Since Harrah's purchased the WSOP brand, they have done their best to make it bigger and better. Each year, new changes, and new tournaments are added to appease the players and the fans. Some of these changes are met with applause, while others are met with distain.
With the 2016 WSOP less than a month away, a new set of changes have been announced for this year's event. The majority of these changes are minor, with many circling around keeping players happy and games moving smoother.
Earlier this week the WSOP announced these changes on their website. Here is a list of the more important changes.
Headphones Allowed
For years, players have complained about the ban on headphones once a tournament reaches the money. The WSOP is finally lifting this ban and allowing players to once again rock out to their favorite tunes while in the money. At least until the final table where headphones are still excluded.
Banning headphones was mainly due to the lack of attention players paid to the action. It slowed down the game and created awkward situations. Even though headphones are allowed, the WSOP made sure to note that even those wearing them, will be responsible for all rules.
New eQueue Payments
Last year the WSOP introduced the Colossal tournament which became the world's largest poker tournament ever. With tens of thousands of players, payouts at the cashier were less than efficient to say the least.
Many players reported having to wait hours in line while understaffed attendants, and glitches in the computers tried to work their way through the massive crowd.
This year, the WSOP has announced a new eQueue payment option. Those who cash in a tournament can opt to have a text sent to them when their payment is ready at the cages instead of having to wait in line. All information must on file beforehand to use this option, but we're sure it's a welcome addition.
Live Streaming
Previously, live streaming coverage would handle multiple final tables at once. This perhaps created confusion among viewers. At the 2016 WSOP, live streaming will still be handled by the WSOP, but will only cover one final table at a time.
Highlights from previous days' final tables, and updates at other finals will still be included. But the focus for the day will be on one final table instead of trying to cover all of them.
“Chipin” Stack Updates
WSOP has provided players with a chip updating app called “Chipin”. This lets anyone in a tournament input their chip stacks directly to the WSOP.com website.
This is a great feature that should help keep the tournament updates up to date faster and more efficient. As well as allow players to keep their friends and family informed any time they wish.
05/05/16, 06:05:19 PM
