BetFair named Sponsor of WSOP-Europe

Harrah's announced today that an agreement had been reached to name Betfair.com the Presenting Sponsor of the World Series of Poker Europe through 2011. Betfair will participate in several facets of WSOP Europe and will promote the event year-round internationally.

"This is an historic deal for us," said David Yu, chief executive officer of Betfair. "To present the WSOP, with its 38-year tradition, on its first venture into Europe is a great honor."

Based in London, Betfair is the world's largest bet exchange company and the largest online betting firm in the UK. Betfair purchased online poker site PokerChamps.com in 2005 to bolster its poker business. The WSOP Europe will kick off in London September 6-16. The tournament will be spread over three casinos in London - Fifty, The Casino at the Empire, and The Sportsman. This will be the first time a WSOP bracelet will be won outside of the US.

"Betfair is a global leader in gaming innovation," said World Series of Poker Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack. "Our two organizations have a vision, style and brand strength that is complementary and world-class."

"Our alliance with Betfair will launch and build the World Series of Poker Europe with prestige and authenticity. This will likely become the most important poker tournament outside of Las Vegas," Pollack said.

The World Series of Poker Europe presented by Betfair.com will consist of three events. The largest of these is the Main Event, a £10,000 buy-in, 750 player, six-day tournament spread over three casinos with a prize pool of roughly £7.5 million. The winner will take home cash and a WSOP gold bracelet, the most coveted prize in poker.

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