World Series of Poker tightens rules: what changes and why

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has announced significant updates to its rules for the 2024 tournament season. These changes aim to enhance the fairness and integrity of the game while addressing controversies from the past year. The updates, detailed in the official WSOP Paradise rules, focus on electronic device usage, spectator conduct, and tournament protocols during high-stakes moments.

Key updates in WSOP rules

• Ban on electronic assistance and coaching: Players and spectators are now prohibited from using electronic tools such as apps or charts within the tournament area. Coaching from spectators during live gameplay is also banned, with violations leading to penalties for players and the removal of offending spectators from the venue. Furthermore, the WSOP has restricted spectators on the rail from watching live streams or using electronic devices during gameplay to prevent information relays to players.

• Device-free tables under Rule 62: Electronic devices are strictly forbidden on poker tables or their rails. This measure aims to eliminate distractions and prevent technological misuse during gameplay.

• Critical stage restrictions: Players are barred from using electronic devices once the tournament reaches three remaining tables, as stated in Rules 63a and 63c. This ensures decisions at pivotal stages rely solely on player skill.

• Flexible scheduling: Organisers now have the authority to adjust the duration of Day 1 play based on player turnout and game pace, as outlined in Rule 122. This flexibility is designed to maintain a smooth flow despite varying field sizes.

• Hand-for-hand ethics: During bubble play, Rule 127f mandates players to leave their seats to exit the tournament area. This prevents competitors from observing other tables for strategic advantages, upholding ethical gameplay.

• Spectator live stream ban: Spectators are no longer allowed to view live streams of feature or final tables on their devices during the game. This move, while controversial, is geared towards preventing any unfair sharing of strategic insights.

Ivonne Montealegre, SiGMA Poker Tour Operations Manager, lauded the efforts “by the WSOP to enhance fairness and integrity in the game.” “At the SiGMA Poker Tour, we are committed to ensuring that recreational players are on the same level as professionals—no one should have an undue advantage,” Montealegre added.

Stressing that poker is a game of skill, strategy, and mental endurance, Montealegre further stated that “Allowing external assistance, whether through technology or coaching (REAL TIME), undermines these core values and creates an unfair playing field. Recreational players should feel confident that they are competing under the same conditions as seasoned professionals, with no external factors influencing the outcome.

The WSOP’s new rules banning electronic assistance and enforcing strict spectator conduct help protect the essence of the game. These measures ensure that players succeed based on their own merits, promoting a more inclusive and ethical environment for everyone who loves poker.”

Why these changes were made

The updates follow widespread criticism after Jonathan Tamayo’s controversial victory at the 2024 WSOP Main Event. Tamayo was accused of using real-time assistance through coaching and poker applications during gameplay, drawing sharp criticism from poker legends like Daniel Negreanu.

Tamayo’s reliance on coaching, particularly from a rail spectator allegedly using a poker solver, blurred the ethical lines of the sport. Although Tamayo’s actions technically didn’t violate the existing rules, they sparked intense debate about the spirit of fair play and led to calls for a regulatory overhaul.

Implications for the poker community

WSOP, a division of Caesars’ Entertainment, makes an attempt to preserve the game’s integrity through these sweeping rule changes. Players must now rely entirely on their skills during critical moments, while spectators face stringent conduct guidelines to avoid influencing outcomes.

Prominent players have lauded these changes, stressing their role in upholding poker as a skill-based and competitive game. However, some community members view the new regulations as overly restrictive, particularly regarding electronic device bans during the late stages.

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