabling two
WPT events and cashing in an EPT.
The 2013 Aussie Millions might just be where Dwan finally gets the
tournament monkey off his back and he has already had some success finishing
2nd in the 2008 AU$3,000 PLO event.
40
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

AUSSIE MILLIONS 2013: PLAYERS TO WATCH
DANIEL NEGREANU
One of the friendliest and most recognizable
players in the game the Canadian professional
known as “Kid Poker” has been a firm fixture on the
live circuit since 1997. As famous for his outspoken
views as much as for his outgoing personality and
impressive tournament record Negreanu is a firm
fan favorite.
With an impressive 51 WSOP cashes that include 26 final tables, Negreanu
has won four bracelets in pot limit hold’em, limit hold’em and SHOE. Add this
to two WPT titles, 18 WPT cashes that include eight final tables and three EPT
final tables for career tournament earnings of over US$16.1 million and you can
see why Negreanu currently sits 2nd in poker’s all-time money list.
While he has yet to make his mark at the Aussie Millions Negreanu has had
some success in Australia, final tabling the 2010 AU$6,000 APPT in Sydney, so it
is likely just a matter of time before he enjoys some success in Melbourne.
JASON MERCIER
First exploding on the international poker
scene after taking down the 2008 EPT Sanremo
for over US$1.3 million, US poker pro Jason
Mercier is a force to be reckoned with on the live
tournament circuit.
Currently second in the rankings on
the global poker index, just behind Bertrand
Grospellier, the Florida native has earned over US$100,000 so far in 2012 with a
final table at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in January (he final tabled the
same event in 2011) and a deep run at the WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star in March.
This comes on the back of an incredible 2011 where Mercier earned his
second WSOP bracelet and cashed in four other WSOP events, took down
the NAPT Mohegan Sun US$10,000 High Roller, won the EPT Champion of
Champions Grand Final in Madrid, went on several deep runs at the WSOPE and
won the US$100,000 High Roller at the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond Classic.
Mercier’s other notable results are too numerous to mention but include
an EPT Barcelona final table, an NAPT final table, 2 WSOPE final tables and an
EPT London win. This brings Mercier’s career tournament earnings to over
US$7.6 million and while he has yet to bag himself a title on Aussie soil the
time cannot be far off.
DAVID STEICKE
A Hong-Kong based commodities trader
originally from Australia, Steicke is one of the
Asia Pacific region’s most successful high stakes
tournament specialists.
Steicke’s commodities background has
proven invaluable at the tables and he made a
stylish entrance to the world of tournament poker
at the 2007 Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), finishing 3rd in the US$15,000 high
roller event for US$110,592. A 6th place finish in a 2008 Aussie Millions AU$1,000
no limit hold’em event for over US$23,000 quickly followed.
With multiple cashes in the WSOP, including a 2008 4th place finish in a
US$2,000 no limit hold’em event, Steicke has gone on to final table everything
from the EPT Grand Final High Roller in Monte Carlo to the WPT Warsaw High
Roller and boasts career tournament earnings of over US$2.7 million.
Steicke’s first significant victory came on a return trip to the Aussie Millions
in 2009 which saw him take down the AU$100,000 Challenge for US$852,442.
Definitely one to watch, Steicke has cashed at the Aussie Millions every year
since 2008 with multiple AU$100,000 Challenge results and Main Event cashes
in addition to final table appearances in several side events.
for
your
chance to win
See page 13 for full details
Visit our website www.wgm8.com to read and comment on every article ever published by World Gaming.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
41

Crown Hotels
Spoilt for choice
The award-winning hotels at
Crown are world-class so one of the
toughest decisions you will have to
make for your visit to Melbourne is
where to stay. Fortunately you are
spoilt for choice when it comes to
accommodation options at Crown.
by The Butterfly
42
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

CROWN TOWERS
Crown Towers is one of Australia’s most sought after hotels and there is
hardly an A-list celebrity or sportsperson who hasn’t stayed at this incredible
venue. Located on the banks of the Yarra River this 6-star luxury hotel boasts
stunning views overlooking the city center, the parklands of Kings Domain,
Port Phillip Bay and the revitalized Melbourne Docklands.
The 39-story elliptical tower contains 482 guestrooms, including 81
suites and 30 villas, and offers guests incredible service and unparalleled
opulence. Located on the uppermost floors of the hotel the palatial villas
are the epitome of world-class accommodation. Each has the character of
a penthouse residence and is attended by Australia’s largest contingent of
butlers, who are on call 24-hours a day. Even the most demanding traveller
will find their every wish taken care of. High rollers can opt for the largest
villa in the Southern Hemisphere, which spans an entire floor.
Rooms come complete with marble bathrooms and immaculate fittings
and the impeccable attention to detail will leave you feeling like you have
stayed at one of the world’s best establishments, which indeed you have.
WGM’s The Panda has stayed here on several occasions and is a big
fan: “The one thing I love about Crown Towers is no request has ever been
too much trouble. A few years ago I organized a helicopter pickup for one
of my friends. Obviously this is not normal behavior, but I have never had a
request that the attentive staff have found too hard, or for that matter too
small, to quickly attend to.”
Situated right in the heart of all the action Melbourne has to offer, this
is the place to stay if you want to treat yourself to some serious pampering.
You are going to have to show some decorum however, as you never know
which megastar you may bump into in the elevators. For bookings and more
information visit www.crowntowers.com.au.
CROWN METROPOL
Crown Metropol is the latest addition to Crown’s hotel offerings, and
represents yet more 5-star luxury. Housing 658 rooms across 28 floors,
Metropol’s top floor boasts a sky-high bar, lounge and outdoor terrace and
is also the hotel’s private club-like retreat accessible only to hotel guests.
Level 27 houses Australia’s first residential day spa, Isika, which offers guests
an unparalleled level of luxury.
Crown Metropol was named in the list of Top Ten Hotels to visit in the
Luxury Travel and Style Gold List for 2011 and was nominated in the Top
Ten Large Luxury Hotels category in the 2011 Australian Gourmet Traveller
Travel Awards.
Metropol is connected to the rest of the Crown Entertainment Complex
by an air-bridge passing over Whiteman Street. Crown Metropol unfairly
suffers from standing in the shadows of Crown Towers, but if this were a
stand-alone hotel it would be universally acknowledged as one of the very
best on offer. Crown Metropol won the Luxury Accommodation award at the
2011 Victorian Tourism Awards. It is wonderfully fitted out, fantastically run,
and guests enjoy practically everything their counterparts staying at Crown
Towers enjoy apart from the proximity to the gaming floor.
Anyone who has stayed at the mega resorts in Vegas has experienced
lengthy walks from their hotel room to the gaming floor action. At Crown
you will be amazed at how easily and quickly you can get from your room to
the felt. For more information and to book visit www.crownmetropol.com.au.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
43

