Shannon Elizabeth Makes Scene at New Philly Poker Room

While poker is a newcomer to the Pennsylvania casinos, Harrah’s Chester made a great first impression with a visit from actress and Carbon Poker pro Shannon Elizabeth on Friday, August 6^th. Elizabeth, best known for her work in “American Pie” and “American Pie 2”, made an appearance at the 25-table World Series of Poker Room, signing autographs and sitting down for some poker to promote the new poker room. Elizabeth is best known for her acting, but her poker is starting to impress as well. In 2007 she made a strong run in the NBC National Heads-up Poker Championship, losing in the semifinals to Paul Wasicka. This year, she came in second place in the Ante Up For Africa tournament at the WSOP, winning $79,776. Elizabeth appeared to enjoy her time at Harrah’s Chester. She said, “I do [appearances] whenever I can, whenever they ask me, especially (at) a casino. Casinos are kind of my second home right now. It’s fun, especially if I get to play.” Upon her arrival, Elizabeth spent about 20 minutes greeting the 250 fans and players there, signing autographs, and finally sitting down for some poker action. Robert Guidice, Harrah’s vice president for table games said, “Her job is [to] help welcome the poker room into the city and help everyone get to know what we have here.” Pennsylvania legalized table games on July 8^th; Harrah’s Chester has been offering Hold’em, Stud and Omaha at the casino since July 18^th. Although Elizabeth is becoming a world-class poker player, she hasn’t forgotten about acting. When asked whether she would rather win an Oscar or a bracelet at the WSOP Main Event, Shannon said, “I gotta go with the Oscar on that one. My first love is acting. This is kind of like my hobby, second career.” Either way, players at Harrah’s Chester in Philly cashed in big when Shannon Elizabeth made the scene at its new poker room.