There's going to be a Fall Classic in the Chicago area this year after all, thanks to the World Series of Poker Circuit Tournament that commences today at the Horseshoe Casino Hammond and will continue for 10 days through Nov. 2.

Poker players from near and far will be "swinging for the fences" in the 13 events that are slated to take place in Horseshoe's new state-of-the-art entertainment complex, The Venue, which will be filled with 78 tables to accommodate the estimated 6,500 to 7,500 participants expected.

"We're very excited to bring the first-ever World Series of Poker circuit event to Chicagoland," said Jose Lebron, Horseshoe's director of table games.

Buy-ins range from $345 for today's opener, a two-day No-Limit Hold 'em tournament slated to start at noon, all the way up to $5,000 for the three-day main event that starts a week from today.

In addition to hefty cash prize pools, players will compete for custom-designed World Series of Poker championship rings. The winner of the ladies event, a $235 buy-in set for Sunday will receive a pendant.

The winner of Horseshoe's main event will be awarded a cash prize plus a $10,000 seat at the World Series of Poker main event to be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in summer 2009.

"We're expecting heavy registration, over 1,000, for the main event," said poker room manager Jason Newman.

For those who are looking for a chance to play in a big-league tournament for a little money, there will be $120 "turbo tournaments" scheduled every day at 9 p.m.

"There are recreational players who prefer a two-hour tournament," Newman said.

Registration for all the events opens today starting at 9 a.m. in The Venue and will be ongoing throughout the tournament.

A complete tournament schedule is available online at horseshoehammond.com. FYI: (219) 473-6065.

Casino news

Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin is holding the "$1 Million Match Up" every Tuesday, except Nov. 4, now through Nov. 25. Four winners will be randomly selected at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. drawings each day of the promotion.

Participants will have the opportunity to play for cash prizes, including four ways to win $1 million. FYI: grandvictoriacasino.com

A $40,000 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid will be the grand prize in an 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) drawing to be held on Sunday at Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich.

Rock to the music of the Lisa Rene Band in Zanzibar Lounge at Empress Casino & Hotel in Joliet from 9 p.m. until midnight tonight and Saturday night. No cover charge for the performances.

Recent additions to the entertainment lineup at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino Hammond include Wayne Newton at 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 and Al Jarreau at 8 p.m. on Dec. Tickets for both shows went on sale last Friday and are available at TicketMaster or at thevenue-chicago.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at jbrokopp@comcast.net.