Harrah's, IMG To Expand WSP

LAS VEGAS -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Harrah's License Company, LLC, an affiliate of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET), and IMG, the world's premier sports and lifestyle marketing firm, have formed a global sales and marketing alliance centered around business operations for the World Series of Poker, Harrah's signature sports property.

"The goal is to enhance our position as the most prestigious poker tournament in the world and as the pre-eminent poker brand in the sports industry," said Jeffrey Pollack, commissioner of the World Series of Poker and vice president of sports and entertainment marketing for Harrah's, the world's largest gaming company. "With our 36-year tradition and heritage, the World Series of Poker is already the category leader, but with IMG's expertise and global reach, we will create a new standard of excellence for our customers and partners."

"IMG has a strong heritage of successfully working with global sports and entertainment properties and we share Harrah's vision for the future of the World Series of Poker," said Andy Pierce, senior corporate vice president, IMG. "We are committed to applying our global marketing, media and licensing resources to continue to build this world-class, five-diamond brand."

IMG will work closely with Harrah's across all areas of the WSOP business, including global sponsorship sales, global product licensing, official Web site development, international event development and international television representation.

The alliance marks the first collaboration between Harrah's and IMG.

The World Series of Poker is the most prestigious event of its kind and is the richest sporting event on the planet. In 2005, millions of people watched participants from 45 countries compete for a total prize pool exceeding $100 million. Harrah's acquired the World Series of Poker brand in 2004 and is aggressively implementing a plan for future expansion and global distribution.