The Aussie millions is without doubt my all time favourite event, but you can’t pin point just one reason why. The Crown seems to get everything right. The complex mixes the luxury of The Bellagio with a friendliness that is real. Nothing is a problem for the staff and you are made to feel so welcome.

After my first visit 3 years ago I raved about the event, encouraging players to include it in their poker diary. Now, with one of their own taking the WSOP and a WPT title The Aussie Millions has been launched into the world wide poker scene with a speed many would find hard to keep up with. In Vegas this year for instance many other casinos were running mini festivals alongside the WSOP and despite seeing the numbers The Rio was attracting still had not made plans for their own numbers to increase. One particular event  was a shambles. A second chance freeze out, all our receipts were taken on entry, leaving nothing to say whether you had had your second chance. The ruling? Everyone had to take their top up at the start, completely changing it from an advertised double chance event.

Not so The Crown. The first event this year attracted 516 runners, beginning at the advertised time, there was none of the confusion which seemed to surround the WSOP events. Alternates were seated within the first level and every dealer was of a very high standard. I wish the same could be said of our play but myself and Katharine were both early casualties.

We decided to take advantage of my VIP 1 pass and went to the Mahogany Room. Within an hour we had won back our entry fees and were enjoying the complimentary gin and tonics when we were reminded again of just how friendly and hospitable the Aussies are. We spent a great couple of hours with our new friends Chris and Charlie and now have an invite to a BBQ in Jalong to meet their family and friends.

Poker is now all over the television here, in particular Matchroom events. Charlie commented on how he had seen me four times last week, that’s more than me said Katharine.