Harrah’s Entertainment announced that it has officially opened pre-registration for the 2008 World Series of Poker with poker players now able to secure their spots at this year’s WSOP by visiting WorldSeriesofPoker.com. Once there, they are instructed to download a form, fill it out and then mail or fax it to the Rio because it’s the year 1989 and submitting a form online hasn’t been invented yet.

To make payment, players have the option to mail in a cashiers check or wire money per instructions provided on the site. Players can also register in person at the main cage of the Rio using cash or chips.

As far as third-party payments go, Harrah’s rules dictate that only those approved by corporate sponsorship and licensing will be accepted. Unless approved, the player’s name must match the remitter’s name.

In news to us, although we’re sure it’s been mentioned elsewhere, WSOP tournament director Jack Effel says in the press release that “no alternates will be seated at the 2008 WSOP,” likely as a way to get people to sign up early and put an end to the fiasco that saw WCP entities Snake and Chops two of 800 alternates in Event No. 3 last year. That means events with just one starting day will be capped at 2,760 players. Event No. 3 last year had 2,998.

Both the form and deposit must be submitted to the Rio at least two weeks before the start of the event.

The 2008 WSOP will run from May 30 through July 16, 2008, and will include 55 bracelet tournaments.

Read the full press release after the jump below . . .

Photo above our snap of Phil Hellmuth‘s 11-girl escort into the 2007 WSOP Main Event

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Tagged as: 2008 WSOP, Harrah's, poker, Poker News

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