CROWN HOTELS: SPOILT FOR CHOICE
CROWN PROMENADE
Offering 465 rooms over 23 floors, including 18 studios and 3 suites,
Crown Promenade’s spacious guestrooms provide panoramic views of the
city, Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay.
Crown Promenade is located on the block behind Crown Towers,
and while it is not as luxurious as its 6-star older sister it offers modern,
stylish rooms. Add in the state-of-the-art leisure facilities including an
indoor 25-meter infinity pool, two outdoor deck areas, steam rooms and
a gymnasium and you can see why it is such an attractive option. Crown
Promenade also features a purpose-built conference center, the 280-seat
Mesh restaurant and the 80-seat Tonic Bar.
This is one of Melbourne’s finest hotels and is almost constantly
booked out. Access to the main gaming floor from Crown Promenade is
over an air bridge.
Crown Promenade is wonderfully decked out in a modern style
and caters fantastically to those travelling with a friend looking for the
twin option. With a pumping bar downstairs this is the property that
has historically hosted the Aussie Millions closing party, which is an
event you won’t want to miss! For more information and booking visit
www.crownpromenade.com.au.
For those travelling on a tight budget there are some cheaper options
available off site, but in our opinion you should get in quick and get a room
at Crown – because once you factor in the cost of taxis and the convenience
of staying where you play the best option is clearly to stay at one of the three
magnificent Crown hotels.
POKER ROOM RATES
• Crown Promenade AU$265 per night
• Crown Metropol AU$320 per night
• Crown Towers AU$370 per night
• All rooms include free internet for up to two devices
Visit our website www.wgm8.com to read and comment on every article ever published by World Gaming.
44
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

ANNOUNCING AVEDA
ISIKA invites you to discover for yourself why we are becoming known as Melbourne’s best day spa.
Recently welcoming Aveda into the spa and hair salon,
ISIKA is pleased to offer their range of signature Caribbean body treatments.
For only $165* experience the Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub. This island-inspired treatment includes
a relaxing foot massage and bath, body scrub and full body massage which will leave you feeling renewed and rejuvenated.
For more information or to book contact ISIKA on +61 3 9292 8327 or email isika@crownmetropol.com.au
ISIKA at Crown Metropol
8 Whiteman Street Southbank Victoria 3006 Australia
Telephone 9292 8327 Facsimile 9292 8588
isika.com.au
*Terms and conditions apply. Advanced booking essential. Subject to availability.

in Melbourne…
by The Phoenix
Whether you’re a high roller operating on a tight schedule, a visiting
poker player unwilling to drag yourself away from the tables for long,
or a tourist travelling on a more modest budget, our guide to 24 hours
in Melbourne caters to every pocket.
…ON $30
If you are looking to see Melbourne on the cheap the most important
investment is an all-day-zone-one public transport ticket, which will cost you $7.
8am: First stop is Queen Victoria Market for a fresh breakfast. Coffea on
Elizabeth Street is best for a caffeine fix then try a Turkish borek pastry, stuffed
with spicy lamb or potato, available for under $3 at the Deli (stall 94-96). Belly
full and coffee in hand, wander the aisles sampling the fresh fruit, cheese cuts
and a tipple of wine. Buy a ciabatta roll from Andrew’s Bread Stall (stall 29-30),
slices of tasty local cheddar from Bill’s Farm (stall 17-18), a 70-cent organic
Fuji apple and a handful of baby spinach from Garden Organics, pop it in
your bag and that’s lunch taken care of, all for under $10.
Queen Victoria Market, corner Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne,
qvm.com.au, +61 3 9320 5822
12pm: Time to take some photos. Jump on the stairs of Flinders Street
station and admire the street buskers before wandering across the Princes
Bridge. Stop to take in the views of Southbank’s restaurants and the famous
MCG. A few paces further takes you underneath Melbourne’s mini Eiffel Tower
at the Arts Centre. Capture some history and pose with the ponies and their
period carriages.
1:30pm: Lunchtime. Catch the number 8 tram to the Botanic Gardens and
wander the flora and fauna bordering the city. This tranquil setting is the
perfect place to tuck into your fresh lunch from the markets. If the weather’s
not cooperating head to Mag Nation – a newsagent which encourages you
to sit around all afternoon reading magazines. Buy a coffee and get comfy
on one of the upstairs couches until the rain moves on.
Mag Nation, 88 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, magnation.com,
+61 3 9663 6091
10am: Cultural tourism time at the State Library on Swanston Street.
Explore the exhibitions and immerse yourself in a world of art, books, history
and culture. Get a snapshot of Melbourne history and admire the stunning
architecture that houses it all.
State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne,
+61 3 8664 7000
11am: Take any tram down Swanston Street to the iconic Federation Square.
Street performers, live music, passing protests and people-watching are on
the agenda every day. Wander down to the Australian Centre for Moving
Images (ACMI) for a free display of fascinating facts and features.
ACMI, Federation Square, fedsquare.com, +61 3 8663 2200
The bustling Queen Victoria Market
46
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

