Female Invasion of a Man's Game

Throughout history, women have always been subdued to their maternal responsibilities. In the 20th century, women have gained the right to vote, enjoy participation in organized sporting and have professional responsibilities as doctors, lawyers and politicians. 2007 marks a new groundbreaking point for women in today’s society. In June last year, the halls of the Amazon Room were filled by patient husbands and children of the competitors of the 2007 WSOP Ladies Event.

According to Nolan Dalla, head of media relations for the World Series of Poker, the Ladies Event this year was the largest women-based poker tournament in the history of the world.

W is for Woman
As opposed to the original version of the WSOP, in addition to winning a prize of $262,077, Sally Anne Boyer, the winner of the event, also received a makeover at the spa at the Rio, courtside seats to a WNBA Sparks game with celebrity recognition and the opportunity to date the pit boss.

Another major difference between the Ladies Event and the normal WSOP edition is the reaction of those who lose. Moments like these show the true differences between men and women. Instead of the aggravated reaction filled with a pinch of anger and a sprinkle of threatening stare, those who had to leave the table would calmly rise from the table smiling, wave or bow to the audience as applause would fill the arena.

A Feminine Touch
But not everything is flowers and teddy-bears in the Ladies tournaments. Some of the women made quite a scene when a player would, for instance, go all in on the first hand. Although we’re dealing with a new gender, the same poker ethics apply and Mary Jones Meyer doesn’t appreciate this type of behavior. "Okay, let's just go all-in - on the first hand!" Meyer called out sarcastically.

The professional gambling industry seems to be changing as women become less and less of a minority. The green table seems to have a completely different look with a bit more estrogen around. What was once known as a manly sport, symbolized by cigar smoking, beer drinking and male bonding, may soon adopt a new image filled with clover cigarettes, wine coolers and Tupperware sales...