TJ Reid discussed his passion for traveling and playing poker, and how his current role as a live reporter allows him to do both without financial stress. He also talked about the shift in poker reporting towards storytelling and finding interesting content to share with the world. Chris Jones and TJ discussed the success of new approaches to reporting in poker media, including initiatives like First-Hand Hands and Inside the Rail content.

TJ provided valuable advice for recreational poker players, highlighting common mistakes and stressing the importance of situational awareness and having a long-term plan for every decision. He provides some good examples and counter-examples of various spots you might encounter in NLHE tournaments, and also shared the experience of blowing off steam in Las Vegas during the World Series of Poker by singing karaoke with friends. Plus we gave away a free prize at the end for folks in the YouTube chat. Join us LIVE on YouTube next Monday at 7:30 ET for free to ask our guests questions in real time, and you can win too!

Follow TJ on his socials:

Twitter: @tjreidpoker

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RecPoker is a vibrant and encouraging poker learning community. We are committed to learning the game, but our priority is building healthy relationships where we can not only grow in the game, but grow in our enjoyment of life. The free membership website at rec.poker is awesome, but it’s just a tool to help us build that community. You can join for FREE, giving you access to the groups, forums, and other member benefits. If you want to enjoy the premium content, or become part of the RECing Crew, those options are available, and you can get $10 off your first payment using the code RECPOKER. Music by Peter Troolin, [email protected].

Time Stamps

Growth of women in poker is difficult to quantify, however, as most tournament operators do not provide gender breakdowns.

The World Series of Poker hosted 95 live tournaments in the summer of 2023, with several dozen more online. The WSOP Online contingent never provides gender breakdowns. The WSOP’s live series is hit or miss. In 2022, I received the number of male and female players in the Main Event and for the entire live series. This year, I asked for both but only received the Main Event number. That makes it very difficult to gauge progress – or lack thereof – for women in poker.

Since the Main Event number is something that the WSOP provides year after year, we can see the trends with women in that $10K buy-in tournament.

First, let’s look at the actual number of women in the WSOP Main Event in each of the last six years. The number itself grew consistently prior to the pandemic, dropped in 2021 (during the F-it-lets-try-it-despite-Covid-wear-a-mask year), and then jumped back into place in 2022. This year, there were 395 women in the Main – 20 more than last year.

From a different angle, we can see the percentage of women was on a solid upward trajectory… until this year. Even in the unusual 2021 circumstances, the percentage of women grew in relation to the overall field. Growth slowed a bit last year and then dropped this year. The record-setting WSOP Main Event attendance left the percentage of women to fall 0.4%.

• Good news? More women played the Main in 2023.
• Bad news? A lower percentage of women played the Main in 2023.

Polling the Public

When Joey Pigtails asked what can be done to positively impact the number, I decided to ask women.

Great question. Women who play…what would make you more interested in playing the $10K Main next year? (Money and time, obv, but what could be done to make it feel accessible?) https://t.co/xegSnRNFyN

— Jennifer Newell (@WriterJen) July 13, 2023

I tracked the answers on Twitter, and I asked the same questions in two popular women’s poker groups on Facebook. I received hundreds of responses, most public but some private.

A Lot of Money

Most women in poker are not full-time professionals, and very few play at the highest buy-in levels of the game. While the WSOP Main Event is not often considered a high-stakes tournament, it does require a $10K buy-in. That is, in fact, a lot of money for one tournament.

That was the most common theme from women’s responses: They can’t afford a $10K buy-in.

These were the most common comments, paraphrased:

• My bankroll doesn’t justify a $10K buy-in.
• If/when I have $10K, I’d rather play more events with smaller buy-ins.
• The WSOP Main is a bucket list item, not a realistic or justifiable expense.

There were other big concerns as well.

• I can’t afford the 7-10 day trip to Vegas.
• If I have to choose between Ladies Week and the Main, I choose Ladies Week.
• I can’t get away from work/family/children for 7-10 days.
• Taxes on winnings for Europeans and Canadians are prohibitively high.
• I don’t like the idea of playing in a male field with 4% or less women.

It’s important to note that time is a factor in the WSOP Main Event like in no other poker tournament. There are four starting flights and two “Day 2” iterations before players combine. And the money bubble may burst late on Day 3 or – like this year – into Day 4. Even if a player competes in Day 1D, they would need to book a six-day stay just to ensure they could play into the money and not have to worry about flight changes until they ran deep enough into the payouts that an airline fee wouldn’t be a second thought. Add on travel days to the beginning and end, and a player could be away from home for 7-8 days at a minimum to play one tournament.

Solutions Abound

Women were quick to include suggestions for ways to solve some of the above issues.

Since the primary hurdle to playing the Main Event is the buy-in itself, the most common suggestion was more satellites. That broke down into a variety of ideas:

• More low (less than $1K) buy-in satellites like step satellites
• More satellites outside of Las Vegas – across the US and around the world
• More online poker satellites
• Home game leagues with money contributed weekly/monthly to a Main Event seat
• Ladies-only satellites
• Satellites at WSOP Circuit event stops
• More satellites through women’s organizations like FLIP, WPA, PLON, etc.
• Some satellite wins that include money for travel expenses and accommodations
• More staking opportunities

Poker League of Nations (PLON) was quick to note that they offered satellites for women to win their way to the Main Event. PLON also offers staking opportunities via its Facebook group.

Staking has been offered on various terms. Some are shared investments (typically going back to the staking fund to support #MoreWomen), or at varying percentages, some are 100% to the player! Depends on who’s offering the staking, and what agreement is in any particular case.

— PokerLeagueOfNations (@PokrLeagNations) July 14, 2023

Some women noted that those who are newest to the game may not be familiar with all of the different women’s groups in poker, nor do they have the time to peruse long Facebook threads or scroll Twitter. They don’t know about staking opportunities, how to organize home games live or online, or how to find the online poker sites that offer sanctioned satellites. Some don’t even know how satellites work and why they are so popular.

Mo Problems, Fewer Solutions

There are, of course, issues for which there are no easy solutions.

First, an oft-mentioned concern is the sexism and misogyny still present in poker. Obviously, this is a problem the world over, well beyond poker, but it is more pronounced when women are such a minority at the tables. When a woman knows that she will likely be the only woman at her table at any given time, it can decrease the desire to play that event.

