Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 | 6:15 p.m.
IMG Sport & Entertainment and Harrah's Interactive Entertainment, Inc. agreed on a four-year contract extension Friday for global representation of the World Series of Poker brand.
IMG will now control the international sponsorship, event management, licensing and television distribution of the WSOP.
"We are looking to emphasize the 'World' in World Series of Poker as our vision of the brand extends beyond the annual events in Las Vegas and London," said Mitch Garber, chief executive officer of Harrah's Interactive in a news release. "By tapping the global reach and expertise of IMG, we are confident that together we can take the brand to new levels on the international stage through new international bracelet events and other WSOP licensed poker events."
IMG has served as WSOP's sponsorship and licensing agency since 2005 and helped the WSOP expand into Europe as well as attract sponsors such as Jack Link's, Hershey's and Planters.
"The World Series of Poker is an impressive property that we believe is well positioned to expand successfully into international markets given the increased activity in the online and offline poker business in key international markets," said David Abrutyn, senior vice president and global managing director of IMG Consulting."
The WSOP European championship is currently running in London, but the final nine players in the WSOP Main Event will return to Las Vegas in November for the live finale at the Rio.
Carnival lasts all year at the Rio. With a float occasionally passing overhead and dropping beads while feathered dancers fire up the gamblers below, the Rio tries to keep its 120,000-square foot casino jumping with excitement. Special Brazilian mixed-drinks are also served throughout the casino. The hotel suites tend to be larger than similar priced rooms on the Strip and many offer excellent views with floor to ceiling windows.
The Rio offers some quality shows like "Penn & Teller" and "Chippendales." Many come to the Rio for the nightlife at the VooDoo Lounge, located on the 51st floor, or McFadden's Irish Pub on the casino level.
Others come for a bit relaxation at the Rio Spa or pool area and still others come to shop at the hotel's 60,000 square feet of shops. In each of these endeavors, the Rio attempts to make the experience a bit more fun and spontaneous.
The Rio also offers guests a variety of dining choices from all-American food at the All-American Bar & Grille to Gaylord India Restaurant for something a little spicier and even Carnival World Buffet for the indecisive.
Steve Silver can be reached at 948-7822 or [email protected].
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