The poker world has witnessed a large number of women players in attendance during the past few years. Women poker players across the world have not only increased in number but they have been doing considerably well and have made a name for themselves.
The Women in Poker Hall of Fame recently celebrated by inducting Deborah Giardina and Allyn Shulman into the Hall of Fame during the Sixth Season of the WiPHoF Gala Luncheon which took place in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget Convention Center. The event was attended by 150 people who participated in a silent auction, lunch and then witnessed Mike Sexton, a member of the Poker Hall of Fame give a speech recognizing the achievements of Deborah Giardina and Allyn Shulman.
Shulman was a criminal defense attorney for over 30 years before she decided to venture into poker. Shulman was happy to being inducted into the hall of fame and said that she enjoyed competing and showing her peers that she could play with the best and still win. Shulman said
When you think about it, ladies, we actually have the edge. Guys are scared to death of our power. They can’t read us, [and] they think we don’t know how to bluff.
Deborah Giardina is an experienced industry professional who has worked with a number of casinos and has been instrumental in the success of each and every one of those casinos. Some of her assignments in the past include being a Cardroom Manager for Lyle Berman’s Grand Casino Gulfport, Director of Poker Operations for the new Wynn Las Vegas Poker Room during 2004 and her current assignment is being the Vice President of Poker Operations at bestbet in Jacksonville in Florida.
Giardina was proud to be inducted into the hall of fame and said that she enjoyed pioneering new ideas and concepts in the industry. She said
We took cutting edge ideas—non-smoking, no abuse, zero tolerance, I was right there. It was easy for me. I’m only here because of the people I’ve surrounded myself with, and because of all of you.
She was instrumental in raising the standard and quality of card rooms in the poker industry.
Mike Sexton recognized both women not only for their achievements but also for them being pioneers of women in poker. He said that they entered the poker industry when poker wasn’t considered cool and they never gave up. Allyn Shulman has personally won more than $1 million dollars in poker earnings and has proven repeatedly that her tournament winnings are not a fluke of luck but of a professional and intelligent poker player.