Further, if women are not confident that any sexism or harassment will be met with swift consequences by the tournament staff, it further deters women from wanting to play.

Second, there is the high tax for players from the European Union and Canada, among other parts of the world. For example, Canadian women mentioned a 30% tax off the top of any winnings exceeding $5K, which would be a min-cash in the Main Event. Add to that a plethora of paperwork to apply for some of that money to be reimbursed in the next year or more, plus an unfavorable exchange rate for US currency for everything from hotel to buy-ins, and it becomes a complicated, prohibitive mess.

I know many Canadian women who came down for the Series and I’m not sure why I never thought about the exchange rate…but it’s not $10k to them! If money is a barrier, so is exchange rate. They told me they really had to choose wisely due to that. pic.twitter.com/xVDPS4EVs2

— Malia Miranda (@JMaliaMiranda) July 13, 2023

Third, there is the loneliness that can accompany a journey to Las Vegas and playing the Main Event. If a woman does not have a family member who can afford to also make the trip to Vegas or if the woman has no poker-playing friends, the journey through the Main Event can be a lonely one.

Finally, comments from women expressed a need for child care references in Las Vegas, more education about staking and satellites, a forum to connect with women for traveling in pairs or groups, and online poker satellites in parts of the USA and world that have no WSOP-affiliated options.

There are some groups in poker that address some of these issues, with the exception of child care and online poker satellites. Some Facebook groups provide the space for women to network and connect. Pocket Queens is a group that focuses heavily on game education. PLON and WPA focus on community.

Women can find most of what they seek. However, there is trial and error in finding the right group with the right resources, the one(s) that will benefit them the most.

100%. Hard to believe QQ is just 1 year old, eh? Next year will be even more amazing, as the count down to WSOP 2024 begins today. Time to hit the lab, sisters! https://t.co/HDEWpE043k

— Victoria Livschitz (@VictoriaL_64) July 26, 2023

Perhaps, though, women will never flock to the WSOP Main Event in big numbers. They may stick to lower buy-in events and cash games. Some will always prefer women-only tournaments.

Time and the availability of resources will tell.

High Stakes Poker

The most iconic poker cash game show returns in 2023 with Season 11 of High Stakes Poker kicking off on Monday, August 7.

Season 11 will feature 14 episodes and will launch the season debut with the biggest stakes the show has seen with a $1,000/$2,000 No-Limit Hold’em cash game that includes a $500,000 minimum buy-in. The lineup includes Eric Persson, Charles Yu, Jean-Robert Bellande, Ferdinand Putra, Rob Yong, Andrew Robl, and Rick Salomon for six episodes.

Players returning to the High Stakes Poker set for Season 11 include Brandon Steven, Jennifer Tilly, Lynne Ji, and Doug Polk. New faces making their High Stakes Poker debut include Bob Bright, Matt Berkey, and Nik Airball.

Watch Season 11 episodes of High Stakes Poker every Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

No Gamble, No Future

Season 3 of No Gamble, No Future will see the iconic Cash of the Titans livestream cut into episodes to open the new season. Across the first 10 episodes, the three days of livestreams will track Andrew Robl, Markus Gonsalves, Rob Yong, Matthew Gonzales, Eric Persson, and Patrik Antonius playing escalating stakes that begin at $500/$500 and rise to $1,000/$2,000.

There’s not just $5 million on the table, but there is also a $600,000 side bet – $100,000 from each player – that will be collected by the player that wins the most money throughout the three days.

The final six episodes of the 16-epiode season will see a mix of new and old faces. Returning to No Gamble, No Future include Eric Hicks, Eli Elezra, Shawn Madden, Justin Young, and Kevin Martin. Players making their No Gamble, No Future debut include poker all-stars Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth, along with Lynne Ji, Matt Steinberg, Lawford Edwards, and Arden Cho.

Watch Season 3 episodes of No Gamble, No Future every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

High Stakes Duel

In early May, Daniel Negreanu defeated Eric Persson in Round 1 of High Stakes Duel 4 for $100,000. Persson declined the rematch, and as many players put their name in the mix to take on Negreanu, it was announced that Doug Polk would step up as the challenger for Round 2 where $200,000 would be on the line.

Negreanu and Polk have history in High Stakes Feud where the two played a hybrid of heads-up cash games – firstly at the PokerGO Studio, and then the remainder on WSOP.com. Polk won that battle, but now their own version of a Round 2 will be under High Stakes Duel 4 this August.

Both players are set to play in August, however, the date is not set yet but is expected to occur closer to the end of the month.

What Did You Miss in July?

The month of July on PokerGO saw the completion of the 2023 World Series of Poker which included Daniel Weinman winning the WSOP Main Event for $12.1 million in prize money.

Weinman topped the record-smashing field of 10,043 entrants in the 2023 WSOP Main Event and rode a wave of great play, mixed with some good fortune. Weinman won a hand with 14 players remaining that will go down as the luckiest hand he has ever played. For Joshua Payne, the hand will forever be his WSOP Main Event heartbreak moment.

Some of the wildest moments from the 2023 WSOP Main Event also included this hand from Tom Dwan that saw him hit the rail:

This wild bad beat on Day 5 of the 2023 WSOP Main Event that featured Bill Klein with pocket kings:

Connect with PokerGO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Watch daily poker clips on the PokerGO YouTube channel. Join the conversation on the PokerGO Discord server.

World Series of Poker Main Event

The 2023 WSOP Main Event will be aired live and exclusively on PokerGO with coverage beginning on Day 1A and continuing until the next World Champion is crowned from Horseshoe / Paris on the Las Vegas Strip.

Beginning on Monday, July 3, there will be four Day 1 flights followed by two Day 2s with registration open through two levels on Day 2. With record-breaking entrant numbers in many events throughout the WSOP so far, the 2006 WSOP Main Event record of 8,773 entrants may only hold onto the record for a few more days. Field sizes as high as 9,000 or 10,000 entrants are being touted by people as everyone flocks to town to be part of the biggest WSOP Main Event in history.

Thankfully PokerGO will be on hand to catch nearly every minute of the action live across both PokerGO.com and the PokerGO YouTube channel.

Day 1s Live on YouTube

Coverage of Day 1s will begin at the start of Level 3 at approximately 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET and run until players bag their chips at the end of Level 5.

A table will be selected to play out on the Horseshoe table with all the action available exclusively on the PokerGO YouTube channel.

