BCLC: PlayNow.Com Announces Roberto Luongo Charity Poker Classic

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 7, 2011) - Poker players in B.C. will have the opportunity to sit at the poker table with the Vancouver goaltender at the Roberto Luongo Charity Poker Classic.

The charity poker tournament will take place at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, B.C. on November 14, 2011.

It is estimated $80,000 will be raised to support hockey education, grassroots hockey programs and youth health and wellness in B.C. Attendees will be able to bid on items in live and silent auctions.

"This is a great opportunity to raise money for a terrific cause through a fun night of entertainment," explained Roberto Luongo. "I enjoy getting together with friends to play poker and to have the proceeds donated to charity means a lot to everyone."

Prizes at the charity tournament will include an estimated $45,000 prize pool as well as a number of themed prizes donated by friends of Luongo.

Would-be participants have a number of options to attend the charity tournament. Players can win entry through daily qualifying poker tournaments on PlayNow.com, running nightly until November 12 at 9 p.m. (PST).

Seats to play in the tournament are available to the public, who can purchase seats on a first-come basis through the River Rock Casino Resort by calling 604-247-8983 to register.

Buy-in to the tournament is $300, with an optional $200 charity donation which includes a complimentary stay at the River Rock Hotel, a PlayNow.com gift bag and a number of collectible items. Additional information on the tournament is available at PlayNow.com.

"This promises to be an exciting event for poker players," added Rhonda Garvey, Vice President of eGaming, BCLC. "Whether playing Luongo online or winning entry to his charity tournament, it's great to have such unique experiential prizes available for our players to win."

To view the associated Roberto Luongo Charity Poker Classic poster please visit: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/luongo.jpg

Operated by BCLC, PlayNow.com is BC's only legal and regulated online gambling website. PlayNow.com offers socially responsible gambling entertainment while generating income to benefit all British Columbians.