The China Leisure Sports Administration Center announced today that it will launch a poker tournament tour this fall and it has signed a five-year exclusive marketing partnership with WPT Enterprises.

The tour will focus on Traktor Poker, known as Tuo La Ji, the most popular form of poker in China.

The National Traktor Poker Tournament will not allow real money betting because gambling is illegal in China.

CLSAC will launch the first Season of the National Traktor Poker Tournament in the fall, which is anticipated to visit up to 15 locations around China, including the online preliminary organized on and by www.ourgame.com, culminating in the Grand Final in early 2008. The tour will not allow real money betting because gambling is illegal in China. CLSAC and WPTE will collaborate in development of unique TV production and marketing platforms to support the Tour.

“This marketing partnership with the WPT is a serious commitment for the CLSAC,” said Mr. Hu Jianguo, Director General of CLSAC. “WPT’s skills and experience in expanding the popularity of the Sport in the US through creative television and marketing strategies will help us accelerate the growth of the Sport here in China. We look forward to a long-term partnership with the WPT, expanding this unique Sport and showcasing the wisdom and teamwork skills of the Chinese people to the world.”

“WPT is honored to be the marketing partner chosen by the CLSAC for the China National Traktor Poker Tour,” said Steve Lipscomb, CEO of WPT Enterprises. “Poker, especially Tuo La Ji Poker, requires a great amount of skill and passion, both key ingredients in creating dynamic and engaging sports television. We look forward to applying our expertise revolutionizing televised Poker in the United States to help bring this exciting Sport to Chinese television for the first time.”

The WPT China office opened this month in Beijing and set up the official tour website at www.wptpoker.com.cn.

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