Split Coverage for Day 2s, 3, and 4

When Day 2 is reached, the Horseshoe table will be in action from the start of day and will broadcast the first two levels on the PokerGO YouTube channel. The coverage will move to the WSOP Main Stage and PokerGO.com from the third level of the day until players bag their chips for the day.

This will also be how Day 3 and 4 are covered with the money expected to be reached late on Day 3, or early on Day 4. The PokerGO production team will be on hand to catch that unlucky moment for whoever claims the moniker of 2023 WSOP Main Event bubble boy or girl.

Early level coverage will start at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET and run to approximately 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET. While the PokerGO.com WSOP Main Stage coverage will begin at 5:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET and run until the players bag for the day; approximately 1 a.m. PT / 4 a.m. ET.

Full Day Coverage from Day 5

Starting on Day 5, the WSOP Main Stage will be in action from the very first hand with everything broadcast on PokerGO.com.

The WSOP Main Event will reach some of the most intense moments as players jostle for position on the leaderboard, look to ladder up, and eye payouts that approach seven figures.

Following an off day on Saturday, July 15, the final nine will return on Sunday, July 16, to begin the 2023 WSOP Main Event final table. The plan will likely see the final table trimmed to the final four players who will return on Monday, July 17, to play down to the winner who will be crowned the 2023 World Champion and awarded a payday of what some to believe will eclipse $10 million.

World Series of Poker Bracelet Events

Three more WSOP bracelet events remain in 2023 with the Event #65: $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed kicking off on Saturday, July 1, at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET.

The next day will see the Event #57: $1,000 Ladies Championship final table take center stage on the Horseshoe table. These ladies will be playing for the coveted Ladies Championship gold and the $192,167 first-place prize.

On Wednesday, July 5, a special final table will play on the Horseshoe table with the WSOP Online Event #13: $5,300 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller Championship concluding. Played online on WSOP.com, the final eight players will have approximately 36 hours to travel to Horseshoe / Paris Las Vegas to crown the hybrid WSOP bracelet.

What Did You Miss in June?

The highlight of June on PokerGO was the beginning of the 2023 World Series of Poker and an accompanying 40 livestreams to live no day of June unstreamed!

Plenty of WSOP veterans added to their WSOP trophy case while hundreds of thousands, and occasionally millions of dollars were decided upon the turn of a card.

Some of the best moments from June at the 2023 WSOP included this runner-runner from Chris Brewer to win the $250k Super High Roller and his first WSOP bracelet:

Phil Hellmuth making a colossal mistake in the Poker Players Championship:

Tyler Brown’s hero call with ace-high to ensure himself of a $1 million win:

Finally, Doug Polk hitting an incredible two-outer on the river with a celebration to match:

Connect with PokerGO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Watch daily poker clips on the PokerGO YouTube channel. Join the conversation on the PokerGO Discord server.

We got in touch with him to hear more about his new adventure in Las Vegas and to discuss his famous book on its 20th anniversary.

just finished Positively 5th Street by @jimbosweetness — thanks again @clayhebert for gifting it to me.

book is a wild ride that inspired me to build my own basement cellar casino. talk about taking action! pic.twitter.com/A8pQmcj0ai

— Ryan Kulp (@ryanckulp) November 26, 2022

The Anniversary of a Classic Poker Book

Younger players may not be familiar with the Jim’s book, so we asked him why they should read it. He told us: “If they have any interest in what the World Series of Poker was like in 2000, or in the murder of its host, Ted Binion, or in how an amateur prepared to play against pros to reach the final table of the Main Event, my book will tell them about it. If they’re interested in the rest of poker history, they should also read my other book, Cowboys Full.”

We had read that Jim’s book was going to be turned into a script for a television series, and he had some news on that topic, too. “The showrunner is Benjamin Cavell, screenwriter of the TV series ‘Justified’ and other shows. The writing and other aspects of production were on hold during the WGA writers strike, but he will ramp up again this week.”

My first and most generous guide to the #WSOP in 2000 was @FirstLadyPoker Linda Johnson. @WSOP pic.twitter.com/CGelxIJxkm

— James McManus (@jimbosweetness) August 26, 2022

James made the WSOP Main Event final table 23 years ago, so we asked what memories he had have of that final table in particular. “Since it was my first tournament ever, it felt normal to be at the final table, but of course it wasn’t normal at all. After being chip leader late on the previous evening, I never won another hand, so after three days of playing well and running good, the last day was a nightmare and huge disappointment. It took me a while to understand how lucky I’d been during days 1-3.”

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Chris Moneymaker‘s triumph in the 2003 Main Event. In reflecting upon poker’s resurgent popularity over the last couple years, Jim said that “Three years of pent-up demand have led up to this point. And with all the new ways to cheat online, live tournaments, especially WSOP and WPT events, are sure to become even more popular.”

2000 #WSOP Main Event. Puggy and the guy from @Harpers. #PositivelyFifthStreet to become a limited series. pic.twitter.com/RbDIMLBAq1

— James McManus (@jimbosweetness) August 17, 2022

We asked what memories he had about the late Doyle Brunson, to which Jim replied “He amazingly spanned the eras of the Texas road gamblers, helping to bring No Limit Hold’em to Vegas and introducing state of the art poker strategy in his books, through the early days of the WSOP, through the internet boom, to today, always among the best living players for seven decades. And he always did it with class and generosity. That is simply astonishing.”

He inspired me and millions of others. One of the greatest players ever but without an arrogant cell in his body. #RIPDoyle pic.twitter.com/JY1dbz0Oqu

— James McManus (@jimbosweetness) May 15, 2023

A New WSOP Main Event and a New Book in the Works

You have plans to write a book about your experience at the 2023 WSOP. Tell us a little about it and what it will be about. “I’ll begin reporting on my action on June 15. It will definitely include lots of examples of how different the tournament is today from 2000, from the tiny Horseshoe venue in downtown Vegas to two huge hotels in the center of the Strip. Very few cell phones then; now everyone has one. Back then there were no GTO solvers or online training sites. They used to award 20 bracelets; now it’s almost 100. Players can even bring their dogs to the table.”

What events do you plan to play? How can those who are interested buy a percentage? “At least 10 events, mostly No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha with buy-ins less than $5K, as well as the $10K Main Event. To buy a percentage, please go to my Facebook page, right at the top. The markup is 1.2″.

