WSOP expects record entries
The 2007 World Series of Poker is expecting a record 10,000 entries to this year’s tournament, 14 per cent higher than last year’s total.
Despite US attempts to clamp down on internet gambling, poker is increasingly popular with both US citizens and the international players and tournament organisers are preparing for a field of 10,000.
The 2006 WSOP field of 8,773 players competing for a $12 million grand prize marked a record for the contest and organisers believe that this year’s main event will be significantly bigger.
Hosted by the Rio casino-hotel in Las Vegas this year, tournament organisers Harrah’s Entertainment plan to create a new structure beside the casino to extend the number of tables to 258.
Around half the competitors in last year’s WSOP were though to have won their seats in online qualifier events operated by poker websites.
More than 3,000 players are expected to take part in the first three days of the 2007 WSOP main event, with prize money exceeding last year’s $12 million grand prize.