Bodog Blackjack
With the introduction of table gaming in Pennsylvania, a few celebrities have dropped in to otherwise sleepy little tourist towns: Chris Noth, Mr. Big of “Sex and the City” fame, recently warmed a few cockles of fans’ hearts in Bensalem when he put in a brief appearance at the Parx Casino there a month ago – an effect “American Pie” star and professional poker player Shannon Elizabeth surely had on the males present at Harrah’s in Chester last week.

Elizabeth appeared at the Las Vegas-backed casino to sign autographs, pose for pictures, do an interview with ESPN radio, socialize with VIPs, and play some hands in the casino’s new 25-table poker room. After spending hours in Pennsylvania, Elizabeth moved on to Harrah’s Showboat Casino in Atlantic City “to play blackjack into the night.”

The affable Elizabeth stated that “I do [publicity appearances] whenever I can, whenever they ask me, especially anywhere where it’s a casino. Casinos are kind of my second home right now. It’s fun, especially if I get to play.” Elizabeth has played poker throughout her life, but only began playing for money in the early 2000s as a way to raise money for an animal rescue organization she heads up. She first played in the World Series of Poker in 2005 and she cashed in at four WSOP events in the following two years.

As for the key question on ESPN’s mind, i.e. whether she’d rather win an Academy Award or a World Series of Poker main event, Shannon said, “I’ve got to go with the Oscar on that one. My first love is acting. This is kind of like my hobby, second career.”