Game Show Network Sets Blackjack Series
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - The Game Show Network plans to deal its first casino game series next spring.
"The World Series of Blackjack" will feature top blackjack players among the participants in a tournament offering $250,000 in prize money, the channel said Wednesday. The top prize will be more than $100,000.
The contest is open to all blackjack enthusiasts, the channel said.
"This will be our own unique style of blackjack shot in a behind-the-scenes reality format," Bob Boden, senior vice president of programming for the channel, said in a statement.
Game Show Network President Rich Cronin said the program is part of the channel's expansion into new types of programming, including the comedy and reality genres.
Players will start with $10,000 and the one with the most money at the end of each show will advance to the final contest. Interviews with players and blackjack experts will be included in the series.
Television has been indulging in an increasing number of gambling-themed shows, including the Travel Channel's hit series on the World Poker Tour and Bravo's upcoming "Celebrity Poker Showdown."
An air date for the Game Show Network series has yet to be set
