Allen Kessler has been a mainstay on the tournament poker scene for years. He travels around the U.S. playing events and now has more than $4 million in live tournament winnings. Another type of gambling is also regularly on his agenda while on the roads – playing slots.
“For at least the past 15 years or so, I have traveled the circuit playing poker tournaments,” he said. “I concentrate on events that have slots and a real casino, so I have a backup plan in case I bust. Also that way I get free rooms and food.”
While No Limit Hold’em and other poker games are his normal routine, spinning some reels on Buffalo slot machines fills some time at tournament stops. That certainly paid off on July 30 when he hit a jackpot of $1.2 million at Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, California. While Kessler is a laid-back guy, he was still shocked to see the turn of events.
“It was surreal,” hse said. “I'd spun that bonus wheel hundreds of times, and this time it just stopped on the $1.2 million spot! Usually when it gets close, it stops one before or goes one after.”
What’s Planned for His Big Winnings?
Originally from Philadelphia and now living in Las Vegas, Kessler has no real plans for a big purchase with the money and will continue hitting the poker road. He plans to take his payout in one lump sum and invest a chunk of it.
Known as “Chainsaw” by some, the name might be the opposite of his personality. Kessler is a bit deadpan and known to complain occasionally on Twitter about tournament structures, food prices, and other things that pique his interest.
Some may have felt this meant a subdued celebration of his win. In response, the good sport released a fun video this week to prove his critics wrong.
