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{{short description|American poker player}}
{{Short description|American poker player (1928–2012)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{infobox poker player
{{infobox poker player
|name=Amarillo Slim Preston
|name=Amarillo Slim Preston
|nickname=Amarillo Slim
|nickname=Amarillo Slim
|image=AmarilloSlim.jpg
|image=AmarilloSlim.jpg
|caption=Amarillo Slim at the [[1974 World Series of Poker|1974 WSOP]].
|caption=Amarillo Slim at the [[1972 World Series of Poker|1972 WSOP]]
|hometown=Amarillo, Texas
|hometown=Amarillo, Texas
|birth_name = Thomas Austin Preston Jr.
|birth_name = Thomas Austin Preston Jr.
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}}
}}


'''Thomas Austin Preston Jr.''' (December 31, 1928 – April 29, 2012), known as '''Amarillo Slim''', was an American professional gambler known for his [[poker]] skills and [[proposition bet]]s. Preston won the [[1972 World Series of Poker]] (WSOP) Main Event and was inducted into the [[Poker Hall of Fame]] in 1992.
'''Thomas Austin Preston Jr.''' (December 31, 1928 – April 29, 2012), known as '''Amarillo Slim''', was an American professional gambler known for his [[poker]] skills and [[proposition bet]]s. He won the [[1972 World Series of Poker]] (WSOP) Main Event and was inducted into the [[Poker Hall of Fame]] in 1992.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Poker Hall of Fame |url=http://www.pokerpages.com/pokerinfo/hallofame/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125045458/http://www.pokerpages.com/pokerinfo/hallofame/ |archive-date=January 25, 2009 |website=PokerPages.com}}</ref>


==Poker career==
==Poker career==
Before becoming a well-known tournament player, Preston was a [[Glossary of poker terms#rounder|rounder]], touring the United States looking for gambling action along with [[Doyle Brunson]] and [[Sailor Roberts]], effectively introducing Texas Hold’em, the most popular poker type today, to Las Vegas in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Legends of the Game - Brian "Sailor" Roberts |url=http://www.pokernews.com/news/2005/05/poker-legends-brian-sailor-roberts.htm}}</ref>
Before becoming a well-known tournament player, Preston was a [[Glossary of poker terms#rounder|rounder]], touring the United States looking for gambling action along with [[Doyle Brunson]] and [[Sailor Roberts]], effectively introducing [[Texas hold 'em]], the most popular poker type today, to Las Vegas in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moe |first=Al |date=May 4, 2005 |title=Legends of the Game - Brian "Sailor" Roberts |url=http://www.pokernews.com/news/2005/05/poker-legends-brian-sailor-roberts.htm |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=PokerNews.com}}</ref>


Preston participated in the first World Series of Poker in [[1970 World Series of Poker|1970]] along with [[Johnny Moss]], [[Sailor Roberts]], [[Doyle Brunson]], [[Puggy Pearson]], [[Crandell Addington]], and [[Carl Cannon (poker player)|Carl Cannon]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Series of Poker: A Retrospective: 1970 Summary |work=UNLV |url=http://gaming.unlv.edu/WSOP/annual/1970.html |access-date=November 29, 2018}}</ref> Following his victory in the 1972 WSOP Main Event, he appeared on several talk shows, including ''[[The Tonight Show]]'', and had a small part in the 1974 [[Robert Altman]] movie ''[[California Split]]''.<ref>{{IMDb name|0696378|'Amarillo Slim' Preston}}</ref> He appeared on ''[[I've Got a Secret]]'', where his secret involved losing $190,000 in one night of poker.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I've Got A Secret (1972) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfl7VzwYdbg |access-date=April 25, 2018 |website=YouTube}}</ref>
Preston participated in the first World Series of Poker in [[1970 World Series of Poker|1970]] along with [[Johnny Moss]], [[Sailor Roberts]], [[Doyle Brunson]], [[Puggy Pearson]], [[Crandell Addington]], and [[Carl Cannon (poker player)|Carl Cannon]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Series of Poker: A Retrospective: 1970 Summary |work=UNLV |url=http://gaming.unlv.edu/WSOP/annual/1970.html |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813162800/https://gaming.library.unlv.edu/WSOP/annual/1970.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Following his victory in the 1972 WSOP Main Event, he appeared on several talk shows, including ''[[The Tonight Show]]'', and had a small part in the 1974 [[Robert Altman]] movie ''[[California Split]]''.<ref>{{IMDb name|0696378|'Amarillo Slim' Preston}}</ref> He appeared on ''[[I've Got a Secret]]'', where his secret involved losing $190,000 in one night of poker.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I've Got A Secret (1972) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfl7VzwYdbg |access-date=April 25, 2018 |website=YouTube}}</ref>