Jim’s post on Facebook

Today the Main Event has a new venue and thousands of players. We asked Jim if he felt ready to play it considering his increased experience, to which he replied: “Today, far more players are competent at NLH, so it’s harder to build a big stack. To make the final table, you have to play well and #rungood for nine or 10 days instead of three. But I hope 23 years of study and playing tournaments gives me some advantages, though like everyone else in the field, I’ll be an extreme longshot to make the final table.”

Its believed by many that the 2006 WSOP Main Event attendance record of 8,773 could be broken in this year’s edition of the Main Event. Jim concurred. “All signs point to the record being broken, though unfortunately there are no more one-table $1k satellites, which is how I won my seat in 2000 (and many other times). Because of the idiotic UIGEA, American players also have fewer chances to win seats online than players in most other countries.”

10,011 players will enter the 2023 Main Event https://t.co/utEKE2a6LO

— James McManus (@jimbosweetness) June 11, 2023

To end off our conversation, we asked Jim what he likes most about poker, to which he responded: “I like many things about it. It’s our national card game, and increasingly the world’s. Tournaments let me compete for high stakes with a fairly modest buy-in investment. As a popular and potentially lucrative mind sport, poker satisfies my competitive urges long after I got too old to play physical sports. The WSOP is genuinely a world gathering, a chance to meet and compete against people of all ages and backgrounds, from every inhabited continent.”

Remembering the 2000 World Series of Poker Main Event

In 2000, James McManus traveled to Las Vegas to cover the Ted Binion murder trial and the WSOP Main Event. He tried his luck in a $1K Main Event satellite and with three players remaining he accepted a deal to win $6K and paid the difference to play in the tournament he had always dreamed of playing.

A total of 512 players signed up, surpassing the 1999 edition by 119. The best 45 participants would make it into the money and the champion would instantly become a millionaire, with a top prize of $1.5M. Jim started the day with 10K in chips and went into Day 2 with 35K. During Day 2 he was able to double up with K-K and was seated at a difficult table with Kathy Liebert, Daniel Negreanu, Mickey Appleman and Hasan Habib. He was able to survive the bubble by playing his favorite hand (98) and bagged 276K for Day 3, ranking third in the chip counts.

Chris “Jesus” Ferguson and Jim

On Day 3 Jim shared a table with Mike Sexton, Annie Duke, T.J. Cloutier and Jeff Shulman, among others. Chris “Jesus” Ferguson had an incredible run, and after eliminating Shulman, the final table of six players was formed. Chris was the runaway chip-leader with 2.8M and in second place was the humble journalist playing in his first Main Event, with 554K in chips.

How did James do at the final table? To find out, we invite you to read the excellent book “Positively Fifth Street“. While 23 years have passed since that tournament, in just a few days McManus will play it again and possibly have another legendary story to tell about another deep run.

Good luck in Vegas, Jim!

The 2023 World Series of Poker

The 2023 World Series of Poker will run from May 30 until July 18 with 95 WSOP gold bracelet events taking place on the Las Vegas Strip at Horseshoe / Paris Las Vegas.

PokerGO has doubled down on its livestreaming for the Summer with 47 days of WSOP action being broadcast live starting on June 1. Livestreams from PokerGO will be offered on both PokerGO.com and the PokerGO YouTube channel with some days offering two choices to users.

The highlight of PokerGO’s streaming schedule is the WSOP Main Event that will begin on Monday, July 3, and conclude with two days of final table coverage on July 16-17. Other major events on the livestreaming schedule include new events Event #2: $25,000 High Roller 6-Handed and Event #3: $1,000 Mystery Millions, along with favorites such as the Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship, Event #40: $250,000 Super High Roller, and Event #67: $1,000 Ladies Championship.

PokerGO 2023 WSOP Bracelet Events Streaming Schedule

June 1 – Event #4: Tournament of Champions (Day 2)

June 1 – Event #2: $25,000 High Roller 6-Handed

June 2 – Event #4: Tournament of Champions

June 3 – Event #6: $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em / Pot-Limit Omaha

June 3 – Event #7: $1,500 Limit Hold’em

June 4 – Event #8: $25,000 Heads-Up Championship

June 4 – Event #9: $1,500 Seven Card Stud

June 5 – Event #3: $1,000 Mystery Millions

June 6 – Event #12: $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout

June 7 – Event #16: $25,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller (Day 2)

June 7 – Event #14: $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship

June 8 – Event #16: $25,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller

June 9 – Event #19: $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout

June 10 – Event #22: $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship

June 11 – Event #23: $50,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller

June 12 – Event #18: $300 Gladiators of Poker

June 13 – Event #25: $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Championship

June 14 – Event #29: $100,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller

June 15 – Event #33: $10,000 Razz Championship

June 16 – Event #35: $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Secret Bounty

June 17 – Event #40: $250,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super High Roller (Day 2)

June 18 – Event #40: $250,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super High Roller

June 19 – Event #42: $800 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack

June 20 – Event #39: $1,500 MONSTER STACK

June 20 – Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship (Day 3)

June 21 – Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship (Day 4)

June 22 – Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship

June 23 – Event #50: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship (Day 3)

June 24 – Event #50: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship

June 25 – Event #54: $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship (Day 3)

June 26 – Event #54: $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship

June 27 – Event #55: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller (Day 3)

June 28 – Event #55: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller

June 29 – Event #63: $10,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Championship

June 30 – Event #61: $1,000 Seniors Championship

July 1 – Event #69: $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw Championship

July 2 – Event #67: $1,000 Ladies Championship

Note: All events are final tables unless specificized otherwise.

PokerGO 2023 WSOP Main Event Streaming Schedule

July 3 – Main Event (Day 1A)

July 4 – Main Event (Day 1B)

July 5 – Main Event (Day 1C)

July 6 – Main Event (Day 1D)

July 7 – Main Event (Day 2ABC)

July 8 – Main Event (Day 2D)

July 9 – Main Event (Day 3)

July 10 – Main Event (Day 4)

July 11 – Main Event (Day 5)

July 12 – Main Event (Day 6)

July 13 – Main Event (Day 7)

July 14 – Main Event (Day 8)

July 16 – Final Table (Day 1)

July 17 – Final Table (Day 2)

Watch live 2023 WSOP final tables on PokerGO.com. Schedule subject to change, please visit PokerGO.com for current streaming schedule.

