A new live show at the Venetian casino in Las Vegas that will feature pros playing poker with audience members will be hosted by comedian Paul Rodriguez, the casino announced.

The show, called “The Real Deal,” is to open at the Venetian on October 22, 2008.

Merv Adelson, executive producer of the new show, announced in a press release: “Paul Rodriguez was a natural choice to be the host of ‘The Real Deal.’ 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.”

Meanwhile, more details have emerged on exactly how the new poker show will be done.

According to the release, each night two top poker pros will play against audience members, who will use special hand-held computers to participate in the action.

“The show reaches a crescendo when the final surviving amateur, the chip-leading pro and the point leader from the audience take the stage for the three-handed final table,” the release announced.

An audience member could potentially win up to a million dollars, the release said.

“The Real Deal” will play in the Venetian Showroom six nights a week at 5 p.m., with additional performances on Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $75 each and go higher as you get closer to the action.

The Venetian previously announced that it had signed a number of poker pros to particpate in the new show, including Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, Todd “Son of Doyle” Brunson, Phil “Poker Brat” Hellmuth Jr., Daniel “Kid Poker” Negreanu, Phil “Unabomber” Laak, Jen Harman, Gavin Smith, Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari, Eli Elezra and Scotty Nguyen.

Adelson was the co-founder of Lorimar Telepictures, the production company which produced the highly successful 1980s TV show “Dallas.”

(E-mail Tom Somach at tomsomach@yahoo.com.) =A0=A0