Maloof won our inaugural Blackjack Tournament,' said Nick Dillon, executive director of casino operations for the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. After anteing up a $10,000 entrance fee, contestants were issued $50,000 in tournament chips to be used per round, with a minimum bet of $1,000 or maximum bet of $25,000 per hand required. Maloof was one of 41 entrants and advanced through the invitation-only event. Reacting to his million-dollar win Maloof said, 'The only thing that would make me happier is if the Kings won the championship.' His brother Gavin Maloof, co-owner of the Kings, was eliminated in the semifinals. Down $16,000 entering the last hand, Maloof hit a $25,000 blackjack to win the winner-take-all event. Maloof played 120 hands during the two-day, four-round tournament. Joe Maloof, co-owner of the Sacramento Kings and the Palms Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, won the $1 Million Blackjack Tournament at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino.
