WSOP pre-registration opens

Players will be able to pre-register online at Worldseriesofpoker.com or in person at the main cage of the Rio(R) All-Suite Hotel & Casino, host property for the 2008 WSOP. Pre-registration instructions and tournament rules are posted on the website.

"We've received only positive comments about the 2008 schedule, which offers WSOP bracelets in eight variations of poker and at multiple buy-in levels," said Jack Effel, WSOP tournament director. "Because no alternates will be seated at the 2008 WSOP, we encourage players to pre-register early to guarantee their seats. Once again, acceptable forms of payment will include cash, cashier's checks, wire transfers and Rio casino chips."

The 39th edition of the WSOP will run from May 30 through July 16, 2008, and will include 55 bracelet tournaments. Buy-ins for open events will range from $1,000 to $50,000. The buy-in for the Main Event -- the No-Limit Hold'Em World Championship -- will remain at $10,000. The full event schedule is at Worldseriesofpoker.com.