What Did You Miss in May?

PokerGO saw an extremely busy May with three shows dominating the airtime in the lead up to the World Series of Poker.

High Stakes Duel returned with the fourth installment of the series, and it all began with the first-ever “Undercard” that featured Shaun Deeb facing off with Mike Matusow. The two would play a $20,000 match, and it would be Matusow emerging victorious over Deeb.

The Main Card would see Daniel Negreanu return to the High Stakes Duel battleground, and he would be sitting opposite Eric Persson. Both players were competing in the $100,000 match, and Negreanu would take the victory to advance to Round 2.

The tenth season of High Stakes Poker would conclude on the eve of the first WSOP stream for 2023, and the final lineup included Negreanu, Ben Lamb, Bill Klein, Eric Persson, Charles Yu, Stanley Choi, and Eric Hicks playing $200/$400 No-Limit Hold’em. Negreanu and Lamb dominated the final few episodes to end the season before the two battled in one final hand to close out another huge season.

The second season of No Gamble, No Future also concluded with a set of double episodes in the week prior to the WSOP starting. The final four episodes included Eric Persson, Matt Hanks, Chris Moneymaker, Eric Worre, Eric Hicks, Shawn Madden, Kevin Martin, and Markus Gonsalves playing $100/$200 No-Limit Hold’em. In what may be a good omen ahead of the WSOP for Moneymaker, the 2003 World Champion dominated the final episodes and closed out as one of the biggest winners who was unable to put a foot wrong in his No Gamble, No Future debut.

Connect with PokerGO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Watch daily poker clips on the PokerGO YouTube channel. Join the conversation on the PokerGO Discord server.

PokerGO, the industry’s premier poker content producer, will carry 47 days in a row of coverage from the 2023 World Series of Poker – live (with a short streaming delay) from the Horseshoe and Paris poker rooms in sunny Las Vegas.

What’s more, PokerGO is offering premium subscribers a 30% discount upon signing-up for a yearly membership when using the promo code DREAMWSOP – which will reduce the annual subscription price from $99.99 to $69.99 for new and return viewers alike!

PokerGO hosts poker content 24/7 throughout the world with premium shows including High Stakes Poker, High Stakes Duel, No Gamble No Future — and much, much more!

2023 WSOP Featured Event Streams on PokerGO

The 2023 World Series of Poker Main Event will be streamed on PokerGO from Monday, July 3rd through July 17th – when a new World Champion will be determined.

In all, PokerGO is preparing to broadcast 30 WSOP bracelet events starting June 1st.

Featured PokerGO live stream transmissions of the 2023 World Series of Poker include the following tournaments:

• $1,500 buy-in NLHE “Monster Stack” (June 16th-20th)
• $250,000 buy-in NLHE “High Roller” (June 16th-18th)
• $1,000 buy-in No Limit Hold’em Ladies Championship (June 29th-July 2nd
• $50,000 buy-in No Limit Hold’em Poker Players Championship (June 18th-22nd)

PokerGO’s 2023 WSOP live streaming schedule will kick off on Thursday, June 1st, with coverage of the $5,000 buy-in NLHE/PLO Event #6 at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time, followed by Day 1 of the $1,500 buy-in No Limit Hold’em Event #7 at 2:00pm Pacific Time.

Poker fans from around the globe can expect live coverage of their favorite games, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 7 Card Stud, Draw poker, Bounty events, and the return of the Tag Team WSOP bracelet tournament on Thursday, June 22nd.

Big Stories at 2023 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas

On May 14th, 2023, the poker world said goodbye to one of (if not THE) most beloved poker players of all time, Doyle Brunson.

Affectionately known as Texas Dolly throughout his illustrious card-playing career, Doyle won a total of 10 World Series of Poker bracelets, authored one of the most highly touted poker books of all-time – Super System – and became a fixture within the live and online poker industry for decades through his poker play, table demeanor, and greatly appreciated presence.

Doyle’s WSOP bracelet victories are tied for second place all-time with poker icons Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan.

The WSOP’s all-time bracelet winner, Phil Hellmuth, will be vying for a record-setting 17th victory this year, while PokerGO mainstay Daniel Negreanu will be looking to break a long drought and pick up his seventh career WSOP bracelet as well as surpass all-time WSOP money winner Antonio Esfandiari ($22.3 million) in the process.

PokerGO DreamSeat Giveaway for Yearly Subscribers

All premium yearly subscribers will automatically be eligible for the PokerGO Annual Subscriber Dream Seat Giveaway.

If your name is drawn on one of the two giveaway dates (June 6th and July 17th), you will be awarded with a spot in the 2023 PokerGO Tour Championship freeroll tournament, to be played at the end of the 2023 PGT season. The marquee event has a $1,000,000 guaranteed prize pool.

If you have yet to subscribe to PokerGO or would like to renew your membership, you can get $30 off the normal price by registering with the promo code DREAMSEAT and get 12 months of premium poker content, live streams, podcasts, shows, and more for only $69.99!

Grab your popcorn, and get ready for 47 days of consecutive WSOP poker streams courtesy of the team at PokerGO!

The standard tips that apply to everyone are relatively straightforward:

• Make reservations early and use discount codes where possible.
• Plan to bring food to the WSOP or pay sometimes-outrageous prices for casino food.
• Make a tournament schedule, especially if wanting to play in other series besides the WSOP.
• Figure out bankroll limitations, prepare a trip budget, and know your tax implications for winnings.
• Stay healthy in the Las Vegas heat by hydrating and exercising.

These types of tips are all important – very important.

In addition, there are some tips that more specifically apply to women going to poker’s summer camp in Las Vegas this summer.

Tip #1: Dress comfortably and in layers

Every woman in poker is different with regard to styles and preferences. Some lean more toward jeans and t-shirts, while others want to wear their cute shoes and summer tops.

Keep in mind that a tournament day can be 14 or more hours long, taking into consideration registration and breaks. And at any casino, there will be a walk from parking to the poker room. In the case of the WSOP, there is also a walk from Paris’ ballrooms to the Horseshoe’s convention center. There will be quick walks to bathrooms on breaks, and there may be a rush to grab food during dinner breaks.

My advice: Opt for comfortable shoes.