He also founded the tournament series called Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker, which ran annually between 1979 and 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amarillo Slim’s Life: Biggest Profits, Losses, Private Life & Net Worth |url=http://somuchpoker.com/amarillo-slims-life-biggest-profits-losses-private-life-net-worth/ |website=Somuchpoker.com}}</ref>
He also founded the tournament series called Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker, which ran annually between 1979 and 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amarillo Slim's Life: Biggest Profits, Losses, Private Life & Net Worth |url=http://somuchpoker.com/amarillo-slims-life-biggest-profits-losses-private-life-net-worth/ |website=Somuchpoker.com|date=September 30, 2020 }}</ref>


Preston won four [[WSOP bracelet]]s including two in [[Omaha hold 'em|Omaha]]. Preston's final WSOP win was in [[1990 World Series of Poker|1990]]. In the $2,500 Pot Limit Omaha event at the [[2000 World Series of Poker|2000 WSOP]], he came in second to [[Phil Ivey]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phil Ivey's Semi-Bluff |url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/7/13/16077836/phil-ivey-world-series-of-poker-51cd56b8cccf |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=The Ringer}}</ref>
Preston won four [[WSOP bracelet]]s, including two in [[Omaha hold 'em|Omaha]]. Preston's final WSOP win was in [[1990 World Series of Poker|1990]]. In the $2,500 Pot Limit Omaha event at the [[2000 World Series of Poker|2000 WSOP]], he came in second to [[Phil Ivey]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=David |date=July 13, 2017 |title=Phil Ivey's Semi-Bluff |url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/7/13/16077836/phil-ivey-world-series-of-poker-51cd56b8cccf |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=The Ringer}}</ref>


In January/February 1980, Amarillo Slim hosted the Second Annual Poker Classic, which was the second-most prestigious poker tournament of its time. This series eventually came to be called the [[Super Bowl of Poker]] and continued until 1991. [[Gabe Kaplan]] became the first winner of this tournament series<ref>{{Cite web |title=Legends of Poker: Gabe Kaplan |url=http://www.pokernews.com/news/2005/05/poker-legends-gabe-kaplan.htm}}</ref> and [[Stu Ungar]] won the title three times.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalla |first=Nolan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vzotce35pUoC&pg=PA178 |title=One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey ',The Kid', Ungar, The World's Greatest Poker Player |last2=Alson |first2=Peter |date=July 15, 2005 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=9781416510185 |via=Google Books}}</ref>
In January/February 1980, Amarillo Slim hosted the Second Annual Poker Classic, which was the second-most prestigious poker tournament of its time. This series eventually came to be called the [[Super Bowl of Poker]] and continued until 1991. [[Gabe Kaplan]] became the first winner of this tournament series<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moe |first=Al |date=May 31, 2005 |title=Legends of Poker: Gabe Kaplan |url=https://www.pokernews.com/news/2005/05/poker-legends-gabe-kaplan-1825.htm |access-date=April 7, 2024 |website=PokerNews.com |language=en}}</ref> and [[Stu Ungar]] won the title three times.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Dalla |first1=Nolan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vzotce35pUoC&pg=PA178 |title=One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey ',The Kid', Ungar, The World's Greatest Poker Player |last2=Alson |first2=Peter |date=July 15, 2005 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=9781416510185 |via=Google Books}}</ref>


The video game ''Amarillo Slim Dealer's Choice'' was published by [[Villa Crespo Software]] in 1991.<ref>https://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/amarillo-slim-dealers-choice</ref>
The video game ''[[Amarillo Slim Dealer's Choice]]'' was published by [[Villa Crespo Software]] in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/amarillo-slim-dealers-choice |title = Amarillo Slim Dealer's Choice for DOS (1991) - MobyGames}}</ref>


