The Real Deal Busts
Written by Tom L | Monday, December 22nd, 2008
Much was expected of the Real Deal. It was the world’s first poker reality show. It had some of the top names in the poker fraternity supporting it. And it had a grand opening at the Venetian. But in eight short weeks the hype and hoop-la is over. The Venetian has announced that it is discontinuing hosting the show.
Much was expected of the Real Deal. It was the world’s first poker reality show. It had some of the top names in the poker fraternity supporting it. And it had a grand opening at the Venetian. But in eight short weeks the hype and hoop-la is over. The Venetian has announced that it is discontinuing hosting the show.
The show’s concept was unique. That much has to be conceded. Members of the audience, common people like you and me, would get to play with two celebrity poker professionals and win up to a million dollars in prizes. The players would be chosen from a list that included luminaries like Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Jr., Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Jennifer Harman, Phil Laak, Scotty Nguyen, and Todd Brunson. And there were to be celebrities from outside the world of poker in attendance. And if that were not enough the show was being co-hosted by Lacey Jones.
There had to be a catch. There was an entry fee that started at $45. And if someone wanted the frills, like shaking hands with Jennifer Harman, the shell out had to be considerably higher and obviously people were not willing to pay. The bigger catch was that for winning the million dollars a member from the audience needed to draw a royal flush and the chances of that are so remote that even the $45 minimum entry fee is like flushing money down the toilet.
Now that the Real Deal is no more the poker professionals can go back to their lives. The person who will be hit the hardest is Lacey Jones. Her life was revolving around The Real Deal. In her blog before her participation in the show she had written, “Life is good … really good. Not to mention very busy! “The Real Deal!” is well on its way, and it’s been so exciting being the hostess of the show. Now for the icing on the cake: the majority of my time will be working on “The Real Deal!” – the world’s first fully interactive poker show at the Venetian. I saw the stage and it looks amazing! Almost like a TV game show, but way cooler – there’s a poker table in the middle! Sorry for all the exclamation points, but I’m so excited. I think as soon as they showed the TV spot they would be airing, I immediately had goose bumps. I’m telling you guys, this show is going to be so much fun and something everyone will be talking about.”
As Wicked Chops Poker put it, what was needed to save the show was the body paint routine from Lacy Jones. Only if Lacey has appeared wearing only body paint as she did once earlier this year the Real Deal could have been saved.
Other Articles Published on CompatiblePoker.com
· Written by Tom L · Filed Under Poker Gossip · Comments Off
