Phelps to Take Poker Gold Next?

Betfair, sponsor of the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE), is the latest party attempting to lure 14-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps out of the pool and onto the poker tables.

The UK-based bookmaker has made a special invitation to Phelps to compete for his ninth major victory of the year - continuing on from his record-breaking eight gold medals at last month's Beijing Olympic Games. To encourage him, Betfair has offered to cover the 10,000 British pounds sign-up fee for the event, which takes place from September 19 - October 2 at London's Empire Casino, and attracts the world's top poker players.

Phelps is reportedly a keen poker player, having been sighted in the lead-up to the Olympics playing Texas Holdem at the Caesars Windsor in Ontario, just across the US-Canadian border from his training base in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

British newspaper The Sun captured photos of Phelps leaving the Ambassadors Casino in London's Mayfair district last week, following his Olympic success.

The inaugural WSOPE featured 623 entrants in 2007, competing for over 1.3 million British pounds ($2.6 million). With ESPN and Sky Sports set to broadcast this year's series, the prospect of Phelps competing is sure to boost viewer ratings.