Guide to the 2025 World Series of Poker - Section 4: Game Time!
Hey there, poker gang! If you've read the previous parts of this guide, you're now well-prepped, well-packed, and ready to take on Sin City like a boss!
Las Vegas, the city of dreams, has a plethora of attractions, but remember why you're here: to play poker.
So what else do you need to know before donning your poker face in the global temple of poker?
There are 100 WSOP tournament events on this year's schedule, but with so many players in town, you'll also find plenty of cash game action running 24/7. You can use the Bravo Live or Poker Atlas to get on the cash game list before you show up at the venue. Some places still let you call in advance and speak to a human at the desk - take this opportunity to put your name on the list and save yourself some waiting time!
But for WSOP tournaments, it's crucial that you bring three things: your player's card, your ID, and the DEALER version of your tournament slip. They won't let you sit without all three. Review the structure sheet and don't be afraid to ask questions at the table - are you unsure who's action it is, or the size of a bet or raise, or anything like that? The dealer is your pal, and there are no dumb questions - you're much better off seeking clarity before you commit a blunder like acting out of turn, raising when you meant to call, or that sort of thing; it happens all the time, so don't be embarrassed about asking questions if you're unsure!
Oh, and remember to take a picture of your table number and chipstack before going on break. You might have moved tables since then and could forget the exact location of your new table. Don't be that player wandering around like a lost soul.
You Won! Now What?
Holy moly, champ! You cashed big time!
Congrats on cashing a bracelet event, a feat that's incredibly tough to achieve! Or perhaps you made Day 2 of a multi-day event - in either case, enjoy the moment! Soak it all in; many poker players never get to savor the feeling you are experiencing at this very moment.
My first piece of advice is to memorialize the moment. Take a selfie, capture a panoramic video of the room, save every shred of evidence for nostalgia's sake. I even save all my yellow slips with the table and seat details about where I'll be playing the next day. I often reminisce about those moments in my office and smile at the memories.
When you eventually finish the tournament, you will receive a small piece of paper with your final position and the event information. Take that to the cashier cage, and you can then decide how to get paid: wire transfer to your bank, a check, or cash in your hand.
If you have profited by $5,000 or more in the tournament, you may be responsible for your taxes on the winnings, depending on the country you live in. Americans will receive a tax form they need to include in their annual filings. Some European countries have tax treaties with the USA that allow their citizens to keep the entire amount. As a Canadian, the IRS withholds between 25%-30% of any large scores, and I have to file my taxes that year to recoup some of that (depending on several factors that I should discuss with my accountant). But don't think that just because you won a big score, you get to keep it all!
Also, if you sold action on this trip, you will have to factor in tax ramifications for your payouts to your investors - do your research in advance and make sure everyone is on the same page before anyone sends anyone else some cash.
The Tipping Point
You may be asked about tipping when you go to claim your prize. There's a lot of debate in the poker world about how much to tip, where to tip, or even if we should tip at all.
Take a gander at your structure sheet; many events these days include a gratuity fee for dealers and floor staff, but some do not. Based on a Twitter poll I conducted after my Irish Poker Open final table last year, if you'd like to leave a tip at the cage, most players seem to prefer a total amount of 1%-2% of their winnings, but that will vary wildly based on the size of the payout.
Some folks prefer to take their entire winnings and tip their dealers and floor staff personally after the event if they can find them. There are no wrong answers; do what you think is best for you.
What NOT to do
We've covered plenty of things you can do to improve your experience at the WSOP. Here are a few things not to do.
- Don't carry too much cash on you. There are safer ways to carry your dough, like using traveler’s checks or credit cards. While the strip is generally safe, it's not unheard of for a person to lose their wallet or bag. Protect yourself from potential losses.
- Don't get too drunk. Now, I'm not the mom telling you to eat your vegetables, but trust me, getting too hammered will cloud your judgment and lead to bad decisions. Remember, this is a poker trip - keep your wits about you. If you feel the need to get loose, do it on an off day or after you've cashed.
- Don't stay up all night. You need your beauty sleep to make it through those long poker sessions. Creating a schedule that encourages a good night's rest isn't just important for your card-playing skills; it's crucial for your mental health.
- Don't jaywalk. They REALLY hate this down here. Apparently Las Vegas drivers are impossible to predict, and the police will scoop you up and cite you if you wander across the street without using a crosswalk.
- Don't gamble. Stick to poker. That's what you're here for, and that's what'll get you your big score. Stay focused, laser-focused on the felt.
- Jim, as a poker player, you might find some useful tips in our weekly podcast section dedicated to sports and poker, helping you excel in your games during the WSOP.
- With the countless poker players in Las Vegas, it's essential to know about cash game action and the appropriate tipping etiquette. Based on a Twitter poll, many players seem to prefer tipping 1%-2% of their winnings at the cage.
- To avoid any misunderstandings with your poker investors, thoroughly research the tax implications if you sold action on your WSOP trip, ensuring transparency with your payouts.
