Poker news

WSOP - A Series of Many Firsts Under New Commissioner

Jeffrey Pollack, the new commissioner of the world series of poker, has grand plans for the 2006 series. He was named the commissioner by Harrah's January 2006, and has since been on an overdrive overseeing things that should be done. He has also been paving the way for the establishment of WSOP in Europe.

"I think there needs to be a bit more world in the WSOP," Pollack says. "I believe we'll be in a position to import and model the WSOP in casinos around the world and establish satellite tournaments overseas."

Jeffrey Pollack plans to take WSOP to a level unprecedented in its history by strengthening its exposure in the media, strategic advertising and smart licensing deals.

ESPN will have continuing rights to cover WSOP through 2010. The sports network will likewise be offering to viewers a live pay-per-view broadcast of the final table of the main event for the very first time in the tournament history. The telecast would be offered beginning July 18, with a suggested retail price of $24.95.

Bluff Media, the publisher of Bluff Magazine is also one of the supporters of the WSOP. They will be producing live radio broadcasts of the series for the first time. The extensive broadcast can be heard on Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 125 beginning June 29.

Card Player Media will also be offering live in depth coverage straight from the gaming room, including streaming videos of player interviews, event recaps, and updated chip counts from the games on its website www.cardplayer.com. Cardplayer is also this year's official content provider for the WSOP's website as well as WSOP updates to AOL.

The new commissioner has also affiliated the WSOP with Glu Mobile for the creation of WSOP themed mobile gaming, graphics and ring tones. He also struck a deal with console game maker Activision.

Miller Brewing Co. is also a sponsor for the WSOP for the next three years. Milwaukee's Best Light is the official beer of the WSOP. Details about the deal have not been made public, but Harrah's let on that the deal between the WSOP and the brewing company is the largest ever negotiated between a gaming entity and a corporate sponsor.

09/27/2006, Wednesday
Sherry Barlow

Share This...