2008 WSOP Event soft opening is on May 28 and 29

''Soft opening?'' What the fuck does that mean?

The 2008 World Series of Poker officials plan a ''soft opening'' for the tournament on May 28 and 29 so players can register early in order for them to play in satellite tournaments and cash games.

''This 'soft opening' will give players a chance to register early and avoid the lines we had last year during opening weekend, our busiest time,'' Geno Iafrate, vice president and assistant general manager of the Rio, said.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with the 2008 WSOP event, Oscar nominee Don Cheadle and poker professional Annie Duke will host the second annual Ante Up For Africa charity tournament at the Rio on July 2.

July 3 is the first of four start days for the 2008 Main Event. Last year, a total of 6,358 entrants competed for a Main Event prize pool of $59.8 million. Players may choose their Main Event start dates as long as seats are available on the selected dates.

Pre-registration for the 2008 WSOP has been made February on-site at the Main Cage of the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

''The team is still hard at work on the schedule of events for next year, but we've received so many requests for the dates that we decided to announce them now,'' Jeffrey Pollack, the commissioner of the World Series of Poker, said.

The World Series of Poker brand is owned by Harrah's License Company, LLC an affiliate of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment through its operating subsidiaries.

Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, nearly 70 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions, and now owns or manages casinos on four continents. The company's properties operate primarily under the Harrah's, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names.

Harrah's also owns the London Clubs International family of casinos.

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more of the best online poker rooms there are today.

2008 World Series of Poker No-Limit Texas Hold'Em Poker