WSOP 2021: Proof Of Covid-19 Vaccination Required

Late last week, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) announced that the 2021 series in Las Vegas will require patrons to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The WSOP returns to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on September 30 to begin the series, one that normally takes place in the summer months. COVID-19 restraints led to organizers postponing the WSOP until later this year. Events will run through November 23.

WSOP Requires Proof of Full Vaccination

Players taking part in the WSOP tournaments must provide proof of full vaccination to take part. A vaccination card or app must be shown during the first registration process by every player. The requirement will be enforced for bracelet events, satellites, and additional tournaments.

To help streamline the registration process and vaccination requirement, the WSOP will use the free mobile app known as CLEAR and its Health Pass feature. Ahead of the series, players can use the app to add vaccination information. Those who use the app can visit the cage tellers for registration at the Convention Center to provide proof of status.

Those with physical vaccination cards or health passes will need to verify the documentation via an on-site location. For a poker player to be viewed as fully vaccinated, the individual must have received the second dose of the shot 14 days before an event start date.

The WSOP has instituted the policy for all participants of the series events as well as vendors and press members. In addition to the vaccination requirement, WSOP attendees and employees must wear a mask on-site.

WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart commented on the new policy, stating it was not an easy decision to make and was not made lightly. The only agenda connected to the decision was to protect player eligibility and the operations of the event.

Stewart pointed out that the nature of the game is to be close to opponents for long periods of time.

“We want players to be excited for their return to the WSOP, while offering the greatest level of protection and limiting complications during the tournament this fall.”

Vaccination Mandates Uncommon but Ticking Up in Las Vegas

The WSOP is not the only event in the US to require vaccination to attend. Several events and entertainment venues in Las Vegas and around the country are beginning to require proof of vaccination. The Las Vegas Raiders became the first NFL team earlier this month to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend.

Lady Gaga is performing at Park MGM, and it too has mandated proof of vaccination. Currently, only a small percentage of events require vaccination, but the trend seems to be growing. Some cities around the country are starting to require residents and visitors to be vaccinated to take part in activities, including dining in restaurants.

However, vaccination requirements are still uncommon among gaming venues. So far, only one casino has mandated proof of vaccination for entrance. Earlier this month, Harrah’s New Orleans became the first casino in the nation to require a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination for entry.

Harrah’s implemented the policy after the New Orleans mayor implemented a similar rule for indoor activities in the city. Will we see casinos in Las Vegas pick up on this trend? MGM Resorts announced earlier this month that salaried employees and new hires must be vaccinated by October 15. The mandate includes employees in Las Vegas as well as the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City.

Nevada is at the forefront of COVID-19 restrictions and protections, so any changes in the city regarding proof of vaccination could easily be an indicator as to what the rest of the country might do moving forward, especially regarding the gambling industry.