Understanding WSOP’s Shift to Online Play: Legal Landscape and Access Worldwide
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 transformed nearly every facet of global life—including how major poker tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) are held. With large gatherings abruptly paused, the world’s premier annual poker event transitioned entirely online for the first time in its history. This move not only preserved the legacy of the WSOP but also set a precedent for digital participation going forward.
The first-ever online WSOP ended up as a tremendous success, demonstrating the appeal and accessibility of digital tournaments. As live events gradually resume, organizers have committed to keeping an online series as a permanent fixture—broadening opportunities for players everywhere. However, this online shift has generated confusion regarding who is permitted to compete, what regulations apply in different regions, and how international poker laws affect eligibility.
Image: Casino.org
This guide clarifies the current state of WSOP online access—including rules for U.S. and international players, residency requirements, and what players should know about complying with local regulations.
Why Are There Two Separate WSOP Online Events?
In 2020, the WSOP hosted two concurrent online tournaments: one for American participants and another for international players. This dual approach was necessary due to the complexities of online gaming regulations.
In a live event setting, nearly any player worldwide could travel to Las Vegas and play. Online, however, legal structures differ significantly between the U.S. and other countries. In the United States, online poker is not regulated at the federal level, so inter-state and international player pools are restricted. As a result, two distinct series emerged:
– The U.S. series, restricted to specific regulated states and played on WSOP.com.
– The “global” series for all other eligible countries, accessible via GGPoker.
This bifurcated model allowed the WSOP to maintain its global reach while adhering to local regulations.
Image: Melissa Haereiti via Twitter/WSOP
WSOP Online in the USA: Where, Who, and How
The American leg of the WSOP’s online events is defined by strict legal boundaries. Here’s how it works:
– Federal regulations generally prohibit online poker across U.S. states. Exceptions exist only where states have enacted their own online poker laws.
– Currently, only Nevada and New Jersey offer regulated online poker platforms through WSOP.com. While Delaware also participated in regulations, the multi-state agreement allows player pooling mainly between Nevada and New Jersey.
– All contestants must be U.S. citizens with a Social Security Number and registered U.S. address.
However, you do not need to be a permanent resident of Nevada or New Jersey to register for WSOP.com. Anyone with U.S. citizenship can open an account, but to play in real money tournaments (including the WSOP), you must be physically located within the borders of a regulated state when competing.
In practice:
– Open your WSOP.com account from anywhere in the U.S.
– To participate, log in and play from either Nevada or New Jersey.
This means players routinely travel domestically—sometimes long distances—just to join WSOP events from hotel rooms or temporary apartments in these states.
Can Players Circumvent Location Restrictions for U.S. WSOP Online?
The legal structure against out-of-state play is robust. WSOP.com and other licensed platforms implement sophisticated geolocation verification to ensure that all active players are within a state where the service is licensed. VPNs, GPS spoofing tools, or remote desktop solutions are ineffective and violate both platform policies and, in some cases, state law. Attempts to bypass these measures can result in confiscated winnings and banned accounts.
Bottom line:
– You must be on U.S. soil, and specifically in Nevada or New Jersey, during play.
– There are no legal workarounds.
Image: WSOP
Accessing the Global WSOP Online Series via GGPoker
The international version of the WSOP Online—currently hosted on GGPoker and similar internationally licensed platforms—operates differently from the highly localized American system:
– GGPoker does not require participants to be citizens of particular countries; residency is the determining factor.
– As long as you reside in a country where GGPoker is authorized to operate, and you can verify your address with official documentation, you are eligible to play.
However, GGPoker excludes several markets due to legal constraints or strategic decisions. Some notable restricted countries include:
- Poland
- Czech Republic
- Netherlands
- Bulgaria
- Greece
- Belgium
- Romania
- Georgia
- Switzerland
The complete, up-to-date list of eligible jurisdictions is maintained on GGPoker’s website.
For players who relocate to a country where GGPoker operates, registering with a new residence address and providing supporting documents (such as proof of address) is usually sufficient to play.
Participating in the global WSOP online is intended to be straightforward for residents of eligible countries: sign up, fund your account, and join the event—just as with any daily online tournament, but with a WSOP bracelet at stake!
Image: WSOP
Are U.S. Citizens Allowed in the Global WSOP Events?
While rest-of-world players cannot compete on U.S. regulated platforms, the reverse is also true for Americans and GGPoker. The site blocks users who connect from the United States.
That said, there are ways for U.S. citizens to legally participate in international WSOP events—by relocating and establishing official residency in a country where GGPoker is licensed. Proof of a local address is required to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
This workaround has precedent. Following poker’s “Black Friday” crackdown in the U.S., many professional American players relocated temporarily to Canada, Mexico, or other friendlier jurisdictions to continue playing online.
In summary:
– U.S. citizens can compete internationally if they secure and verify non-U.S. residency.
– Temporary relocation to places like Canada or Mexico for the event’s duration is a common practice among serious players.
Local Regulations, Banking, and Tax Considerations
While this article covers the broad legal structures for WSOP online eligibility, it’s important for every player to research their own country’s laws on online gambling.
Key points to consider:
– Is online poker legal, tolerated, or expressly prohibited in your country of residence?
– Will you be permitted to withdraw winnings to your local bank, or could this raise red flags with authorities?
– Are you subject to local income taxes, gaming taxes, or other financial reporting requirements on your WSOP winnings?
Given the complexity and variance of local laws, it’s wise to consult a legal or financial expert before committing significant time—and funds—to playing from a new jurisdiction.
Summary: Navigating WSOP Online Entry in the New Era
The digital expansion of the World Series of Poker has paved the way for broader global participation than ever before—yet the process and entry criteria remain heavily shaped by geographic and legal realities.
– U.S. players can only compete in the American WSOP online tournaments if physically located in Nevada or New Jersey—and must be U.S. citizens with a Social Security Number.
– International players (and U.S. citizens willing to relocate) can vie for bracelets on GGPoker, provided they reside in a country where the platform operates.
– Regardless of your location, understanding your own country’s regulations, potential tax liability, and banking options is essential before playing.
Today, the opportunity to win a WSOP bracelet is more accessible than ever—provided you understand the relevant legalities and prepare accordingly. With online tournaments likely to remain a fixture going forward, now is an ideal time to evaluate your eligibility and take your shot at poker’s most coveted prize.
Lead image: YouTube