4pm: A visit to the beach. Catch the 96 tram from Bourke Street to Acland
Street in St Kilda and grab an ice cream from Seven Apples before taking a
stroll towards Luna Park fairground and the beach. This is a great spot to take
some photos and kick off your shoes, let the sand run through your toes and
go for a paddle.
Luna Park
7pm: Dinner time. Take the 109 tram from Collins Street to Victoria Street,
Richmond, to the street of cheap eats! There are plenty of hidden gems here.
The bargain meal is the $6 phở at Thy Thy 2 – a big bowl of beef stock, beef,
noodles, lime, herbs and chili and a complementary thermos of tea. Another
option is a doner kebab at Alasya Bakery, which will set you back around $10,
take the number 19 tram from Elizabeth Street.
Thy Thy 2, 116 Victoria Street, Richmond, +61 3 9428 5914
Alasya, 555 Sydney Road, Brunswick, +61 3 9387 0713
9pm: Sample the nightlife. Visit Fitzroy and witness what happens in
Melbourne after dark. A favorite venue with both locals and tourists alike is the
Night Cat. Fully loaded with live music and great crowds this is a great place to
get your groove on. Catch the 112 to Brunswick Street, get off at Johnston Street
and look for the building rocking back and forth to the beats. Sample a Carlton
Draft and kick back, it may tip you over the $30 mark but you’ve earned it.
The Night Cat, 137-141 Johnston Street, Fitzroy 3065,
thenightcat.com.au, +61 3 9417 0090
…ON $300
An extraordinary day awaits you in Melbourne, for no more than the
cost of a single low stakes cash game buy-in.
9am: Breakfast time. Get things moving with a visit to Degraves Espresso
on the iconic Degraves Street. Jump on the 75 tram at the corner of Degraves
and Flinders Street and head out to Richmond. Your destination is OST, a
new café-style venue boasting friendly staff and a reputation for the best
morning nosh. Locals flock here for the one pan brekkie, a cast iron skillet
loaded with bacon, fried eggs, chorizo, kipfler potato and mushrooms served
with a slice of Noisette sourdough ($17.50). Wash it down with a Bloody Mary
dosed with horseradish and celery ($12). Tram, brekkie and beverages come
in at $40 total.
Degraves Espresso, 23 Degraves Street, Melbourne, +61 3 9654 1245
OST, 306 Bridge Road, Richmond, ost-bar-diner.com.au, +61 3 9429 6724
10:30am: Wander back down Bridge Road to work off the breakfast calories.
The array of shops and discount warehouses offer up bargains galore, making
the eyes bulge as much as the tummy. Heading back to the city center, cut
through the luscious green Fitzroy Gardens, a paradise in the middle of
metropolitan madness.
11:30am: Culture time. Your next destination is the National Gallery of
Victoria. Exhibitions are seasonal but consistently impressive no matter your
preference. Only the best of the best are shown here with past exhibitions
including Dali, Monet and Van Gogh. Guaranteed to knock your arty socks
off, entry is around $25.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) St Kilda Road,
ngv.vic.gov.au, +61 3 8620 2222
1:30pm: Let’s do lunch. Directly out the front of the gallery jump on the
number 16 tram to Fitzroy Street and hop off at stop number 133. Seek
out the new addition to the burgeoning restaurant scene, Golden Fields.
Dishes of note are the shredded chicken in sesame paste with housemade
cold rice noodles and chilli oil ($15), New England lobster roll with
a hot buttered bun, cold poached crayfish, watercress and Kewpie ($15),
duckfish with avocado and fresh horseradish and dried sea lettuce ($12).
Top it off with a carafe of 2010 Jose the Rose, Yarra Valley ($36). Lunch with
love for around $80.
Golden Fields, 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda,
goldenfields.com.au, +61 3 9525 4488
2:30pm: Let lunch settle with a wander down Fitzroy Street all the way to
where the beach lines The Esplanade in St Kilda. Make your way down to
Luna Park and enter the world of carnival madness and jaw-dropping thrill
rides with an unlimited pass for $41.95.
Luna Park, 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda,
lunapark.com.au, +61 3 9525 5033
5:30pm: Take in the view. Tram it back to the city on the 16 and jump off
at Southbank. Wander along the riverside and head towards the Eureka
building. You can’t miss it, it’s the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Skydeck offers the best panorama this gorgeous city has to offer
and a ticket to the best view in town costs $17.50. Grab a photo of your
high altitude adventure and savor the moment. Sky-high experience
around $30.
Eureka Skydeck 88, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank,
eurekaskydeck.com.au, +61 3 9693 8888
7pm: It’s so “Melbourne” to put a restaurant, bar or shop in a place no one
thought possible and Ponyfish Island is a classic example. A must-try when
walking back from Eureka across the bridge, you will not get a closer view of
the Yarra River than when you’re floating at the Pony sipping on a beverage.
Southgate Pedestrian Bridge, Melbourne, ponyfish.com.au
7:30pm: Grab some laughs. Tram or walk your way back to Collins Street
and head for the Comedy Club. Melbourne is on the international map when
it comes to funny guys and gals and a mix of globe-trotting gagsters are
often on the bill. Tickets are $40 for dinner and a show.
The Athenaeum Theater, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne,
athenaeumtheatre.com.au, +61 3 9650 6668
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
47

