LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - June 26, 2008) - This weekend, the Golden Nugget and renowned poker player Phil Ivey together will host The Budding Ivey Foundation Charity Poker Tournament on Tuesday, July 1 at 8:00 p.m. Celebrity tournament director Matt Savage will emcee the no-limit Texas hold'em event that will take place inside the Golden Nugget event center. The event will be sponsored by Curtis & Co. Watches. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Budding Ivey Foundation. Poker tournament participants are invited to attend the Sixth Annual World Series of Barbecue (WSOB08) sponsored by Steve Z and Howard & Suzie Lederer that starts at 6:00 p.m. at The Tank, the Golden Nugget's newest attraction featuring exotic marine life, a three-story water slide and seven private cabanas.

"This fundraiser will primarily benefit the Empowered 2 Excel Academy in North Las Vegas," said Ivey. "Their doors were recently closed due to a lack of funds. We are determined to open those doors again for the kids in that community. The Golden Nugget has been very accommodating," added Ivey. "This is definitely the place you want to be on July 1."

Complimentary shuttle and limousine services from the rear entrance of the Rio All-Suites Hotel Casino (WSOP entrance) to the Golden Nugget will be provided by Las Vegas Transportation, running from 5 p.m. until midnight. Dean Martin impersonator Tom Stevens will greet arriving guests at the Golden Nugget entrance. The WSOB08 banquet starts at 6 p.m. The Phil Ivey Charity Poker Tournament begins at 8 p.m. The Budding Ivey Game Night Celebration (BIGNC) and the WSOB08 will include a Guitar Hero exhibition by poker celebrity Evelyn Ng at 7 p.m. A Guitar Hero competition will follow where the winner will receive two tickets to Disneyland. Chess Grand Master (GM) Roman Dzindzichasvili will challenge guests to blitz chess throughout the evening with all proceeds benefiting the Budding Ivey Foundation. Other BIGNC and WSOB08 competitions include a hula hoop contest hosted by Lacey Jones and Karina Jett, Chutes & Ladders hosted by Michele Lewis, Operation hosted by Matt and Maryann Savage, a Karaoke contest sponsored by Curtis & Co. Watches, and a Battleship competition. At 10:00 p.m., country western singer Andy Griggs will perform an acoustic number with a fireworks show to follow sponsored by the Lederers and conducted by the world famous pyrotechnic Family Vitale.

The charity poker tournament is open to the public. To reserve a poker tournament seat, go to http://buddingiveyfoundation.org/contributions.html and make the recommended donation or contact event coordinator Lisa Wheeler at BIGNC@mac.com or (702) 327-7250. For a complete schedule of events, visit http://buddingiveyfoundation.org/events.html. The WSOB08 and BIGNC are supported and sponsored by The Golden Nugget, Steve Z and Howard & Suzie Lederer, Curtis & Co. Watches, WSOP Academy, Saks Fifth Avenue, Who's Your Daddy Energy Drink, Hermes, Emelio Pucci, Apivita, Pickin & Poker Tour 2008, Cartwright Entertainment, BigChiefCigars.com, PokerFaces.tv, Triumph Sports, LipsDiva.com, PokerNews.com, and Zizzazz Energy Drink Mix. For more information on the 2008 WSOB and BIGNC at the Golden Nugget, please write WSOB08@mac.com. The Phil Ivey CPT and BIGNC is a GreasieWheels production.

About the Golden Nugget Hotel-Casino

Winner of the AAA Four-Diamond Award since 1977, the Golden Nugget Las Vegas is the most luxurious resort on the Fremont Street Experience, and consistently receives critical acclaim for exceeding customer expectations. The Golden Nugget offers more than 1,900 deluxe guest rooms and suites; a high-energy casino featuring the most popular slot and video poker machines, table games, race and sports book and poker room; nightly entertainment; world-class restaurants; luxury spa and salon and The Tank, a year-round outdoor swimming pool complete with a live shark aquarium. In September 2005, Landry's Restaurants, Inc. purchased the Golden Nugget hotels and casinos in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nev., and embarked on a 14-month, $100 million renovation project, which was completed November 2006. In December 2007, the Golden Nugget completed its $60 million Phase II project, which expanded the resort west onto First Street and introduced additional entertainment, event and dining venues. Hotel reservations and additional information are available by calling 800-634-3454, or by booking online at www.goldennugget.com.

About the Budding Ivey Foundation

The Budding Ivey Foundation was created and founded by Phil Ivey and his mother Pamela Simmons-Ivey. The Budding Ivey Foundation strives to continue to fulfill the desires of Phil Ivey's late grandfather and legendary philanthropist Leonard "Bud" Simmons. A trailblazer and staunch advocate for justice for all, Simmons had a deep passion for education, inclusion, and opportunity. He was the first in his community to pave the way to hope through public service and his numerous accomplishments. His desire was to offer hope to the lives of the underrepresented. The Budding Ivey Foundation is non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities and empowering at-risk children and their families to ultimately inspire them to believe, achieve, and succeed. Empowered 2 Excel gives underprivileged children who qualify academically a chance to participate in enhanced learning programs.

Contact Information: Contacts: Lisa Wheeler GreasieWheels, LLC President 702-327-7250 Press and Media Inquiries: Justin McVay Golden Nugget Manager of Public Relations 702-386-8211