2008 World Series of Poker Open for Pre-Registration

Harrah's Entertainment announced that it has officially opened pre-registration for the 2008 World Series of Poker with poker players now able to secure their spots at this year's WSOP by visiting WorldSeriesofPoker.com. Once there, they are instructed to download a form, fill it out and then mail or fax it to the Rio because it's the year 1989 and submitting a form online hasn't been invented yet.

To make payment, players have the option to mail in a cashiers check or wire money per instructions provided on the site. Players can also register in person at the main cage of the Rio using cash or chips.

As far as third-party payments go, Harrah's rules dictate that only those approved by corporate sponsorship and licensing will be accepted. Unless approved, the player's name must match the remitter's name.

In news to us, although we're sure it's been mentioned elsewhere, WSOP tournament director Jack Effel says in the press release that "no alternates will be seated at the 2008 WSOP," likely as a way to get people to sign up early and put an end to the fiasco that saw WCP entities Snake and Chops two of 800 alternates in Event No. 3 last year. That means events with just one starting day will be capped at 2,760 players. Event No. 3 last year had 2,998.

Both the form and deposit must be submitted to the Rio at least two weeks before the start of the event.

The 2008 WSOP will run from May 30 through July 16, 2008, and will include 55 bracelet tournaments.

Read the full press release after the jump below . . .

Photo above our snap of Phil Hellmuth's 11-girl escort into the 2007 WSOP Main Event

Pre-Registration Opens for 2008 World Series of Poker(R) Presented by Milwaukee's Best Light

LAS VEGAS, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. said
today pre-registration for the 2008 World Series of Poker Presented by
Milwaukee's Best Light is now open.

Players will be able to pre-register online at
http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com or in person at the main cage of the
Rio(R) All-Suite Hotel & Casino, host property for the 2008 WSOP.
Pre-registration instructions and tournament rules are posted on the
website.

"We've received only positive comments about the 2008 schedule, which
offers WSOP bracelets in eight variations of poker and at multiple buy-in
levels," said Jack Effel, WSOP tournament director. "Because no alternates
will be seated at the 2008 WSOP, we encourage players to pre-register early
to guarantee their seats. Once again, acceptable forms of payment will
include cash, cashier's checks, wire transfers and Rio casino chips."

The 39th edition of the WSOP will run from May 30 through July 16,
2008, and will include 55 bracelet tournaments. Buy-ins for open events
will range from $1,000 to $50,000. The buy-in for the Main Event -- the
No-Limit Hold'Em World Championship -- will remain at $10,000. The full
event schedule is at http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com.

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the world's largest provider of branded
casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 70
years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties,
expansions and acquisitions, and now owns or manages casinos on four
continents. The Company's properties operate primarily under the
Harrah's(R), Caesars(R) and Horseshoe(R) brand names; Harrah's also owns
the London Clubs International family of casinos and the World Series of
Poker(R). Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value
with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent
products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology
leadership. For more information, please visit http://www.harrahs.com.