By
Dan
Watching the fallout on PocketFives.com of the decision by Harrah’s to push the final table of the World Series of Poker back until November to coincide with the airing of the event on ESPN has been quite an experience. Both grapsfan and shronk authored excellent articles with contrasting viewpoints on the move. All told, the publicity received from major media outlets like USA Today and the Chicago Tribune has already boosted the WSOP into the spotlight weeks before any cards are even dealt. This week, Harrah’s Communications Director Seth Palansky joins the PocketFives.com Podcast to discuss what players can expect at this year’s WSOP and analyzes the Main Event decision that everyone has been talking about.
The poker world has been abuzz lately with the news that Harrah’s has decided to push the final table of the Main Event back until November 9th, when the final nine players will be flown out to the Rio (at Harrah’s expense) to determine a winner. In the interim, players will be able to negotiate sponsorships and, possibly more importantly, analyze the play of their opponents leading up to the final table. Palansky comments on how the move will bring more attention to the WSOP: “To have a promotional platform to push towards makes a big difference in any marketing game plan. This will allow 117 days to allow the public to get to know these nine finalists.”
On PocketFives.com, the feedback has been mixed. The same was true back when the industry decided to employ hole card cameras, which ultimately helped poker flourish. Palansky notes the thought process that went into pulling the trigger on the move late last week: “We had over a year of research and analysis. We didn’t come to the decision lightly. It affects less than one-tenth of 1% of Main Event participants. The discussion it has generated so far proves that it’s a worthy shot in the arm for poker.”
Based on surveys received from 2007 WSOP players, several key changes were made for the 2008 installment of poker’s largest live tournament series. Palansky explains, “First and foremost is that we eliminated playing in a tent. It was not a well-executed concept last year. All play this year will be held inside of the Rio’s convention center. We had players concerned about the food choices. They wanted healthier choices and more variety. We’ve reached out to several big name national chains that will be supplying food for the players and we believe we’ve enhanced the food offering.” Also, look for eight $10,000 buy-in events as well as eight $1,500 buy-in tournaments.
Harrah’s logo policy is one concern many players have each year. This year, the rule is simple. Palansky gives it to listeners of the PocketFives.com Podcast: “You can’t have more than one logo from one company on one piece of clothing. There’s no limit as to the amount of companies you can do business with and wear logos for.” For example, you can have two different logos on your shirt, but each logo must be from a different company. In essence, after a few companies’ logos, you’ll begin to resemble a NASCAR driver more than a poker player.
Palansky is still working on his first few weeks on the job with Harrah’s after coming over from the NFL Network. He’s looking forward to his first of many WSOP events: “From a PR perspective, to have 117 days to be able to work with players in order to build to a crescendo in November is something I’m excited about. It will allow mainstream audiences to capture the imagination of the players who make the final nine. Any broad exposure for our sport is a positive thing.”
Check out Seth Palansky of Harrah’s Entertainment this week on the PocketFives.com Podcast!