Harrah’s releases World Series of Poker schedule

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004 | 10:56 a.m.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. expects to host an estimated 5,000 players during the final no-limit Texas hold 'em championship game of the World Series of Poker next year -- about double the number that competed this year.

The World Series of Poker is scheduled to begin June 2 and will run through July 15.

Harrah's also has announced its schedule for the separate World Series of Poker Tournament Circuit, a series of five poker tournaments that will run prior to the World Series of Poker event. The company is expected to add more tournament dates in future years as the event grows, Harrah's spokesman David Strow said.

The first event on the tour will be held Jan. 7-18 at Harrah's Atlantic City, followed by Feb. 20-March 1 at Harrah's Rincon near San Diego, March 12-22 at the Rio in Las Vegas, April 26-May 10 at Harveys Lake Tahoe and May 21-30 at Harrah's New Orleans. Each event will be taped and aired on ESPN. World Series of Poker founder Jack Binion will host some of the events.

Players will earn points based on their performance in circuit tournaments and the World Series of Poker. The top 100 point earners will receive a free invitation to the 2005 World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions, where a single winner will take home a top prize of $2 million.

Harrah's created the circuit to transform the sport from a month-long special event into a year-round sport, Harrah's Senior Vice President of Acquisition Ginny Shanks said.

Players may choose to play only in individual tournament events or may play in all of them to earn points toward the Tournament of Champions, which is invitation-only, he said. Players may also only play in the World Series of Poker tournament if they so choose.

The World Series of Poker will be held at the Rio resort up until the final two days of the tournament, which will take place at Binion's Horseshoe downtown, Strow said.

Harrah's will continue to host satellite games at some of its casinos in which players can win a seat at the World Series.