The recession has hit a number of industries hard, including automotives and construction, but when the "Shuffle up and deal" phrase is spoken to kickoff the upcoming World Series of Poker, it will be business as usual, at least according to WSOP commish Jeffrey Pollack.

Pollack recently discussed the world's economic environment and its effect on the World Series of Poker, which begins on May 27, 2009.

"We're aware of what is happening with the global economy and we're sensitive to it," Pollack said in a recent conference call, cited in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The WSOP commissioner said that the event has a colorful history and skimping on it wouldn't be good for business.

"We have an obligation to create an annual festival and improve every aspect of the tournament that we can. We have to ensure that whoever shows up is given the best possible experience," Pollack said.

"We could have planned to have a recession World Series of Poker and cut back, but we didn't think that was the right thing to do."

"That wouldn't best serve our players."

So as this year's World Series of Poker begins—the 40th WSOP event—players of all skill levels will descend upon the Rio in Las Vegas and they will take part in an event that hasn't cut corners.

"If you're a first-time player or a seasoned pro, we have something for you," Pollack went on to say.

Las Vegas Review-Journal article here.