Did the World Series of Poker Dealers Have To Be Vaccinated?

Is it true that players at the World Series of Pokers had to be vaccinated, but not the dealers?

According to Caesars Entertainment, players had to provide proof of having been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before the their event at the 2021 World Series of Poker.

“The Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino reserves the right to modify any and all Official Tournament Rules at any time in the interest of health and public safety, including, but not limited to adding any requirement that a Participant must be fully vaccinated and/or complete certain testing or screening in order to participate or continue to participate in the WSOP.”

Players weren't required to wear a mask while playing, but if as soon as they stepped away from the tables, they had to abide by the statewide mandate that's still in effect.

Spectators were allowed as long as they were fully vaccinated.

Caesars responded to our question with the predictable PR-ese: "As with all Caesars Entertainment Team Members, WSOP Team Members are strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Caesars is committed to making vaccination easy and accessible for all Team Members. Additionally, the Company is providing significant incentives for Team Members who choose to be vaccinated."

However, we first note that, unlike MGM Resorts and Westgate, Caesars has not imposed a vaccination mandate for workers.

In addition, according to WSOP dealers, who must be masked, whether they're vaccinated or not, no vaccination requirement was imposed. That was primarily due to an estimate that 30%-40% of the available poker dealers weren't vaccinated, so if a vax mandate had been required, there wouldn't have been enough dealers to go around.

The dealers all had to wear masks, which apparently didn't hamper Caesars' ability to attract enough workers to handle the WSOP hordes. That said, we heard reports that many of the dealers never dealt poker before, or at least not tournaments, so there were definitely problems.

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

Have a question that hasn't been answered? Email us with your suggestion.

Missed a Question of the Day?

Have a Question?

Tomorrow's Question

Where did casino shills work in the '70s and '80s and how much did they earn?

Comments

Scott Dec-05-2021

WSOP

I went to the Rio during the main event (to watch) and there was no such vaccine mandate for spectators.

Kevin Lewis Dec-05-2021

What a joke

Of course, CET shouldn't have let anybody who was unvaccinated in the building at all. But, profits before people!!!

Also, they raked huge amounts out of the prize pools in order to pay for...dealers who had never dealt poker before??? In fact, that kind of sums up the whole CET experience: horrible service and top-dollar prices.

The last time I was at the WSOP, I played in cash games and the rookie dealers kept raking the pot twice. When I said something, the floor stupidvisor said he "would talk to" the dealer.

Doc H Dec-05-2021

yes, a joke

Today's follies: At least ten people have tested positive for Covid on board a major cruise Line ship with 3,000 + people bound despite strict rules in place that required that ALL passengers & crew be vaccinated.

Roy Furukawa Dec-05-2021

Soon to be moot

People can soon stop participating in mask/vaccination fights once the Covid pills are approved. At least I hope so. Getting vaccinated mostly protects you and your family. If you refuse, then that’s fine.

Doc H Dec-05-2021

yes sir Roy

"Getting vaccinated mostly protects you and your family. If you refuse, then that’s fine."

Agree Roy. To each their own, take the risks and rewards as one sees fit. I personally don't care what people do or don't do on the matter. It's the intolerant control freaks who demand everyone and anyone do as they do and that's the kings edict and just shut up and do it is the annoying part and ignores all common sense and science. This cruise ship example is a perfect lab example of where 100% people took the shot, were strictly screened and in a controlled environment, and there's a COVID outbreak. Cruise had to end because of it. Those who took the shot and think they are above all and want to force their will on everyone else paying attention? So if people want to attend a poker tourney in las vegas or do whatever, the biz sets the rules, follow them or don't go, simple as that. The virus will do what it wants despite humans trying to control it is beyond obvious.

Gregory Dec-05-2021

How come...

no one is commenting on the last sentence? Some dealers had never dealt poker before.  This sounds like hiring poker dealers to referee the Superbowl.  What the heck?

Question of the Day - 05 December 2021

Comments