TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 15  -- The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) proudly announces Sean Astin, NCFL's Verizon Literacy Champion and Advisory Board member, as one of the newest celebrities to join Bravo TV's hit series "Celebrity Poker Showdown". Astin will join four other celebrities for the June 17 episode at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Celebrity Poker Showdown" is filmed before a live audience at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. According to Bravo's website, each episode features five celebrities competing for a piece of a $250,000 prize pool in a game of No Limit Texas Holdem poker for the charity of their choice. Astin will compete for the National Center for Family Literacy. The winner from each week's game will go on to compete in the championship final sixth episode.

"I am thrilled to represent NCFL is their ongoing efforts to help families in need," said Astin. "Through literacy, so much is possible for parents and their kids. While I enjoy my poker game, I will keep NCFL in my sight."

According to Bravo, all players are guaranteed at least $5,000 in prize money. Just for making it to the finals, fifth place will win $7,500, fourth place will win $10,000, third place will win $12,500 and second place will walk away with $20,000 for their charity. The "Celebrity Poker Showdown" champions will each walk away with $100,000 for the charity of their choice.