The new Bristol casino is perceived as an advantageous opportunity by a professional poker player who has accumulated over $3 million in career earnings.
J.J. Liu has successfully participated in both the World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker over a span of 25 years. In 2007, she achieved a remarkable career milestone by securing a second-place finish in a WPT event, earning an impressive $600,000 prize.
Why is a professional gambler, who has accumulated $3,346,912 in winnings, currently interested in Bristol, Virginia?
However, when an individual who is skilled at investing in real estate also happens to be a gambler, the irresistible appeal of Hard Rock Casino and Resort Bristol was impossible to resist.
Poker pro invests in Bristol motel
Liu acquired the 84-room property through an auction and subsequently rebranded it as the Bristol Arcadia Inn, formerly known as the Comfort Inn.
Considering that Bristol voters officially endorsed the $400 million Hard Rock Bristol property on Election Day, she believed that the project had the potential for a favorable return on investment in the future.
Situated on the former Bristol Mall site, right on the Virginia-Tennessee border, the casino-resort will encompass a wide range of amenities. In addition to the typical offerings found in a casino, such as a sportsbook, hotel, conference meeting center, restaurants, and retail spaces, this property will also feature an exceptional live music venue and an enchanting outdoor amphitheater.
Liu believes that her inn’s advantageous location, conveniently situated near Interstate 85 (2368 Lee Highway), combined with its affordable room rates, will make it an appealing choice for casino visitors.
According to Liu, he informed the Bristol Herald Courier.
I have a deep affection for this location. It possesses immense possibilities. One must possess foresight to envision what lies ahead. The optimal time to invest is prior to the occurrence, as waiting until it happens proves futile. The potential here is extraordinary. The introduction of a casino will attract a multitude of individuals, providing entertainment and infusing the community with vibrant energy.
Instead of opening a temporary casino by the end of the year as planned, Hard Rock officials are now anticipating an early 2022 launch. The complete Hard Rock Casino and Resort Bristol is expected to be operational by late 2022.
Who is J.J. Liu?
Liu, originally from Taiwan, completed her master’s degree in computer science at Bradley University in Illinois. Following her graduation, she pursued a career as a software engineer in Silicon Valley, where she discovered her passion for poker through her visits to various card rooms in California.
Since then, the 56-year-old individual has embarked on numerous global travels and accumulated millions in prize money. In terms of poker earnings, she currently holds the second position on the Taiwan All-Time Money List and ranks tenth on the Women’s All-Time Money List. (Further down the Women’s All-Time Money List is my colleague Jessica Welman, who is also a competent poker player.)
Liu, known for her vibrant tournament attires that perfectly match her lively persona, has transformed her poker winnings into thriving business ventures and lucrative investments.
According to Welman, the Bristol casino project is gaining a remarkable unofficial ambassador.
Despite Liu’s limited appearances on the circuit in recent years, she was undeniably one of the standout personalities during the initial poker boom, earning her a place in the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. Not only did she captivate fans with her unique outfits, but her amiable and affable nature at the tables further endeared her to the audience. Additionally, Liu’s astute business acumen has led her to understand that maintaining a fun and enjoyable atmosphere is crucial for fostering customer loyalty.
Poker at Bristol casino
When Hard Rock Bristol opens, it is anticipated to include a poker room. Liu’s ultimate goal for the resort is to draw prominent poker tournaments similar to those organized by the WSOP and WPT.
A poker tournament series can extend over several days or even weeks, attracting participants from both the local region and around the world. This presents a favorable opportunity for a hotel owner in the area.
The poker industry has faced challenging times, largely attributed to the significant decline of online poker in the US around ten years ago, known as “Black Friday.”
Nevertheless, the game is experiencing a resurgence through legitimate means, whether played in physical locations or on the internet. A prime illustration of this can be seen in Michigan, where PokerStars has arranged 120 poker tournaments scheduled for later this month. These events are part of the two-week Michigan Spring Championship of Online Poker (MISCOOP), boasting a remarkable $2 million in guaranteed prizes.
In the event that Virginia poker gains popularity, Hard Rock Bristol has the potential to become a thriving hub. However, it is advisable to find a different table if you come across a cheerful local innkeeper donning vibrant attire with a pile of chips in front of them.
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