Shandy and Vinesh to compete for the ‘big bucks’

Africa’s biggest Roulette tournament just got even bigger!

As a result of unprecedented buy-ins from players all over the country over the last eight weeks, the prize pool in Tsogo Sun’s Roulette Masters tournament soared to a record-breaking high of R4 066 100!

The prize money for the top seven grand finalists increased by a massive R1 566 100 from the amount originally anticipated, with the total prize money to be shared between the top seven players now totalling R3 488 100.

“Simply put, this year’s buy-ins are nothing short of phenomenal! The top three places alone share R3-million between them,” said Tsogo Sun’s Director of Gaming, Steve Hight.

The winner of Roulette Masters 2016, who will be crowned on March 19, will walk away with R2-million in cash. The players in second and third place will win R750 000 and R250 000 respectively.

Comparing the winnings in 2015 to this year’s prize pool, Mr Hight said the total prize money shared between the top seven players last year was R2 821 400. This year it is up by R666 700 to R3 488 100 – a remarkable 23.6 per cent increase.

One hundred per cent of all buy-ins from Tsogo Sun’s 14 casinos around the country went into the collective prize pool, giving patrons of the group’s smaller properties a chance to compete for the big cash prizes. The largest number of buy-ins was recorded at Suncoast, which contributed R714 700, followed by Gold Reef City, Montecasino and Silverstar.

“With R2-million at stake, we’re looking forward to a truly nail-biting finish to the tournament on March 19, when the seven finalists will travel to Silverstar in the west of Jo’burg to spin the wheel for the last time in this hugely popular tournament,” added Mr Hight.

Based in the heart of Newcastle, Blackrock Casino held their spectacular Roulette Masters unit final on March 5, where the finalists faced off for first place.

Vinesh Haripersad made it to the top of the leader board and automatically qualified for a seat in the grand finals. Shandy Singh went up against other Blackrock finalists, and landed the second seat in the finals.

Both finalists will head over to Johannesburg on an all expenses paid trip this weekend, to join a total of 40 finalists to take part in the group semi-finals and grand finale.

“The record-breaking increase in the prize pool lends an unexpected twist to the tournament and adds to the already fierce competition. We are rooting for Mr Haripersad and Mr Singh and wish them lots of luck as they go on to represent Blackrock at the semi-finals and grand finale,” concluded Blackrock Casino Marketing Manager, Veneshrie Chetty.

What are your views about this story?
Tell us by posting on our Facebook timeline, Newcastle Advertiser or tweet us at @nnadv.
Add us on BBM for the latest news in your community. PIN: 2B6C7269, or join our news service on WhatsApp.

(Please note: Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Newcastle Advertiser)