CONTACT: Stacia Schacherer, 602-462-2249 or stacias@riester.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2007

CASINO ARIZONA CROWNS STATE POKER CHAMPION
Gilbert Resident Named Top Player In The State

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz. - Aug. 22, 2007 - Casino Arizona named a new State Poker Champion on Sunday, Aug. 19 at the culmination of the 3rd Annual Arizona State Poker event. After two days of intense play, Andreas Foulias of Gilbert, Ariz. took home the title of State Champion. As the new champion, Foulias wins a pot of $250,000 cash, as well as a championship ring and trophy.

"I am proud to be Arizona's State Poker Champion," said Ervin. "I“I haven’t realized what’s happened yet, but I know I will be really excited tomorrow,” said Foulias after winning the State Championship. “I’ve been playing poker for 45 years and play every day at Casino Arizona because it’s the best place in the state for poker,” he added. travel around the U.S. playing in tournaments and I love playing poker at Casino Arizona because they have the best run tournaments out of anywhere I have played."

Foulias, 53, who considers poker to be his profession, earned his new identity as State Champion by competing among more than 450 players of all skill levels, at the No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. When asked what he plans to do with his winnings, he exclaimed, “Play poker!”

The Arizona State Poker Championship tournament launched the semi-final tables on Saturday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. with 450 players and continued until only 20 players remained for the final two tables. The final players returned to compete for the championship on Sunday, Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. for a guaranteed prize pool of $500,000. Cash was awarded to the top 45 players with first place taking $250,000, a championship ring and trophy; the second place winner, receiving $100,000 and a trophy; and the third place winner, taking home $50,000 and a trophy.

The final six players competed on Sunday, Aug. 19, in the Signals Lounge at Casino Arizona 101 & Indian Bend during a live taping for a special edition of We’ve Got Your Game. The special edition of the weekly sports show will air on KPNX Channel 12 on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. Part two of the State Poker Championship will air on KPNX Channel 12 on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m., following Notre Dame football.

“The Casino Arizona State Championship was a huge success and has, in just three years, become a favorite event for poker lovers,” said Kent Odekirk, poker director for Casino Arizona. “We look forward to next year!”

Next month, on Sept. 15, Casino Arizona will host a similar event exclusively for the ladies! The 2007 Arizona State Ladies Poker Championship boasts a prize pool of $125,000. The first place winner will take home $50,000 cash, a championship necklace & trophy. For more information visit the Poker Room at Casino Arizona 101 & Indian Bend, casinoarizona.com, or call (480) 850-7777.

**Photo Captions:

Casino Arizona State Poker Championship - Winner
Andreas Foulias

*Photo Credit: Michael Perillo