Long gone are the days when the only thing you needed to think about was how good your poker face was. As with anything competitive, especially when there are millions of dollars exchanging bank accounts, people are going to seek a competitive edge, and it is up to event organisers to ensure that whatever that might be remains within the boundaries of fair play.
At last year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP), we saw Jonathan Tamayo, the defending World Champion, embroiled in controversy after confiding in his rail several times, who had been spotted viewing sims on a laptop during play in the Main Event final table. Even though Tamayo had no access to any real-time assistance tools, the use of tech caused enough of a fuss to force a rule change this time around.
The new edict states: “Once Participants have reached the final three tables in any Tournament, all approved electronic devices must be removed. An announcement will be made to Participants once they have reached the final three tables to remove all such electronic devices. Failure to do so will result in penalties up to and including disqualification.”
With so many players looking to take part and see how far they get, tech and betting apps are at the forefront of many people’s minds after a year of regulation, discussion, and raised tensions around gambling, so the improved WSOP+ app has been a welcome addition this year.
Pro player Mo Nuwwarah told ReadWrite, “This year, the WSOP has taken a leap with the app. Players no longer have to wait in miserably long lines twice – once to register and then again to get a seat. Now, if you bust a re-entry event, you can be seated again in mere seconds. If you put down enough cash up front, you may only need to stand in line once the entire summer!”
The improved app also makes following events in Vegas much simpler than before, too, Nuwwarah continued. “If following the WSOP from a fan standpoint is your thing, every chip count and tournament situation is available with the click of a few buttons on the app. Tremendous work by the WSOP here.”
Even with the improvements, Nuwwarah believes there is room for further improvements going forward. “The main issue I have seen so far is that the WSOP is implementing a nonsensical policy that players cannot withdraw from the app without shutting down its use for the entire summer. So, if you are unsure of the length of your stay, you plan your deposits down to the dollar.” he advised.
Bet105 taking bets on number of players at WSOP
Whether you are making the trip to Vegas to take part in the World Series of Poker or not, you can still get a little betting action wherever you are in the world with the help of Bet105.
The sportsbook, known for its sharp pricing and no-ban policy, is currently offering a market on whether the WSOP Main Event will crack the 10,000 entries mark for the second year running.
The 2024 event just sneaked over the line with 10,043 entries, making it the largest WSOP in history. So this could go either way, but with interest being huge in poker right now, this could be something you want to get in on.
More influencers than ever are getting in on poker, which is helping drive the phenomenon to new heights seemingly every year. With that in mind, early WSOP turnout appearing strong, the idea of eclipsing 10,000 players again feels realistic, and worth putting money behind, regardless of how poor your real-world poker face actually is.
When is the 56th annual World Series of Poker?
WSOP 2025 takes place between May 27th and July 16th at the Horseshoe and Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The first of four WSOP Main Event starting flights will start on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. You can check out the full schedule of events here.
