The 2008 WSOP has a couple of changes from last year. There will be seven $10,000 World Championship events in Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em; Seven-Card Stud; Limit Hold’em; Omaha Hi-Low Split Eight or Better; Pot-Limit Omaha; and a new Mixed Event. The dates of the 2008 WSOP are near the same, running from May 30 to July 16. WSOP officials plan a “soft opening” of the tournament room on May 28 for players to register early and play in satellite tournaments and cash games.

The first $1500 no-limit tournament now has two starting days, May 31 and June 1, because of the immense popularity of the event in 2007. Gone are the tents, and Harrahs promises to have everyone inside this year. On July 2, Annie Duke will host the second annual Ante up for Africa Charity Tournament.

For the complete schedule of event dates and times just visit  http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/tourney/tourneyDetails.asp?groupID=411

The AAA (American Automobile Association) has completed inspections of over 60,000 hotels and resorts and the 2007 results are in. The Venetian has entered a class that represents only 0.27 percent of the hotels in the hospitality industry throughout North America and the Caribbean, by earning their first AAA Five Diamond Award for 2008. The Five Diamond Award is given only to establishments that show the ultimate in service and sophistication.

To win the award the Venetian had to undergo an inspection from 65 full-time inspectors annually. No other system for ranking comes anywhere near the scrutiny of the AAA Diamond Rating System. The Venetian joins four other Vegas casinos – Bellagio, Four Seasons Las Vegas, Wynn Las Vegas and Skylofts at the MGM Grand – which also have AAA Five Diamond status. Making this list puts the Venetian on a small list of the best places to stay in Vegas, and that’s impressive.