Gambling Today: World Series of Poker Goes Virtual
Poker players worldwide knew it was only a matter of time before the official announcement came through.
The World Series of Poker, the biggest poker attraction of the year at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, will now be moved to an online format due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The event, originally scheduled to run from May 26 - July 15, will now commence on July 1 according to a company release. The new virtual format will extend into early September.
๐ช๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฆ ๐ข๐ ๐ฃ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐ข๐ก๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฌ
โ WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) June 8, 2020
85 WSOP Gold Bracelets Up for Grabs This Summer in "World Series of Poker Online" Tournament. WSOP Expands Partnership with @GGPokerOfficial . Read more: https://t.co/kulG3JxgPe pic.twitter.com/ADfCg3gVM5
"Set to be one of the largest online tournament series of all time, 'WSOP Online' will offer players massive prize pools, unprecedented media coverage for online events, and the chance to win gold bracelet glory across two distinct gaming platforms, WSOP.com and GGPoker."
WSOP also announced that its North American network has created a schedule featuring one bracelet event a day throughout the entire month of July. However, there will be one major issue with the decision to host the event online as opposed to a live offering. According to the release, WSOP.com will only allow participants who are, โgeo-located in either the state of Nevada or New Jersey.โ
The online bracelet tournaments will begin July 19 on the GGPoker Network. This also marks the first time participants outside the U.S. will be able to compete for an official WSOP bracelet.
โIt wouldnโt be Summer without WSOPโ said Ty Stewart, Executive Director of the World Series of Poker.
โWhile we are thrilled to be reopening our venues and optimistic about future offline events, we couldnโt be more excited about deepening our relationship with GGPoker and watching some history unfold online this summer.โ
We do not allow players who are on the same IP address to play at the same cash game table or in tournaments.
โ WSOP.com (@WSOPcom) June 8, 2020
*Disclaimer: Know When to Stop Before You Startยฎ Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700 in NV or 1-800-GAMBLER in NJ.
Players should take note that if the WSOP determines multiple participants are on the same IP address, that they will be disqualified.
With changes happening in real-time, the new safety measures being implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic are modifying many popular events for gambling and sports betting fans. Poker enthusiasts will have roughly three weeks to make accommodations, secure lodging, a comfortable chair and a viable device to participate within the geolocation areas in Nevada and New Jersey.
The words โshuffle up and dealโ will offer yet another new reality in 2020.
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