Of course, it is summer in Vegas, which means temperatures outside can easily surpass 100° F. For any outdoor walking or activity of any sort, summer clothes are a must. However, casinos are notoriously cooler. And poker tournament rooms, such as the vast ballrooms of the WSOP, can be chilly, especially for those seated near an air conditioning vent.

My advice: Bring layers, including a sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket. Don’t underestimate the power of a casino’s AC.

I was blessed recently to be able to interview 5 powerful, wonderful women in poker for my newest article on Cardplayer Lifestyle. (@PokerLifeMedia)
Thanks @Kyna_CooL, @chrisreadpoker, @abbypoker34, @FirstLadyPoker and Terry King!https://t.co/easCui4htc

— Christina Bradfield (@mauichri) November 14, 2022

Tip #2: Backpacks are better than purses

Purses are often a part of a woman’s style. The most stylish ones can also be small and impractical. For women who carry large bag-like purses, those might be enough for playing poker tournaments.

The best bet, however, is a backpack. Not only is it smart to pack an extra layer of clothes (see tip #1), it is beneficial (and budget-conscious) to carry water bottles and snacks. Add in a phone charger, a tablet and its charger, a book, headphones, mints or gum, and toiletries for freshening up midway through a very long day, and all of this adds up to the need for something more than a purse.

My advice: Find a backpack that fits your style and use it for poker days.

Tip #3: Make a plan

Every poker player should have a plan when they arrive in Las Vegas. Even locals have a plan to implement when the official summer of poker begins. There are dozens of tournaments on the WSOP schedule alone, not to mention series also happening at Wynn, Venetian, Aria, MGM Grand, Golden Nugget, and Orleans. There are also dailies and special events (such as Cardplayer Lifestyle’s Mixed Game Festival V) at casinos like Resorts World, South Point, and Bellagio.

To get the best value and play the tournaments that best suit one’s skills and budget, a plan is vital.

When making that plan, also consider the parking and/or transportation options for each location. Women must be more careful when determining the safest choices balanced with the most affordable ones.

Women traveling to and from casinos alone should know that parking garages do not always have security present, though it is possible to ask for a security escort or walk with a friend – or even a nice family that is going in your general direction. There is no shame in asking for company in lieu of walking alone.

Valets are available at casinos, but new rules in Las Vegas allow them to charge quite a significant sum for those services. Research those options before pulling up to a valet only to find out that it is reserved for hotel guests only or that it costs $30.

My advice: Have a plan, weigh the costs and safety of various forms of transportation, and never hesitate to ask someone for a walking or traveling partner.

Tip #4: Be alert

This tip is very much in line with tip #3, but it pertains to even more situations. Women walking alone can be targeted more frequently for scams, especially from someone asking for help. Women can also be targeted by general creeps by way of creepy behavior.

The world is what it is, but stay alert. When replaying a hand in one’s head on the way to dinner, stay alert. When on the phone with a poker coach walking from one casino to another, keep an eye on your surroundings.

The best option is always to walk in pairs or groups, but there’s a lot to be said for solitude after leaving a busy tournament area or poker room.

My advice: Stay alert at all times.

Tip #5: Consider alternatives to carrying cash

This mostly applies to poker players with larger bankrolls, but any poker player should be wary of carrying too much cash.

Of course, buying in to tournaments with credit or debit cards incur fees, and using some online services like Bravo can do the same. However, consider the worth of these services as an alternative to the dangers of carrying cash. Some people are perfectly comfortable with cash as their circumstances make it more feasible. If not, know that there are other options.

If carrying cash is a must, know that a casino employs security personnel for many reasons. Do not be afraid to ask for an escort to your rental car or to the valet. These are services that casinos should provide to keep their customers safe.

My advice: If carrying cash is a must, ask for a security escort.

Tip #6: Know your poker rights

Some women will be playing in a big tournament series or even cash games for the first time. There are intimidation factors for some, but one of the most daunting is not feeling sure about table or tournament rules.

Do a little research before sitting down at the tables. Read the tournament rules first so there is no question about raise sizing or the type of table talk that is permitted. The WSOP, for example, posts an updated set of rules ahead of its series. Those rules are based on the latest industry-wide rules posted by the Tournament Directors Association.

It’s important for all players to know poker rules. New players can erase a level of intimidation by knowing said rules, and women can know some ways to counteract men who might choose to harass them. Some important ones in tournament play are as follows, specific to the WSOP:

• Section IV, Rule 40c: All participants are entitled to expect civility and courtesy from one another at every table and throughout the WSOP area. Any individual who encounters behavior that is not civil or courteous – or is abusive in any way – is encouraged to immediately contact a WSOP tournament official.
• Section VI, Rule 116b: Participants are obligated to always protect the other participants in the tournament. Therefore, whether in a hand or not, participants may not advise or criticize play at any time.
• Section VI, Rule 119: Repeated etiquette violations will result in the imposition of penalties assessed by the tournament staff. Examples include, but are not limited to, unnecessarily touching other participants’ cards or chips, body, or clothing, delay of the game, repeatedly acting out of turn, betting out of reach of the dealer, or excessive chatter.

My advice: Know when you can ask the dealer to notify floor staff due to player harassment.

The next poker boom will happen when we as operators/players/enthusiasts make more women feel safe playing the game we all love. This is done by making sure the tables are always kept safe for all, respectful for all, diverse and inclusive of all.
Zero tolerance on any abuse.

— Sean McCormack (@ThePokerBoss) February 24, 2021

Tip #7: Know how to report abuse

Some women claim to have never experienced harassment when playing poker. Others have told tales of varying levels of harassment and abuse. It is important to know how to report abuse, should it occur.

The first person in the line of reporting is the dealer. Sometimes, however, a dealer may not have seen or heard the behavior in question or choose not to warn the offending player(s). In that case, a player can demand that the dealer call a floor manager. That individual can then rule on a situation or dispute and regularly does so to take the onus off the dealer, considering the dealer must continue to interact with all players at that table. In the case of an egregious offense, WSOP Vice President Jack Effel and has long been the WSOP Tournament Director and will make a final ruling.

Women should also know that there are security personnel located around any poker tournament area and in any casino in general. If feeling uneasy or uncomfortable for any reason, make note of the location of those security guards. Feel free to ask their advice or request assistance from them as well.

My advice:  Always report harassment and/or abuse. It is the only way to stop it.

