October 26

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. anticipates hosting over 5,000 players through the final no-limit Texas Hold 'em championship game of the World Series of Poker to held next year next year. 5,000 players would just about double the number of those gambling to win last year.

According to the new schedule, the World Series is set to be held from June 2 -July 15.

Additionally, Harrah's announced a separate schedule for the upcoming World Series of Poker Tournament Circuit. WSPTC is a string of five poker tournaments that will play-out before the World Series of Poker does. The company plans on adding additional dates for tournaments in the coming years as well.

The schedule will play-out like this:

Jan. 7-18 - Harrah's Atlantic City

Feb. 20 -March 1 - Harrah's Rincon (San Diego)

March 12-22 -  Rio in Las Vegas

April 26-May 10 - Harveys Lake Tahoe

May 21-30 -  Harrah's New Orleans

All of the above dates will be taped and aired on cable TV's ESPN. It was reported last week that Series of Poker founder Jack Binion will be hosting select events.

Harrah's started the circuit to change the gambling sport from a month-long special event into a year-round  gambling sport.

The World Series of Poker will start at the Rio resort, and will be palyed there until the lastl two days of the tournament, then the final moves to Binion's Horseshoe.

Harrah's will continue to host outpost games at certain locations of its properties. This is where players can win a spot in the World Series.