24 HOURS IN MELBOURNE
St Kilda Sea Baths
ideal location for the ultimate in relaxation, all with panoramic views
of Port Phillip Bay. Treatments range from $110 to $280 for the hour.
St Kilda Sea Baths 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda,
spadreamtime.com.au, +61 3 9525 3288
12pm: Take a relaxing gondola ride on the Yarra River. Get your driver
to drop you off at either Crown’s floating landing near the Melbourne
Exhibition Centre or at Southbank near Sheraton Towers. Stroll down to
the departure pontoon and take a scheduled cruise on a Venetian gondola.
Glide past all the main attractions – the Exhibition Centre, Aquarium,
Southbank and Crown, Flinders Street Station, Federation Square and the
tranquil Alexandra Gardens. Packages start from $265 and include a bottle
of sparkling wine and other luxuries.
Venice on the Yarra, veniceontheyarra.com.au, +61 3 9399 1991
10pm: It’s time for a drink. Make it a strong one to get the night rolling on
into the wee hours. Catch the 112 from Collins out to Brunswick Street all
the way to the end. It’s worth the ride to find Polly, the place to be when it
comes to finely fused elixirs.
Polly Bar, 401 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy,
pollybar.com.au, +61 3 9417 0880
12am: Stumble back to the hotel. If you are feeling peckish head to Siglo, a
rooftop garden bar serving the menu from the Supper Club one level below.
This is the best rooftop dwelling in Melbourne. Soak up the booze with their
gooey Croque Monsieur, this nocturnal soother will set you back $15 but is
well worth cleaning out your wallet for.
Siglo, Level 3, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne, +61 3 9654 0811
…ON $3,000
If budgeting is not an issue Melbourne glitters with options. This
5-star experience is on the pricey side, but we promise you won’t be
disappointed.
7am: Start the day early and breathe in Melbourne whilst skimming
through the sky in a hot air balloon. Balloon Sunrise is the best when it
comes to the exhilarating experience of ballooning. A Balloon Sunrise
Gold Ticket includes a 5-star gourmet champagne breakfast in the
luxury of the Langham Hotel. The pilot will collect you and whisk you
to home base where you can see the huge balloons firing up in the
crisp morning air. Float into the morning sky as the sunlight slides
across Melbourne, there really is no better way to see this city in all its
beauty. $345 well spent.
Balloon Sunrise, balloonsunrise.melbourneaustralia.com.au,
+61 3 9730 2422
10am: It may sound a little decadent, but arrange a driver for most of the
day to ensure you don’t waste time getting to and from destinations. Justify
the expense by classifying it as extensive scenic sightseeing. Silver Line Limo
Service will be at your beck and call for $75 an hour or a flat rate can be
negotiated for the day for around $600.
Silver Line Limo Service, silverlinelimoservice.com.au,
+61 3 9460 1890
10:30am: The first stop for your trusty chauffeur is the St Kilda Sea
Baths. Take the scenic route along The Esplanade until you reach Spa
Dreamtime. Winner of best day spa Australasia by SpaAsia, Dreamtime’s
waterfront facility combines the comforts of a 5-star retreat with an
2:30pm: Afternoon tea at the Hotel Windsor. This Victorian hotel boasts
a dining room fit for royalty, where afternoon tea is served on three-tiered
silver stands and consists of freshly baked scones with jam and cream,
exquisite pastries and finger sandwiches. Afternoon tea is served 12 till
2pm and 2:30 to 4:30pm. Monday to Friday it will set you back $59 and on
weekends $79.
The Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street, Melbourne,
thehotelwindsor.com.au, +61 3 9633 6004
3:30pm: Time for some shopping. Head down to the Paris end of Collins
Street, Melbourne’s luxury retail precinct and browse brands including Chanel,
Prada, Hermes and Louis Vuitton. Purchases can become the responsibility of
the driver leaving you to enjoy the shopping. Consider a purchase to wear
to the stage show later!
5:30pm: Dinner at Vue De Monde. This culinary journey will impress
even the most experienced palate. Choose from à la carte or go all out with
the Gastronomes Menu for the ultimate experience. This top-level menu
incorporates premium ingredients and is priced at $250 per person.
Vue De Monde, Rialto, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne,
vuedemonde.com.au, +61 3 9691 3838
7:45pm: Lucky your driver is waiting to whisk you off to Collins Street to rush
to your reserve seat for one of the highly anticipated internationally renowned
stage shows at the prestigious Regent Theatre. Tickets start from $89.90.
The Regent, 191 Collins St, Melbourne, Ticketing: ticketmaster.com.au
10:30pm: Time to stretch the legs. The driver is no longer needed and has
delivered your day’s shopping and excess baggage back to the hotel. Inspired
by the show wander the streets of Melbourne in search of a suitable cocktail.
Spice Market is your next destination, located just off Russell Street on Beaney
Lane. Grab a seat at the lavish bar and soak up the international atmosphere.
Spice Market, Beany Lane, Melbourne,
spicemarket.net.au, +61 3 9660 3777
12am and onwards: Enter the world of Baroq House. Melbourne’s exclusive
mansion houses the most desired after-dark parties, and the extravagant
surroundings set the scene for a night out even your imagination would
feel intimidated by. Secure a seat in the Dom Pérignon Room by purchasing
a bottle of 1992 Dom Pérignon Oenothèque champagne, priced at $680.
The room is full of fillies and beauty, the dance floor sways and the bottles
pop. Start and end the night as you please, the options are endless and the
doors don’t close until 5am.
Baroq House, 9-13 Drewery Lane, Melbourne,
baroqhouse.com.au, +61 3 8199 3735
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48
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

Crown Restaurants
by The Panda
Savor the moment
50
With its stable of
award-winning
restaurants,
world-famous chefs
and ever-expanding list
of new developments,
Crown is arguably
Australia’s most
impressive
dining precinct.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
With around 40 restaurants throughout the entire complex it’s difficult to visit them all
regularly, but over the years this bear has enjoyed countless meals at a wide range
of Crown’s restaurants. Boasting a range of premium restaurants offering a vast
variety of world cuisine coupled with high-quality service, Crown is firmly entrenched
in Melbourne’s vibrant culinary scene. Combine this with an ideal location on the banks
of the iconic Yarra River and you have a host of bustling riverside eateries to chose from,
allowing diners to enjoy views of downtown Melbourne while tantalizing their taste buds
in style. Here’s a selection of my favorite dining haunts at Crown to whet your appetite.
BISTRO GUILLAUME
Inspired by a selection of France’s popular neighborhood bistros, sophisticated culinary
temple Bistro Guillaume is a popular choice for those looking for a bit of European flair. A fine
example of contemporary Australian cuisine with French influences, Bistro Guillaume is the
home of French-born master chef Guillaume Brahimi. Boasting a list of accolades too long to
mention Guillaume is firmly planted in the hearts of diners as the country’s most revered French
chef. Health-conscious guests can choose from a wide range of main course size salads. Diners
who are looking for something a little more robust should make a point of sampling Guillaume’s
signature dishes such as beef bourguignon, bouillabaisse, duck parmentier, Berkshire pork belly
and crème brûlée, which are all expertly prepared.

