Over 400 massage therapists walk the floors at World Series of Poker

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — One table. One hand. $20,000 on the line.

Stressed out? For poker players at the world series of poker, that’s an everyday experience. Doesn’t a massage sound good?

In the Rio Convention Center, you’ll see plenty of poker players. They’re everywhere.

But you’ll also see Alicia Coro among the crowded tables, giving massages.

“To be able to help someone that’s achieving something so big, it’s very cool,” Alicia says.

Alicia is one of the four hundred massage therapists working the world series of poker for Professional Massage Incorporated.

For 51 days, 24 hours a day, they’re there with the players.

Business is good.

“We started off with 40 our first year, and each year it’s grown until this year we have over 400.”

Professional Massage has been doing this for 13 years. And it makes sense.

There are thousands of dollars at play. You can win or lose with a bad bluff or a better hand.

It’s stressful -- a big weight on their shoulders. And those shoulders can get sore.

Do they say thanks? It all depends.

“If they’re winning, they say ‘Thanks! best massage ever,’” says Alicia. “If they’re losing they say ‘Get away from me you black cat!’”

But there’s a reason Alicia works this tournament. There’s a reason therapists fly into town for it.

While poker players will win and lose on the financial roller coaster that the WSOP can be, these therapists are guaranteed a paycheck: a good one can clear $20,000 during the seven-week event.