With the start of the 2025 World Series of Poker just a few weeks away, the WSOP has released several updates and clarifications to rules around coaching and electronic devices.
Rule 64 — and, to a lesser extent, Rule 63 — in the official 2025 WSOP rules includes new and enhanced language specifically prohibiting coaching with any technology involved in the process, along with new restrictions for the use of phones and other electronic devices.
The rule changes follow controversy during the final table of the 2024 Main Event, where eventual champion Jonathan Tamayo was coached by a group of pros using a laptop on the rail.
Many players said that what happened was wrong, including GGPoker pro Daniel Negreanu, who said, "I'm shocked, frankly, that there were so many pros railing — and no one seemed to take issue. If I was there and I heard any rumor of it, I would have stopped it immediately.”
Jonathan Tamayo celebrates with his rail on the final table of the 2024 WSOP Main Event.Limits to coaching and electronic devices
In the 2024 ruleset, there were only three subsections under Rule 64 that barred the use of approved electronic devices on final tables, restricted streaming of live video or recording content without credentials, and prohibited the use of non-approved betting apps, gaming charts or tools.
For 2025, Rule 64 has been expanded to seven separate subsections that seek to leave no wiggle room for players.
The most notable change is that players won't be able to use any electronic devices once tournaments hit the final three tables. This isn't a new rule — it was first implemented ahead of WSOP Paradise in December.
The rule reads, "Once Participants have reached the final three tables in any Tournament, all approved electronic devices must be removed. An announcement will be made to Participants once they have reached the final three tables to remove all such electronic devices."
Players may access their devices again during breaks or after being eliminated. During streamed events, the WSOP "reserves the right to remove all Participants’ electronic devices. Participants will only be allowed to have their devices back during breaks or after elimination."
Subsection 'e' goes on to state that "no coaching from anywhere within the tournament room will be allowed; this includes viewing of the tournament stream and usage of any electronic assistance."
The 2024 WSOP Main Event set new records but didn't pass without controversy.
WSOP steps up the language
In an effort to strengthen its rules, the WSOP now cites Nevada legal statute 465.075.
"It is unlawful for any person to use, possess with the intent to use or assist another person in using or possessing with the intent to use any computerized, electronic, electrical or mechanical device, or any software or hardware, or any combination thereof, which is designed, constructed, altered or programmed to obtain an advantage at playing any game in a licensed gaming establishment or any game that is offered by a licensee or affiliate, including, without limitation, a device that:
- Projects the outcome of the game.
- Keeps track of cards played or cards prepared for play in the game.
- Analyzes the probability of the occurrence of an event relating to the game.
- Analyzes the strategy for playing or betting to be used in the game."
Subsection 'd' goes deep into the WSOP's new policies for coaching on the rail and the penalties for both players and spectators. This portion of Rule 64 seeks to lay out a ban on real-time tools and even restricts the use of live streaming coverage.
"Spectators are also prohibited from providing live real-time assistance or coaching through direct (speaking) or indirect (text, e-mail, through any electronic device, etc.) communication to an active Participant in any WSOP event... Non-Participants in the tournament room must adhere to the WSOP Official Tournament Rules, including but not limited to, no viewing of live streams on an electronic device."
The 2025 WSOP starts on May 27 and runs through until July 16, when the new Main Event champion will be crowned.
