With less than two weeks to go before the 50th World Series of Poker (WSOP) kicks off, organizers are working on finalizing the details of the nine online bracelet events running throughout the series.
The WSOP started running online bracelet events in 2015. Only one online event was held in both 2015 and 2016, with the final table playing out live at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Since then, that number has been increased to three events in 2017, and four in 2018. The WSOP has increased the number to nine events in 2019 but sadly NJ players may not be able to play all nine events.
NJ Players Can Compete in June 2 & June 9 Online Events
In the wake of the Wire Act ruling released by the Department of Justice in January 2019, it is unclear whether online players from New Jersey can actually participate in the largest poker festival this year. A recent announcement by the WSOP cleared things up a bit as the WSOP confirmed that NJ players can 100 percent take part in the first two online bracelet events scheduled for June 2 and June 9.
The nine online events for this year’s WSOP include a $400 No-Limit Hold’em on June 2, $600 Six-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha scheduled for June 9, $600 Knockout Bounty No-Limit Hold’em on June 16, $500 Turbo No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack on June 19, $1,000 Double Stack No-Limit Hold’em on June 23, $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Championship on June 30, $3,200 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em on July 3, $800 Six-Handed No-Limit Hold’em on July 7, and $500 Summer Saver No-Limit Hold’em on July 14.
Most of the nine online events take place on Sundays, and only one allows unlimited re-entry. This set-up is likely to cause concern among players.
Wire Act Reversal Puts NJ Participation In Limbo
Players with access to WSOP.com in Nevada can participate in online bracelet events throughout the festival which is taking place at the Rio in Las Vegas. New Jersey players are also allowed to play due to the inter-state agreement.
The implication from the DOJ decision on the Wire Act reversal states that interstate poker networks are prohibited which means players from New Jersey might be barred from participating.
Operators are required to comply with the new DOJ opinion by June 14 to avoid possible prosecution. New Jersey players will be allowed to play in the $400 No-Limit Hold’em on June 2, as well as the $600 Six-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha on June 9, but it remains uncertain what will be allowed after the June 14 deadline.
