ESPN will telecast 32 hours of original programming of the 2006 World Series of Poker; this year’s WSOP will be covered by up to 25 cameras, as well as an overhead camera that will travel the length and width of the tournament area.  The specially constructed final table used throughout ESPN’s coverage will incorporate up to 10 “pocket cams” in the table’s rail to show viewers the players’ cards, and a “rabbit cam” under the table next to the dealer may show viewers the card that would have been dealt next should a player fold.

The following is the telecast schedule for ESPN’s World Series of Poker coverage:

For 37 years, the World Series of Poker® has been the game’s undisputed championship, drawing record crowds, generating unprecedented prize pools and making legends one hand at a time.  Public action at this year’s 45-event series begins today with a three-day No-Limit Hold’em event at the Rio® All-Suite Hotel & Casino and continues until the conclusion of the Main Event on August 10, when the new World Series of Poker World Champion is crowned.

The annual casino industry employee event began yesterday.  The final table of the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions, the richest live free-roll, also began yesterday as remaining participants Daniel Negreanu and Mike Sexton continue to play heads-up this morning for the $1 million top prize.

Already the largest, richest and most prestigious live poker tournament played anywhere in the world, the 37th annual World Series of Poker is expected to further define the role of poker in the sports and entertainment industry. The 2006 WSOP, operated by a subsidiary of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET) will reach its broadest audience ever by leveraging the largest global television, Internet, mobile gaming, radio and print media alliances in the game’s history.

This year’s World Series of Poker event features the first $50,000 buy-in event in the tournament’s legendary history, a H.O.R.S.E. event that begins July 12. Other enhancements this year include an expedited registration process, improved food and beverage offerings, expanded restroom facilities, a new smoking policy, additional cashier windows to speed the payment and cash-out process, enhanced taxi service at the Rio Pavilion and the addition of valet service at the Pavilion.

“The World Series of Poker is the ultimate expression of excellence in poker,” said WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack. “We stand head and shoulders above every other tournament, but we’re not taking our position for granted.  Every aspect of the business is getting a fresh look and we’re establishing alliances and instituting policies that will ensure the tournament’s continued long-term success.  We’re committed to creating an outstanding experience for every player and every fan.”