With the summer series starting soon, the World Series of Poker has a new policy banning electronic devices for the final three tables, as well as a few other rule changes.
This clearly seems intended to stop a repeat of the bad optics that plagued last year’s Main Event finale.
The fiasco in question involved Jonathan Tomayo winning the 2024 World Series of Poker Main Event last summer with the help of computer-equipped friends on his rail. He eventually won the No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament using what was, at the time, a perfectly legal strategy, though it upset many people. Even many of those who considered it fair play agreed that it was a bad look for the mind-sport in general, as it could make recreational players feel they have no chance if they lack access to similar tools.
After polarizing win last summer, the rules have changed
Although all poker tournaments have a one-player-per-hand rule, the WSOP has never had a policy against players receiving coaching from their rail in between hands. However, no one had ever so brazenly openly had friends using computer tools to aid their chances as Tomayo did. The WSOP’s new rules should make it impossible for anyone to do so again.
The biggest impact will be the many adjustments made to rule 64 which focuses on electronic devices, filming and streaming. And the punishment for breaking any of these new rule changes is up to disqualification.
This isn’t the first time the WSOP is using these rules, however. It tested them out previously during a smaller series in the Bahamas before deploying them on its biggest stage.
No electronic devices at final three tables
The first big change is no electronic devices of any kind allowed at the final three tables. It does not matter if your old school iPod Classic helps you focus more and cannot even connect to the internet. The published rules state even approved electronic devices for earlier tables will not be allowed.
The only way for players to check their phones even is to pick them up during breaks or after being eliminated.
No electronic assistance or coaching
Next, it is explicitly stated that both spectators and participants are not allowed to use any type of electronic assistance to help any participant in any event. Additionally, there is no coaching of any kind from spectators allowed in any event either.
This is where the big crackdown came. Clearly, the WSOP does not want any outside variable influencing decisions being made by its participants. This means the only space for coaching is now during breaks.
Approved electronic devices
The criteria for what are considered an approved electronic device has been set. If your device can do any of the following, it is banned during any tournament:
- Projects the outcome of the game
- Keeps track of cards played or cards prepared for play
- Analyzes probability of an occurrence of an event
- Analyzes strategy for playing or betting
But what about the changes to rules regarding filming and streaming?
Another change to the rules that could frustrate some poker influencers participating and their fans is the heavy restrictions being placed on filming and streaming.
Participants who do not have an official media credential are not allowed to record or capture any video during tournament play. That means many poker streamers who would normally be streaming are no longer allowed to do so and many are already seeing denials when applying for a credential. For fans who enjoy poker streamers, expect quite a bit less content this summer than normal.
Other rule changes being implemented
There are a few other rule changes to mention for both players and fans:
- Players who get caught dodging blinds by moving seats have a clearer punishment: they must forfeit both blinds if applicable and receive a one round penalty.
- Players can now be banned more easily for cheating and abusive behavior.
- Anyone already banned by Caesars Entertainment is not eligible for any WSOP event.
- Stricter requirements have been set to keep players from not showing up either at all or on time. If players fail to get to their sat before the first break of the first level, they are no longer eligible for that event, but do receive a refund for their buy-in.
