Poker Icon Amarillo Slim Passes Away

Poker legend Amarillo Slim, whose real name was Thomas Austin Preston, Jr., passed away early Sunday morning (April 23, 2012) at the age of 83.

Gambling911.com had been reporting on Preston’s declining health over the past two weeks.

Preston's daughter confirmed the poker legend's death with noted poker historian, Nolan Dalla. The family released the following statement regarding Preston's passing:

"We hope everyone will remember our beloved Amarillo Slim for all the positive things he did for poker and to popularize his favorite game - Texas Hold'em."

Preston won the main event at the 1972 World Series of Poker before going on to win an additional three WSOP bracelets.  He would later be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1992.

In May 2003, Preston published his autobiography Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People, where he wrote of playing poker with the likes of Presidents Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson along with Larry Flynt.  A film based on the book is reportedly in development and will star Nicholas Cage. 

Amarillo Slim was the victim of three armed robberies during the last decade.

- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher