The WSOP answered one major question that's been on the minds of poker fans the past week: will players be required to wear face masks now that vaccines are mandatory?
On Tuesday, the confusion was clarified with an update to the 2021 WSOP FAQs, which stated that players can take the masks off while seated at a poker table.
Last week, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak (D) announced a mask exception rule that permits fully vaccinated venues to operate without patrons wearing face masks. Consistent with Sisolak's Directive 50 mandate, the no mask policy only applies to when players are seated at a poker table.
According to the FAQs, Players must still wear masks when:
- walking around on break
- being moved to another table
- in the Rio hallways
- any time they step away from their poker table for any reason while indoors
WSOP 2021 Vaccine Rule
Last week, the WSOP informed the poker community that all players are required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. That caused an uproar among the anti-vax segment. Many poker fans, including high roller stars spoke out against the mandate and said they won't be attending the 2021 World Series of Poker, which begins September 30 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The WSOP then updated the policy and also disclosed that dealers won't be required to prove vaccination status, although Caesars Entertainment strongly encourages all employees to get vaccinated.
For those who are vaccinated, the best way to do that is to download the Clear Health Pass app. The verification process, which PokerNews teaches in a September 1 article, only takes about five minutes and doesn't cost a penny.
As it stands, face masks remain required in all Nevada businesses. That includes restaurants, casinos, poker rooms, stores, and more. But Sisolak's Directive 50 policy does make one exception, which includes the WSOP.
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"This policy expansion gives an option for convention organizers to choose between requiring masks indoors for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, or ensuring that all attendees are vaccinated, in which case fully-vaccinated attendees can remove their masks," Directive 50 reads.
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Be sure to head to the PokerNews Hub for all things WSOP 2021. If you're planning a trip, why not check out our guide for the best Las Vegas hotels?
Alternatively, check out our strategy articles on how to play the bubble or how to adjust your strategy for online events.
If you're looking for the best events to play on a budget, then we've got you covered. And if you're looking forward to rubbing shoulders with the likes of Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson, then make sure you check out what Doyle has to say about the WSOP schedule and whether Ivey plans to return for the 2021 WSOP.
