World Series of Poker ensures the Ladies Only championship includes just women players

Among the planned 62 bracelet events scheduled for the 2013 World Series of Poker is the Ladies Only No-Limit Hold’em Championship.

This year, tournament officials have taken steps to ensure the event on June 28 really is a women-only tournament.

In the past, several men have entered the women’s event, paying the $1,000 entry fee and citing gender equality, since women are allowed to enter every other World Series of Poker bracelet events.

This year, however, there is a twist.

The tournament has a $10,000 buy-in – for men. Women entering the event enjoy a 90 percent discount and pay just $1,000.

World Series of Poker officials cited a law enacted by the Nevada Legislature in 2011 that governs gender-based marketing and promotional efforts. It’s the law that allows women to enjoy reduced prices on drinks, food and entertainment at restaurants, nightclubs and casinos.

Caesars Entertainment Corp., which oversees the World Series of Poker, determined the law can also govern the world’s largest poker tournament.

The 44th World Series of Poker will run May 29 through July 15 at the Rio and take over nearly all of the resort's convention center with 480 poker tables spread throughout three ballrooms. The 2013 tournament will offer five events that have the potential for multimillion-dollar awards.