The World Series of Poker launched a new online platform that adds a third U.S. state to its network pool for the first time in history to kick off the annual summer event of tournaments.
Poker players in Michigan are joining those in New Jersey and Nevada, the WSOP announced on Saturday, and 30 online bracelet tournaments in those states were added to the Caesars Entertainment-sponsored series.
“This platform upgrade is long overdue and is a big win for our players,” Danielle Barille, vice president of online poker at Caesars Digital, said. “The best is yet to come for WSOP Online tournaments, and we’re thrilled to bring Michigan players into the fold with Nevada and New Jersey, resulting in a better experience, more value, and the biggest prize pools of the year.”
This latest merger opens up possibilities for more WSOP expansion as online poker is also legal in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia.
Bigger is better
The old WSOP.com rebranded into WSOP Online. The technology was upgraded to allow for four-table capabilities on the mobile app. That includes Omaha, multi-flight re-entry tournaments, in-app gift drops, and game derivatives.
WSOP Online will also feature new promotions and weekly tournaments.
Pre-registration for Nevada and New Jersey players lasted through the weekend. The previous platform was accessible until Monday.
Current players will need to download the new version and create a username. Existing balances, tournament tickets, and rewards points will be transferred within 72 hours of the new platform’s launch.
Summer of competition
The 55th World Series of Poker begins May 28 in Las Vegas, and part of this year’s event includes a way for Nevada, New Jersey, and Michigan players to compete online.
The summer series runs June 1 through July 21, and competition for an official gold bracelet runs every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The mobile site will host a $333 Triple Treys No Limit Hold’em event celebrating the pro basketball championship series and a new $10,000 WSOP Online Championship on July 11.
There will also be online satellites to qualify for land-based tournaments with as low as $1 entry fees. Guaranteed 25-seat Main Event mega satellites will held June 30 and July 3.
WSOP Online will hold five high-roller, hybrid-format events on June 10 and June 29 with the final tables playing out in Las Vegas in July.
The WSOP has been holding championship tournaments since 1970 and has awarded more than $4 billion in poker prizes and gold bracelets. Last year, the event totaled 214,641 entrants from more than 114 different countries and awarded more than $403 million in prize money.
