World Series of Poker is under way at Rio

The 44th World Series of Poker began last week at Rio in Las Vegas, where 62 “bracelet events” will be contested this year.

The Main Event runs July 6-15, when the November Nine final-table players will be decided. The $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop tourna- ment won’t be held this year. It’s being replaced by the One Drop High Rollers event, with a “scaled down” buy-in of $111,111, on June 26. There will also be a Little One for One Drop on July 4, with a $1,111 buy-in.

Viewing of all tournaments is open to the public.

U.K. style: William Hill will operate the race and sports book at the new Downtown Grand (formerly Lady Luck). The book will have its own entrance and be designed to look like a United Kingdom betting shop. The Downtown Grand is scheduled to open in September.

Downtown Louie: Comedian Louie Anderson is moving his act to the Plaza downtown. He’ll begin an open-ended run on July 10, with tickets starting at $59.95.

“The Dirty”: A new, free, late-night, R-rated comedy show has opened at South Point. Presented by Ralphie May and Gabe Lopez, “The Dirty” presents different guest comics weekly, performing at 12:30 a.m. Saturdays.

Drai’s Returns: The afterhours nightclub Drai’s has reopened in a temporary home at Bally’s. It will move to Vandervoort Las Vegas when the resort opens in 2014.

Question: Did the downtown Gold Spike reopen?

Answer: Only as a restaurant. The Grill is operating and Uncle Joe’s Pizza is expected to reopen. The hotel and casino remain closed.