World Series of Poker's pandemic double standard is overshadowing poker itself
After a 26 month hiatus, COVID-19 had forced the World Series of Poker and its millions-dollar prize pools to make an in-person visit to Las Vegas, Sept. 30, 2010.
Normally, WSOP opens in spring. But this year's 52nd Annual Edition will be open until Thanksgiving.
Officially, there was a WSOP 2020. However, it was a virtual tournament with 85 online tournaments and each one awarding a traditional gold bracelet.
Less traditional was the high number of No Limit Hold'em(NLH) events in both entirely-online 2020 WSOP and 2021 schedules.
Some poker tournaments are now almost entirely NLH. It is much easier to deal in and many operators see it as a faster way of generating revenue.
The WSOP is special because it includes all forms of poker.
Ty Stewart, WSOP executive Director, stated that the current software is incapable of running all types of online tournament poker.
The most surprising thing about this nearly-exclusively NLH online lineup, is the fact that Full Tilt Poker ran the "Mini Series of Poker", an online poker tournament for five consecutive years starting 15 years ago. Each form of poker that was played at the WSOP events in those years was played in these online MSOPs.
Despite the thousands of entries to many events, there were more MSOP entries than live WSOP.
Technology has been available for many years to allow you to play traditional World Series of Poker online. This includes all poker forms, including Omaha, Stud, Draw and Stud variants.
As previously mentioned, 2020's live Las Vegas event was cancelled by the coronavirus epidemic (except for the main table). The WSOP instituted new COVID-19 policy in 2021. They are, at best, puzzling.
In July, the WSOP issued a rule (#115), which stated that anyone can be removed by the WSOP at anytime with no refund if they come in contact with another WSOP player who was positive for COVID.
Poker players are not much alike with Jon Rahm (PGA golf pro), who recently had to withdraw from a PGA event after a positive COVID testing. This result led him to forfeit his prize of $1.7million. Rahm was leading by six shots in the final round at the time.
A similar approach to removing thousands of dollars from poker players would cause financial hardship. Rahm's ilk, however, routinely win millions.
An Aug. 26 announcement required that all 2021 WSOP entrants be fully vaccinated against the COVID. The odd thing about this rule, however, is that any player can play poker in any Las Vegas poker hall without having to meet the COVID requirement. Las Vegas and its casino are subject to a state-mandated mask mandate.
Outside the WSOP Tournament area, there is no need for a proof of vaccination to gamble in Rio's other casino. This includes playing craps, blackjack and slots.
What's even more strange is the fact that poker dealers AND other WSOP employees don't have to get vaccinated. The hypocrisy in the WSOP rule appears to be countering the mandate's purpose. Northeast Valley News reached various representatives at WSOP headquarters. However, neither interview requests nor requests for comment were accepted.
Is this why there is a double standard? Why is this double standard?
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Let's assume that a regular competitor in tournaments made a weeklong reservation at Las Vegas. Our player bought a ticket at the WSOP. Like all players, he had a dream to make it to the final tables and win millions. After grueling competition, he also hoped to win the world championship. But they didn't know about the vaccine mandate. And then what?
This player has been eliminated in the World Series but still has at least a week to live in Las Vegas. This same player can also venture out to the Rio casino where there is no vaccine mandate and win money elsewhere.
What did the WSOP's vaccine rules accomplish other than to exclude those who were not vaccinated at the time of competition or for their own reasons?
The mandate may be the reason for the drop in WSOP attendance of 30% overall.
WSOP players don't have to wear masks while playing poker, unlike other Vegas casinos. Players will still be mobile at some point, and may become more susceptible to a deadly virus. Unless there are other rules that keep WSOP members in one place, however. There will be better options for players in the future.
If COVID continues to be a problem (as many believe that it will), WSOP needs to use the same rules used by most of Vegas's gambling districts -- including the rest Rio properties.
If a player is going be disqualified because of a COVID issue, they should get a refund. In the last ten years, the WSOP paid out billions. It is not necessary to receive refunds in excess of 2,000.
An option to have a negative COVID-19 test taken at tournament registration should be available. This is in accordance with other federal mandates or venues that offer weekly testing. The majority of WSOP tournaments take place over 48 hours and are three-day events.
Mega-events that have over 10,000 entrants and low buy-in can start online. Once the field is smaller to under 1,000, an in-person format can be created. This is consistent with most WSOP events.
After a pandemic, a separate or special sign-up process for these players should be created. A WSOP regular who plays in a 1,000-player event at a higher cost shouldn't have to wait in a 21,000 player line.
Finally, you will need the computer programs that are essential to run online poker. Have all tournaments in poker on your schedule. It will align with WSOP tradition. Playing Stud Poker in Las Vegas - Stud Poker is Not For Everyone
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