WSOP Officials: No Security Concern or Threat to WSOP or Rio
In light of the Boston Marathon bombings in recent weeks, a thread popped up on Two Plus Two recommending that World Series of Poker officials heighten security measures. The original post in the thread read in part, “The last hour or so on Twitter, an argument has started about safety at the WSOP. Someone Tweeted that they thought the WSOP should increase security and check backpacks and stuff because of what happened in Boston. [WSOP Tournament Director]Jack Effel chimed in and said it would be something that they look into in the upcoming days.”
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PocketFives reached out to WSOP Vice President of Corporate Communications Seth Palansky, who told us in an exclusive statement, “We have received no information that there is any concern or threat to the WSOP or the location it is being held.” The tournament series, which begins in three weeks, will originate from the Rio in Las Vegas.
Palansky added, however, that players, media, and fans alike could see heightened security measures in place at the 2013 WSOP: “We take the issue of security very seriously and take necessary measures to best ensure that guests, players, and employees are all protected as best we can without unnecessarily affecting people’s comfort.”
He continued, “While we won’t disclose specific security measures planned or in place, we want to remind everyone that search of possessions or people are a security measure commonly used at large-scale events. We also comply with safety concerns directed by any local, state, or national law enforcement group.”
The Rio is a full-scale casino and, therefore, already utilizes a variety of security measures. “We have video surveillance throughout the premises, 24-hour security personnel, armed and trained law enforcement officials on site, and feel good about our ability to manage the security riskthat comes along with hosting a big event,” Palansky charged.
“But, we must remain vigilant and aware at all times because it is an ongoing job we take seriously. We want to remind everyone that their cooperation, alertness, and assistance can go a long way in keeping the 44th Annual World Series of Poker as comfortable and safe as the previous 43 have been.”
Crime is not uncommon in Las Vegas. Last December, a shooting in the lobby of the Excalibur Casino left a 30-year-old woman who worked as a Vegas.com concierge dead. The perpetrator then shot himself, according to KTNV Las Vegas, all in the midst of a packed Friday night at the Strip hotel.
Recently, a man drove down the Las Vegas Strip with guns blazing, killing three people total, including a rapper. According to the Las Vegas Sun, “Kenneth Cherry Jr., the driver of the Maserati, and a passenger were hit in the shooting. Cherry’s wounds caused him to lose control of the car, which ran a red light at Flamingo Road and crashed into a taxi.” The altercation began at the Aria valet and continued up the Strip toward the Bellagio.
We’ll keep you posted on the latest 2013 WSOP news right here on PocketFives.
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