THE ATLANTIC
Those after a true ocean to plate experience
should visit Melbourne’s largest seafood
restaurant, The Atlantic, which serves a selection
of high-caliber pristine fresh seafood straight from
the pans of multi-award winning chef, Donovan
Cooke. Center stage is the kitchen with Donovan
at his 30-foot long, three-ton bespoke oven
surrounded by a brigade of 28 chefs, sous chefs
and pastry chefs servicing the 300-seat restaurant.
The Atlantic is Crown’s largest restaurant, but has
been cleverly designed for intimacy.
THE MERRYWELL
Another stylish venue featuring clever design
is cutting-edge gastro-pub The Merrywell in
Crown’s emerging West End precinct. Melbourne’s
hottest new bar and restaurant, The Merrywell
opened in April and is a modern interpretation of
a gastronomy-driven pub offering a trail-blazing
blend of quality food, drink and service. The venue
is casual yet unpretentious and was designed by
Melbourne-based leading architects and interior
designers, Mills Gorman, who have maximized the
site’s expansive views of the Yarra River. In addition
to the stunning view The Merrywell boasts a series
of inviting spaces that combine to create one of
Melbourne’s most innovative dining venues. The
eye-catching décor includes unexpected design
details such as an illuminated wall made of 9,000
beer bottles. Whether dining solo, as a couple or
celebrating with a crowd, this is a great venue to
gather, graze, unwind, relax and have fun.
The Atlantic
More expressions of the Orient are on offer
at Crown’s iconic Chinese restaurant, Silks,
which has recently welcomed two-Michelin-star chef
Peter Chan as the new executive chef.
NOBU
Nobu is amongst the world’s most recognized
Japanese restaurants. Known for its innovative
new-style Japanese/Peruvian cuisine Nobu started
as a business partnership in 1994 between chef
Nobu Matsuhisa and his partners, actor Robert De
Niro, producer Meir Teper and managing partner
Richie Notar. With the original restaurant in New
York, the Nobu brand is now established in many
locations around the world including London,
Tokyo, Las Vegas, Milan, Hong Kong and Waikiki,
and features in the Michelin Guide. For a more indepth
look at the Nobu dining experience read our
review on page 34.
SILKS
More expressions of the Orient are on offer
at Crown’s iconic Chinese restaurant, Silks, which
has recently welcomed two-Michelin-star chef
Peter Chan as the new executive chef. Formerly
executive chef of two-Michelin-star restaurant
Wing Lei, located at Wynn Macau, chef Chan is
revered for his innovation, creativity and authentic
Cantonese dishes. He is regarded as one of Asia’s
most consistent chefs and secured a Michelin star
for two consecutive years before being awarded a
second Michelin star for Wing Lei in the 2012 Hong
Kong and Macau Michelin Guide.
Silks
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
51

CROWN RESTAURANTS: SAVOR THE MOMENT
Mr Hive Kitchen & Bar
MR HIVE KITCHEN & BAR
Fans of more traditional cuisine will
appreciate Mr Hive Kitchen & Bar located on level
one of the Crown Metropol hotel. The restaurant
caters to diners and hotel guests alike and the
menu is a tribute to British dishes, which have
been re-invented and modernized. Evocative of
the best British cooking with a hint of nostalgia,
the dishes are a showcase for executive chef
John Lawson’s immeasurable talent and skill.
Influenced by dining in New York, Melbourne
and London, Lawson applies traditional French
cooking techniques in a modern context and
has created a menu that is reflective of his British
heritage and love of comforting dishes that burst
with “big flavors”.
ROCKPOOL BAR & GRILL
Connoisseurs of Wagyu beef will be drawn
to Rockpool Bar & Grill to experience why Neil
Perry’s signature beef meals receive world-wide
recognition. Rockpool Wagyu beef hangs in a
chiller room with viewing windows, as part
of the traditional dry ageing process. Before
carving into a first-class cut, drop into Perry’s
glittering cocktail bar, The Waiting Room, which
serves a selection of spectacular cocktails and
sumptuous snacks ideal to start or finish any
evening.
SPICE TEMPLE
Fans of fusion-based food should visit
Spice Temple, which offers Asian-fusion at its
best combined with a sexy interior, spice-filled
menu and a cocktail list to rival the best bars in
Melbourne.
Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons
GIUSEPPE ARNALDO & SONS
Those after a more opulent dining
experience should visit Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons.
Inspired by a vision of a third millennium Roman
Trattoria Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons illustrates a
contemporary idea of Rome within the heart of
Melbourne. The brainchild of Maurizio Terzini
and Robert Marchetti, the restaurant offers
Marchetti’s own salumi range, cheeses matured
by Assineur Richard Thomas and wines made in
Italian styles by local vineyards, providing guests
with an authentic Italian dining experience with
expert service.
All these top restaurants are located amongst
other established favorites such as Koko offering
traditional and teppanyaki Japanese, Number 8
restaurant and wine bar serving modern Australian
dishes, JJ’s Bar & Grill, Breezes and the recently reopened
Conservatory. Crown has a superb choice
of top-class restaurants and there is something on
offer to cater for every palate.
52
Spice Temple
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
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ever published by World Gaming.

