Debuting at The Venetian Resort, Hotel, and Casino in Las Vegas on October 22nd will be the newest show offering on the Strip: The Real Deal. Hosted by comedian Paul Rodriguez, the show pits audience members against some of the top poker pros in the world with a chance for $1 million on the line.
Executive Producer Merv Adelson commented in a press release, “Paul Rodriguez was a natural choice to be the host of The Real Deal. Funny, charismatic, and engaging, he knows how to connect with an audience and keep them on the edge of their seats. With more than 20 years on the comedy circuit, Paul has a huge fan base and we’re very excited to add his level of star power to our already exciting ensemble.” The Venetian already hosts the Broadway show Phantom of the Opera, along with Blue Man Group, Jersey Boys, and Wayne Brady. It offers one of the most diverse entertainment lineups in Las Vegas.
As part of The Real Deal, two of the top poker stars in the world will battle against audience members, who will be using a special hand-held computer. According to a press release distributed by the casino, “The show reaches a crescendo when the final surviving amateur, the chip-leading pro, and the point leader from the audience take the stage for the three-handed final table.” The show debuts on October 22nd in The Venetian Showroom. The Real Deal will run at 5:00pm with 8:00pm performances every Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets begin at $75.
Las Vegas is the hometown of many of the pros that pervade poker programming today. Therefore, generating a roster of pros to star in The Real Deal may have been a relatively simple task. Already slated to appear are Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Jennifer Harman, Phil Laak, Todd Brunson, and Scotty Nguyen. Doyle Brunson noted, “Poker fans have been able to view and enjoy professional poker action for years on television. This is different. Everyone in the audience can be in the game and compete with the pros and other guests. It is a one-of-a-kind poker experience.”
Prizes up for grabs include electronics, The Real Deal merchandise, and a chance to win $1 million, which can be had by drawing for a royal flush. The Venetian is also offering VIP packages, which feature a chance to head backstage to meet and greet the poker pros on hand. The Real Deal runs six days per week, which means plenty of opportunities to play with some of the planet’s premier poker stars.
Adelson is the Co-Founder or Lorimar Telepictures (which produced shows like “Full House” and “ALF”) and was the former Vice President of Time Warner. The Real Deal’s producers are also hard at work on developing an online version as well as a “to go” installment, which The Venetian claims is “available as a theme for corporate events worldwide.”
The Venetian will also play host to the fourth installment of the Deep Stack Extravaganza from November 1st to 25th. There are 25 No Limit Hold’em events that will make up the tournament series.
I was at the grand opening of The Real Deal in Oct. 2008, Gavin Smith and Phil Helmuth were the 2 pro’s there. I got called up on stag and ended up getting second place to Gavin. I was suppose to receive a portable dvd player in the mail, but never did receive it. I dont really even want the dvd player just wondering why I never received it? If you could send me an e-mail explaining it that would be great or some other compensation would be greatly appreciated :) I have been trying to return to Vegas but haven’t been able to afford it. If there is anything you or someone could do to help make that happen that would be awesome if not just an answer will do. Thanks
Brad Shields
p.s. I take my poker serious and hope one day that I will be playing with the pro’s again.