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LAS VEGAS—An influx of international players has helped the World Series of Poker increase its numbers this year even as general visitation and gambling numbers have declined in Las Vegas.

Tournament spokesman Seth Palansky said Wednesday that the series attracted more players from other countries than ever before, giving it a boost despite a weak U.S. economy.

Players from 118 countries the series' 55 events, up from 55 last year. Scattered throughout the 6,844 total participants in the $10,000 buy-in main event were players from 72 different countries besides all 50 U.S. states.