WSOP Responds to Poker Player Security Concerns

Copy link Share on Twitter Share on Facebook

Jul 06, 2019 5 min read

It's an unfortunate truth that poker players can be and have been the targets of robberies. After all, they carry a lot of cash, are often alone or with just one other person, are generally unarmed, and exhibit predictable patterns or at least frequent predictable locations.

Outside of the Rio during the World Series of Poker is no exception, as multiple players have reported being robbed at gunpoint while carrying large sums of money.

"We take security very seriously."

Most recently, one player spoke out on Twitter about being robbed of a bag of cash that included his WSOP Main Event buy-in. The reactions were somewhat mixed, but it did begin yet another discussion of the importance of safety measures in place for players as well as the necessity of precautions to be taken by players, especially when carrying a lot of cash.

Call for Reinforced Security

Sympathetic members of the poker community called for increased measures to be taken on the part of the WSOP, as an entity that profits greatly from players all series long through collection of rake. Vocal members of the community including Joey Ingram and Ryan Laplante made public pleas to this effect. Ingram posted the following:

"We need better security in the WSOP parking lot ASAP. I'm surprised this type of thing hasn't happened more often w/ how big & open the parking lot is and how little security exists outside. This type of thing is awful to allow to happen. Please fix this ASAP @WSOP @CaesarsEnt."

Laplante echoed his sentiments.

WSOP Responds

PokerNews reached out to WSOP officials, who emphasized they have always and continue to offer a multitude of security options for players, should they choose to make use of them or not.

"We have many layers of security, some visible, some not, that we feel very confident in," said Seth Palansky, Caesars' vice president of corporate communications. "We work with local, state and federal agencies for this event. They have a presence throughout event, are available to us and provide feedback on our operations."

Regarding increased crime levels, Palansky explained: "The Rio is not seeing an above average string of activity compared to the city in general."

The WSOP Twitter account also tweeted about some of their security measures:

Still, many players have been left unsatisfied with WSOP’s response about parking lot patrols and the availability of security escorts, requesting that more be done to protect them. From the WSOP’s perspective, players have a variety of methods of security at their disposal, and officials urge those concerned about safety to utilize them. Among the security measures in place are the following:

• Security patrols both via bike and vehicle in the Rio parking lots - always have for WSOP and they will continue throughout WSOP
• Security escorts to anyone looking for one out of Rio property (players can always go to nearest yellow shirt security team member to request)
• Safety deposit boxes as an option for players to store funds
• Wire transfer as a method of payment to receive funds
• Allow casino chips as a payment method and those $1,000 and above chips are marked and tracked
• Allow check as method of payment
• Tournament buy-in account (new this year) allowing players to be completely digital in their deposits and withdrawals
• Valet parking that players can utilize as an added level of protection for vehicles and persons

Protect Yourself

Though no reports of injury have accompanied recent robbery reports, the poker world knows all too well that the unthinkable is within the realm of possibility. Back in May of 2018, news of a cash game player being shot when leaving a card room in Texas rocked the community.

Players planning on playing in the WSOP moving forward, including the Main Event which is underway now, might seriously consider taking proactive steps to protect themselves.

"We have many layers of security, some visible, some not, that we feel very confident in."

Utilize wire transfer or set up a tournament account to avoid carrying a lot of cash. Valet park or take an uber or lyft to avoid walking through the parking lot. Get your cashouts in check form or get a security escort after a big win.

As WSOP sees it, security is a joint effort. They promise to do their part, but players should make use of precautions as well to maximize the their safety during WSOP and beyond.

"We take security very seriously," Palansky affirmed. "It is an important factor for all casinos as casinos are a known target due to their flow of funds. While it is impossible to secure 100 percent of the footprint, 100 percent of the time, our security protocols exceed the recommendations of the experts in the field."

Follow on

• Tags World Series of Poker WSOP security
• Related Tournaments World Series of Poker