A lot of people were thrilled when the World Series of Poker authorities announced the variety of ways they would be combining their WSOP.com online poker room with the 2014 World Series of Poker.
Several concepts, such as the Grind Room and Next Day satellites, were favorably embraced. Conversely, other proposals, like the WSOP’s declaration that online playing during a WSOP tournament was acceptable, faced greater skepticism.
When the time came to actualize all the visions, several challenges arose beyond the initial fears of slower games and reduced player interaction. However, despite these minor issues and inconveniences, traffic on WSOP.com in Nevada has increased and continues to trend upwards.
Despite my personal viewpoint that it is nonsensical to endorse an element that will likely decelerate the game and further reduce its social aspect, players have encountered two additional issues. I will elaborate on these problems below.
Playing at the tables
In the run-up to the 2014 WSOP, the organizers encouraged players to engage in online poker games on WSOP.com while participating in live tournaments at the Rio. They stated that online play would be allowed during live competitions, provided it didn’t disrupt the game’s pace.
However, one significant detail they omitted is that currently, WSOP.com NV does not have a mobile app.
To play at the table, it’s necessary to have your laptop. However, laptops can be more bulky and inconvenient, and their battery life tends to be shorter.
The limited online play at live tournament tables so far is probably due to the absence of a mobile app.
Collusion policy
This week on the poker forums, a new problem has emerged regarding playing in the Rio. Players are stating that they are unable to share a table with individuals using the same IP address. Thus, if you are playing in the Rio and utilizing their wi-fi network, which reportedly has a limited number of IP addresses, you may be prohibited from joining certain tables.
Mitch Garber, the CEO of Caesars Interactive, stated that the policy is derived from a Nevada regulation. He further explained that due to the thousands of players at the RIO, there are simply not enough IP addresses to accommodate everyone.
The policy, which is essential, exists for a very valid purpose: to deter players sitting side by side from colluding and to stop individuals from maintaining multiple accounts.
Usually, this isn’t much of a problem, but during the WSOP, the Rio will be teeming with thousands of prospective poker players. Given the limited player pool in Nevada’s online poker rooms, it’s likely that several players will attempt to join the same table and encounter this issue.
In the above-linked forum thread, Haley Hintze, a poker journalist, suggested using an air card to bypass the IP issue. She has utilized this strategy at previous WSOP’s when the Rio tried to block specific sites on their wi-fi network.
However, this approach might not be effective for most individuals because, even if you’re squarely situated in the middle of the Rio, your laptop’s air card could potentially identify you as being outside of Nevada.
Traffic numbers up
Even with the problems, there has been a significant increase in traffic at WSOP.com during the first week of the WSOP.
According to www.pokerscout.com’s data, there has been nearly a 20% increase in average traffic. Peak traffic numbers have seen an even greater rise. WSOP.com Nevada is quickly closing in on Party/Borgata in New Jersey to become the most frequented licensed online poker room in the US.
It’s unclear whether the increase is due to new policies at the WSOP tables or simply due to the influx of players in Las Vegas for the WSOP.
Despite my personal dislike for the policy and the mentioned issues, it seems the WSOP’s integration of their online poker room is already proving to be highly profitable. As the WSOP continues, it’s projected to become increasingly successful.
