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Merv Adelson, the show's co-executive producer, announced Rodriguez as the host of the poker-themed live stage show this week.

"Paul was a natural choice to be the host of 'The Real Deal!'" said Adelson. "Funny, charismatic, and engaging, he knows how to connect with an audience and keep them on the edge of their seats. With more than 20 years on the comedy circuit, Paul has a huge fan base and we're very excited to add his level of star power to our already exciting ensemble."

"The Real Deal!" will feature a one-of-a-kind combination of humor, improvisation, poker and audience participation.

The show will pit two professional poker players against a group of randomly selected audience members on stage. The rest of the audience still gets to participate as well, playing against the head table using handheld devices.

The show will culminate with the points leader from the audience joining the chip-leading pro and the last remaining amateur player onstage for a three-handed finale to determine a winner. There are lots of prizes throughout the show, including a chance to win $1 million.

The audience won't be disappointed with the caliber of poker pros they'll be pitted against either. It's not going to be an easy task winning prizes against the likes of Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Jennifer Harman, Phil Laak, Scotty Nguyen and Todd Brunson.

The poker pros and celebrity guests will continually change, giving visitors a fresh experience on a regular basis.

"The Real Deal!" will run six days a week at the Venetian Showroom in Las Vegas, with shows at 5 p.m., plus an 8 p.m. showing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a matinee performance twice a week. Paid previews of the show begin Oct. 14, with "The Real Deal!" making its official start Oct. 22.

For more information, visit www.TheRealDealLV.com.

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