News

Stateline, NV - The 2006-07 World Series of Poker Circuit has begun.  Now entering its third consecutive year, poker players and fans alike can now enjoy the excitement of the world's largest and most prestigious poker tournament series, from coast to coast.  Harvey's Lake Tahoe, owned by Harrah's Entertainment, hosts the first WSOPC stop of season number three. 

The Lake Tahoe event runs from September 7-17.  Tournament buy-ins range from $300 up to $5,000.  The Harvey's poker room also offers second chance tournaments nightly, starting promptly at 5:00 pm.  Live action games and satellites run around the clock.

"The 2006 World Series of Poker was the largest poker tournament ever in history," said Jack Effel, Director of Poker Operations for Harrah's Entertainment.  "Now, the World Series has evolved into a year-around attraction.  The tremendous appeal of all the WSOPC events is that poker players everywhere can now experience the same excitement that they see in Las Vegas and on television ? but much closer to home."

Indeed, the Harrah's Lake Tahoe event attracts players from all over the West.  However, the majority of players live in Northern California and Nevada, specifically Sacramento and Reno.  Nestled in the pine forests of beautiful South Lake Tahoe, this circuit stop has rapidly turned into one of the most popular poker destinations of the year.  Two year's ago, this circuit stop hosted the largest poker tournament ever held in Northern Nevada.  The number of participants continues to be strong.

Effel explained the popularity of the WSOPC events as follows:  "These events really do cater to the average poker player.  We attract some of the top professionals, but most of the time you will see regular, everyday poker players making final tables and winning prize money.  The Circuit events are much more regional in nature."

The WSOPC is also popular because of generous amounts of chips given to players at the start of each tournament and sufficient time to allow play, which is always a concern to poker players.  Structures are similar to what is used at the WSOP in Las Vegas.

All event winners on this year's WSOP Circuit will receive a fashionable gold and diamond ring, which has become one of the highest standards of achievement for tournament players.  Furthermore, all main event winners will automatically be awarded a seat into the $10,000 buy-in championship event at the 2007 World Series of Poker, to be held next year in Las Vegas.

Poker has a very long and rich tradition in Lake Tahoe.  Twenty-seven years ago, the Super Bowl of Poker was first held in this area, which at the time was the second-largest poker tournament in the world.  By returning once again and making Harvey's Lake Tahoe the official start of the new WSOP Circuit season, Harrah's Entertainment is proudly demonstrating its commitment to the growth of poker and the wishes of poker players in the Reno-Lake Tahoe region.
 
For more information, please contact: 
Nolan Dalla -- WSOP Media Director at (702) 358-4642
Or visit our official website:  www.worldseriesofpoker.com

World Series of Poker Commissioner ? Jeffrey Pollack
Director of Poker Operations for Harrah's Entertainment ? Jack Effel
Harrah's Lake Tahoe Race and Sportsbook Manager ? Steve Schorr
Harvey's Lake Tahoe Poker Room Manager ? Vince Contaxis