The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has released a series of significant updates to its official rules, days before the upcoming WSOP Paradise poker series in the Bahamas.
The headline changes getting main attention are those around the use of electronic devices at tables or by supporters watching (or at “the rail,” as it called in poker circles).
Players and spectators at WSOP events are now no longer allowed to use any form of electronic assistance, whether that’s post-hand analysis or anything else. They are also no longer allowed to receive any kind of coaching or advice from supporters during the session.
The move may be seen as a response to Daniel Tamayo’s controversial $10 million WSOP 2024 Main Event win in Las Vegas.
The poker pro was victorious over amateur poker player and supply chain manager Jordan Griff in the $10 million final face-off. However, he was criticized over his supporters’ open use of a laptop running poker programs between hands.
The Rules Changes
The new WSOP rule set was published this week, ahead of the December 6 to 13 WSOP Paradise 2024 event in the Bahamas.
“Players and spectators are not allowed to use charts, apps, or any other form of electronic assistance in the tournament room,” says rule 63.B of the WSOP Paradise 2024 official rules booklet.
“Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a penalty up to disqualification for the player and removal from the tournament room for the spectator. Spectators are also prohibited from providing live assistance or coaching. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a penalty for the player and removal from the rail for the spectator.”
The rule also clarified and tightened up the WSOP position on electronic devices. Previously, pre registered devices solely for listening to music or powering noise canceling headphones were allowed all throughout WSOP tournaments.
Starting from WSOP Paradise this week, players will be banned from using any electronic devices at the final tables of a tournament.
The Controversy
At the time of Tamayo’s $10 million win, he maintained that there was nothing against the rules in what he did in consulting his rail supporters and their laptop simulators in-between hands.
There is no suggestion Tamayo used solvers or any other information to inform his gameplay while hands were playing out. Supporting him were 2015 WSOP Main Event champion Joe McKeehen and four-time WSOP bracelet-winner Dominik Nitsche.
Regardless, WSOP seems to have taken a dim view of the presence of laptops at the supporters’ rail. As evidenced by these rule changes, which have been mostly well-received by the poker community on social media.
WSOP Paradise starts Thursday, December 6. Over the week-long event at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, 15 bracelet events will be contested. That includes several events with high stakes tournament promotion Triton Poker, and a $25,000 Super Main Event with a $50 million guaranteed prize pool.
In what is set to make a busy December for pro poker, the World Poker Tour World Championship festival will be hosted at Wynn Las Vegas from December 3 to the 23.
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