STAY OR PLAY
OFFER
E NTERBOTHTHEM AINE VENTAU D ANDAU D CHALLENGE
Receive either five nights’ accommodation (room only^) at Crown Metropol valued at ~AUD$1,500 or
Aussie Millions tournament credits* to the equivalent value, plus 2 x VIP invitations to the 2013 Aussie Millions ‘Welcome Party’.
OFFER
E NTERBOTHTHEM AINE VENTAU D ANDAU D CHALLENGE
Receive either ten nights’ accommodation (room only^) at Crown Metropol valued at ~AUD$3,000 or
Aussie Millions tournament credits* to the equivalent value, plus 2 x VIP invitations to the 2013 Aussie Millions ‘Welcome Party’.
OFFER
E NTERBOTHTHEM AINE VENTAU D ANDAU D SUPERH IGHR OLLER
Receive either ten nights’ accommodation at Crown Towers (room only**) valued at ~AUD$3,500
or Aussie Millions tournament credits* to the equivalent value, plus:
- Return airport transfers (from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport)
- 2 x Silver Australian Open Tennis tickets for the 2013 Australian Open
- 2 x VIP invitations to the 2013 Aussie Millions ‘Welcome Party’
As an added bonus, these offers are cumulative so those that play in all the above mentioned 2013
events will be entitled to nearly AUD$8,000 in accommodation or tournament credits!*
I NORDERTOSECURETHESEEXC LU SIVEOFFERS
REGISTRATIONANDFULLPAYMENTMUSTBERECEIVEDBYJANUARY
F ORMOREINFORMATIONPLEASEC ONTAC T
Christian Vaughan
Poker Tournament Director, Crown Melbourne Limited
Phone: +61 3 9292 6873 | Mobile: +61 403 008 881 | christianv@crownmelbourne.com.au
@crownpoker
facebook.com/crownpokerroom
^Stay or Play offers 1 and 2 - Accommodation offer is for a Luxe room at Crown Metropol, room only, additional room charges are the responsibility of the player/guest, credit card imprint may be required at booking
to cover additional expenses. *Conditions apply. Tournament credits can be used to buy in to 2013 Aussie Millions events other than the Main event or the $25,000, $100,000 and $250,000 Challenges. Tournament
credits cannot be redeemed for cash or other services and must be used during the 2013 Aussie Millions Poker Championship. ** Stay or Play offer 3 - Accommodation offer is for a Deluxe room at Crown Towers, room
only, additional room charges are the responsibility of the player/guest, credit card imprint may be required at booking to cover additional expenses.

As poker’s popularity continues to grow, tournament
buy-ins are reaching astronomical proportions.
The Dragon looks at where it all began.
by The Dragon
This year’s WSOP is going to see the first ever
tournament with a US$1 million buy-in.
With the growing popularity of poker and
an increasing number of millionaires created by
the game this was always going to happen. It was
only a matter of time. But you might be surprised
at which station this steam-train of huge buy-in
tournaments departed from.
While a seven-figure tournament buy-in is
undoubtedly far from the norm, the fact the game
has progressed this far marks a milestone in poker
history. Poker has evolved to yet another level.
Some might argue that it’s actually not in poker’s
best interests, but as far as we’re concerned if there
are enough runners willing to front up the cash
then who are we to tell them what they should
do with their money.
Massive High Roller tournaments serve to
add to the poker landscape and going forward
could well begin to dominate. High Roller events
have always sat alongside the Main Event as the
highlight of any poker festival and these bigger
buy-ins can only serve to attract more megawealthy
gamblers to the game – players who up
until this point in time may have struggled to get
a real gambling rush out of poker.
So where did this all start? When did things
start getting so out of control? You could be
forgiven for thinking that it was at the Bellagio,
the WSOP or even one of the card rooms in Macau,
54
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

The Aussie Millions has always brought the
very best of the best to Australian shores.
but you would be wrong. The idea of huge buyin
tournaments first started at Crown and it
happened at the Aussie Millions.
The Aussie Millions has always brought the very
best of the best to Australian shores. The big names
in the poker world – many of them with bankrolls
totaling more money than your average Joe will see
in three lifetimes – have always flocked to the Aussie
Millions for the sun, fun and most of all the gamble.
While the WSOP has always been the game’s
most prestigious tournament series it runs to a
very tight schedule and every big player is chasing
bracelets. The Aussie Millions differs in the respect
that while it always offers a busy schedule to
overseas players looking for their poker fix, there
is still plenty of time to enjoy everything that
Melbourne has to offer.
However, some players just aren’t interested
in culture and sightseeing and there are always
those action junkies looking for the next big
game. No matter what you offer some players off
the table, those who have cut their teeth on the
fast-paced action of high stakes poker will always
put off a game of golf or a trip to the wineries for
a “sick” game of poker. So when Crown gave them
the opportunity in 2006 a new type of tournament
was born – the Super High Roller.
While the first AU$100,000 tournament
was a speed poker event and only attracted 10
players, it did catch the poker world’s attention.
With the stage set it jumped to 18 players in
2007, then 25 players in 2008. By 2011 that figure
had grown to 38 runners, with British pro Sam
Trickett defeating a final table of poker’s best and
brightest to put his name on the trophy. The big
buy-in madness didn’t end there though, and the
AU$100,000 event had established itself as such a
popular fixture that Crown added an AU$250,000
event that same year. This Super High Roller saw
20 players pit wits against each other to fight it
out for a first prize of AU$2.5 million. Seasoned
pro Eric Siedel took it down and catapulted
himself from 9th to 3rd in the world for all-time
tournament winnings.
The big boys will be saddling up again in
2013. This year at the Aussie Millions the “big
guns” will bring their ammo to fight out the big
events. Even though the WSOP have their $1
million buy-in, Crown can honestly claim they
have played their part in this shift in the poker
culture. For all you mere mortal poker players
out there don’t be put off. The Aussie Millions
is a tournament developed for the average
player and while it is the birthplace of the Super
High Roller concept, it will always cater to every
bankroll.
for
your
chance to win
See page 13 for full details
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article ever published by World Gaming.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
55

