World Series Of Poker Launching European Tournament

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) will launch the World Series of Poker Europe in London September 6-16. The new tournament will be held at three casinos operated by Harrah’s-owned London Clubs Int’l — Fifty, Leicester Square and the Sportsman (WSOP). The London event will be broadcast in Europe and the U.S., but Harrah’s VP/Sports & Entertainment Marketing and WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack declined to name the broadcast outlet or primary sponsor. Pollack said that the new tournament is “part of a strategy to capitalize on the game’s popularity,” and “a way for Harrah’s to expand its massive loyalty program for frequent gamblers.” Pollack: “At the minimum, this is a way to increase the customer lists at our properties in London and attract new customers to our Total Rewards program” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 2/26). Pollack said the new event “has been designed with European players in mind, but registrants from every country are welcome.” In Las Vegas, Howard Stutz notes Harrah’s completed a $570M purchase of London Clubs in December. Pollack indicated that he had “always intended to expand the [WSOP] internationally and the London Clubs deal speeded up the process” (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 2/27).