World Poker Tour creates women's league

With the dramatic rise of women playing tournament poker, the World Poker Tour has expanded its female-focused tour with the launch of an official WPT ladies league and No Limit Texas Hold'em tournament circuit called the WPTL.

Jennifer Tilly is an veteran of WPT events. (Getty Images)

Buy-ins will range from $300-$1,500 and players will have the chance to win a WPT title and a seat in the WPT Ladies' Championship.

"Women are a rising force in poker," said Robyn Moder, executive vice president of WPT Studios. "By bringing a WPT ladies league and tour stops to top gaming destinations across the US, we hope to support and perpetuate the evolution of the sport and recognition of the women who play."

Season I of the WPTL tour kicks off Jan. 20 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and will feature additional tournaments at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, and Bay 101 in San Jose, Calif.

The tour will conclude with a $1,500 Championship tournament at Bellagio in Las Vegas, who also will host a player party in conjunction with the event.

The WPTL Championship final table will be filmed on the WPT set for television broadcast on WPT's new network home, GSN, in 2008. The winner will receive the first place cash prize and the WPT Ladies' Championship title.