WSOP heads
“Down Under”
The World Series of Poker will be heading down to
Melbourne in 2013 for the WSOP Asia-Pacific (WSOP APAC),
an event that looks set to take Australia by storm.
With poker’s popularity exploding across the Asia-Pacific region, the World Series
of Poker (WSOP) has teamed up with Australia’s Crown Melbourne to take the
major poker tournament series “down under”.
The multi-year agreement will see Melbourne’s iconic Crown Entertainment
Complex host five WSOP gold bracelet events for the WSOP APAC, which will take
place from April 4 to 15, 2013. Crown’s agreement with the WSOP includes provision
for international television production of the event, so expect global coverage on ESPN.
“With WSOP Las Vegas growing annually and WSOP Europe poised for long-term
success after five years, the time is right to turn our attention to the dynamic poker
scene in Asia and Australia,” said WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart. “Given Crown’s
success with the Aussie Millions Poker Championship, we couldn’t ask for a better
partner than Crown to establish the Asia-Pacific’s definitive poker festival.”
As home of the renowned “Aussie Millions Poker Championship” Crown is no
stranger to hosting huge poker tournaments and boasts the world’s largest poker
room outside North America. Attracting approximately 18 million local, interstate
and international visitors each year Crown Melbourne is Australia’s leading integrated
entertainment resort.
“This exciting partnership brings together two industry leaders, and two strong
brands, to create a premier poker event in this region,” said Crown Melbourne’s CEO,
Greg Hawkins. “Our agreement firmly aligns with our objective of attracting the very
best local and international players, all vying for a coveted WSOP bracelet. We are
incredibly proud of what we have achieved with the Aussie Millions and look forward
to featuring WSOP Asia Pacific on our poker calendar in April 2013.”
The agreement marks the first time the WSOP is exporting its prestigious
tournament series to Australia, and marks just the second expansion of the 42-year-old
brand, after the advent of WSOP Europe in 2007. To date, WSOP gold bracelets have only
been awarded in Las Vegas (1970 to 2012), London (2007 to 2010) and France (2011).
Legions of locals have been swept up in the Australian poker boom that was
ignited when Melbournian and Crown ambassador Joe Hachem became the 2005 World
Series of Poker Champion, scooping up US$7.5 million in prize money for his efforts.
“It’s thrilling to think the World Series of Poker is coming to Australian soil,” said
Joe Hachem. “I know first-hand what a life-changing moment winning the WSOP
gold bracelet was and how it served as a catalyst for the growth of poker in Australia
and Asia. It will be a dream come true to host a worldwide poker event such as this at
Crown. I can’t wait.”
The 2011 WSOP in Las Vegas attracted 75,672 entrants and the newly relocated
2011 WSOPE in Cannes saw 4,389 entrants, together awarding US$223 million in prize
money. The WSOP APAC will no doubt follow suit and take Australia by storm. Expect
the complete schedule to be announced later this year.
Visit our website www.wgm8.com to read and comment on every article ever published by World Gaming.
56
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

y The Eagle
Many think Crown is a standalone property,
but the company that owns and operates
Crown Melbourne, Crown Ltd (Australian
Stock Exchange: CWN), has interests in three
other properties around the world. Crown Ltd
owns the Burswood Entertainment Complex in
Perth, Australia and Aspinalls Club in London,
as well as being the “Crown” part of Melco
Crown Entertainment Ltd (NASDAQ: MPEL,
Hong Kong Stock Exchange: 6883), which
operates the City of Dreams integrated resort
in Macau. Let’s take a look at these properties
from around the globe:
Crown Entertainment Complex
Melbourne, Australia
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank,
Victoria 3006, Australia
www.crownmelbourne.com.au
Phone +61 3 9292 8888
DINING AND ACCOMMODATION
For a more in-depth look at the various restaurants
on offer at Crown check out our “Crown
Restaurants” feature on page 50 and our article
on Nobu on page 34. For the lowdown on living
the high life at Crown’s three luxurious hotels visit
page 42.
BARS
Crown is the nightlife epicenter of the vibrant and
multicultural city of Melbourne. Boasting more
clubs and bars than you can count on two hands
there are a myriad of partying options to suit every
taste and budget. Those looking for a casual drink
should check out Lagerfield Bar and Beer Garden.
The Las Vegas Bar, situated in the poker room, will
be your first port of call to commiserate in the
highly unlikely event you bust from a tournament,
while the Sports Bar is a great place to watch the
Australian Open tennis. Those looking to burn the
midnight oil can party hard at nightclubs Co and
Fusion located on level three.
ENTERTAINMENT
Crown is home to a myriad of entertainment
options. Immerse yourself in the sparkling
atmosphere of the intimate and classy cabaret
venue, The Palms at Crown, where you can see
all the latest live music, theater and comedy acts,
or Club 23, Fusion and Studio 3, which host some
amazing live bands. Catch the latest blockbuster
at Village Gold Class cinemas.
A World of Entertai
SHOPPING
Melbourne is a city renowned for its love of quality
shopping and Crown offers some of the bestknown
luxury labels in the world. Burberry, Prada,
Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Omega and LK Jewellery
are just some of the international designer names
that call Crown home.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
For a more in-depth look at what Melbourne has
to offer jump to page 26 to read our “Summer
in Melbourne” feature. Those visiting on a tight
schedule should read “24 hours in Melbourne”
on page 46.
Burswood Entertainment Complex
Perth, Australia
Great Eastern Highway, Burswood,
Western Australia 6100, Australia
www.burswood.com.au
Phone +61 8 9362 8888
Situated on the banks of Perth’s Swan River
on the west coast of Australia, Burswood is a
fully integrated entertainment precinct with
two international hotels, a wide variety of
restaurants and bars, the Burswood Day Spa,
Perth’s largest entertainment arena and a host
of recreational facilities.
ACCOMMODATION
Burswood offers guests the choice of two
international hotels: the luxurious InterContinental
with its generously sized rooms and magnificent
views, and the friendly and relaxed Holiday Inn.
DINING
Step into sophisticated (A)LURE and dine from
an inspired menu featuring the finest local
produce. Experience contemporary Cantonese
culinary delights at Yú. Watch as your food is
prepared at live cooking stations in the Atrium
Buffet Restaurant. Sip on delectable cocktails
in the art deco-inspired Lobby Lounge. Or try
Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar & Grill Restaurant,
the Mediterranean-influenced menu at Sirocco
Restaurant and Bar, passionately crafted Italian
food at Modo Mio, perfect sushi at Nobu or enjoy
casual yet stylish al fresco dining at the Poolside
Bar & Grill.
ENTERTAINMENT
Featuring the state-of-the-art Burswood
Theatre, impressive Burswood Dome and
opulent Grand and Astral Ballrooms, Burswood
offers world-class international headline acts,
dazzling live theater performances, concerts
and comedy all year round.
SHOPPING
Discover Western Australia’s rare treasures at
Linneys, which is renowned for its Australian
South Sea pearls, Argyle diamonds and
Kalgoorlie gold jewelry. Visit Dress Code and
browse a fabulous range of exclusive designer
garments, fashion accessories, shoes and unique
gift ideas.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
With the enviable climate that comes with being
Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth is renowned
for world-class wineries, spectacular golf courses,
lush parklands, scenic walks, cycle trails and the
iconic Swan River.
Burswood
Entertainment
Complex
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#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE

