2021 WSOP “Normality” On The Cards As COVID-19 Restrictions Could Be Lifted

Players and fans of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) could experience a “normal” live festival this fall, following the approval of new COVID-19 guidelines by Clark County which will lift existing restrictions on business operations and mass gatherings.

At the moment, all business establishments in the state of Nevada are operating at 50 percent maximum capacity, but that will change soon as Governor Steve Sisolak has now allowed local governments to make their own decisions with regards to COVID-19.

This means it will now be up to each county whether they’ll ease restrictions, or remove them altogether, beginning May 1. For instance, Nye County, located just outside of Las Vegas, has decided to lift restrictions.

The 2021 WSOP will get underway on September 30 at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas which lies within Clark County. County officials recently announced that starting May 1, capacity restrictions will be expanded to 80%.

But under new plans approved by the county just this week, business establishments within the area will be allowed to operate normally, at full capacity and without any social distancing requirements, once 60% of local residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 jab.

If the US vaccination rollout continues its progress, majority of Americans will have been vaccinated by the time the WSOP festival kicks off. In Clark County, nearly 50% of local residents aged 16 and above have already received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday, April 19.

Positive News for Entire Live Poker Industry

Assuming the Nevada Gaming Control Board supports Clark County’s plans and does not overrule them, then we can expect a packed Rio this September.

This is great news for thousands of poker players and fans itching to return to Las Vegas to take part in WSOP live action. A successful 2021 WSOP would become the strongest signal that the city’s live poker scene is back in action, a positive development for the entire live poker industry which had been severely impacted by worldwide lockdowns in 2020.

WSOP officials have yet to finalize the full schedule for the fall series, but initial details have already been announced. The festival will kick off with a bang, with a $5 million-guaranteed bracelet event called “The Reunion” taking place during the opening weekend. It’s also been confirmed that the Main Event will get underway on November 4.

Full details are expected to be made available in the coming weeks, who will get a chance to win a “triple crown”.