Changes You Can Expect at the 2008 WSOP

I was one of the featured speakers at the California Poker Players Conference held at Hollywood Park over the weekend. For me it was a great opportunity to pick up poker tips—yes, despite having written eleven books, I’m still trying to raise my game at every opportunity—and meet players I’ve never met before.

Day Two of the conference kicked off with a presentation by Jeffrey Pollack, Commissioner of the World Series of Poker, who clued us in on some of the changes we can expect at the 2008 WSOP.

• The dreaded tent is gone. I’m not the only one who was happy to hear that. The entire room burst into applause at that announcement.

• A concierge—think about team of people, not just one—will be available during the entire series to assist players
• There will be no more than 55 events.

• The exact list of events should be announced in December or January.

• Players will be able to buy into the events at any Harrah’s property—at least that's what they're hoping for—once the event schedule is announced.
• Since 2009 will mark 40th anniversary of the WSOP, 2008 will host some events as part of a year of tributes and celebrations.
• Close to $1 million in charitable contributions was raised during the 2007 WSOP and they expect to raise even more in 2008.