Harrah’s Operating Company, a subsidiary of Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. announced that six top poker professionals have agreed to join a new Players Advisory Council that will consult with company executives on ways to enhance the experience at the World Series of Poker.

Among the players who have accepted inaugural one-year terms on the committee are former World Series of Poker Main Event champions Chris “Jesus” Ferguson and Scotty Nguyen. They will be joined by top professionals Jennifer Harman, Howard Lederer, Daniel Negreanu and Robert Williamson III.

Jeffrey Pollack, commissioner of the World Series of Poker and vice president of sports and entertainment marketing for Harrah’s, believes that by “working with the Players Advisory Council and the outstanding operations team at the Rio, we are going to make a great tournament even better and send a clear ‘player first’ message.”

Pollack said the council will soon be expanded to include a non- professional player. The panel will meet regularly with Pollack and other Harrah’s executives to provide input on a wide range of issues related to the World Series of Poker.

“Now that players have a voice, I believe we’ll see changes that will be in their best interests as a whole,” Negreanu said. “Harrah’s determination to listen to players who love this game will help protect the tournament’s integrity while continuing to increase the popularity of the World Series of Poker.”

“By giving the players a voice, Harrah’s is making a sound investment in the future of the World Series of Poker,” said Lederer. “I am excited to be a part of a dialog whose ultimate beneficiary will be the game of poker itself.”

“I am proud to be a member of Harrah’s new Player Advisory Council,” said Williamson. “The professional players who have been chosen share a common love and passion — poker. By forming this advisory board, Harrah’s has shown a commitment to preserving and protecting the World Series of Poker, while constantly striving to improve every facet.”