The World Series of Poker has been expanding its online components since online gaming returned to the U.S. in 2013 and continues that expansion this year.
WSOP maintains two online sites – one in Nevada and one in New Jersey – along with partner sites 888 Poker. For the 2016 WSOP, there will be several online events and satellites for live WSOP events in Las Vegas.
It starts with the return of a $1,000 No Limit Hold ‘em online bracelet event that will be played entirely online. Last year, the final table of the event was played live at the Rio casino in Las Vegas. Last year’s event had 905 entries.
Both WSOP sites have also launched an extensive schedule of online satellites for live WSOP event including the $10,000 buy-in Main Event.
WSOP.com is hosting Main Event qualifiers in Nevada and in New Jersey every Sunday, from now through the Main Event in July. And on July 9, WSOP.com Nevada will host a 25-seat Scramble, where at least 25 seats will be awarded to the WSOP Main Event.
Daily online satellites will also run during the series to a number of WSOP tournaments, including the online bracelet tournament, the $888 Crazy Eights event, and signature events like the Ladies Championship, the Millionaire Maker and the Casino Employee Event.
The WSOP has also introduced a WSOP Chip-in feature so players can post their chip counts on social media.
For its live-events, the WSOP has put in a 15 percent payout structure for events, as opposed to the traditional 10 percent.
WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart, speaking at a recent press conference, said the tournament is hoping to better serve recreational players who play in events other than the Main Event. While the payouts are lower individually, the larger percentage gives more players hope of cashing, he said.
The WSOP has also revived a Tag Team tournament, with up to four players rotating at one spot on the table). The $1,000 event is “supposed to be fun,” Stewart said. “Previous iterations were like mixed doubles, and we’re looking to promote interest in the recreational player. We think a large percent of the market wants a social event, like a husband-and-wife event.”
The 49-day WSOP begins May 31.
