In an unexpected move, the World Series of Poker organisers have announced that their dealers will not all be vaccinated during the festival. This comes only a few days after informing the poker community that all players must be double-jabbed to avoid being turned away.
The @WSOP requiring players to be vaccinated but not dealers is the funniest shit I heard today.
— Matt Glantz (@MattGlantz) August 30, 2021
There was a major storm on Twitter over the weekend, with the poker community dividing into two distinct camps over their views on vaccines. And now we have this mess.
Whatever the reader’s opinion on vaccine safety, the decision for all players to be vaccinated to enter the playing arena makes sense from a scientific point of view, even if where we draw the line is debatable.
What doesn’t make sense is to then announce that dealers are exempt. Is there really a shortage of dealers following the lockdowns?
The original statement last week read:
“To be considered “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19, participants must receive their final vaccine dose 14 days prior to start date. This policy is inclusive of all participants, press and vendors.”
One poster gave the opinion that it was known the organisers were already struggling to fill the dealer seats and would have no chance whatsoever if they forced the vaccine mandate on all of the staff, too.
This insinuates it’s all about money in the end.
Mike Matusow Considers a Boycott
Mike Matusow, never one to mince his words, quickly told his followers that he might boycott the 2021 WSOP, following this strange decision.
This is more comical bs and im seriously thinking of boycotting @wsop https://t.co/YkhBHJcJSl
— Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow) August 30, 2021
He said he contacted Ty Stewart, executive director of the WSOP, and would be running a podcast later this week on what transpired.
Just had a long talk with Ty Stewart who runs @wsop regarding vaccine mandates! As you know I’m very passionate about what I feel is an injustice to young people who by science don’t need vaccine! I’ll be discussing this on this weeks ep.72 of “TheMouthpiecePodcast! #staytuned
— Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow) August 31, 2021
There wasn’t so much else said, other than a wave of outrage. We saw the usual arguments that a private company can do as they wish, followed by the standard talk of greed and everything only being about money.
“They can run the business however they feel. It doesn’t matter if it’s based on science or not. If they think this decision will get more people to the WSOP, they’re going to do it because it’s about the Almighty dollar. What percentage of world series entry fees comes from pros?”
This story is bound to run on for the next four weeks in the run up to the first event.
Patrick Leonard Made a Bet that WSOP Wouldn’t Require Vaccination
In a weird quirk of fate, Patrick Leonard made a bet last week that the WSOP would never dare to mandate vaccines to play, and is now asking the crowd if he wins or loses.
Made a bet last week that WSOP “wouldn’t make everybody be vaccinated” this year. Today it was announced dealers don’t need to be vaccinated this year (lol) do I win/lose bet as it stands?
— Patrick Leonard (@padspoker) August 31, 2021
Most seem to think that he definitely meant only the players but this is one side bet that is bound to cause some disagreement. Do you think he wins the side bet?
Don’t’ forget to check out the latest poker news to see what’s been happening in the online poker world.
Terms and conditions apply. New customer offer and 18+ only. Should you require help regarding your betting pattern, please visit www.begambleaware.org.