Preston's lifetime tournament earnings totaled more than $587,000.<ref>[http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=8 Amarillo Slim Preston tournament results] from [[The Hendon Mob]] website</ref>
Preston's lifetime tournament earnings totaled more than $587,000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amarillo Slim Preston's profile on The Hendon Mob |url=https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=8 |access-date=April 7, 2024 |website=The Hendon Mob Poker Database |language=en}}</ref>


=== World Series of Poker bracelets ===
=== World Series of Poker bracelets ===
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===Author===
===Author===
In 1973, Preston and Bill G. Cox wrote ''Play Poker to Win'' which was published by [[Grosset & Dunlap|Grosset and Dunlap]]. A revised edition of the book was published by [[HarperCollins]] in 2005 entitled ''Amarillo Slim's Play Poker to Win''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amarillo Slim's Play Poker to Win - Amarillo Slim Preston - Paperback |url=https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780060817558/amarillo-slims-play-poker-to-win |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=HarperCollins Canada |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 1973, Preston and Bill G. Cox wrote ''Play Poker to Win'', which was published by [[Grosset & Dunlap|Grosset and Dunlap]]. A revised edition of the book was published by [[HarperCollins]] in 2005 entitled ''Amarillo Slim's Play Poker to Win''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amarillo Slim's Play Poker to Win - Amarillo Slim Preston - Paperback |url=https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780060817558/amarillo-slims-play-poker-to-win |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=HarperCollins Canada |language=en-US}}</ref>


In May 2003, Preston published his autobiography ''Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People'', where he wrote of playing poker with [[Larry Flynt]], [[Lyndon Johnson]], and [[Richard Nixon]] among others. In addition to his poker exploits, Preston wrote about his exploits in [[proposition bet]]ting.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Preston |first=Amarillo Slim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UyjCz8lRDvcC |title=Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People: The Memoirs of the Greatest Gambler Who Ever Lived |last2=Dinkin |first2=Greg |date=April 26, 2005 |publisher=Harper Collins |isbn=9780060762308 |language=en}}</ref>
In May 2003, Preston published his autobiography ''Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People'', where he wrote of playing poker with [[Larry Flynt]], [[Lyndon Johnson]], and [[Richard Nixon]] among others. In addition to his poker exploits, Preston wrote about his exploits in [[proposition bet]]ting.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Preston |first1=Amarillo Slim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UyjCz8lRDvcC |title=Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People: The Memoirs of the Greatest Gambler Who Ever Lived |last2=Dinkin |first2=Greg |date=April 26, 2005 |publisher=Harper Collins |isbn=9780060762308 |pages=208 |language=en}}</ref>


In April 2007, Preston created a website and released an E-Book called ''All In: An E-guide To No Limit Texas Hold'em''. The book was written by Preston along with Joe Brent Riley.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All In: An E-Guide to No Limit Texas Hold'Em by Amarillo Slim Preston |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-in-amarillo-slim-preston/1113662875?type=eBook |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=Barnes & Noble |language=en}}</ref>
In April 2007, Preston created a website and released an E-book called ''All In: An E-guide To No Limit Texas Hold'em''. The book was written by Preston along with Joe Brent Riley.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All In: An E-Guide to No Limit Texas Hold'Em by Amarillo Slim Preston |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-in-amarillo-slim-preston/1113662875?type=eBook |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=Barnes & Noble |language=en}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Thomas Austin Preston Jr. was born on December 31, 1928, in [[Johnson, Arkansas]], but when he was an infant his parents moved to [[Turkey, Texas]]. After they divorced, his mother returned to Johnson, while his father moved to Amarillo. Slim is quoted as saying: "It's a good thing he did, because Amarillo Slim sounds a heck of a lot better than Turkey Tom or Arkansas Austin."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlson |first=Michael |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Amarillo Slim obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/may/04/amarillo-slim |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Preston was divorced, had three children, and lived in [[Amarillo, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stutz |first=Howard |date=April 29, 2012 |title=Poker icon 'Amarillo Slim' Preston dies at age 83 |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/poker-icon-amarillo-slim-preston-83-dies/ |access-date=April 29, 2012 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |publisher=lvrj.com}}</ref>
Thomas Austin Preston Jr. was born on December 31, 1928, in [[Johnson, Arkansas]]. When he was an infant his parents moved to [[Turkey, Texas]]. After they divorced, his mother returned to Johnson, while his father moved to Amarillo. Slim is quoted as saying: "It's a good thing he did, because Amarillo Slim sounds a heck of a lot better than Turkey Tom or Arkansas Austin."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlson |first=Michael |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Amarillo Slim obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/may/04/amarillo-slim |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Preston was divorced, had three children, and lived in [[Amarillo, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stutz |first=Howard |date=April 29, 2012 |title=Poker icon 'Amarillo Slim' Preston dies at age 83 |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/poker-icon-amarillo-slim-preston-83-dies/ |access-date=April 29, 2012 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |publisher=lvrj.com}}</ref>


