Chris Moneymaker: Playing a Tournament for Charity

CONCORD, N.C. -- Professional Poker Player Chris Moneymaker, believes that playing a tournament for a charity is a great way to raise the awareness of child-related causes. He noted over 5,600 people entered the main event of the 2005 WSOP Tournament in July, more than double that of a year ago and about eight times that of two years ago. Chris Moneymaker collected the $2.5 million first prize in the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event championship after qualifying through a $40 online satellite tournament, .

Through a series of "No Limit Hold'em" tournaments, motorsports fans and poker enthusiasts will be able to go "all-in" to support The Jeff Gordon Foundation.

The series of high-stakes poker events, which will include online satellite tournaments and events at several Harrah's casinos (NYSE:HET), will begin this Fall and culminate in a championship to be held in March 2006 in Las Vegas, Nev. The championship, scheduled for the week of the annual race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, will be held at Caesar's Palace -- one of Harrah's premier casinos.

"The Jeff Gordon Foundation Hold'em Tournament will raise both players' and fans' expectations about what a world class tournament benefiting charities can provide," said Poker player Chris Moneymaker. "As a fan of motorsports and a supporter of Jeff Gordon, I fully expect that this event can help make significant contributions to children in need of his Foundation's support."

"The popularity of these tournaments lends itself well to creating an environment where casual enthusiasts can enjoy participating in a star-filled event knowing that they are also supporting children through The Jeff Gordon Foundation," said Jeff Gordon, four-time Cup Series champion. "With the industry's support, we can help meet the overwhelming physical, social and intellectual needs of children and their families throughout the United States."

With a fan base estimated at 50 to 60 million who play poker at least once a month, The Jeff Gordon Foundation hopes to raise up to $1,000,000. In addition to reaching out to the fans of poker and motorsports, the tournament will provide opportunities for professional poker players and poker celebrities to play an important role in raising funds and awareness of today's needs by children and their families.

The Jeff Gordon Foundation Hold'em Tournament will be broadcast on a yet-to-be-determined network and be executive produced by Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment in combination with Tony Loiacono, the creator of the event. Off-camera, the select competitors, professional poker players and celebrities will enjoy high-stakes fun as they partake in a VIP Reception, and attend the hit shows at Harrah's casinos.

About The Jeff Gordon Foundation

The Jeff Gordon Foundation was established in December of 1999 by the four-time Cup Series champion to support the physical, social and intellectual needs of children and their families. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Riley Hospital for Children, The Marrow Foundation in partnership with The Hendrick Marrow Program and the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital at Northeast Medical Center. For more information, visit www.JeffGordonFoundation.org.

About Harrah's Entertainment

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nev., 67 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. On June 13, 2005, Harrah's Entertainment acquired Caesars Entertainment, Inc., and now owns or manages through various subsidiaries more than 40 casinos in three countries, primarily under the Harrah's, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names.

NOTE: Must be 21 years of age or older to participate.

Contacts

For The Jeff Gordon Foundation
Jules Moss, 704-453-2842
jmoss@jgiracing.com