SOURCE: Business Wire

(Las Vegas, NV) — The World Series of Poker, the planet’s most prestigious poker tournament, is extending its international reach this year by launching the World Series of Poker Europe, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. announced today.

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.

Additional information, including structures, payout percentages and satellite dates and times for the tournaments, can be found on www.worldseriesofpoker.com beginning May 1, 2007.

Harrah’s reserves the right to cancel, change or modify the tournament or any tournament event.