WSOP rule changes, banning electronic devices

The World Series of Poker has announced some rules changes for the upcoming WSOP Paradise, scheduled for Dec 6-19 in the Bahamas.

The rule changes focus on players at the poker table receiving outside help and using electronic devices for assistance. It is believed this stems from controversy surrounding Jonathan Tamayo win in this year 2024 WSOP Main Event.

In that tournament Tamayo appeared to be receiving real-time assistance from poker pros Joe McKeehen and Dominik Nitsche during play at the final table, which included viewing a laptop the pair held at the rail.

The new rules instituted at WSOP Paradise specifically states:

“Players and spectators are not allowed to use charts, apps, or any other form of electronic assistance in the tournament room. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a penalty up to disqualification for the player and removal from the tournament room for the spectator. Spectators are also prohibited from providing live assistance or coaching. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a penalty for the player and removal from the rail for the spectator.”

The new rule also stipulated that tournament spectators will not be able to view live streams of the action on any electronic device or use real-time assistance.

Players at the table will also be banned from placing cell phones or other electronic devices on the table or on the rail.

When the field of any even reaches three tables the use of all electronic devices at the table is banned and players leaving their seats must exit the tournament area and are restricted from viewing the action at other tables.

It has not been announced yet, but it is believed and expected that these new rules around assistance and electronic devices will carry over in some fashion to the 2025 World Series of Poker next year.