LIPS takes poker to Peru

The Ladies International Poker Series is taking its tour on the road for the first-ever international poker series to take place in Peru.

LIPS has joined forces with Pro Poker Challenge of America to head to the Casino Atlantic City in Miraflores, Peru, Aug. 23 to Sept. 1. The tournament series will start with a Mega Satellite on Aug. 23 that will give winners their entire week's entry to all events, including the $1,080 main event.

The series will offer daily tournaments ranging from $225 to $550 before the $1,080 main event. Those tournaments are scheduled to include a bounty a tournament and a ladies-only event.

The schedule is as follows:

One of the perks of playing poker in Peru is that there will be plenty of time for sightseeing as well. It's only legal to play poker from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., so that leaves plenty of daytime hours to take in the beach just blocks from the casino or to head to nearby Lima.

"Lima is an inexhaustible source of culture, demonstrated by the existence of numerous and varied museums, some of which guard priceless Incan and pre-Incan treasures," said a press release from LIPS.

There may also be time to check out Machu Picchu, located near Cusco, Peru, or take in some of the many aquatic sports.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be expanding into Latin America," said Lupe Soto, founder of the LIPS Tour. "This is only the beginning of the new type of poker tourism we'll be able to offer players. Our goal is to create great poker opportunities and amazing venues in which to play the game as well."

The LIPS tournament series is expected to bring together a first-class field of players. Two players confirmed to take part as featured guests are Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher. They will also be on hand to offer a poker strategy seminar for other participants.

The LIPS Tour is an organization created to promote women in poker. The organization collaborates with land-based casinos to feature poker events for women that are friendly, comfortable and highly competitive.

For more information about LIPS or the Peru tournament series, visit www.LIPSTour.com.