WSOP Accepting Applications From Unvaccinated Dealers For 2021 WSOP

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is setting different standards for different individuals at the 2021 WSOP and it is causing some confusion and unrest in the poker community. The 2021 WSOP runs from Sep 30 to Nov 23 at the Rio in Las Vegas.

The WSOP made it clear that all poker players who wanted to be a part of the 2021 WSOP will have to be fully vaccinated. This fully vaccinated policy would also cover media at the event as well as poker fans in attendance.

A section of the poker community protested the mandatory vaccination requirement and said they would boycott the tournament.

However, the WSOP has stood firm in its stance as WSOP management said this was the best way forward as it wanted to keep everyone safe from COVID-19.

While players have to be fully vaccinated, the WSOP is allowing its live dealers to be a part of the tournament without being vaccinated. We sent out an email to the WSOP asking for confirmation if unvaccinated dealers would be allowed and got a positive response.

The idea of allowing only vaccinated players to attend and play without being required wear a mask at tables with unvaccinated dealers is strange as it comes across as different strokes for different folks!

WSOP Offering Cash For Vaccinations

There are reports that the WSOP sent out an email to its dealers encouraging them to get vaccinated at the earliest. The email allegedly offers WSOP dealers up to $250 in cash if they get vaccinated by Nov 4. The offer is valid from Sep 3 to Nov 4 and will require dealers to get one shot of Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or Moderna and produce their vaccine certificate.

Those who take the shot during this WSOP promo period will also be enrolled in a special $25,000 draw and the winner will walk away with $5,000. The WSOP was not willing to confirm or deny its cash for vaccines policy for dealers.

The WSOP has always had an issue with dealer attrition during the month and a half long annual tournament. The WSOP may be relaxing vaccination requirement on dealers in order to get more applications coming through especially now more players are expected to arrive with the border being open from November. The WSOP has to make provision for dealers taking a few days during the tournament as they will need a few days off to recover from the vaccine.