We discuss the rules and regulations of online WSOP events, along with their types, eligibility criteria, registration process, and tournament structure.
Online World Series Of Poker Games
Does my WSOP.com account need to be verified for playing in online WSOP events?
Absolutely. WSOP.com requires account verification using a government-issued photo identification and proof of address to participate in online WSOP events.
How much is it to enter WSOP?
The entry fee for WSOP Main Event is $10,000. In 1971, it was $5,000, and the inaugural 1970 event was an invitational. The buy-in has remained constant at $10,000 since 1972.
Eligibility and Registration for Online WSOP Events
Age and Location Requirements
You must be at least 21 years old. This is the legal gambling age in the jurisdictions where WSOP operates its online platform, specifically New Jersey and Nevada.
You must also be physically located within the borders of a US state where WSOP.com is operational. WSOP’s online platform uses geolocation software to verify that players are within the approved states. If you are physically located outside of the permitted regions, you will not be able to participate in online WSOP events.
Creating a WSOP.com Account
- Visit the official WSOP.com website and click on the “Sign Up” or “Get Started” button, usually located at the top-right corner of the page.
- Complete the registration form by providing your details, including your first name, last name, email address, date of birth, and phone number.
- Create a username and a strong password, which you will use to log in to your account in the future.
- Read and accept the website’s Terms & Conditions, as well as their Privacy Policy.
- Complete any required identity verification steps by uploading your government-issued ID or providing your social security number.
- Once your account is set up and your identity is verified, you will be able to log in and access the WSOP.com game client.
Depositing Funds and Buying into Events
You will need to deposit funds into your newly created WSOP.com account. Depending on their location, most players have access to several different deposit options, such as credit/debit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, PayNearMe, and more.
To deposit funds,
- Log in to your WSOP.com account and navigate to the cashier or deposit section.
- Please select your preferred payment method and specify the amount you wish to deposit.
You can now buy into online WSOP events. To do this,
- Go to the WSOP game client, locate the tournament lobby, and search for the event you wish to enter.
- Click on the “register” or “buy-in” button and confirm your entry using your deposited funds.
- After completing the registration process, you will be officially entered into the selected event and ready to compete for a coveted WSOP gold bracelet!
Tournament Structure for Online WSOP Events
Types of Online WSOP Events:
- No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) Events: The most popular poker format in the world, NLHE tournaments, make up the majority of the online WSOP schedule. Within this category, players can find progressive knockouts, deep stack, freezeouts, turbo, and other formats.
- Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) and Omaha Hi/Lo Events: These events appeal to players who enjoy Omaha poker games, with some tournaments offering a mix of both PLO and Omaha Hi/Lo variants.
- Mixed Game Events: It also features mixed game tournaments for players who enjoy different poker games, such as H.O.R.S.E., which rotates through five poker variants: Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Stud, and Eight or Better.
- High Roller and Super High Roller Events: These cater to players seeking high buy-in events, offer larger prize pools, and attract top poker talent.
- Multi-Flight and Re-entry Tournaments: These events allow players to enter multiple starting flights or re-enter the tournament if eliminated during specific periods.
Starting Chips, Levels, and Blinds
Generally, players can expect to start with a larger number of chips compared to live events, as the accelerated nature of online play promotes more action.
For the majority of online WSOP events, the initial blind levels are 30 minutes long, with the blinds increasing after every level. The specific tournament structure and format determine the actual blinds and antes amounts but typically begin at 10/20 for No-Limit Hold’em events. As the tournament progresses, the blind levels may become shorter, often reducing to 15 or 20 minutes each.
Re-entry and Rebuy Rules
Re-entry generally means that if a player is eliminated, they have the option to buy back into the tournament under a new entry with a fresh starting stack. Rebuys are typically used in tournaments where players can purchase additional chips while they still have some remaining in their stack, such as during a rebuy period or within certain levels of the tournament.
It varies from tournament to tournament. Some events allow unlimited re-entries, while others may have a specified number of allowed re-entries or may be a freezeout event with no re-entries or rebuys.
Breaks and Late Registration
Breaks allow players to take a pause and recuperate during the long hours of play. Online WSOP events generally feature simultaneous breaks, typically every 55 minutes past the hour and lasting five minutes.
Late registration is often available in online WSOP events. As a general rule, late registration is open for the first few levels of play.
Bubble Play and Final Table Procedure
The bubble is the point just one spot away from making the money. Hand-for-hand play usually begins when the tournament is close to the bubble. It means that each table will play one hand simultaneously, ensuring no table plays significantly faster or slower than the others.
Once the bubble has burst and all remaining players are in the money, the action continues towards the final table. Online WSOP events usually have a nine or 10-handed final table, depending on the format and structure. Final table play can be quite intense and is often where the largest prizes and the prestigious WSOP gold bracelet are won.
Handling Payouts and Taxes
Cashing Out Winnings
- Check the platform’s minimum and maximum withdrawal limits and ensure your withdrawal falls within these limits.
- Verify if the platform charges any fees associated with withdrawals.
- Complete a “know your customer” (KYC) process before permitting withdrawals. This typically involves providing proof of identification, like your official ID and proof of address.
- Select your preferred payout method according to the processing time that suits you. Common payout methods include bank transfers, checks, and e-wallet services such as PayPal and Skrill.
Reporting Income and Paying Taxes
Depending on your residence, you may be required to report your gambling winnings as income on your tax return. Tax laws vary from state to state. In some jurisdictions, these winnings are considered taxable income that you need to report when filing your income tax.
Keep records of all your gambling activities, including dates, locations, types of games, and amounts won, to ensure accurate reporting.
Benefits of Participating in Online WSOP Events
- Accessibility: As online events can be played from anywhere with an internet connection, players from different regions can participate without the need to travel to a physical location.
- Lower Buy-ins: Online events often feature lower buy-ins compared to their live counterparts, allowing players with smaller bankrolls the opportunity to compete for WSOP gold bracelets.
- Game Selection: The variety of game types and formats available in online WSOP events cater to various player preferences and skill levels.
- Flexibility: Online events generally have a faster structure than live tournaments, which can accommodate players with limited time for poker commitments.
- Anonymity: Online play allows players to remain anonymous, removing potential intimidation factors that may be present in live tournaments.
Can players participate in multiple online WSOP events simultaneously?
Yes. However, you must be able to manage all your active games responsibly.
Do online WSOP events have specific start and end times?
Yes, the duration of the event depends on several factors, such as the number of participating players and the game’s progress.
Is WSOP poker legal?
Yes. You can join thousands of players on WSOP.com for a secure and regulated online poker experience you can trust.