Updated on March 27, 2023
For the past 50 years, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has been a major draw for players best poker players in the world to Las Vegas. Originally, it began as a small event for a handful of Texas poker enthusiasts at Binion’s Horseshoe, but it has transformed into an attraction for hundreds of thousands at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, only to return to its origins at Horseshoe (formerly Bally's), hosting the 2023 event alongside the Paris Las Vegas.
First-time attendees may feel overwhelmed by the enormous scale of the event, but we’re here to offer some essential advice that will assist you in navigating the WSOP.
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Remember to Bring Your ID
In order to play poker , you will require a valid photo identification, which can be a passport, a government-issued identification card, a driving license, or a permanent resident alien card if you are a U.S. citizen.
You may be asked to show your ID when entering the casino floor or ordering drinks, but even if that doesn't happen, you will need an ID to obtain a Player’s Card, which is essential for participating in ANY WSOP event.
Get a Player’s Card
On that note, when you want to sign up for a WSOP poker tournament – including non-bracelet competitions like the daily deepstack tournaments – you must possess a Caesars Rewards Loyalty card .
Fortunately, these cards are available for free and it’s simple to obtain one – just visit any Caesars Entertainment locations across the United States or stop by the information/rewards desk at the Paris. You can even create an account online via the Caesars Rewards website from certain regions.
With a valid photo ID, acquiring a Caesars Rewards Card takes no more than five minutes.
You will also receive occasional promotions, and there is a Caesars Rewards app which maximizes your benefits.
Find the Registration Line
When you're set to sign up for a WSOP event, just bring your ID and player’s card to a registration location, along with the buy-in entry fee of course (credit cards will be accepted from May 31 when the WSOP Cashiers Cage opens, along with cash, live Casino Chips, Cashiers Checks, and wire transfers (note that checks or wires have a five-day waiting period) and satellite \"lammers\").
The main registration area is situated close to the tournament zone, and you only need to follow the posted signs. You can also register for WSOP events at the casino cage located in the Champagne Ballroom at the Paris convention center known as \"Le Centre des Conventions.\"
If you aim to participate in a tournament that’s expected to attract a large number of players – like the record-setting Big 50 – be prepared for lengthy queues. To skip them, consider pre-registering a few days ahead of time.
Additionally, if your timetable allows, it may be wise to visit the registration during late-night hours or very early in the morning, as there usually are far fewer people during those times.
Find and Head to Your Seat
After you complete your registration, you will receive two slips – one for you and the other for the dealer – indicating your assigned playing room along with your table and seat number. The WSOP has simplified the process by using color coding for different sections.
For example, if you are assigned to Table 88 Seat 8, your ticket will correspond with a color like “Blue.” Just go into the room and look for the colored signs hanging over each table to locate your seat.
When you find it, the dealer The dealer will ask for your copy of the registration slip and your ID to confirm that you are indeed the player listed on the ticket. Once your identity is verified, you will receive a stack of chips , and you’re in action.
If you find yourself registering late for a tournament, your slip may direct you to a late registration desk. In this case, just go there, complete the verification process, and the staff will assign you a randomly available seat.
Plan Ahead Accordingly
Every WSOP tournament includes breaks, typically occurring every two hours, with additional dinner breaks as well. A sensible way to learn about these breaks is to pick up a structure sheet, available both online and in print. The restrooms are generally crowded during these intervals, so it’s advisable to head there a few minutes early to avoid the rush.
Likewise, if there’s a dinner break scheduled, it’s prudent to gauge how much time you have and decide where to go. If you opt to eat within the Horseshoe or Paris, expect busy conditions, and if you choose to go off-site, you may run into traffic. Staying close by is a good strategy since the further you travel, the higher the risk of returning late.
If you're planning to drive to the WSOP event(s), you'll be pleased to know there are two large parking facilities available:
- The Paris Las Vegas Parking Garage
- The Horseshoe Parking Lot (situated directly behind Horseshoe’s off Koval Lane).
Valet parking will also be accessible at the main entrances of both hotels.
And if your stay exceeds a week, you can purchase a weekly parking pass at the WSOP Main cage for $100, which offers about a 40% discount compared to regular rates.
Just plan ahead, and everything should go smoothly.
Always Have Fun
Participating in the WSOP, whether in the Main Event or a preliminary tournament, is a dream for countless poker players players globally. If you're one of the lucky ones competing, make sure to enjoy the experience. Facing off against professionals like Martin Jacobson , Chris Moneymaker or Daniel Cates at the table can be daunting, but don't let that inhibit your enjoyment.
Strike up conversations — you never know who you might encounter. The WSOP attracts a diverse array of players from all backgrounds. You might also consider ordering a drink, as many participants do during the final level of play for the day (also known as Beer Level) before organizing their chips for the night.
Winning a Coveted Bracelet
If luck is on your side, you might walk away with a highly coveted gold WSOP bracelet , but what happens next? While you're in a daze from the victory, you'll be invited to sit at a designated area to take an official WSOP winner's photo. This image will be published by media outlets worldwide. Additionally, members of the press will ask for a few moments of your time to learn more about you and your extraordinary win. This is your chance to share your story.
In the following days, a WSOP staff member will help coordinate a bracelet ceremony (usually scheduled for the next day). Not everyone is inclined to have a celebration, but if you choose to participate, you will receive public acclaim from tournament director Jack Effel during the first break of play, with plenty of applause following.
Once you've wrapped up with the media, you'll be escorted to the payout desk to claim your winnings. You can opt to receive your prize in cash or chips , but generally, it’s wiser to either accept a check or have the money wired to your bank account.
This will also be the perfect moment to consider leaving a tip for the dealers, who dedicate themselves throughout the summer. While tipping isn't mandatory, it's highly recommended. If you do decide to tip, there’s no strict guideline, but many players stick to a range of 3-5%.
We hope these tips will prove beneficial when you head out to Las Vegas to compete in the World Series of Poker!