World Series of Poker kicks off

The 38th annual WSOP kicks off today with the $5,000 buy in World Championship Mixed Hold em (Limit/No-Limit) (3 Day event) at Noon PST.

Despite the controversy surrounding online and offline poker over the last year, officials are expecting record turnouts for the expanded event, which runs for over 6 weeks, ending on July 17th.

According to a press release from Harrah’s: “The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino will host the 55 events in a 40,000-square-foot room and an adjacent superstructure. In all, 258 poker tables will be staffed by 750 dealers and floor personnel as amateurs and pros compete against each other for millions in prize money.

The WSOP is the richest sporting event on the planet. The total prize pool at the 2006 World Series of Poker was more than $171 million - more than the Indy 500, the Kentucky Derby, the Masters and Wimbledon combined. Players from more than 50 countries participated in last year’s event, and thousands of poker enthusiasts from around the world are expected to attend this year.”