With the WSOP 2025 just three weeks away, the organizers of the World Series of Poker have revealed the official tournament rules for this year’s event which ban phones and all electronic devices from the final three tables of tournaments.
While mobile phones have previously been restricted from use during hands and required to be kept on silent, the 2025 edition introduces more formalized and extensive limitations on phones and other electronic devices.
Once a tournament reaches its final three tables, all electronic devices must be completely removed from the table and are strictly prohibited from use, a policy already adopted by Wynn and one that PokerStars is considering for its live events. Failure to comply “will result in penalties up to and including disqualification.”
Furthermore, no devices will be allowed at any time at feature or streamed tables. Players can only access their devices during breaks or after elimination.
No devices will be allowed to be used in the tournament room during these late stages of streamed events and no coaching from anywhere within the tournament room will be allowed; this includes viewing of the tournament stream and usage of any electronic assistance. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a penalty for the participant and removal from the tournament room for the spectator.
The new rules also prohibit both players and spectators from using charts, apps, artificial intelligence, or any other form of electronic assistance that could provide a competitive advantage. This ruling follows the controversy during the 2024 WSOP Main Event Final Table, where a player’s rail was accused of using solver tools during heads-up play.
Organizers have made it clear that the use or possession of devices, software, or hardware to gain an advantage in the tournament is strictly prohibited.
- Up to $100 in free play with first deposit*
- Top-quality software
- Compete for WSOP bracelets & rings
WSOP+ Becomes Mandatory
Another big change in this year’s edition is the introduction of WSOP+, an app first launched during the 2023 WSOP Paradise festival in the Bahamas to enhance the live tournament experience. It is now mandatory to have an account on the WSOP+ app to register for any WSOP event. Furthermore, players must also have Caesars Rewards Loyalty card.
This was something we predicted back in August of last year, and it was confirmed last week, although WSOP initially removed the registration page that confirmed this, it has since been reinstated.
WSOP+ will replace the functionality of Bravo Poker Live, which will not be used during the upcoming series. The officials recommend that all 2025 participants use an iOS or Android smartphone to get the best experience with the new WSOP Plus app.
Unlike in 2024, when no such system was in place, players in 2025 will need to create a WSOP+ account to participate in events. Much like Bravo Poker Live, the new app offers a comprehensive range of features, including a tournament clock, real-time chip counts, player standings, prize pool details, blind and payout structures, total entries, buy-in breakdowns, and time remaining before breaks, though all presented in a more modern and streamlined way.
Additionally, the app will send push notifications and provide event updates, keeping players informed throughout the tournament. It also allows players to handle event registrations directly within the app.
To begin online registration, Participant must have an active and valid Caesars Rewards account and a WSOP+ account. Registration for both accounts is required to participate in any WSOP Event.
Furthermore, players who win online qualifiers on GGPoker or WSOP Online, or those who qualify through land-based satellites, can access their tournament seat tickets directly through the WSOP+ app. The app will also facilitate event registration and allow players to receive winnings electronically.
Participants can use the funds to register… through WSOP+ online registration. Participants may also choose to deposit their tournament winnings into their Paris TA for future use.
“WSOP+ will further elevate the WSOP experience for all of our players,” said Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of WSOP. “Not only can our community now save time and effort by registering in advance for their favorite tournaments, but the app will also showcase WSOP content and all of the important event information that participants are eager to have at their fingertips!”
“The advantages of bringing WSOP+ online in time for the next World Series of Poker in Las Vegas are endless,” said Jack Effel, Senior Vice President of Poker Operations and World Series of Poker at Caesars Entertainment. “Players should feel an immediate positive impact on their experience when they arrive this summer. Beyond WSOP+’s advanced features, there’s no question this innovation should reduce wait times, allowing participants more time to get to the felt and enjoy the events they love.”
Players who prefer to register in person instead of using the WSOP+ app can do so at the main casino cage inside Paris Las Vegas beginning May 15.
New Payment Methods & Fees
Furthermore, players using WSOP+ to purchase tournament tickets online will have multiple payment options this summer, including:
- ACH (available to US players only)
- Credit cards
- PayPal
- Luxon Pay (available to non-US players only)
- WSOP Online Qualifiers
- Paris Tournament Accounts (funded in person at the WSOP cage)
There are also changes to the fee structure. In previous years, players paid a flat $3 processing fee per event for credit card registrations (online or in-person), along with varying card fees—2.95% for Visa, MasterCard, and Discover; 3.95% for American Express; and 3.5% for international cards.
For 2025, these have been replaced with a simplified 3% flat fee for all major credit cards, regardless of type or origin. The new structure also removes the $3 flat fee and no longer clarifies that these fees are not retained by WSOP or its host venues.
No fees will apply when purchasing tournament entries using ACH, PayPal, Luxon Pay, or Paris Tournament Accounts.