WSOP 2026 cracks down on outside payments after Millionaire Maker scandal
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has updated its 2026 rulebook after a high-profile dispute in last year’s Millionaire Maker event. The changes target outside payments linked to tournament results, aiming to prevent similar controversies from happening again. The controversy began in the 2025 Millionaire Maker between players James Carroll and Jesse Yaginuma. A ClubWPT Gold promotion, which offered additional payouts based on WSOP performance, led to disputes over fairness and compliance. Officials have now introduced stricter rules to close this loophole.
Rule 40(e) has been revised to explicitly ban third-party payouts tied to WSOP event outcomes. Players who accept such payments risk losing their prize money. If the funds have already been distributed, WSOP host properties can demand their return—with interest.
A new rule, Rule 80, has also been added to tackle pay jump stalling. Tournament officials can now impose penalties, including shorter decision-making clocks, to keep play moving. The changes follow a pattern of WSOP adjusting regulations in response to past disputes.
The updated rules may also impact public bracelet bets between players. These wagers, often made outside official tournament structures, could now face stricter scrutiny under the revised guidelines. The 2026 WSOP rulebook now provides clearer authority for officials to block promotions like ClubWPT Gold. The adjustments aim to prevent future conflicts over external payouts and ensure smoother tournament operations. Players and organisers will need to adapt to the stricter enforcement measures.