Beyond being known as a great poker player, Preston was also known for playing pool, dominoes, and proposition betting. Notably, Slim had beaten [[Willie Nelson]] and [[Larry King]] at dominoes.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Attlesey |first=Sam |date=April 13, 1980 |title=Of Outlaws, con men, whores and Larry King |url= |access-date= |work=Dallas Morning News |pages=188}}</ref>
⚫
In August 2003, Preston was indicted in Randall County, Texas, on charges of indecency with a 12-year-old grandchild.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2012 |title=Amarillo Slim |url=http://www.economist.com/node/21554486 |access-date=August 30, 2012 |website=[[The Economist]]}}</ref> The charges were reduced to misdemeanor assault in a [[plea bargain]], and on February 10, 2004, Preston pleaded "no contest" to the reduced charges "to protect his family". Preston received a $4,000 fine, two years probation, and was "ordered to undergo counseling". In a 2009 interview, he stated that he was innocent of any wrongdoing, but chose to take the plea bargain in order to spare his family from a court trial.<ref>[http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-12-Tue-2003/news/21921214.html Indictment might silence bluster of famed hustler `Amarillo Slim'], from the ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]'' website</ref><ref name="pokerlistings.com">{{Cite web |title=A legend lost: Amarillo Slim breaks his silence Pt. 1 - Poker News |url=http://www.pokerlistings.com/a-legend-lost-amarillo-slim-breaks-his-silence-pt-1-38457}}</ref>

⚫
In August 2003, Preston was indicted in Randall County, Texas, on charges of indecency with a 12-year-old grandchild.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 12, 2012 |title=Amarillo Slim |url=http://www.economist.com/node/21554486 |access-date=August 30, 2012 |newspaper=[[The Economist]]}}</ref> The charges were reduced to misdemeanor assault in a [[plea bargain]], and on February 10, 2004, Preston pleaded "no contest" to the reduced charges "to protect his family". Preston received a $4,000 fine, two years probation, and was "ordered to undergo counseling". In a 2009 interview, he stated that he was innocent of any wrongdoing, but chose to take the plea bargain in order to spare his family from a court trial.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=John L. |date=August 12, 2003 |title=Indictment might silence bluster of famed hustler 'Amarillo Slim' |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-12-Tue-2003/news/21921214.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031210135957/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-12-Tue-2003/news/21921214.html |archive-date=December 10, 2003 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref><ref name="pokerlistings.com">{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2009 |title=A Legend Lost: Amarillo Slim Breaks his Silence |url=https://www.pokerlistings.com/a-legend-lost-amarillo-slim-breaks-his-silence-pt-1-38457 |access-date=April 7, 2024 |website=PokerListings |language=en}}</ref>


Early on the morning of October 4, 2006, Preston was the victim of an attempted armed robbery. The armed robber fired three bullets into Preston's car as he sped away. Preston was not injured.<ref>[http://www.amarillo.com/stories/100506/new_5737696.shtml Don't mess with Slim] from the ''[[Amarillo Globe-News]]'' website</ref>
Early on the morning of October 4, 2006, Preston was the victim of an attempted armed robbery. The armed robber fired three bullets into Preston's car as he sped away. Preston was not injured.<ref>[http://www.amarillo.com/stories/100506/new_5737696.shtml Don't mess with Slim] from the ''[[Amarillo Globe-News]]'' website</ref>


