Some of this has gone on before, but WSOP now seems more than ever wanting to "take more and give less". Better structures was one of the things that separated the WSOP, but that is changing.

I know where all the extra rake is going.

Kidding of course, but I will say this > I live in PA and wsop online poker launched about six/seven weeks ago. There is constant overlay in their tournaments, daily. I mean almost every tournament seems to be not hitting the $guarantee$ based on final player counts/entries.

It’s been great playing on there - good software, new skin too from what it sounds like. Meaning it’s been updated from the NJ/NV version. I haven’t been on PokerStars PA in almost two months.

Apparently the increased rake is due to new NV taxes on tournament prize pools. Caesars still makes the same in terms of %.

Structures were changed in 2019 to make the all SUPER DEEP compared to 2018. Now in 2021, they are being pared back a bit, but for most events they are still decent and slower than other venues.

Players have to be vaccinated but dealers don't. Makes total sense.

It makes sense from a logistical standpoint. If you require dealers to be vaccinated, you are going to have a harder time getting dealers. That isn't what the WSOP wants with this little time before the event.

Does it say anywhere that dealers are Not required to have vaccinations?
I don’t have access to rules for the staff and dealers and
have not read any regulations regarding the staff and dealers.

Unless you did .

IMO ,what we are reading on WSOP website is intended for players only.
….” Players over 21 years of age seeking to participate in the 2021 WSOP must provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to registration. …”

I

Several news sources say WSOP confirms they are not requiring employees to be vaccinated. Makes no sense.

https://www.pokerstrategy.com/news/w...inated_119402/

@manzoni My apologies Sir I was not well informed.

@rarerabbit Thx Sir for the information.

I now understand how bad decision it is not to make it one standard for everyone.
It kills the idea of safety !

Riverph7, there is a much more active conversation going on about it here:
https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/2.../index114.html

Thx 😍

Certainly does seem to conflict with their public position on why PLAYERS are being required to show proof of vaccination doesn't it. Let's face it Caesars decision was always more about image and virtue signaling than safety concerns “The nature of poker is to be in close proximity with your opponents for extended periods of time, and a seat at the World Series of Poker is a commitment for both our company and the participants. We want players to be excited for their return to the WSOP, while offering the greatest level of protection and limiting complications during the tournament this fall.”

Hypocrisy is alive and well and they made a business decision on both counts

Even in their statement it mentions “limiting complications.” Again, removing dealers from dealing bc of close contacts is dramatically less impactful then removing players deep into an event.

The real logistical issue I think they're going to have is crowd control. The WSOP is spread over a large area inside the casino. Ok, so you can't register for an event without prior vaccination verification. What about spectators or just people who are there? I think they said some limited number will be allowed if vaccinated... but how are they going to differentiate spectators from entrants. Are they going to check your tournament receipt before you enter a room? Are they going to do that in every room at every entrance?

Its hard to know what this WSOP will look like compared to a normal year, but if its anywhere close to the usual chaos around break-time, this seems like it will be a daunting task.

My gut feeling is, the vaccine requirement to register is a real thing and will serve some purpose. But the actual control of the environment will be comprised largely of window dressing.

So do you have to show vaccine proof to jump in a cash game at Rio?

I don’t know about Rio’s Poker-room but if you play cash game in WSOP area , you will be ask for vaccinations proof.

Ok I don't think the small room is open

They aren't going to need as much room as before because turnout will be considerably lower. I doubt you'll see players at the Rio poker room or the hallway next to the burrito place.

WSOP Fantasy Poker Cashes

Every year my buddies and me pick three players at the WSOP and whichever totals / wins the most cash wins the bet.

Anyone want to suggest some players that have a good chance of playing and cashing a lot?

Thanks
Passedball

1. Me
2. Me
3. Me

Actually, since I'm not going: not going to pony up $200 a night for a hotel room, not going to pay the outrageous CZR rake, not going to dump thousands of dollars in entry fees, not going to pay $9 for a stale sandwich or $45 for a mediocre dinner, not going to pay for cabs/Uber/guy with rickshaw, not going to pay for flights there and back, etc. etc. etc. ---I expect to finish the WSOP several thousand dollars ahead of anyone who actually goes there and plays. Pick any three random players and it's a safe bet I'll beat them.

What happens in Vegas shows up on your credit card statement--especially now.

No but the hallways outside of the Amazon room will still be packed shoulder to shoulder as will all of the lines for entry, restaurants, etc. I guess the player vaccination mandate may encourage a few to come that were not previously going to (although I find it hard to believe anyone with a true fear phobia will reconsider). If the one year gap didn't exist I would agree wholehearted that attendance will be dramatically lower and I do expect it to be well below 2019 levels anyway. I would also expect it to be an overall tougher field than years past as the more casual rec player just won't want to deal with the BS and the dramatically higher costs as well as a portion due to the new mandate for vaccination.

I think you with many others are way off mark thinking this year will be a lower turnout.

Despite a pandemic, vaccination requirements, international travel restrictions and a Fall series, this year's WSOP attendance will possibly be one of the biggest. Discussed with my local 'major' poker room manager, there is A LOT of pent up demand. Poker series around the country have been seeing some of the largest fields in recent history, blowing out the guarantees. Americans who would have spent their vacation money traveling to other countries are instead staying inconus, another reason Vegas has had a record year. There will be more players who have never played at the WSOP coming for their first time than in recent years. Don't be shocked when finding your way to the restroom during break is still a nightmare.

agree %100

I think it’s going to be a bit like uncharted territory. But every venue which has put out an attractive poker tournament series in the last year has gotten big crowds. I have a hard time believing the WSOP will underwhelm. Maybe it won’t be quite as big as it has been prior to COVID, but I still think it will be by far the biggest series of the year. They’re still going to get thousands of entries per day. So the logistical hurdles with the vaccine mandate are going to be real. Unless, of course, it’s largely window dressing.

She was talking about crowd control because everything is so spread out. It won't be spread out. It will all be contained in the convention center area.

Have any of these poker series around the country required vaccination? Have they had a large international attendance every year up till now? All these other series obviously won't be affected by those groups, but the WSOP will.