Bodog Beat

The World Series of Poker has announced an agreement to open a WSOP-branded retail shop in Las Vegas. (Image from wsopshop.com)

As if the ubiquitously over-priced WSOP merchandise that adorns stalls at Harrah's properties all over Vegas during the summer wasn't enough, an agreement has now been reached between the WSOP and XP Events to manage the WSOP online store (wsopshop.com), officially-licensed retail outlets throughout Las Vegas during the WSOP and to manage a new World Series of Poker retail store.

“XP Events is a leader in sports merchandising and marketing and we’ve been impressed by their work with the NBA and NHL,” said Jeffrey Pollack, the Commissioner of the World Series of Poker. “XP’s expertise will broaden our footprint and provide our fans and players, and poker enthusiasts everywhere, with a world-class shopping experience.”

XP Events, based in Denver, Colorado, has managed retail sales for many world class events including the NBA and NHL All-Star games, the World Baseball Classic, the President’s Cup, the Tour de France, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Poker is a sports and cultural phenomenon and we are thrilled to align with the best brand in the business, the World Series of Poker,” said Alan Fey, president, XP Events. “From e-commerce to retail, we think this alliance will benefit consumers allowing them multiple touch points to support their poker passion.”

Scouting for the location of the WSOP stand-alone store in Las Vegas is still underway, with the design concept to be modeled after XP Events-run retail shops for the Phoenix Suns (U.S. Airways Arena), Arizona Diamondbacks (Chase Field) and BankAtlantic Center (Florida Panthers).

You know what's way cooler than WSOP gear? Team Bodog gear. Seriosuly, ask anyone. The shirts, hats and hoodies are always in high demand during the WSOP, but the only way to get the gear is to be a member of Team Bodog. Each Team Bodog member receives an entire duffel bag full of genuine, stylish Bodog gear, and the only way to become a Team Bodog member is to qualify online in the Bodog Poker room. So, head over and check out the 2008 WSOP online poker satellites.

Charles Simmons is a regular contributor of poker news to the Bodog Beat.