Richest Sporting Event on the Planet Begins Today in Las Vegas

Richest Sporting Event on the Planet Begins Today in Las Vegas

36th Annual World Series of Poker Expected to Set Participation and Prize Money Records in Its First Year at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

LAS VEGAS, June 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Thousands of poker enthusiasts from around the globe will begin descending on the Nevada desert today to compete for some $75 million in total prize money at the 36th annual World Series of Poker. The largest and most prestigious event of its kind, the World Series of Poker is expected to generate more than 15,000 player registrations by the time its main event begins July 7.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021220/LAF055LOGO )

Interest in the tournament has skyrocketed in recent years, necessitating a move from its longtime home in downtown Las Vegas to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino just off the world-famous Strip.

This year's main event -- a no-limit Texas Hold 'Em event with a $10,000 buy-in -- is expected to draw at least 4,000 players, up dramatically from the record crowd of 2,576 who participated in the event last year. The Rio's new facility, measuring more than 60,000 square feet, can accommodate up to 6,600 players in the main event.

The 36th annual World Series of Poker begins today with an event for casino industry employees. The first public event -- a no-limit Texas Hold 'Em tournament with a $1,500 buy-in -- begins June 3.

"The World Series of Poker is a sporting event like no other," said Gary Thompson, the tournament's director of communications. "It offers more prize money than any other sanctioned sporting event -- and it gives amateurs the opportunity to compete alongside legends of the game. For a baseball fan, it's like stepping into the batter's box against Roger Clemens and knowing that, if you can hit his fastball, you can walk away with millions of dollars."

The World Series of Poker is owned and operated by Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET). ESPN, the tournament's official broadcast partner, will produce and air 26 hours of original programming based on the 36th annual World Series of Poker. The sports network will produce an additional six hours of original programming based on World Series of Poker Circuit events. Coverage is scheduled to begin airing on or about July 19.

Founded 67 years ago, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. owns or manages through various subsidiaries 25 casinos in the United States, primarily under the Harrah's and Horseshoe brand names. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its target customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

More information about Harrah's Entertainment is available on the company's website, http://www.harrahs.com/. More information about the 36th annual World Series of Poker is available at http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021220/LAF055LOGO

Source: Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.

CONTACT: Dave Curley of TBC Public Relations, +1-410-299-2363; or Nicole Khoury of TBC Public Relations, +1-410-627-0561, both for Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.

Web site: http://www.harrahs.com/ http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/

------- Profile: Ent