WSOP Donates to Charity

Officials behind the World Series of Poker are asking players to donate just one percent of their winnings to the Nevada Cancer Institute.

Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., the owner of the WSOP, are encouraging all players in the tournament to donate just that small amount to the local charity that is the state’s largest cancer research institute. Harrah’s officials say that the donations could total nearly $2 million for the charity.

“Poker players are among the most generous and charity-conscious people on the planet,” said a statement from Harrah’s. “They continually use the game of poker to help raise awareness and funds for many worthy causes throughout the calendar year. The WSOP will again use its platform in 2010 to bolster their efforts.”

The WSOP kicks off Friday and will end on July 17. The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (a Harrah’s property) is hosting the big event.

Tournament officials will make it easy for players to donate the small amount; they simply must let a payout clerk know they plan to donate the 1 percent and Harrah’s will arrange to transfer the money after all donations are made.

Another big charity event slated to run during the WSOP is the third annual Ante Up for Africa charity celebrity tournament. This tournament will be held on July 3 and anyone willing to pony up $5,000 for the buy-in can play. This event has raised more than $1.5 million over the years for charity groups working in Africa. It will be hosted by actor Don Cheadle and professional poker player Annie Duke. Top celebrity and poker names often drop by to play in the event.