HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS HOSTS WORLD SERIES OF POKER CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT

The 3rd Year Is A Charm for the Prestigious
High-Stakes Circuit Event in New Orleans8 PM CT

BY: Nolan Dalla

World-renowned poker players and professional and amateur players across the Gulf South will descend on New Orleans May 11 - 23 for the 2007 Bayou Poker Challenge Circuit of the World Series of Poker. This is the World Series of Poker Circuit's third visit to Harrah's New Orleans.

The World Series of Poker Circuit-where all you need is "a chip and a chair" to be a big winner-will be right at home in the Crescent City, one of the most exciting tourism destinations in the country. Harrah's New Orleans, a world-class entertainment destination, features 24/7 poker, slots and other table games.

"We are thrilled to host the Bayou Poker Challenge Circuit again this year. This is a world-class event in a city with a legendary reputation for hospitality," said Jim Hoskins, Harrah's New Orleans' senior vice president and general manager. "The tournament continues to grow in popularity with our guests of because of our proximity to the French Quarter and other tourism attractions, as well as the opportunity we offer to match skills with poker's best players. Whether you are playing for the big money or enjoying a long weekend, New Orleans is a rare city that offers something for everyone."

Harrah's New Orleans' Bayou Poker Challenge includes 13 Big Events with buy-ins starting at $500, plus entry fees. The Ladies Event buy-in is $200 plus entry fees. The buy-in for the final event is $5,000, down from $10,000 last year.

The World Series of Poker Circuit schedule also includes 24/7 single-table satellites, giving players an opportunity to win their way into the tournament for a minimal amount.

The winner of the Harrah's New Orleans Circuit Championship will earn not only a big payday and a gold ring, but also a seat the in 2007 WSOP Main Event at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Last year, 8,773 players vied for a piece of the $84 million prize pool at the WSOP Main Event, with the ultimate winner capturing the top prize of $12 million.

There are several high-stake events planned for New Orleans culminating with the Circuit Championship. Between May 11 and 23, seats in Mega Satellite tournaments are available for a $300 buy-in, plus a $30 entry fee and scheduled Sundays - Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. Additional Mega Satellite seats are available for $500, plus a $50 entry fee and scheduled Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m.

'Mega Satellite Day' is scheduled for Sunday, May 20, with tournaments scheduled for 12 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., with buy-ins starting at $300, plus entry fees.

Also on May 20, poker champion Phil Gordon will present a free seminar beginning at 4 p.m. at Winners Cove to discuss tournament strategy for No Limit Texas Hold 'Em. "I truly believe that almost anyone can be a champion poker player given enough time, motivation, energy, patience and courage," said Gordon. Since making his professional debut in 2001 at the World Series of Poker Championship, Gordon has gone on to win over $2.3 million in tournament play.

Last year's New Orleans $10K No Limit Hold 'Em Championship Final produced 170 contestants and a total prize pool of $1,615,000. Peter Feldman of Harper Woods, Mich., finished first and collected $532,950 in winnings. Other winners in the 2006 Circuit hailed from Ontario, Canada; Houston, Texas; Gulf Shores, Ala.; Baton Rouge, La.; Memphis, Tenn.; Pensacola, Fla. and Norco, La.

Harrah's New Orleans will host Pre-World Series of Poker tournaments in advance of the main poker challenge, May 7 - 10. Single Satellites are scheduled Monday - Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until midnight at Harrah's Theater. Super Satellites will be played Monday - Thursday, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The buy-in for these lead-up tournaments is $40, plus a $10 entry fee. Players will have the opportunity to win buy-in chips for World Series of Poker events.

Harrah's New Orleans WSOP participants will receive a free buffet meal each time they register for a circuit event. Register early to avoid long lines. Guests at the tournament can stay at the Hilton for a discounted rate of $79 per night. To make reservations, call 1-800-HILTONS and use the code WSP.

Harrah's New Orleans is operated by a subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada nearly 70 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. 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.

More information on World Series of Poker events is available by calling 504-533-6578 or by visiting www.harrahs/neworleans.com.