WSOP.com Pennsylvania Weeks Away As 888 Eyes Summer Bracelet Events

February 8th, 2021 | by Greg Shaun

WSOP.com could be live in Pennsylvania sooner rather than later if executives at 888 Holdings, its digital partner, get their way.

WSOP.com Pennsylvania could go live in time for locals to take part in online bracelet events this summer. (Image: WSOP.com)

Speaking to Pokerfuse, Yaniv Sherman, VP and Head of US at 888 Holdings, said he wants to see WSOP events available in the Keystone State this summer.

As yet, the timeline is unclear. However, Sherman wants WSOP.com PA to go live with the rollout of 888’s new software, Poker 8.

Executives Eye H1 Launch

If all goes to plan, WSOP.com Pennsylvania will be ready in the first half of 2021.

It was hoped that something would be ready in 2020. Official pages on WSOP.com provided a smattering of detail on what local players could expect.

However, with COVID-19 forcing WSOP’s parent company, Caesars Entertainment, to focus on other issues, plans were put on hold.

The launch was also hampered by a review of the Wire Act. Although a 2019 ruling confirmed that cross-state gambling restrictions only applied to sports, the Department of Justice (DOJ) appealed the decision.

A win for the DOJ could have put an end to liquidity sharing pacts between states where online poker is legal. WSOP.com and 888 have taken advantage of these pacts in other states and, as such, wanted to know the outcome of the appeal before proceeding in Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit rejected the DOJ’s argument in January 2021. That meant cross-state poker pacts were safe.

WSOP.com Pennsylvania to Join Bracelet Party

Without any Wire Act issues to contend with, WSOP.com PA can join its counterparts in New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada to create a shared playerpool.

That’s reason enough for 888 Holdings to resume its efforts in the Keystone State.

Indeed, if Sherman’s wishes are fulfilled, locals could be playing for WSOP bracelets online this summer.

That’s a positive for Pennsylvanian poker players. However, it would also provide a boost for the World Series of Poker.

Although there are hopes that this summer’s series can take place in Las Vegas, COVID-19 restrictions remain an issue. Organizers adapted in 2020 and hosted two online festivals, as well as two Main Events.

With WSOP.com Pennsylvania added to the mix, future online events will attract even more runners. Therefore, even if the summer series isn’t able to proceed as normal, players in four US states can still play for bracelets.

Of course, that’s all dependent on how quickly 888 Holdings and Caesars can get WSOP.com PA ready.

But, if all goes to plan, we should see another big name added to the growing network of poker sites in Pennsylvania in the coming weeks.