My husband reminded me when there were not many, if any, women to be seen in a Las Vegas card room, unless they were a player’s wife or girl friend sitting behind him (not both at the same time, hopefully!) “sweating” (watching) the action.

 

My, how things have changed… Besides many female dealers, some of which are better than most of their male counterparts, there are enough female poker buffs to fill a convention sized room with players that are all members of the fairer sex…….. as was evident by the number of entrants in the WSOP Women’s Tournament at the Rio the last couple of years. There were over 1000 participants in 2007-2008.

 

Thanks to pioneers like Betty Cary, Barbara Freer and Jackie McDaniels, women players have, as they say, “come a long way baby”

 

While none have prevailed in the signature event at the WSOP (yet!) many have won the coveted bracelet in other open events.

 

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Lisa Tenner, co-founder and co-captain of The Queens of Heart poker team. The Queens of Heart is a group of female celebrities and poker players that include such celebs as Jackie Collins, Mimi Rogers, Teri Hatcher, Joely Fisher and poker pros including Barbara Enright, Susie Isaacs and Linda Johnson, along with about 30 other celebrities and poker playing gals.

 

This star-studded lineup of celebrities and poker professionals have committed to play in this year’s event, slated as a three-day tournament which begun at 12 noon on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino®. 

 

Led by founder and co-captain Lisa Tenner, the Queens of Heart was formed to help raise awareness and funds for good causes.  More than $12,000 has already been provided to Nevada Cancer Institute from this year’s team members. 

 

Thanks to Lisa Tenner and this fine group, its nice to know, not all winnings goes to make-up, clothes and the next buy-in. Keep up the good works ladies!