The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is just around the corner, set to run from May 27 to July 16 at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. With thousands of players expected to descend on the Strip for the biggest live poker festival in the world, WSOP organizers have released an updated official rulebook—and it includes some notable changes.
These updates aim to improve game integrity, enhance the pace of play, and ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone at the tables. Whether you’re a first-timer or a bracelet-hunting regular, it’s worth taking a closer look at the new rules before cards go in the air.
- Read more: 2025 World Series of Poker Official Tournament Rules (pdf)
- Read more: 2025 World Series of Poker Schedule Released
The List of Significant Rule Changes
Rule 16 – Late Start
Rule 16 applies to players who register and don’t start to play when the tournament starts, but come to play later in the day. The new rule states that players have to start playing by the first level after the first official break, or their stack will be removed from the game, and they will not be able to register for the tournament. Players will be refunded, and their buy-in will be removed from the prize pool.
Rule 18 – Freedom to Ban
Rule 18 gives WSOP the freedom to ban players at any point (before, during, or after) the tournament for cheating or bad behaviour. The rule also mentions that players who were previously banned from any of the organizers’ facilities or other objects are not eligible to play in the WSOP.
And since this year marks the first-ever WSOP held under GGPoker’s ownership, following their acquisition of the brand in August 2024, that includes all players previously banned from GGPoker. With this policy now in effect, online sanctions are carrying over into the live arena, a move that reinforces the WSOP’s new zero-tolerance approach to game integrity.
Rule 63 – No Texting
Rule 63 forbids players from texting at the same table. Players are only allowed to use their electronic devices when they are not in the hand. If the host believes that players are texting at the same table, he will immediately disqualify them from the table and impose additional penalties.
Rule 64 – No Solving
Rule 64 prohibits the use of any computerized electronic, electrical, or mechanical device or any software or hardware that is designed to obtain an advantage in playing a game offered by a licensed gaming establishment or similar. It is also prohibited for others to do that with the goal of helping somebody who is playing the game.
This rule was announced earlier after last year’s WSOP Main Event Winner, Jonathan Tamayo, received help from the rail, who used a laptop and software to give Jonathan the input between the hands played at the final table.
Rule 85 – Button
Rule 85 says that the button will begin in the seat with the first chip stack to the dealer’s right at the start of the event. There will be a draw for the button with 3, 2, and 1 table(s) remaining. Tournament play will use a dead button.
A Dead Button is defined as a button that cannot be advanced due to the elimination of a Participant or the seating of a new Participant into a position between the small blind and the button.
Rule 86 – No Dodging Blinds
Rule 86 penalizes players who intentionally dodge the blinds when moving from an existing seat, and must forfeit both blinds (and BB-Ante if applicable) and will receive a one (1) round penalty.
Rule 116 – Mouth Closed
Rule 116 bans players from giving information of any kind to other players in the game. The rule forbids players to: Disclose the contents of live or folded hands, advise or criticize play at any time, read a hand that hasn’t been tabled, and discuss strategy with an outside source at any time while the tournament clock is running and participants are not on break.
It’s a rule that could prove challenging for the two biggest mouths in poker—Mike “The Mouth” Matusow and Phil “Poker Brat” Hellmuth. Though, at least Hellmuth won’t have to worry about breaking this rule at the Main Event this year, as he already announced he’s skipping it, citing the tournament’s grueling structure.
At first glance, the new changes look like they will help players play on a fairer playing field and will reduce or, in some cases, remove some annoying things players have to face. It is nice to see that organizers are actively looking to improve and polish things.
