With the crowning of Danish poker pro Peter Eastgate as the World Series of Poker champion in November 2008, and a first place cash prize of over $9 million, the excitement surrounding high-stakes poker events has never been more evident. In an effort to meet the public demand for more tournaments open to players at all levels, the World Series of Poker is returning to Caesars Atlantic City for the highly anticipated Circuit Event which will be held from March 4 through March 14, 2009.

The World Series of Poker is the world’s richest sporting event. Last year, the WSOP competition in Las Vegas alone awarded nearly $170 million in prize money to winners – more than Wimbledon, the Masters, and the Kentucky Derby combined. Five years ago, the WSOP hit the road for the first time in history. Poker tournaments were offered at multiple Harrah’s properties spread throughout the United States. Atlantic City was the first city ever to host a WSOP-related event held outside of Las Vegas. Turnout has been sufficiently strong enough all five years to have made Caesars one of the Circuits’ most popular attractions.

This year’s Caesars’ schedule will include 11 tournament events, with buy-ins ranging from $200 for a Turbo No-Limit event to just over $5,000 for the No-Limit Hold’em championship finale. Last year’s circuit event championship purse at Caesars Atlantic City was over $1.5 million. To ensure that there is never a lack of action, there will also be single table satellites available 24 hours a day. With over 110 tables ready for poker action, this event should bring some of the very best in poker talent to center Boardwalk where table games action is king. In years past, Caesars tournaments have attracted thousands of poker players with all levels of experience, from recreational competitors to world champions.

The winner of the final event will qualify for a $10,000 seat in the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event held at The Rio in Las Vegas in addition to prize money awarded for the Circuit victory. Winners of all events will receive a World Series of Poker ring, except for the special ladies-only poker tournament on March 14th, which will award a beautiful pendant commemorating the championship.

“Caesars has always been synonymous with the very best in table games in Atlantic City and this tournament speaks to that. The World Series of Poker is without question the single most prestigious gambling event anywhere, and we are thrilled to bring all the excitement of the tournament to our customers,” said Dan Nita, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caesars Atlantic City.

Interested participants can register 24 hours a day at the casino cashiers located next to the poker room at Caesars. Beginning at 8am on March 4th, players can register right at the Palladium Ballroom located on the second floor of the casino. Registration must be done in person and all registrants must have a Total Rewards card, which can be obtained at either the Poker Room or the Total Rewards Center, located on the second floor. Special room rates for participants in the World Series of Poker Circuit Event are also available at rates of $79 for Sunday through Thursday, $159 for Friday and $199 for Saturday.

Additional information is available at http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/.

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by Nolan Dalla