nment
The Crown family encompasses
properties as far flung as England,
Australia and Macau, China.
ENTERTAINMENT
Leave the children at Kids’ City, Macau’s
premier kids’ attraction, while you explore the
kaleidoscope of entertainment options on offer,
including Dragon’s Treasure, an iconic and thrilling
audiovisual multimedia experience. Check out
the white-hot Club CUBIC and the must-see
House of Dancing Water, created by the worldrenowned
Franco Dragone. Housed in the 2,000-
seat Dancing Water Theater, this show is City of
Dreams’ centerpiece.
ENTERTAINMENT
With world-class venues such as the O2 arena,
Wembley Stadium and Her Majesty’s Theater, London
is one of the world’s most exciting entertainment
destinations. From legendary musicals and stage
shows to orchestral performances, rock concerts and
sporting events, visitors are spoilt for choice.
SHOPPING
Aspinalls is within easy reach of some of London’s
best shopping. Special VIP viewings are available
at Harrods, while discounts can be arranged
at Asprey, Cartier and other premium retailers.
Aspinalls offers a unique watch concierge service,
where guests can choose from top range designer
watches, such as Rolex and Cartier, in the comfort
of the club or their hotel room.
City of Dreams
Cotai, Macau
Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau
www.cityofdreamsmacau.com
Phone +853 8868 6688
City of Dreams
City of Dreams combines electrifying entertainment,
an amazing array of accommodation,
regional and international dining and designerbrand
shopping.
ACCOMMODATION
The different styles of accommodation at City
of Dreams appeal to a wide spectrum of tastes.
Crown Towers, Hard Rock Hotel and the Grand
Hyatt Macau together provide approximately
1,400 guest rooms and suites.
DINING
City of Dreams offers an impressive range of worldclass
restaurants from fine dining experiences to
casual meals, as well as a host of noodle bars, cafés
and lounges. The resort is home to more than 20
food and beverage venues.
SHOPPING
City of Dreams is home to 175,000 square feet of
retail space showcasing high-end fashion labels,
premium beauty brands and exquisite jewelry
and timepieces.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Macau is a vibrant coastal city with unique
attractions, world heritage sites and fascinating
museums. Portuguese Catholic churches, Western
fortresses, traditional Chinese temples, modernday
monuments like the Macau Tower, peaceful
beaches and hilltop hikes are amongst all that
Macau has to offer.
Aspinalls
London, United Kingdom
27–28 Curzon Street,
London W1J7TJ, England
www.aspinalls-club.com
Phone +44 207 499 4599
Aspinalls Club in the heart of Mayfair is London’s
premier boutique gaming establishment. The
stylish interiors with touches of contemporary
elegance give the club its distinctive feel, making
it inviting from the moment you step inside.
ACCOMMODATION
Aspinalls recommends staying in Mayfair or
Knightsbridge, which boast first-class hotels like
The Dorchester, Metropolitan, InterContinental
and Mandarin Oriental.
DINING
The recently rebuilt restaurant at Aspinalls offers
a stunning setting with trellis-covered walls and
detailed, colored-glass conservatory ceiling. Head
chef Nicola Ducceschi’s menu reflects a fusion of
Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Take a jaunt through London to view the city’s
grand cultural icons including Buckingham Palace,
Westminster, the Tower of London and St Paul’s
Cathedral. Admire the fine Victorian architecture,
explore the wonders of the many art galleries or
experience the pageantry and style of Royal Ascot,
where thoroughbreds and guests have paraded for
more than 200 years.
for
your
chance to win
Visit our website www.wgm8.com to read and comment on every
article ever published by World Gaming.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
59

The Aussie Millions Poker Championship is one of
the world’s premier international poker tournaments.
Experience Crown’s world class poker facilities, rub shoulders
with celebrities and play alongside some of the
world’s best poker players.
JANUARY–FEBRUARY
WWWAUSSIEMILLIONSCOM
@crownpoker
facebook.com/crownpokerroom

JANUARY–FEBRUARY
Joe Hachem
2005 World Series of Poker Champion
and Crown Ambassador
crown poker room,
melbourne australia