I think a pretty good argument can be made that the World Series of Poker is one of the biggest reasons for the proliferation of online poker. This goes back to 2003 when a little known accountant named Chris Moneymaker invested $39 in an online WSOP satellite tournament, and shortly thereafter he was showing off a WSOP Main Event bracelet and thinking about what to do with his newly acquired millions. It was an internet rags to riches story that played itself out on pokers biggest stage; the WSOP Main Event. Suddenly everyone with an internet connection and an uninspiring career was playing poker in cyberspace. Had Moneymaker won his way into the Aussie Millions, or some other smaller tournament, the only people who would probably know his name are his family and anyone who needs their quarterly taxes done. Seeing as the WSOP has been instrumental in the growth of online poker, it always seemed strange that they didn’t have an online presence in the internet gaming industry. It appears that is about to change.
It looks like Harrah's Interactive Entertainment is going to take its first real step into the online poker arena. They have chosen 888 Holdings as their partner in this endeavor. This makes a lot of sense. Harrah’s owns the most important and influential poker tournament on the planet, it is only natural they would choose the most respected name in online gaming to bring the WSOP into cyberspace.
"The intent is to be in the online gaming space, wherever it's legal," said WSOP Communications Director Seth Palansky. "We've partnered with 888 to develop a platform."
There is no timetable for when we will see these early steps become a viable poker room. When they do open their proverbial doors, there will probably be a number of executives at big name poker sites shaking in their Bruno Magli and sweating through their Armani suits. Despite the fact that this move by Harrah’s and 888 will scare some folks more than finding out their blind date is Lorena Bobbitt, this is nothing but good news for online players everywhere.
