The World Series of Poker (WSOP) continues to make changes to its rules and regulations that will be in place for the 2021 WSOP which takes place at the Rio in Las Vegas from Sep 30 to Nov 23.
A couple of weeks ago, the WSOP surprised the poker world when it announced that mandatory full vaccinations would be required for anyone attending the WSOP. At that time, the WSOP also made it clear that face masks would be mandatory at the table. It appears that the WSOP has now decided to change its face mask policy.
Face Masks Will Not Be Compulsory
The mandatory face mask policy at the WSOP created some confusion as Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak (D) announced in early September that any venue that had a mandatory full vaccination policy could allow their patrons to be mask free. Given that the WSOP had made full vaccinations mandatory, players wanted to know why the WSOP was insisting on masks.
The WSOP decided to address these questions by adding it to its Frequently Asked Questions section. The WSOP has clarified that it was complying with Nevada’s Directive 50 mandate and would allow players to be without their masks when they were seated at the poker table.
However players will still have to wear their masks when they are moving around the WSOP. Players will have to be masked up when they are moving from table to table, walking down the aisles of the Rio, taking a break and going for a walk and whenever they decided to step away from their tables including when taking a bathroom break.
WSOP FAQ – Key Points
The 2021 WSOP is unlikely any other WSOP in the history of the tournament. This is mainly due to COVID-19 and the new regulations that the organizers need to comply with and get players to follow.
The WSOP has received a lot of criticism from anti-vaxxers who claim that the WSOP is bending over to Big Pharma and forcing players to take the shot. A number of poker players who don’t plan on taking the vaccine have decided they will not be a part of the 2021 WSOP.
If you plan on being a part of the 2021 WSOP, it is best that you keep these points in mind. The WSOP will not accept a negative COVID-19 test result as it requires all players to be fully vaccinated based on State of Nevada Emergency Directive 050.
While some states are accepting a religious or medical exemption, the WSOP will not be allowed to offer a religious or medical exemption once again based on Directive 050. The WSOP also has a link under its ‘Are Masks Required’ FAQ to give players more information on how to select the right masks and some dos and don’ts when it comes to wearing a mask.
Choose CLEAR’s Health Pass
The WSOP is asking all players to use CLEAR’s Health Pass as this is the fastest and easiest way for one to confirm their full vaccination status. Full proof of vaccination needs to be verified only once but players are advised to keep their vaccination certificate and their CLEAR app with them at all times.
The WSOP is confirmed that spectators will be allowed to attend the tournament provided they are fully vaccinated. They will have to follow the same protocol as players and verify their full vaccination status and wear masks based on the guidelines.
The WSOP is likely to update its FAQ section as we get close to the tournament.