World Series of Poker Launches European Tournament
In an effort to compete with other world poker tournaments, The World Series of Poker announced it will be launching the World Series of Poker Europe, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc..
The inaugural WSOP Europe is scheduled to debut in London September 6-16, 2007. The new tournament will be held at three casinos operated by London Clubs International – Fifty, Leicester Square and the Sportsman.
“This is the first time bracelet events will be awarded outside of Las Vegas,” said Jeffrey Pollack, World Series of Poker Commissioner. “The World Series of Poker Europe will have a unique identity, style and flair, but will remain true to the 38-year tradition and heritage of the WSOP.
“This new tournament has been designed with European players in mind, but registrants from every country are welcome,” said Pollack. “We hope it becomes an annual tradition for poker enthusiasts and a home for WSOP fans after the action concludes in Las Vegas each summer.”
“We are honored to host this unique extension of the world’s richest and oldest poker tournament,” said Bill Timmins, chief executive officer of London Clubs International. “As the exclusive offline satellite host, LCI will enable players to compete in our poker rooms in London, Manchester, Nottingham, Southend and Brighton for a seat in every WSOP Europe event.”
The inaugural WSOP Europe begins September 6 with a three-day, £2,500 (approximately $4,900 U.S.) HORSE event at LCI’s newest casino in Leicester Square, opening in April 2007.
The Leicester Square casino will also be the host casino for a two-day, £5,000 (approximately $9,800 U.S.) Pot-Limit Omaha tournament starting September 8.
On September 10, the WSOP Europe Main Event – a six-day, £10,000 (approximately $19,600 U.S.) No-Limit Texas Hold’Em Championship – will begin at LCI’s Leicester Square, The Sportsman and Fifty. The playing field will be consolidated beginning September 13 at Leicester Square.
This news follows The World Series of Poker announcement that it will no longer permit any forms of advertisements from online poker websites at its event this summer in Las Vegas. That includes free .net websites affiliated with real cash poker rooms such as PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.
Last year some players and family members of players reported being offered upwards of five figures to wear a hat or shirt from a particular site while they played on a televised final table.
Banning advertising from online poker sites still supporting US players could decrease those sites willingness to go overboard holding satellites to the WSOP, as they would not get the marketing benefit from sending players if their logos get no visibility during the WSOP.
That in turn, could cut down on the number of players at WSOP, as last year it was estimated that the online sites sent as much as 2/3 of the players to the event. Phil Gordon and Nolan Dalla speculated that the WSOP Main Event could shrink to 2003 "Pre-Chris Moneymaker" attendance levels with the impact of UIEGA and resulting bans.
Last year, sites like PartyPoker.com and Paradise Poker paid millions to advertise their brands throughout Las Vegas, including atop hundreds of city cabs. This year's WSOP is expected to receive very little fanfare at a time when the event had been garnering tremendous steam.
-----
Ace King, Gambling911.com
Originally published February 26, 2007 9:37 am ET