On January 28, 2007, Preston was robbed at gunpoint while in his home.<ref>[http://www.amarillo.com/stories/013007/new_6682210.shtml Slim robbed] from the ''Amarillo Globe-News'' website</ref>
On January 28, 2007, Preston was robbed at gunpoint while in his home.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yates |first=Phillip |date=January 30, 2007 |title=Slim robbed |url=http://www.amarillo.com/stories/013007/new_6682210.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003149/http://www.amarillo.com/stories/013007/new_6682210.shtml |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |website=Amarillo.com}}</ref>


On January 22, 2009, Preston was beaten and robbed near the intersection of Interstate 40 and Soncy Road while attempting to collect a gambling debt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stecklein |first=Janelle |date=January 22, 2009 |title=Amarillo Slim beaten, robbed |url=http://www.amarillo.com/stories/012209/new_12362001.shtml |access-date=January 22, 2009 |website=Amarillo Globe-News}}</ref>
On January 22, 2009, Preston was beaten and robbed near the intersection of Interstate 40 and Soncy Road while attempting to collect a gambling debt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stecklein |first=Janelle |date=January 22, 2009 |title=Amarillo Slim beaten, robbed |url=http://www.amarillo.com/stories/012209/new_12362001.shtml |access-date=January 22, 2009 |website=Amarillo Globe-News}}</ref>


Preston's autobiography was the topic of a [[Biographical film|biopic]] movie reported to be under development. [[Nicolas Cage]] reportedly was to play Preston's character in the movie.<ref name="biopic">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000770085 Forman bets on Cage-led 'Slim' biopic] from a January 2005 article in ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]''</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amarillo Slim - Poker Player Profile |url=http://www.homepokergames.com/slim.php |website=www.homepokergames.com}}</ref> According to a 2009 article at Poker Listings, the "planned Hollywood movie about Slim's life" has been "dropped".<ref name="pokerlistings.com" />
Preston's autobiography was the topic of a [[Biographical film|biopic]] movie reported to be under development. [[Nicolas Cage]] reportedly was to play Preston's character.<ref name="j078">{{cite web | title=Short reels | website=GoUpstate | date=2005-01-28 | url=https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/2005/01/28/short-reels/29746011007/ | access-date=2024-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amarillo Slim - Poker Player Profile |url=http://www.homepokergames.com/slim.php |website=www.homepokergames.com}}</ref> According to a 2009 article at Poker Listings, the "planned Hollywood movie about Slim's life" has been "dropped".<ref name="pokerlistings.com" />


Preston died on April 29, 2012, of [[colon cancer]] at the age of 83.<ref>His old friend [[Doyle Brunson]] made a tribute to him on his blog the day he died.{{Cite web |last=Burton |first=Earl |date=April 29, 2012 |title=Poker Legend "Amarillo Slim" Preston Passes Away |url=http://www.pokernewsdaily.com/poker-legend-amarillo-slim-preston-passes-away-21640/ |access-date=April 29, 2012 |website=pokernewsdaily.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Douglas |date=April 30, 2012 |title=Amarillo Slim, Five-Time Poker World Series Winner, Dies at 83 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/01/sports/amarillo-slim-five-time-poker-world-series-winner-dies-at-83.html |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
Preston died on April 29, 2012, of [[colon cancer]] at the age of 83.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burton |first=Earl |date=April 29, 2012 |title=Poker Legend "Amarillo Slim" Preston Passes Away |url=https://www.pokernewsdaily.com/poker-legend-amarillo-slim-preston-passes-away-21640/ |access-date=April 7, 2024 |website=Poker News Daily |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Douglas |date=April 30, 2012 |title=Amarillo Slim, Five-Time Poker World Series Winner, Dies at 83 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/01/sports/amarillo-slim-five-time-poker-world-series-winner-dies-at-83.html |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>


==Notes==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/amarillo-slim-poker-player-in-the-vanguard-of-the-games-surge-in-popularity-since-the-1970s-7697628.html Obituary] in The Independent by [[Marcus Williamson]]
*[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/amarillo-slim-poker-player-in-the-vanguard-of-the-games-surge-in-popularity-since-the-1970s-7697628.html Obituary] in ''[[The Independent]]'' by [[Marcus Williamson]]
*[http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=8 Hendon Mob profile]
*[https://www.wsop.com/players/profile/?playerid=74 WSOP profile]

