The Norwegian Poker Championship begins today in Nottingham, England. The Norwegian government has banned poker. The state governed monopoly “Norsk Tipping” does not offer poker and anyone playing poker with money could face criminal prosecution. So, the Norwegian Championship is held outside of Norway at the Dusk Till Dawn casino in Nottingham.

With a total estimated prize pool of £350 000, the winner of the Main Event will also receive a complete 2008 WSOP package. The tournament will be covered with live video blogs and full scale TV production of the Main Event final table.

Below is the complete schedule:

Monday 28th April
3pm £200 + £20 Fixed Limit Hold-em, chips 5000, 45 minute clock, cap 135 (exclusive to Norwegian players)
8pm £150 + £15 No Limit Hold-em, chips 4000, 30 minute clock, cap 135

Tuesday 29th April
3pm £300 + £30 Double Chance PLO 3000 + 3000, 45 minute clock, cap 180
4pm Day 2 £200 Fixed Limit Hold-em
8pm £50 + £5 max 2 rebuy 2500 chips, 24 minute clock, cap 180

Wednesday 30th April
3pm Day 2 £300 PLO
8pm £50 + £5 Super satellite Freezeout for £500 Main Event, 3000 chips, 24 minute clock, cap 198 (18 seats )

Thursday 1st May
3pm Day 1a £500 + £50 No Limit Hold-em, 10,000 chips, 1 hour clock, cap 270 Play 9 levels day ends 2.00am

Friday 2nd May
Day 1b

Saturday 3rd May
3pm Day 2 £500 No Limit - play 9 levels day ends 2.00am
8pm £200 + £20 PLO Double Chance 5000 + 5000, 30 minute clock

Sunday 4th May
3pm Day 3 £500 No Limit play to final
4pm Day 2 £200 PLO
8pm £300 + £30 DTD Deepstack 10,000 chips, 45 minute clock

Monday 5th May
3pm £100 + £10 Unlimited Rebuys 2500 chips 24 minute clock, cap 180 + alternates
4pm Day 2 £300
5pm Final £500