WPT Enterprises, Inc. announced that it has signed a sponsorship deal with Southwest Airlines Co. for Season VI. The Southwest Airlines brand will be prominently featured on the World Poker Tour(R) (WPT) “runway” and is now “the official airline of the WPT.”

Southwest Airlines will also sponsor the Season VI “Watch & Win” sweepstakes during all-new WPT episodes on GSN—Southwest will deliver messages throughout each show prompting viewers to text in a code for the chance to win a trip to watch the filming of a WPT final table and free roundtrip airfare on Southwest Airlines.

Through WPT’s website, www.worldpokertour.com , Southwest will also promote “Ding!”(R), a free downloadable computer application that sits on the desktop. Users can customize their travel list by choosing up to 10 airports of their choice, then receive audible alerts on deeply discounted pricing that is not available anywhere other than through DING!

“As WPT is the premiere ‘tour’ on the poker circuit, Southwest is the ideal brand for us to align with,” said Steve Lipscomb, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of the WPT. “We look forward to initiating what is sure to be a very exciting and innovative partnership.”

” Southwest Airlines sees this exciting new partnership as a way for Customers to see our brand in an entirely new environment,” said Lilah Steen, National Promotions Specialist for Southwest Airlines. “We know the world is passionate about poker and we are so happy to be associated with the premier brand for this sport.”

The deal runs through Season VI, with both parties given the option to renew in Season VII.

The WPT Season VI will begin airing in early 2008 as part of GSN’s Monday night casino lineup where the network has built a substantial following in the casino game genre. Season V currently airs every Wednesday night on the Travel Channel at 9PM Eastern/Pacific.

Visit www.worldpokertour.com for the most up-to-date information and tournament schedule.
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