Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) Remember Hollywood star Daniel Craig playing high-stakes Poker as James Bond in “Casino Royale”? Get your chance to experience the style and luxury at the World Gaming Festival (WGF) to be held in Casino Royale - a grand casino vessel that floats on the Mandovi River in Goa.

WGF, a skill-based tournament, is a joint intellectual property of media company Percept Ltd and gaming company Delta Corp Ltd, which owns Casino Royale.

The tournament, to be held Sep 23-26, will test the ability and talent of the participants from around the world. The entry fee for the tournament, involving games of blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat and Indian flush, is Rs.100,000.

“There are various tournaments being held globally, but WGF is truly unique because of the array of games that it offers under a single roof along with world-class entertainment and services.

“Casino Royale is an ideal venue for a festival of this scale. It will set a great precedent for the forthcoming editions of the festival,” Steve Hand, WGF representative, said in a statement.

The structure of WGF is of a knock-out format, where all players will start with the same amount of chips. It’s a one time buy and the play concludes with few top players competing for the prize money. The final winner will be awarded the tournament prize money after due deduction of applicable state and government taxes.

Indian boxing champion Vijender Singh feels the event will be “exciting”, and hopes to participate in it.

“It’s an exciting initiative and will help in providing Indians the right platform to try their hand at skill-based gaming on such a large scale. Like any other sport, participants here will also need a right mix of talent, concentration and foresight to excel. I definitely would like to participate in the festival with my friends and meet avid gamers from all over the world,” said Singh.

Participants can expect a royal treatment in return for the hefty entry ticket! All registered players will be picked up in a chauffeur-driven car, will be handed return-flight tickets, and a stay at a five-star hotel.

At Casino Royale, the vessel, dance and music attractions will keep them entertained.

After its debut in India, WGF will be organised in other places in Asia with a focus on Macau, casinos in Europe, as well as an event in Las Vegas.