{{WSOP Main Event champions}}
{{WSOP Main Event champions}}
{{1970s WSOP Bracelet Winners}}
{{1970s WSOP Bracelet Winners}}

Latest revision as of 22:44, 2 December 2024

Amarillo Slim Preston
Amarillo Slim at the 1972 WSOP
Nickname(s)Amarillo Slim
ResidenceAmarillo, Texas
BornThomas Austin Preston Jr.
December 31, 1928
Johnson, Arkansas
DiedApril 29, 2012(2012-04-29) (aged 83)
Amarillo, Texas
World Series of Poker
Bracelet(s)4
Money finish(es)11
Highest ITM
Main Event finish		Winner, 1972

Thomas Austin Preston Jr. (December 31, 1928 – April 29, 2012), known as Amarillo Slim, was an American professional gambler known for his poker skills and proposition bets. He won the 1972 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1992.[1]

Poker career

[edit]

Before becoming a well-known tournament player, Preston was a rounder, touring the United States looking for gambling action along with Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts, effectively introducing Texas hold 'em, the most popular poker type today, to Las Vegas in the 1960s.[2]

Preston participated in the first World Series of Poker in 1970 along with Johnny Moss, Sailor Roberts, Doyle Brunson, Puggy Pearson, Crandell Addington, and Carl Cannon.[3] Following his victory in the 1972 WSOP Main Event, he appeared on several talk shows, including The Tonight Show, and had a small part in the 1974 Robert Altman movie California Split.[4] He appeared on I've Got a Secret, where his secret involved losing $190,000 in one night of poker.[5]

He also founded the tournament series called Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker, which ran annually between 1979 and 1991.[6]

Preston won four WSOP bracelets, including two in Omaha. Preston's final WSOP win was in 1990. In the $2,500 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 2000 WSOP, he came in second to Phil Ivey.[7]

In January/February 1980, Amarillo Slim hosted the Second Annual Poker Classic, which was the second-most prestigious poker tournament of its time. This series eventually came to be called the Super Bowl of Poker and continued until 1991. Gabe Kaplan became the first winner of this tournament series[8] and Stu Ungar won the title three times.[9]

The video game Amarillo Slim Dealer's Choice was published by Villa Crespo Software in 1991.[10]

Preston's lifetime tournament earnings totaled more than $587,000.[11]

World Series of Poker bracelets

[edit]
Year Tournament Prize (US$)
1972 $10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship $60,000
1974 $1,000 No Limit Hold'em $11,100
1985 $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha $85,000
1990 $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha $142,000

Author

[edit]

In 1973, Preston and Bill G. Cox wrote Play Poker to Win, which was published by Grosset and Dunlap. A revised edition of the book was published by HarperCollins in 2005 entitled Amarillo Slim's Play Poker to Win.[12]

In May 2003, Preston published his autobiography Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People, where he wrote of playing poker with Larry Flynt, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon among others. In addition to his poker exploits, Preston wrote about his exploits in proposition betting.[13]

In April 2007, Preston created a website and released an E-book called All In: An E-guide To No Limit Texas Hold'em. The book was written by Preston along with Joe Brent Riley.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Thomas Austin Preston Jr. was born on December 31, 1928, in Johnson, Arkansas. When he was an infant his parents moved to Turkey, Texas. After they divorced, his mother returned to Johnson, while his father moved to Amarillo. Slim is quoted as saying: "It's a good thing he did, because Amarillo Slim sounds a heck of a lot better than Turkey Tom or Arkansas Austin."[15] Preston was divorced, had three children, and lived in Amarillo, Texas.[16]

Beyond being known as a great poker player, Preston was also known for playing pool, dominoes, and proposition betting. Notably, Slim had beaten Willie Nelson and Larry King at dominoes.[13][17]

In August 2003, Preston was indicted in Randall County, Texas, on charges of indecency with a 12-year-old grandchild.[18] The charges were reduced to misdemeanor assault in a plea bargain, and on February 10, 2004, Preston pleaded "no contest" to the reduced charges "to protect his family". Preston received a $4,000 fine, two years probation, and was "ordered to undergo counseling". In a 2009 interview, he stated that he was innocent of any wrongdoing, but chose to take the plea bargain in order to spare his family from a court trial.[19][20]

