WPT EXPANDS POKER OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN

11 January 2008

Latest initiative spurred by dramatic rise in women players


World Poker Tour (WPT) has expanded its female-focused tour offering with the launch of an official WPT ladies league and No Limit Texas Hold 'Em tournament circuit, branded WPT Ladies (WPTL). The move is spurred by a dramatic rise in women players signing up for tournament poker events, a company spokesman said.

With buy-ins ranging from $300 - $1 500, the tournament circuit provides multiple opportunities for amateur, semi-pro, and professional female players to test their skills in a tournament environment at top gaming destinations without having to pay a costly five-figure buy-in. Ladies also will have the chance at each stop to win a WPT title and a seat in the WPT Ladies' Championship.

"Women are a rising force in poker," said Robyn Moder, executive vice president of WPT Studios. "By bringing a WPT ladies league and tour stops to top gaming destinations across the US, we hope to support and perpetuate the evolution of the sport and recognition of the women who play."

Season I of the WPTL tour kicks off January 20 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ, and will feature additional tournaments at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, and Bay 101 in San Jose, Calif.

The tour will conclude with a $1 500 Championship tournament at Bellagio in Las Vegas, where the winner will receive the first place cash prize and the WPT Ladies' Championship title at a player party held in conjunction with the event. The WPTL Championship final table will be filmed on the WPT set for television broadcast on WPT's new network home, GSN, in 2008.

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