36th Annual World Series of Poker Shatters
Participation and Prize Money Records

Players from More than 40 Countries Come to Compete

LAS VEGAS, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The unprecedented 29,000-plus poker enthusiasts from around the globe who descended on Las Vegas to participate in the 2005 World Series of Poker generated a total net prize pool of more than $103 million -- more than doubling the previous participation and prize money records set last year at the tournament.

The World Series of Poker main event -- a $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold'em tournament -- also set prize and participation records for a single live poker event, attracting 5,619 players competing for $56,190,000 in gross prize money. The previous single-event records belonged to the 2004 World Series of Poker main event, which drew 2,576 players and generated a gross prize pool of $25,760,000.

The multi-event live tournament record also belonged to the 2004 World Series of Poker, which attracted 14,054 player registrations last year.

To accommodate the unprecedented field of players in this year's main event, tournament organizers spread its start over three days. The main event, which began July 7, is expected to conclude July 15. Its winner will walk away with $7.5 million, up from $5 million in 2004. Each player who makes the final table in 2005 will win at least $1 million. The top nine places will pay as follows:

1st: $7.5 million
2nd: $4.25 million
3rd: $2.50 million
4th: $2 million
5th: $1.75 million
6th: $1.5 million
7th: $1.3 million
8th: $1.15 million
9th: $1 million

"With players coming to Las Vegas from more than 40 countries, this year's turnout demonstrates that the World Series of Poker is an international sporting phenomenon on par with the most prestigious events held anywhere on the globe," said Gary Thompson, director of operations and communications for the World Series of Poker. "We're thrilled to see the unprecedented growth we've experienced in the two years since Harrah's purchased the tournament."

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada 67 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. On June 13, 2005, Harrah's Entertainment acquired Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and now owns or manages through various subsidiaries more than 40 casinos in three countries, primarily under the Harrah's, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names. With nearly 4 million square feet of casino space, more than 40,000 hotel rooms and nearly 100,000 employees, the Harrah's portfolio is the most diverse in the gaming industry. 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.