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World Poker Tour(R) Signs New Broadcast-Rights Agreement for Season VI With GSN, The Network for Games
WPT Season VI Will Air on GSN in North America in Early 2008
LOS ANGELES, April 5 -- Bringing together the leaders in
casino gaming and poker entertainment, WPT Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WPTE)
and GSN, the premier cable network for interactive game programming,
announced today an agreement to air Season VI of the World Poker Tour(R)
(WPT). As part of the deal, GSN will broadcast 23 individual WPT Season VI
poker events in two-hour episodes filmed in casinos and card rooms around
the world. WPT will begin taping its new season in May 2007 which will
debut in early 2008 as part of GSN's Monday night casino lineup where the
network has built a substantial following in the casino game genre.
The collaboration delivers an unprecedented platform for the best poker
programming, providing poker fans with a dedicated casino gaming network
that will air all-new action from Season VI WPT, as well as other exciting
gaming programs, including GSN's cutting-edge cash game, High Stakes Poker
(HSP).
"As we continue to expand the WPT brand and set new limits for poker
programming, the move to GSN is the perfect next step for us," said Steve
Lipscomb, Founder, President and CEO of WPTE. "By moving to a network that
is already dedicated to delivering innovative gaming and poker
entertainment, we will be able to take WPT where we've not yet been able to
go. After hitting a major television milestone with our fifth anniversary,
we look forward to celebrating many more landmarks as we grow our
partnership with GSN."
"We are thrilled to be able to bring the World Poker Tour to GSN," said
Rich Cronin, President and CEO of GSN. "The WPT launched a global poker
phenomenon. It not only increased poker rooms and activity in casinos, but
it brought the great game of poker to living rooms around the world. In a
short period of time, Steve Lipscomb and his team have built the WPT brand
into a flagship entertainment entity recognized worldwide. By adding WPT to
our existing lineup of compelling gaming entertainment, GSN will be at the
head of the poker table."
The WPT created a global phenomenon by making poker a televised
spectator sport. Many poker programs have come and gone since the WPT began
five years ago, but WPT remains the leader in poker entertainment. To date,
the WPT has awarded over $300 million in cash prizes, crowned 69 WPT
Poker-Made Millionaires(TM) and will tape its 100th episode this month. The
WPT will air its fifth anniversary season on the Travel Channel, Wednesday
nights at 9pm ET/PT. For more information or for a Season VI WPT schedule,
please visit http://www.worldpokertour.com.
GSN began its foray into casino programming in 2004 with the World
Series of Blackjack (WSOB). Still going strong today, WSOB's fourth season
premieres Monday, June 4. And, High Stakes Poker is GSN's number-one rated
original program in all key adult and male 18-49 and 25-54 demos.
About WPTE
WPT Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WPTE) is a company engaged in the
creation of internationally branded entertainment and consumer products
driven by the development, production, and marketing of televised
programming based on gaming themes. WPTE is the creator of the World Poker
Tour(R), a television show based on a series of high-stakes poker
tournaments that airs on the Travel Channel in the United States and in
more than 150 markets globally. With the WPT in its fifth season, WPTE has
launched a second series on the Travel Channel, the Professional Poker
Tour(TM), which focuses on the play of poker's leading stars. WPT also
operates a real-money online gaming website, http://www.wptonline.com, which
prohibits wagers from players in the U.S. and other restricted
jurisdictions. WPTE currently licenses its brand to companies in the
business of poker equipment and instruction, apparel, publishing,
electronic and wireless entertainment, DVD/home entertainment, casino
games, and giftware. The company is also engaged in the sale of corporate
sponsorships. For show information, tools for improving poker play, and
other WPT news, fans may log on to http://www.worldpokertour.com. WPTE is a
majority owned subsidiary of Lakes Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: LACO).
Photos and media information can be found online at:
http://www.worldpokertour.com/media
About GSN
GSN is the entertainment industry leader in multi-platform interactive
game programs. As the premier television network for games, GSN features
challenging word games, high intensity casino programs, live participation
shows, reality series and documentaries. GSN's programming includes
original series such as "Chain Reaction," "Lingo" and "High Stakes Poker,"
as well as the classics "Jeopardy" and "Pyramid," among others. The network
also introduced participation TV to America and its "PlayMania" block airs
in late- night six nights per week. Complementing the network, GSN.com
features all types of game play: innovative Flash games for fun, skill cash
game tournaments and downloadable games. The website also features GSN's
two- screen interactive play-along for prime time shows. Now reaching more
than 63 million homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major
cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony
Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media
information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.
SOURCE GSN
http://www.gsn.com
http://www.worldpokertour.com
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