The Struggle continues for I-gaming Web sites serving U.S. players, as Harrah's announced on Tuesday that U.S.-facing sites--dot-net and dot-com, alike--will be prohibited from advertising at the 2007 World Series of Poker (WSOP).
Gary Thompson, Director of Operations for WSOP, told pocketfives.com that this year's 47-day tournament will not feature advertising from "dot-com sites that allow access to U.S. residents, nor from dot-net sites affiliated with those entities."
Thompson specified, however, that Harrah's position would not affect advertising carried by media companies--ESPN, for example--which cover the event, as they are not subject to the same "gaming regulatory requirements" as Harrah's is.
Thompson also expects that players will be subject to a flexible logo policy, which will allow for dot.net-branded apparel, as well as apparel with "multiple and larger logos." The policy's details should be available "soon" on the WSOP Web site, he said.
Regarding the poker table felts, and advertising rights in general, Thompson refused comment.
Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., will host this year's World Series, scheduled to run from June 1 to July 17.