Party Poker presence at WSOP

Despite its cautious approach to Internet-sponsored contestants, the World Series of Poker appears to have no problem with accepting heavyweight advertising from online poker companies, judging by an agreement signed this week.

The agreement was between WSOP organiser Harrah's Entertainment and the no-gambling marketing and publicity arm of Party Gaming, Party Poker.net and renewed the product-placement agreement between the two companies for the 38th annual World Series of Poker Presented by Milwaukee's Best Light.

Describing Party Poker.net as "...the world's largest poker school and free-to-play educational poker website," the press release lauding the deal revealed that PartyPoker.net will be integrated into several facets of the WSOP for the second year running, including its logo appearing on all poker tables during the event.

Financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

"We're pleased to announce that PartyPoker.net has renewed its product-placement deal," said WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack. "It is one of a fantastic group of commercial companies we welcome back to the team."

With a total gross prize pool of more than $171 million and in excess of 48 000 player registrations, the 2006 World Series of Poker presented by Milwaukee's Best Light shattered every participation and prize money record for a live poker event, claims the release. The top prize for the $10 000 buy-in No-Limit Texas Hold'em World Championship, commonly referred to as the Main Event, reached $12 million last year.