The Aussie Millions are upon us so we took a trip out to Australia to check out last issue’s No.4 world cardroom – the Crown Casino, Melbourne.
Australia may not have a true monarchy to call its own but they do have a crown with enough “bling” to hold court over most of the gambling world. The Crown Casino in Melbourne is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and houses some of the finest entertainment and dining experiences in Australia. The complex is in operation 24/7 but it’s during the twilight hours that the venue really comes alive with more bars and nightclubs than you can body pop your way through in one night. Whether you’re looking for a real spit and sawdust (not literally) pub or a refined cocktail bar the Crown has more than enough outlets to keep you well lubricated. If you don’t like to drink and gamble then you can take some time out to spend your winnings in one of the many top quality restaurants and high end shops. The Crown is much more than the just a gambling hall and if you’re planning a trip down under anytime soon it is definitely worth a visit, or two.
Casino and Poker
Australians love to gamble and the plethora of punting opportunities available is as extensive as any establishment you’d find in Vegas or beyond. Casino War (basically highest card wins), Blackjack, Roulette and Sic Bo (an Asian dice game) are stretched across the half kilometre floor space making The Crown the largest casino in the Southern Hemisphere. If you’re years of religiously drumming poker concepts such as odds, tactics and logic into your mind make the thought entrusting lady luck with your money undesirable, then there’s more than enough action in the poker room. The poker floor can accommodate over fifty poker tables with cash games and tournaments running daily. If you’re an online and have decided to remove the power cables and venture out into the real world you'll find some solace in the PokerPro tables that the Crown have on offer. The electronic tables use an LCD screen which incorporates the latest touch technology to make the game as real as possible (well, in a strange virtual way).
If you’re a regular donator at the tables the Crown Players Club will get you entry into some juicy freerolls as well as a seat reservation facility, so you’ll never miss out on a chance to pounce on any added value. The free car parking is also a nice little bonus, especially if you’re planning on a marathon session at the tables. Overall, the poker facilities at the Crown are exceptional; indeed, if the venue was good enough for former world champ Joe Hachem then it should be good enough for you.
Aussie Millions
If there’s one thing the Australians love more than gambling it’s sport and for them poker is fair game. This means that once the cards hit the felt at the Aussie Millions you can expect a raucous atmosphere from the crowds inside the Crown Casino. Indeed, since its inception in the Main Event has grown immensely from just 133 runners in 2004, to 681 runners in 2009.
Last year saw PartyPoker-sponsored pro and local boy Stuart Scott crowned king. The poker playing chef demonstrated that revenge is a dish best served cold as his final table display saw him oust not one but two Brits. While the Aussies may have taken a battering in the cricket the Melbourne local was keen to ensure the Brit invasion didn’t conclude with them taking home the Aussie Millions title. Fortunately, for Scott, the Brits went out in 7th and 8th and after some exemplary poker the Australian found himself heads-up against American Peter Rho. Although Rho held a 3-1 chip lead that deficit was quickly overturned and after Rho made a stand with A-J it was an easy call and victory for Scott’s pocket aces.
This year’s action kicks off on the 14th of January with the first of 20 events and if the Aussie poster boy, Joe Hachem, is anything to go by then the table banter will be as lively as the action. Certainly, if Scott’s victory last year is an indicator of things to come then we can expect a chorus of chants echoing their way around the Crown Casino. All together now: “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie... Oi, oi, oi.” |
