Eddie Cibrian and Chris Bauer are the first two actors to be dealt into ESPN's newest original drama "Tilt." Many roles have yet to be cast in the drama, set at the fictitious World Poker Championships in Las Vegas, which will begin principal photography in November.

ESPN has already set a Jan. 13 premiere for "Tilt," from Brian Koppelman and David Levien, who wrote the Matt Damon/Edward Norton poker drama "Rounders." Orly Adelson, executive producer on the network's previous drama series "Playmakers," will again executive producer.

"Tilt" looks at the lives of professional gamblers both at the table and in their personal lives. ESPN promises plenty of money, fame and quests for revenge. That last characteristic is certainly in evidence with the first two announced characters.

Cibrian will play Eddie Towne a gritty, hot-shot poker player. In addition to trying to win the big pot, he's also out for revenge. Cibrian put in five seasons as firefighter Jimmy Doherty on NBC's "Third Watch" and has also appeared on daytime dramas "Sunset Beach," "The Young and the Restless" and "The Bold and the Beautiful."

Bauer is set as Lee Nickel, a mid-western sheriff bent on bringing his brother's killer to justice. Bauer also appeared on NBC's "Third Watch" and has been see on "The Wire." He's also in FOX's upcoming drama "Johnny Zero."

"Tilt" will shoot in Toronto.