Nevada Approves Sale of Harrah's, No Affect on WSOP

The sale of Harrah's to two private equity firms will not affect the 2008 World Series of Poker. (Bodog Beat Image)

The state of Nevada has finally given its seal of approval to the acquisition of Harrah's Entertainment to the private equity firms Apollo Entertainment and TPG Capital. Mostly all other interested parties had approved the sale, including the afftected US states, the European Union and the shareholders. The only remaining approval needed is from National Indian Gambling Commission and their vote is set for the end of the month.

"We are grateful to the Nevada Gaming Commission and their counterparts at the Nevada Gaming Control Board, as well as all of the other regulators that approved this extraordinary transaction," said Gary Loveman, chairman, president and CEO of Harrah's Entertainment. "Moving forward as a private company after the closing of the transaction, we will continue to deliver superior customer service, further our development in international markets and strengthen our competitive position in each of the markets where we operate."

Most importantly though, the sale will not affect the 2008 World Series of Poker, which is scheduled to kick off on May 31.

“The WSOP will remain a key brand in the Harrah's portfolio, and one earmarked for expansion on a number of fronts,” said WSOP Communications Director Gary Thompson

All of the familiar names at the head of the WSOP will also remain in place, including WSOP commissioner Jeffrey Pollack.

So, armed with the knowledge that the WSOP will keep humming along smoothly, you can start making your plans for Vegas this summer, and why not start at Bodog so that you can go for free? For as little as $1 you can qualify for a $12,000 prize package that will get you to Vegas in true Bodog style with a chance to win millions.