Broadway Bets, Broadway’s official game night produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares, will return this spring to a larger venue. The annual event, traditionally presented at Sardi's Restaurant, will be held May 18 at the Edison Ballroom.

A mix of Broadway talent, industry insiders, and theatre enthusiasts will join in a Texas Hold ’em tournament for all levels. Prizes will be awarded to all who reach the final table, and one player will receive the title of Broadway Bets champion. Guest passes offer a chance to observe the poker action and play other casino games for fun.

Texas Hold ’em-style tournaments begin with each player receiving an equal amount of chips. Two blinds are posted per hand to force the action, and as players progress, the number of blind bets increases. As players drop out, tables are combined until one final table of players competes for the title.

Broadway Bets tournament directors are Mark Shacket, partner at Foresight Theatrical; Brett Sirota, co-founder and partner at The Road Company; and Alex Wolfe, general manager at Foresight Theatrical. Doors will open at 6:30 PM with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by the 7:30 PM tournament kickoff. 

The founding co-chairs are Robert E. Wankel, chairman and CEO of The Shubert Organization and president of the Broadway Cares' Board of Trustees, and the late Paul Libin, executive vice president emeritus of Jujamcyn Theaters and president emeritus of the Broadway Cares' Board of Trustees.

Broadway Cares has also announced that Tony and Olivier-winning producer and philanthropist Thomas S. Perakos will be the first-ever presenting sponsor of Broadway Bets, making a pioneering leadership commitment of more than $1 million over the next five years to Broadway Cares. Perakos’ support, in partnership with The Perakos Family Cares Foundation, will focus on wellness, health care and health insurance, mental health support, counseling, and emergency assistance for all members of the Broadway and theatre community during their critical times of need.

Perakos leads a royal flush of companies already set to participate in the annual event. Set to take their place as “Full House” table sponsors are 321 Theatrical Management, The Araca Group, Foresight Theatrical, John Gore Organization, The Nederlander Organization, Satisfi Labs and Broadw.ai, No Guarantees and Astor Place Theatre, PRG, RCI Theatricals, The Road Company, The Shubert Organization, SpotCo, Sweet Hospitality Group, TodayTix, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, and Withum. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be entering this next chapter of immense growth, expansion and impact for Broadway Bets,” said Danny Whitman, executive director of Broadway Cares, in a statement. “Even more lifesaving support will reach people in need thanks to our new King of Hearts, Tom Perakos, and his extraordinary commitment of more than $1 million.”

"The arts don't just entertain us—they sustain us. Supporting them is one of the most meaningful things we can do,” Perakos added. “Performing arts are the foundation of our culture, of humankind, and especially of our beloved Broadway community. Nothing could possibly give me greater joy in these most challenging and difficult times than to help anyone in our Broadway community in need; ‘you will be found’!–help, and knowing others care is often a lifesaver. If my commitment can help find anyone in a meaningful way, it is so worth it!"

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams,” Perakos continued. “But if your passions and successes can also give back—when they can bring help, joy, and opportunity to others—you truly have the power to make a difference in this world. This partnership with Broadway Cares is a legacy I am deeply proud to be a part of—one I have helped build, one I continue to support, and one I will champion in the years to come."

“I’m thrilled to see this joyous night for our theatrical community leveling up in such a meaningful way,” said Tony winner Jonathan Groff, a member of Broadway Cares’ Board of Trustees who’s currently starring in Just in Time. “I had the chance to meet presenting sponsor Tom Perakos recently after a performance of Just in Time and his passion for ensuring people in our industry can access essential health care and support was immediately clear. His generosity is bringing Broadway’s biggest power players together for an unforgettable evening that makes a lifesaving impact.”

Last year’s edition of Broadway Bets raised a record $546,500. Across its eight editions, Broadway Bets has raised $2.7 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Broadway Cares is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has awarded more than $300 million for essential services for people with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Individual tickets and table sponsorships are on sale at BroadwayCares.org/bets. Every ticketing level includes a menu from Chopped champion Mina Newman and an open bar.