Early on the morning of October 4, 2006, Preston was the victim of an attempted armed robbery. The armed robber fired three bullets into Preston's car as he sped away. Preston was not injured.[21]

On January 28, 2007, Preston was robbed at gunpoint while in his home.[22]

On January 22, 2009, Preston was beaten and robbed near the intersection of Interstate 40 and Soncy Road while attempting to collect a gambling debt.[23]

Preston's autobiography was the topic of a biopic movie reported to be under development. Nicolas Cage reportedly was to play Preston's character.[24][25] According to a 2009 article at Poker Listings, the "planned Hollywood movie about Slim's life" has been "dropped".[20]

Preston died on April 29, 2012, of colon cancer at the age of 83.[26][27]

References

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  1. ^ "Poker Hall of Fame". PokerPages.com. Archived from the original on January 25, 2009.
  2. ^ Moe, Al (May 4, 2005). "Legends of the Game - Brian "Sailor" Roberts". PokerNews.com. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  3. ^ "World Series of Poker: A Retrospective: 1970 Summary". UNLV. Archived from the original on August 13, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  4. ^ 'Amarillo Slim' Preston at IMDb
  5. ^ "I've Got A Secret (1972)". YouTube. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  6. ^ "Amarillo Slim's Life: Biggest Profits, Losses, Private Life & Net Worth". Somuchpoker.com. September 30, 2020.
  7. ^ Hill, David (July 13, 2017). "Phil Ivey's Semi-Bluff". The Ringer. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  8. ^ Moe, Al (May 31, 2005). "Legends of Poker: Gabe Kaplan". PokerNews.com. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  9. ^ Dalla, Nolan; Alson, Peter (July 15, 2005). One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey ',The Kid', Ungar, The World's Greatest Poker Player. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781416510185 – via Google Books.
  10. ^ "Amarillo Slim Dealer's Choice for DOS (1991) - MobyGames".
  11. ^ "Amarillo Slim Preston's profile on The Hendon Mob". The Hendon Mob Poker Database. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  12. ^ "Amarillo Slim's Play Poker to Win - Amarillo Slim Preston - Paperback". HarperCollins Canada. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  13. ^ a b Preston, Amarillo Slim; Dinkin, Greg (April 26, 2005). Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People: The Memoirs of the Greatest Gambler Who Ever Lived. Harper Collins. p. 208. ISBN 9780060762308.
  14. ^ "All In: An E-Guide to No Limit Texas Hold'Em by Amarillo Slim Preston". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  15. ^ Carlson, Michael (May 4, 2012). "Amarillo Slim obituary". The Guardian.
  16. ^ Stutz, Howard (April 29, 2012). "Poker icon 'Amarillo Slim' Preston dies at age 83". Las Vegas Review-Journal. lvrj.com. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  17. ^ Attlesey, Sam (April 13, 1980). "Of Outlaws, con men, whores and Larry King". Dallas Morning News. p. 188.
  18. ^ "Amarillo Slim". The Economist. May 12, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
  19. ^ Smith, John L. (August 12, 2003). "Indictment might silence bluster of famed hustler 'Amarillo Slim'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 10, 2003.
  20. ^ a b "A Legend Lost: Amarillo Slim Breaks his Silence". PokerListings. April 3, 2009. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  21. ^ Don't mess with Slim from the Amarillo Globe-News website
  22. ^ Yates, Phillip (January 30, 2007). "Slim robbed". Amarillo.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007.
  23. ^ Stecklein, Janelle (January 22, 2009). "Amarillo Slim beaten, robbed". Amarillo Globe-News. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
  24. ^ "Short reels". GoUpstate. January 28, 2005. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  25. ^ "Amarillo Slim - Poker Player Profile". www.homepokergames.com.
  26. ^ Burton, Earl (April 29, 2012). "Poker Legend "Amarillo Slim" Preston Passes Away". Poker News Daily. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  27. ^ Martin, Douglas (April 30, 2012). "Amarillo Slim, Five-Time Poker World Series Winner, Dies at 83". The New York Times. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
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