Asia Pacific Poker Tour - FAQs

What is the Asia Pacific Poker Tour?
The PokerStars Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) is a series of major poker tournaments conducted and televised throughout the Asia Pacific region. The first season of the APPT starts in Manila in the Philippines, in August 2007. APPT events take place at some of the most luxurious casinos in the region.
When and where are the APPT Season 1 events taking place?

VENUE	CITY / COUNTRY	DATES	BUY-IN	CAP
Hyatt Hotel	Manila PHILIPPINES	August 24 - 26, 2007	$2,500 USD	275 + Limited Alternates
Sheraton Walkerhill	Seoul KOREA	September 28 - 30, 2007	$2,500 USD	250 + Limited Alternates
Grand Waldo Hotel & Casino	Macau CHINA	November 23 - 25, 2007	$2,500 USD	300
Grand Waldo Hotel & Casino	Macau CHINA	November 26 - 27, 2007	$15,000 USD	No Cap
Star City Casino	Sydney AUSTRALIA	December 12-16, 2007	$6,300 AUD	600

The APPT reserves the right to cancel or alter details of listed events at its discretion.

What is the structure for Asia Pacific Poker Tour events?
Most APPT events are three-day tournaments, aside from the Grand Final in Sydney which will be four days. The $2,500 buy-in main events will incorporate a 10,000 starting chips, 60 minute levels and slowly increasing blind levels. The structure for the $5,000 APPT main event in Australia will provide substantially more play time. Full structure details and full event schedules will follow shortly.
What poker game will be played in the APPT main events?
The main events will all be No Limit Hold'em. Side events or Sit & Go tournaments or cash games may feature other poker games such as Stud or Omaha.
What is the buy-in for APPT events?
The buy-in for most APPT events is USD 2,500 (or its equivalent in local currency). All APPT main events are freezeouts.
Is there an agreement I need to sign to appear in an APPT event?
Yes. A condition of entry into any tournament on the APPT will be the completion and signing of a TV release form.
Can I play even if I don't sign the agreement?
No. The release form is a requirement for participation in any APPT event.
How old do I have to be to participate?
The minimum age to play in an APPT event is established by the host casino. In most casinos, the minimum age is 18.
Why are Korean nationals prohibited from playing at APPT Seoul?
The host venue for the APPT Seoul event, Paradise Walker Hill Casino, prohibits Korean nationals from playing any and all of their games. This prohibition is a condition of their gaming license as granted and regulated by the South Korean government. The only exceptions to this rule are some Korean nationals who are landed permanent residents of other countries (with proof of this current non-Korean residency status in their passports). The APPT is not responsible for making these exceptions; players who want more information on this are encouraged to call the Paradise Walker Hill Casino by on +82.2.450.4826 at least 3 weeks before the event to see if they qualify for an exemption.
How much does it cost to enter?
We encourage you to win your entry by playing in one of the qualifying satellite tournaments on PokerStars. Satellite buy-ins start from as little as $2.20. There will also be a freeroll for each event. Click on your PokerStars tournament lobby, then click on "Events" and "APPT" for satellites to the events. If you fail to qualify and would still like to play in an APPT event, you may buy directly into a tournament - details to follow shortly.
Can I buy into an APPT tournament using W$?
Yes. Players may buy in to APPT events using W$ providing they have PlatinumStar or Supernova VIP status on PokerStars. This service depends on availability. Requests for W$ direct buy-ins must be submitted to registrations@pokerstars.com and requests need to be received before the final online qualifying tournament on PokerStars and whilst PokerStars still has seats to sell. To avoid disappointment, please notify the APPT as soon as possible if you want to buy-in directly. Players may buy seat-only packages at the going exchange rate on the day of registration, or they may also buy APPT accommodation packages - depending on availability.

All W$ buy-ins to APPT events will be PokerStars sponsored players for that APPT event, and they are required to wear PokerStars logo gear for the duration of the tournament.
Can I buy into an APPT satellite on PokerStars, or directly into an APPT event, using T$?
You CAN buy into an APPT satellite using T$. You CANNOT buy in directly to an APPT event using T$.
Can I sell my seat if I win?
No. You must play the first seat you win. If you are fortunate enough to win additional seats, your PokerStars account will be credited with W$ for the price of the tournament seat, and the spending allowance will be credited in cash.
I won! What do I do now?
You will receive an email from the APPT describing the basics of the package and telling you what to do next.
My package included spending money. What's that for?
The spending money (which has been credited to your PokerStars account) is to help pay for airfare and other travel expenses. All APPT satellites include hotel accommodation as part of the winner's package. You will need to make your own travel arrangements, and we encourage you to do this early as prices increase significantly if you don't book in advance.
Will I have access to my PokerStars account to get cash while I'm attending an APPT event?
No. Please bring all the cash you need for incidentals and side play.
Is my food included in the price of the trip?
No. But many casinos offer free buffet services for players (not their guests) on the day(s) they are playing.
Do I need a passport to attend an APPT event?
Yes. All players traveling abroad will need a passport.
Do I need a Visa to attend an APPT event?
Korea: Citizens of 99 countries can enter Korea without a visa for short-term visits (varying from 30-90 days). Please click here Please also consult your travel agent.
Philippines: Citizens of 99 countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for visits of up to 21 days. Please click here for details. Please also consult your travel agent.
Australia: Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Australia. Please see here for visa options. Please also consult your travel agent.
How will I get paid if I win the tournament?
This will depend on the procedures for each event and could be cash, cheque or bank transfer.
I have won a PokerStars APPT prize package (including seat, hotel and spending money) - can I bring a guest?
Yes. If you have qualified for the tournament through PokerStars, your prize package includes a double room where your guest may sleep at no extra cost. However, all other costs incurred by your guest, such as airfare and meals, will not be covered in your prize package.
I have won a PokerStars APPT prize package - do I have a hotel reservation?
If you have won a PokerStars package online, your hotel room will be booked by PokerStars and you do not need to do anything except book your flight and email us your flight details. You will receive confirmation regarding your hotel accommodation shortly. For players who have bought seats directly, they will have to make their own accommodation arrangements.
What clothes should I bring?
Most of the APPT host casinos have a "smart casual" dress code (eg no sneakers, no vests, no shorts, no ripped jeans). Please see specific event pages for full details. Please bring appropriate clothing for the destination country's climate!
What is the currency in the countries where APPT events are being held?
Please see event specific pages for details.

For up-to-the-minute exchange rates, please click here.
What payment methods can I use for direct buy-ins?
More information will follow shortly.
Will I need special identification to enter the casinos?
Yes. Please bring your passport when entering any casino.
What logos am I allowed to wear?
The Asia Pacific Poker Tour has strict rules on the wearing of branded logos by players at APPT events. Please click Terms & Conditions for details.
Will I appear on television?
All APPT events are televised, including a featured 'show' table, for broadcast on major satellite and terrestrial TV channels throughout the world. Click here for more details. All APPT contestants are obliged to sign a TV waiver form before play commences. Any player who does not sign the TV waiver will not be allowed to participate in the tournament.

Back to Asia Pacific Poker Tour main page