Stars set to come out for poker charity event

A-LIST celebrities will be at the Rio on Thursday for the annual Ante Up for Africa charity tournament.

Theevent now in its third year raises money for charities that provide aid and assistance to the survivors of the crisis in Darfur and Sudan. It also supports activism dedicated to resolving the troubles. Previous Ante Up tournaments have raised more than $2 million for the cause.

Matt Damon, star of 1998 poker-based movie Rounders and Ben Affleck are among the movers and shakers within the entertainment industry who will be taking  part.

Also involved, subject to availability, will be poker professionals Howard Lederer, Andy Bloch, Erik Seidel and Phil Hellmuth.

The tournament features a fast-paced structure designed to complete the competition within five hours.