Tip #8: Get to know other women in poker

The number of women in the overall game of poker remains small in proportion to the general poker population. Tournament poker continues to see only approximately 5% of fields represented by women. Cash games are more difficult to determine, but the number is typically in the single-digit percentage in any given poker room at any given time.

There are many great women in poker. Some are new, some are veterans of the game, and others might be recognizable names from televised poker, podcasts, or livestreams. Say hello. Ask around and see if there is a group of women doing the dinner break together. Exchange numbers to have a coffee or tea before the next tournament day. Engage with them in some way.

Broaden this community. It is the women of poker who will ultimately be responsible for growing our community, along with our presence at the tables and our influence within the industry.

My advice: Just say hi!

Happy International Women's Day to all the fierce, intelligent, and skilled women poker players here!
Remember that you belong at the table, and you have what it takes to become a legend.
Hit the PLAY button and enjoy this inspiring video.
Chips https://t.co/hSgftM1w70 pic.twitter.com/dUafgwE8W1

— WSOP_Game (@WSOP_Game) March 8, 2023

Tip #9: Ask other women

When it comes to finding out how to navigate the poker world in general, there is no better person to advise a woman than another woman.

Ask another woman for advice about the best tournaments or cash games, the poker rooms that best protect women, the safest parking garages, or the best allies in poker overall. Broaden those topics to ask other women for the best coffee recommendations or healthy food options or place to find a quiet moment.

Not only will a woman find the best path in poker by asking other women, but this dovetails nicely with tip #8 of simply getting to know other women in the game.

My advice: Simply ask women.

Importantly, this is a vital tip for men in poker, from players to top-level executives. When there are questions about women – how to encourage them to play, how to make them feel safe, find out if they prefer women-only or open events – ask women. It is far too common to see men pontificating on social media about topics that involve women, in poker and beyond. It seems like a logical step, but it has become clear that this must be repeated… often.

My advice: Talk to women.

Tip #10: Find the fun

Poker is a serious career for some players, but the vast majority of players – whether pros or semi-pros or recreationals – are at the tables to have fun. They want to enjoy the experience.

If a table is too serious, make a joke. If a table is abnormally quiet, say something. It doesn’t hurt to be proactive and encourage a fun atmosphere.

Poker has not endured and grown purely because of the potential to earn money or win a life-changing tournament. These are goals for many players, of course, but the game perseveres because it is an enjoyable and entertaining experience for most players. Every player can control how enjoyable and entertaining that experience is.

My advice: \ Have fun!

Cardplayer Lifestyle proudly syndicates Lee’s podcast, the longest-running show of its kind in the industry.

The Bernard Lee Poker Show was a podcast before radio shows became podcasts, since his show was a part of Rounder’s Radio and considered a radio and internet show. It had news, poker tips, answers to questions about the game, and interviews with the top names in poker. Lee built the product on the back of his own newspaper and ESPN columns and then complimented it all with his two volumes of The Final Table poker books.

It’s been quite a ride for Lee, as he has remained a staple in the poker industry. Players and fans have come and gone, but Lee maintained his passion for the game and the players in it through the years.

Celebrating Sweet Sixteen

This month, May 2023, marks the 16^th anniversary of Lee’s show.

“It is amazing how time flies,” Lee reflected. “I cannot believe it was 16 years ago this month when I started the show. It has been an honor and privilege to interview such incredible guests on The Bernard Lee Poker Show for so many years. I look forward to continuing interviews with champion poker players and industry personnel for my loyal fans and listeners.”

And that is exactly what he is doing to celebrate his Sweet Sixteen anniversary. He will interview 2022 WSOP Main Event champion Espen Jorstad in a two-part show that covers everything from the Norwegian champion’s background to his journey through poker and on to a $10M victory on the poker world’s largest stage.

The timeliness of this interview cannot be ignored, as the 2023 World Series of Poker is gearing up to start on May 30 at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas properties. Jorstad will, undoubtedly, be at the WSOP to defend his Main Event title and try to win another gold bracelet.

Image credit: PokerGO

RunGood Partnership

Last year, RunGood.com was one of the sponsors for the 15^th anniversary of The Bernard Lee Poker Show. That solid relationship continued into this year, as RunGood Gear is the sponsor of the 16^th anniversary as well.

This means giveaways for Lee’s poker audience. Listeners can qualify for giveaways associated with the current anniversary celebration by following @BernardLeePoker on Twitter or Instagram, or by subscribing to his YouTube channel. There will be RunGood apparel up for grabs to show appreciation for both new and veteran listeners of The Bernard Lee Poker Show.

Not only did Lee serve as an ambassador for RunGood in 2013, the tour and poker apparel company continues to support him in his poker endeavors, as it has throughout the past decade. RunGood President Tana Karn noted, “Bernard continues to provide fantastic content and insight into the poker world. Congratulations, Bernard, on another incredible milestone.”

Special Remembrance

In an unexpected turn of events, Doyle Brunson passed away at the age of 89 nearly one week ago. Lee had interviewed Brunson several times throughout his time in poker, and this week was an opportunity to think back on those times. He reflected about his last conversation with the Godfather of Poker in 2018, as Brunson made a run at the WSOP $10K 2-7 Single Draw final table.

Of course, it is important to consider every part of your trip before heading to the WSOP, including “poker taxes.” In this article, we will cover best practices and provide a few updates regarding changes that could impact you tax-wise after cashing a WSOP event. Specific topics we’ll address include ITIN issues, selling and swapping action between U.S. residents, the importance of tracking results, and more.

No More Lammers

If you have been to the World Series of Poker in the past, you are probably familiar with tournament lammers. They were awarded to winners of most satellite events and were (we believe) a cause of tax issues in the past. While they had “no cash value”, each lammer could be redeemed for $500 of tournament buy-ins. Without an assigned cash value, the WSOP would not issue any W-2Gs to satellite winners.

This year, the WSOP has ended single-table satellites and with that, has ended the issuance of lammers. Instead, there will be more mega satellites, awarding casino chips or direct-entry seats to select events.

There is a lot to unpack about this development from a tax side of things, so I encourage you to read this post that outlines the payout structure and tax consequences of cashing a satellite.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Issues

The 2022 WSOP marked the first year the event was held on the Las Vegas Strip. Moving an event of this size came with a lot of logistical issues, all of which, if you ask most people who attended, were handled quite well. However, neither Bally’s nor Paris was able to become a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) with the IRS throughout the duration of the event. This meant that they could not help nonresident players apply for ITINs with the IRS.

