New COVID-19 Rules for 2021 World Series of Poker Is Released

Updated On Aug 12, 2021 by Natalie Whitehead

World Series of PokerAnyone deemed a health risk will be removed from the Rio during the 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP) live festival. This is part of the new rules released by the WSOP as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. The latest set of rules published on August 9, state that the WSOP and the Rio have the sole and absolute discretion in terms of the classification of a health or safety threat.

The rules further state that any participant escorted out of the venue due to health or safety reasons, either prior to or during a tournament, shall not be entitled to any additional compensation, other than what he or she had already received before being removed from the event.

To put it simply, if you’ve already paid the buy-in and you’re eventually removed from the venue, you won’t get your money back. If you’re in the middle of a tournament but have yet to reach the money and you’re asked to leave, you won’t get any compensation as well.

In case you’re already in the money by the time you are removed from the competition, you will be awarded the corresponding payout and will be considered eliminated from the tournament.

The new rules do not only apply to those suspected or found to have been infected by COVID-19, but also to anyone who has “come into close proximity” of someone who tested positive for the virus. Furthermore, those who decline requests for health and safety screening will also be removed from the establishment.

Tough New Rules

It’s clear that the organizers do not want to take any chances with everyone’s health and safety, and it’s actually a good thing, though the latest rules could result in multiple logistical issues.

For instance, the WSOP would be forced to reschedule or postpone any tournament in the event that a huge number of players are removed.

Some players are also questioning that part of the rule which states that anyone who comes close to a COVID-19 positive case will also be removed. If you are deep in a tournament and you are suddenly asked to leave because you’ve been a close contact of a person with COVID-19, it would surely disappoint you.

It’s unclear as of the moment whether the rules are final. But Kevin Mathers, who has links with the WSOP, hinted that organizers might make some changes and clarification in the coming days for the US poker tournament.

If there is one topic that really gets Natalie excited it has to be the mathematics of gambling, having worked for a major gaming company in the audit department she loves nothing more than revealing all manner of facts and figures. Many of her news stories relate to both online and bricks and mortar gaming and are always worth...

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