WSOP officials ban ".net" advertising

Logos and banners advertising of some dot.NET sites will no longer be allowed at the World Series of Poker, spokesperson Gary Thompson said Wednesday.

Harrah's is banning ads for dot.net sites affiliated with real-money online poker rooms that accept U.S. players – like Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars. Media Web sites and player-promotional sites will still be allowed to advertise their .NET addresses.

"As a gaming company licensed in more than a dozen jurisdictions in the United States and abroad, Harrah's must follow the guidance of federal law and statement gaming regulators in conducting its business," Thompson said. "In this regard, the 2007 World Series of Poker venue will not contain advertising from dot.com sites that allow access to U.S. residents, nor ads from dot.net sites affiliated with those entities."

Unlike in 2006, Harrahs is going to allow players to wear their promotional t-shirts, hats and accessories uninhibited. This will give players a chance to sell space on their body for endorsement money and keep Harrahs' officials from having to duct tape over any controversial .COM's.

"We expect to post the 2007 WSOP rules and registration procedures on www.worldseriesofpoker.com next week that will contain a new logo policy allowing players to wear apparel with dot.net logos, as well as multiple and larger logos." Thompson said.

He added, "The details should be on our web site next week."

Thompson would not confirm rumors that the new advertising policy had nixed a deal with Full Tilt Poker for the center piece of felt on the WSOP tables.

"Harrah's has a long-standing policy of not commenting on rumors or speculation. If we do enter into any business agreement with another company, we'll make a public announcement at the appropriate time."