Seven football clubs competed in the first Casino Cup preliminary round at Casino Innsbruck on Wednesday, August 10: SV Navis (Regional League West), SPG Innsbruck West (National League West), SC Mils (HYPO TIROL Liga), SV Weerberg (Regional League East), SPG Rinn/Tulfes (Regional League East), SK Hippach (Women's National League East) and SK Hippach (2nd Class Centre).
After a joint reception at the Captain's Meeting, it was time for action: the participants played 20 minutes each of roulette and blackjack, followed by 60 minutes at the poker table. What was at stake was not money, but tournament chips; it was all about exciting entertainment and the fun factor.
The SK Hippach women's team with captain Hannes Greif had all the luck they needed on their side and were delighted to emerge as the winning team. This means that the team will definitely be taking part in the national final in Casino Innsbruck. Werner Weger joined in as team captain for SPG Rinn/Tulfes in the final poker round and reached second place. Third place went to SPG Innsbruck West with their captain Matteo Peternell.
The main prize: a one-week training camp in Turkey
Who can bring home the main prize for their team? The winning team gets to enjoy a one-week training camp in Turkey worth over 20,000 euros. The package includes a stay in an all-inclusive hotel specialising in training camps. The team (20 people) will be provided with FIFA standard training sessions (90 minutes each) twice a day. The team also has access to spa and fitness rooms and a dedicated meeting room. A laundry service is provided for sports equipment.
Casino Innsbruck is keeping its fingers crossed for all participants.
Participation still possible
There are still dates available for anyone who'd like to take part in the Casino Cup. Whoever prevails at the Austrian final in autumn can look forward to a spectacular main prize. The Austrian final of the Casino Cup will be shown as part of an entertaining primetime TV show by PULS 4 in autumn of 2022.