The Asian Poker Tour Macau will begin today with the first card of the main event following yesterday’s welcome reception and satellite tournaments. The event will run from August 27 to 31 and is being held at the StarWorld casino. The latest development sees a surprise visit by the legendary Jack Binion, host of the first World Series of Poker at the Horseshoe in 1970.

The first time it was held here in 2006, the Asian Poker Tour (APT) drew 313 participants who slugged it out over a USD 1.5-million (SGD 2.06 million) prize pool. When it returns this year, organisers are expecting a bigger turnout and promising a larger pot. Mr Christopher Parker, chief executive officer and co-founder of the APT, said 600 to 800 participants are expected to hit the tables when the Singapore leg commences in late-November or early-December.