If You Want To Enter The WSOP, Be Ready To Show Proof Of Vaccination

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) proclaimed earlier this year that it was resuming its traditional in-person poker tournament at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The tournament is set to proceed as planned from Sept. 30 to Nov. 23.

On the way to the world’s biggest poker tournament, an amusing incident occurred. Despite COVID-19 not disappearing, WSOP organizers are implementing measures aimed at minimizing the possible transmission of the virus, while still letting participants relish the large-scale poker event.

The WSOP demands that all 2021 WSOP tournament participants, including those in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship (also known as “The Main Event”), present proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.

WSOP players will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination

Participation in the World Series of Poker this year is solely contingent on proof of vaccination; a negative COVID-19 test will not be deemed sufficient.

Once participants enter the casino, they must also wear a mask for the poker tournament. This rule is currently applicable to everyone visiting a Las Vegas casino.

“We did not make this decision lightly. Our only goal is to safeguard player eligibility and the functioning of a distinctive televised gaming event,” stated Ty Stewart, the Executive Director of the WSOP.

He continued to explain:

Poker inherently demands a close and extended interaction with opponents. Committing to a seat at the World Series of Poker involves both our company and the participants. We aim to fuel the players’ enthusiasm for their WSOP comeback while ensuring maximum safety and minimizing potential issues throughout the fall tournament.

Two-step WSOP COVID-19 policy for players

In order to experience the WSOP in person this year, players, media, spectators, and vendors at the WSOP will have to undertake two steps.

• You are required to provide a physical vaccination card or utilize a digital health pass specific to your state or country.
• Face covering is mandatory to wear

It appears straightforward. However, it may not be for everyone. An individual is considered “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19 if they have received their last vaccine dose 14 days before the tournament begins.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is set to kick off on September 30, leaving unvaccinated participants only a few weeks to get their COVID-19 vaccine. With the widespread availability of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, it should not be challenging to find a nearby vaccination site. Those interested can find their closest location here.

Guidelines for COVID-19 vaccines

To participate in early WSOP tournaments, you must receive either a single dose of Johnson & Johnson or a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna by Thursday, September 16. The schedule for getting a vaccine is stringent.

Here are the latest CDC dosing guidelines for each of the three vaccines, as well as when participants can begin their 2021 WSOP adventures.

• Johnson & Johnson: The deadline for this single shot is Sept. 16.
• Pfizer states that vaccine doses should be administered 3 weeks (21 days) apart. If these individuals get their vaccination today (Sept. 1), they will exceed the initial two-week deadline by six days.
• Moderna states that vaccine doses should be administered 28 days apart. If these players receive their vaccination today (Sept. 1), they will be 13 days late for the first deadline.

Participants exclusive to the Main Event have slightly more time. Those who will be partaking in Day 1a of the Main Event on November 4 need to have received their single dose of Johnson & Johnson or their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna by October 21.

Participants from the US are eligible to utilize the complimentary Clear Health Pass app. This setup process, which only takes a few minutes, necessitates photographs of a COVID-19 vaccination card and both sides of a driver’s license. After completing the registration, participants simply need to select WSOP as their chosen event.

COVID-19 protocols in Las Vegas

COVID-19 protocol recommendations are constantly evolving in Las Vegas. Currently, anyone inside a casino is required to wear a face mask unless they are eating, drinking, or smoking. There’s no need to provide proof of vaccination to gamble or stay in a hotel.

Some venues and events in Las Vegas necessitate vaccination proof for attendance. However, not every location or event enforces this rule, which can lead to a bit of confusion.

For instance, anyone visiting Allegiant Stadium to watch a Las Vegas Raiders game must provide evidence of their vaccination. Once inside, vaccinated spectators are not required to wear a mask. However, the rules differ for other events held at Allegiant Stadium. Currently, all attendees, regardless of their vaccination status, are permitted at these events, but they are required to wear a mask.

Proof of vaccination will be required for those attending some conferences this year and next.

• CES
• G2E
• NAB
• AAPEX (Yet to be announced by SEMA)

Entry into concert venues such as Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues and The Linq’s Brooklyn Bowl necessitates vaccinations. However, proof of vaccinations is not a requirement at most other venues, including additional ones at Mandalay Bay and The Linq.

The situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, and policies may change without notice. Therefore, always verify with the venue before finalizing your plans.