World Poker Tour Events Continue Dramatic Growth - 2004-02-01
The Jack Binion World Poker Open at Casino/ Gold Strike Casino in Tunica, MS which started on January 26, 2004, is the most recent event on the WORLD POKER TOUR to show the domino effect of the television show's huge popularity. Records have been set in each of tour stops and the Jack Binion World Poker Open is no exception with a huge increase in players, prize money and first place payout over the previous year's tournament.

367 players signed up for this week's event, which will culminate on January 29, 2004 with the filming of the Final Table for broadcast as part of the WORLD POKER TOUR series on The Travel Channel.
Read the full story at PokerMag.com

Turner leaves post after questions about his conduct - 2004-02-01
A week after being questioned about whether he had offered immunity from prosecution to three gambling regulators who worked under him, a senior state Department of Revenue official abruptly retired.

George Turner, one of the most powerful bureaucrats at the department, who for years supervised the state's lottery and casino industry, had been on paid administrative leave since Jan. 6 while officials investigated.
Read the full story at Lottery Post