Poker players see World Series of Poker Circuit events as multi-day opportunities to score some serious cash.

Naturally, then, when Turning Stone Resort Casino was selected as the site for the first-ever WSOP Circuit in New York State, it was front-page news.

The WSOP Circuit, scheduled to take place inside The Event Center March 17-28, features more than $1 million in guaranteed prizes.

Guy Renzi, Vice President of Gaming, said certain events during the 12-day circuit guarantee prize payouts of $25,000, $50,000, $200,000 or even $500,000 per event. Renzi noted that these totals are minimums, so if people flock to the event, payouts may even exceed $1 million.

“When people see a WSOP Circuit event, they know there’s going to be mega tournaments, mega guarantees, and great poker action,” said Guy. “In addition to the action in the tournaments, we know there’ll be great live poker action in our poker room as well. Many of these players just love to play.”

On paper, the WSOP Circuit schedule takes up the better part of a full page, listing 14 different ring-qualifying contests and one championship game. Buy-ins for the official events range from $300 to $1,700, and there are ample opportunities for rebuys.

Winners of each event, including the championship, will take home a ring (see story below).

Winners also can qualify for a final round dubbed the World Series of Poker’s 2022 “Tournament of Champions” in Las Vegas later this year. This $1-million free-roll tournament is open to any of the bracelet and gold ring winners from the 2021/2022 WSOP Circuit season. It will be the first time all winners from one season are brought together for one event. Turning Stone winners definitely will participate.

Here at Turning Stone, from a logistical perspective, hosting a poker tournament for several hundred players is no easy feat. That’s why the event will take place in the Event Center, since it’s one of the largest venues for this sort of thing on property.

The privilege of hosting a WSOP Circuit event is a big deal for the region and our guests. 

“Turning Stone is thrilled to serve as New York’s first-ever satellite host for the World Series of Poker, and provide this incredible opportunity to our guests,” said Ray Halbritter, CEO of Oneida Nation Enterprises.

The World Series of Poker, which started in 1970, bills itself as “the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event.” In over 50 years the WSOP has awarded more than $3.29 billion in prize money.