The Reinforced World Series of Poker (WSOP) Gameplay Standards
Upcoming 2025 World Series of Poker: Key Regulation Updates Every Competitor Needs to Be Aware Of
The upcoming 2025 WSOP, slated from May 27 to July 16 at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, has rolled out revised official guidelines – spotlighting some gripping alterations for the world's most significant live poker festival. These modifications are designed to safeguard game honesty, expedite the game pace, and to ensure a delightful atmosphere for all players at the tables. Whether you're a rookie or a bracelet-seeker, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the fresh regulations before the game commences.
- Read more: 2025 World Series of Poker Official Tournament Rules (pdf)
- Read more: 2025 World Series of Poker Schedule Announced
The Key Adjustments for the WSOP
Rule 16 - Late Entrants Adjustments
This rule targets players who sign up but don't start playing when the tournament initiates, opting to join later in the day. Under the new rule, these players should initiate playing by the first level after the initial break; or otherwise, their stack will expire from the competition, and they won't be able to enroll in the tournament. The removed buy-in will be eliminated from the prized pool, and players will receive a refund.
Rule 18 - Expanded Ban Policies
This rule permits WSOP to ban players at any moment, either before, during, or post-tournament for fraudulent activities or misbehavior. Moreover, those who were once barred from any other organizers' properties are unqualified in participating in WSOP events.
Consequent to the brand acquisition in August 2024 by our site, this policy applies to all players who have been previously banned from our online platform, thereby merging online infractions into the live arena, confirming the WSOP's hyper-stringent stance on integrity preservation.
- Read more: Banned Players from Interactive Sites forbidden to Play at World Series of Poker
Rule 63 - Mobile Device Restrictions
This rule prohibits the usage of mobile devices while seated at the same table. However, players may utilize their gear only when they are not actively engaged in a hand. Any suspicion of texting at the table will immediately lead to disqualification, accompanied by additional consequences.
Rule 64 - Ending Solver Assistance
This rule forbids the utilization of any digital device, software, or mechanized assistance that could potentially offer an advantage in playing poker. In addition, it's also disallowed to assist others using similar facilities to help a participating player.
The rule was established following last year's WSOP Main Event champion, Jonathan Tamayo, receiving on-the-rail help from an individual leveraging a laptop and software to offer inputs at the final table.
- Read more: WSOP Controversy: Is Assistance via Solver and Live Guidance During MTT Acceptable?
Rule 85 - Table Seating and the Button
According to this rule, the button will be positioned in the seat with the highest initial chip stack to the dealer's right, at the tournament's onset. For tables with three, two, or one remaining, a draw will be held for the button placement. Tournament play will be carried on using a dead button.
A dead button is defined as one that cannot progress due to the elimination of a competitor or the entry of a new participant in a location between the small blind and the button.
Rule 86 - Avoiding Blind Evasion
Penalties will be levied against players who intentionally dodge blinds while shifting tables, forcing them to forfeit both missed blinds and, if needed, the big blind ante.
Rule 116 - Controlling In-Game Communication
This rule prohibits players from imparting any intelligence to their fellow contestants, encompassing the disclosure of live or folded hands, offering play guidance at any point, and reading unplayed hands. Moreover, players are forbidden from discussing poker strategies with external resources during the tournament clock's operation and participants' breaks.
Potentially, these modifications aim to produce a more equal playing field by eliminating certain irritants, with the tournament organizers increasingly committed to making adjustments for the better.
- By 2025, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) will enforce a new rule that requires late entrants to start playing by the first level after the initial break, or risk losing their stack and buy-in from the prized pool.
- In 2025, the WSOP will implement an expanded ban policy, permitting them to ban players for fraudulent activities or misbehavior, both online and offline, ensuring a strict adherence to sportsmanship and integrity.
- From 2025, the WSOP will enforce stricter rules regarding the use of mobile devices and digital assistance during games. This includes prohibiting the usage of devices while seated at the table and banning any digital device, software, or mechanized assistance that could potentially offer an advantage in playing poker.