As a result, the World Series of Poker was required to withhold 30% tax from any nonresident without an ITIN who cashed for more than $5,000 (less buy-in). This applied to all nonresident players, including those residing in a tax treaty country.

This was a big issue in 2022, as the WSOP attracts a large field of international players. It is expected that this will no longer be an issue in 2023, but it is something to monitor and confirm before your trip. Assuming the WSOP can process ITINs, here’s what you need to know:

• The WSOP can only issue ITINs for players residing in a tax treaty country. If you do not live in one of the following countries, you will not be able to apply for an ITIN at the WSOP and will automatically have 30% tax withheld:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Russia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden. Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom

• You will be required to prove your residence using a passport or other supporting documentation (utility bill, foreign ID card, etc.). This documentation can be presented to the cage prior to claiming your winnings. If you are unable to verify your residency in a treaty country, the WSOP will withhold 30% tax.
• You do not need to claim your winnings right away. If you do not have the proper documentation to prove your residency, you can return to the cage and present your proof of residency when you have it. This could prevent withholding and a lengthy tax refund process.

Swapping, Selling or Buying Action: Poker Tax Implications

The most important thing to remember before swapping action: always produce a paper trail. When making any deal, send a text message or email that confirms the event and amount of action sold. When paying out backers, pay them via bank transfer or through a third-party payment processor.

READ MORE: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Selling Action but Were Afraid to Ask

If you must pay someone in cash, have them sign a statement or send a text verifying the payment was received. It is extremely difficult to prove cash transactions in an audit, so the more evidence you have, the better. This will not only help verify each backer is paid the correct amount, but will also provide substantial documentation for your tax records.

However, before any payments are made, it is necessary to understand the tax requirements of backing agreements. The ramifications of such agreements depend on the residency of each player.

U.S. Resident Sells Action to U.S. Resident

If a U.S. resident pays more than $600 in net profit to another U.S. resident, it must be reported on Form 1099-MISC. You should obtain a completed Form W-9 from your backer before you remit payment. This form formally requests their Social Security Number, address and signature to confirm that all information is accurate.

Form W-9 must be kept for your records (it is not submitted to the IRS). You can then use the information provided on the form to file a 1099-MISC at year-end, transferring the poker tax burden of the net yearly profit from you, to your backer.

U.S. Resident Sells Action to Nonresident

If the nonresident is a resident of a tax treaty country and has an ITIN, the process is relatively simple. The nonresident will complete Form W-8BEN, citing the correct treaty exemption, and include their ITIN. Once your backer gives you completed form, you can pay the nonresident 100% of their winnings.

If the nonresident is a resident of a tax treaty country, but does not have an ITIN, you must withhold 30% of the winnings and remit it to the IRS on the nonresident’s behalf. This must be done using the EFTPS website. The nonresident can then file Form W-7 and Form 1040NR at the end of the year to apply for an ITIN and claim a treaty exemption to receive a tax refund.

If the nonresident is not a resident of a tax treaty country, you will follow the same procedure outlined above, withholding 30% of the winnings and remitting it to the IRS (this applies if they have an ITIN or not).

In each of the three instances above, you will also file Form 1042, Form 1042-S and Form 1042-T to denote payments to a nonresident. These forms are filed separately from traditional income tax returns to the IRS.

Nonresident Sells Action to U.S. Resident

If the nonresident is a resident of a treaty country and has an ITIN, they will receive 100% of the winnings and you will not have any issues. However, if the nonresident does not have an ITIN, or is not a resident of a treaty country, they will only receive 70% of the winnings. Since 30% was withheld for taxes, it would be up to the players to decide how to split the winnings based on the lesser payout (or the pending tax refund the following year). I recommend including the payout structure in your original backing agreement to lessen issues after the fact.

If you are a U.S. resident, this is something to consider before buying the action of a nonresident without an ITIN or residing in a non-treaty country.

If you plan on buying or selling action during the WSOP, I highly recommend becoming familiar with the above processes and forms. The WSOP is hectic, and players often have little downtime to address important tax deadlines between tournaments. Some of the required actions, such as remitting tax payments via EFTPS, have time-sensitive deadlines, so it is important to stay in compliance.

Track Everything You Do

Whether you are an amateur or professional gambler, track the net result of every cash game session and tournament played. This is always critical, but with the number of games available during the World Series of Poker, players can rack up sessions quickly and easily forget their results.

As a quick refresher, each tournament is considered its own session. If you enter a tournament multiple times, each buy-in is considered a unique session. For example, if you buy-in four times to a $500 event, ultimately cashing for $4,500, it will result in gross winnings of $4,000 and gross losses of $1,500.

For cash games, each continuous period of play at the same game type (NLHE, PLO, etc.) is considered a session. If you leave for dinner and return to the same table or change tables within the same game type, you do not need to start a new session. However, if you change game types, or move from one casino to another, that is considered a new session.

Poker-Related Expenses

In addition to tracking your session results, professional gamblers have the additional task of tracking all their business-related expenses (and keeping proper documentation). But which expenses are deductible?

As with all self-employed individuals, professional gamblers can deduct all ordinary and necessary expenses related to their business. This includes, but is not limited to, hotel, airfare, ground transportation and meals while traveling (note: there is no longer a deduction for entertainment expenses).

Since many players are in Las Vegas for an extended period, it is important to contemporaneously track expenses each day. To do so, I would recommend using one credit card (preferably a business card) for any business-related expenses and minimizing cash payments. If you do pay for an expense in cash, you must keep the receipt, which can get burdensome.

So, you’re saying I can deduct my entire trip to Las Vegas as a business expense?

Maybe, but probably not.

You can only deduct the expenses from days you conducted business-related activities. If you travel to Las Vegas for 20 days, but only conduct business (poker-related activities) for 10 of those days, you will only be able to deduct 50% of your aggregate expenses (hotel, airfare) and only meals on the days you conducted business. There is a bit of nuance when weekends get involved, so it is best to track all activity and days played to ensure you are deducting the correct percentage of your expenses.

As evidenced by what we’ve covered in this article, there are a lot of poker tax issues that can arise during the WSOP. However, if you are aware of them, and know the steps to mitigate their impact, you will have a less stressful (and hopefully more profitable) summer.