The Main Event of the World Series of Poker, known as "The Big One," is underway with a field of 6,598, making it the fifth-largest live poker tournament in history. The $10,000 entry fee generated a prize pool of $62 million, and first prize this year will be $8.5 million.

Gaudy as that first-place prize sounds, it pales in comparison with the tournament just completed last week. The "Big One for One Drop" poker tournament attracted 48 players willing to put up a $1 million entry fee each. The result was a first prize of $18.3 million, which was taken down by poker pro Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari.

Still, it’s the Main Event that carries the most prestige, and play in that tournament continues at the Rio through Monday, when the final nine players will be determined. Then there will be a break until the final table reconvenes Oct. 28.

» Good balls: LAVO at the Palazzo is running a new happy hour called "Beer, Bubbles & Balls." From 4:30 to 7 p.m. daily, choose from a selection of five different "balls" for $7 each. The tuna tartare balls are the all-stars, with standard meatballs a good second choice. Peroni beer and Prosecco are also $7 each.

» Comp for shopping: Buy a gift card of $25 or more good at stores and restaurants in the Town Square shopping district and get two free tickets to see Recycled Percussion perform at the Tropicana. Town Square is at the far south end of the Strip, and the gift cards are available from the concierge desk at the entrance to the children’s park.

» Cools play: While the Paris showroom is being renovated, Anthony Cools has moved his comic-hypnosis show to Bally’s. During the run at his temporary new home, tickets that normally start at $62 are priced as low as $15.

Question: What’s the best finish for a woman in the World Series of Poker Main Event?

Answer: Barbara Enright is the only woman to even make the final table. She finished fifth in 1995.

For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.