Exclusive: WSOP is Testing its Three-State US Online Poker Network, and We Have the Screenshots

WSOP.com is quietly conducting private testing of its three-state online poker network, currently accessible on the new software in Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada, pokerfuse can exclusively reveal.

Pokerfuse has obtained screenshots of the new WSOP Nevada and WSOP New Jersey online poker clients, with WSOP Michigan tables visible. Once players gain access to these clients, it will form the basis of the three-state network. This confirms that WSOP hopes to transition players to the new software and create a three-state network in one move. And it suggests this process is in the key testing stages.

Notably, these screenshots still include mention of a March WSOP online super circuit, reflecting the private testing nature of this software. However, these screenshots are recent, with these clients only launching in the last week, pokerfuse understands.

Be aware that none of the information obtained has been provided by WSOP and there is a possibility that things may change prior to the launch.

First Glimpse of WSOP NJ and WSOP NV New Software

This is the first glimpse of the upcoming poker client in New Jersey and Nevada. For users in Michigan and Pennsylvania who have been utilizing the new software for years, there may be no noticeable difference. The clients are essentially identical, with minor adjustments such as the inclusion of the state-based “RG” logos.

But for players in NJ and NV, a notable upgrade from the old classic software to the new Poker 8 platform awaits. As observed in the MI and PA clients, dark red and dark grey will serve as the primary colors in the new client.

From a user experience perspective, both the desktop and mobile clients of Poker 8 will be much improved compared to the older versions. The interface is cleaner, boasts a more streamlined design and overall feels much more modern.

When placed on top of each other, there is a stark contrast between the classic client and the one that will be in use in the coming days.

The previous two-tab system has undergone a complete overhaul in the new client, with all different game types separated. The navigation bar has been moved from the top of the main poker lobby to the left-hand site. As part of this fresh look, symbols for each specific compartment have been included such as cash games, tournaments, Blast, etc, adding a more visually appealing aspect to the WSOP app compared to the previous monotone design.

The 'Beginners’ and 'Quick Seat’ tabs have been consolidated into just 'Quick Seat’, providing players with five quick launch tables for various formats all in one single place.

But perhaps the biggest visual improvement in the lobby design of the new software is the introduction of a completely separate and dedicated cash game lobby. Cash games are now presented in two views: Group and List view, with Group (blind lobby) being the default. This means that players can only select the buy-in and game type, and they will be directed to the new table without viewing the list of tables unless they opt for the list view. In the list view, players can browse through a list of tables in the traditional manner.

New Poker 8 Software Features

But the upgrade goes beyond skin-deep improvements. The new software supports a variety of new tournament formats such as Progressive Knockouts (PKOs), Mystery Bounty tournaments, Multi-flight tournaments, re-entry mechanisms, a new hand replayer, throwables, animation and sound effects, and a lot more.

The enhancements are not limited to the desktop software. While screenshots are currently not available, the mobile client also receives a significant overhaul, offering a slicker and more user-friendly experience thanks to various new features such as portrait mode, biometric login, emojis, and more.

Addressing existing limitations and functionality on mobile phones, players are no longer restricted to playing just one table at a time. The new mobile app allows for up to four tables simultaneously. Furthermore, mobile players will now have access to Pot-Limit Omaha games, including in the bracelet and circuit series.

Overall, the new client propels WSOP into the modern era of poker clients.

When is the Software Upgrade/Merger Expected to Take Place?

Ever since we broke the story that WSOP would finally upgrade its outdated software for New Jersey and Nevada online poker players and connect with the Michigan online poker player pool, there has been no official confirmation and no further developments.

Although these updates were expected to occur by May 11, according to the leaked WSOP Online Circuit schedule for May, it appears there has been a delay. Currently, the Circuit series is only running on the WSOP PA platform, with no activity on WSOP NJ, WSOP NV, or WSOP MI.

While the lack of updates may seem disappointing, progress is being made.

So the big question now is when will these software upgrades roll out and when will Michigan connect to the player pools of New Jersey and Nevada.

It appears WSOP US players will still have to wait for a few more days. Currently, WSOP has deployed daily tournaments on the NJ/NV platform until May 19 — so this means the software upgrade and merger will not take place before this date.

The specific steps that WSOP still needs to take remain unclear. But one thing for clear is that WSOP still needs approval from the Michigan regulator, which could come any day from now.

Once these processes are completed, New Jersey online poker players along with those in Nevada will likely be directed to download the new software and may need to migrate their accounts, potentially requiring the creation of new accounts.

We think these developments could take place by the end of May just ahead of the start of the online bracelet series.