The World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour are the established "big dogs" in tournament poker circles with high-profile presence on cable television and the biggest-name players shooting for multimillion-dollar pots.

With poker's wide appeal and sensing that even amateurs would relish the opportunity to play for high stakes, Todd Anderson and Greg Lang founded the Heartland Poker Tour two years ago.

Their objective was to devise a structure that would give average poker enthusiasts the chance to compete for six-figure pots and still keep the buy-ins affordable.

They obviously played their cards right. The Heartland Poker Tour's latest stop draws to a smashing conclusion this weekend at Gary's Majestic Star Casinos and Hotel.

Tomorrow, competition kicks off in the showcase main event. On Sunday, final table action will begin at noon and continue until a champion is crowned. The prize pool is expected to hit $500,000, the largest in HPT history.

The event will be taped for television and broadcast in two one-hour episodes at a later date with expert commentary by Chris Hanson, Fred Bevill and Katie O'Keefe. The local outlet for HPT telecasts is Comcast SportsNet.

Dom Niro, the Majestic Star's poker room manager, first brought the Heartland Poker Tour to his casino in October 2006 for a five-day tournament that attracted more than 700 players.

A Chicago-based pro, 26-year-old Joel Casper, was the last man sitting at the final table of the main event and collected first prize of $122,334.

HPT will be at the Majestic for two more tournaments this year, returning in the summer for a competition that'll run July 21 to 29, and again from Dec. 1 to 9.

In June a tournament is scheduled at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y. Last January an event was held in Las Vegas at Hooters Casino Hotel.

FYI: www.heartlandpokertour.com or (219) 977-7444 (Majestic Star poker room)

Casino news

A hot new community slot game that already has proved a big hit at casinos in Las Vegas has finally found its way to the Chicago area exclusively on the newly renovated Diamond Level of Horseshoe Casino Hammond.

IGT's Wheel of Fortune Special Edition Super Spin video slot occupies a commanding presence on the floor with a giant wheel surrounded by extra-wide player stations, which makes it possible for couples to enjoy a unique slot-playing experience.

The multiplayer feature is highlighted by the bonus game, eligibility for which requires that you have all 10 lines played and an equal side bet amount. Bonus-eligible players have a 10-second countdown to participate once another player presses the "spin" button. You have the option of participating, waiting for another spin, or until you have the wheel all to yourself.

Results vary for each player based on the amount of their wager and because each player station has its own wheel pointer. The Horseshoe's version is a five-reel, 10-payline, 75-credit nickel game. The maximum payout is $10,000.

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