WSOP Goes Extra Mile to Secure Dealers for 2022 Tournament

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 06/18/2022

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WSOP Goes Extra Mile to Secure Dealers

Last week saw the world-famous World Series of Poker (WSOP) begin in Las Vegas, and it has emerged that organizers pushed the boat out in a bid to find dealers for the event.

The recruitment for this year’s event was intense according to reports, and organizers have had to offer a range of perks to attract dealers to what is set to be one of its biggest events with record participation.

With events now running up until July 20th, the WSOP is expected to be particularly exciting this year with new venues as well as record numbers. WSOP organizers have been spending unprecedented amounts of money on the 2022 tournament in a bid to attract more professionals such as dealers, and even the cashiers have been given pay increases.

Unprecedented Returns Expected by Organizers

Among the reasons behind organizers of the event spending unprecedented sums on this year’s tournament is the fact that they also expect to make unprecedented returns if all goes well.

In order to attract more dealers to the event, a range of measures were taken. Officials said that with nearly 600 tables in play at the same time at some events, investing in increased dealer recruitment had become a vital necessity.

WSOP vice president Jack Effel said that officials from WSOP had been everywhere possible to find dealers. He added:

Some are veterans who have worked for us many times. Others are people who are coming back to dealing because they had been driving for Uber and gas got too high. Some (former dealers) in Las Vegas left in recent years for places like Texas or Florida.

The services of hundreds of extra dealers have now been secured, with various incentives used to entice them and bring them on board. These included partnering with the Rio Hotel to ensure dealers can get rooms at rates as low as $30 per night, with some even sharing a room to cut costs further.

In addition, pay rates for dealers have been increased by $3 per hour. This rate does not include tips and bonuses that dealers can also get during the event. During some events, it is thought that dealers could end up getting up to $50 per hour and then tips in addition to this.

As a result of these perks and incentives, tournament organizers have managed to attract dealers from all over to help out with the huge 2022 tournament.

Huge Turnout Expected

With the tournament now back in full swing after the disruptions of the past couple of years due to the pandemic, this is expected to be one of its biggest events with record turnout. There are also some new elements including new venues and new events, all of which will help to further boost attendee numbers.

Figures show that the record for players at the World Series of Poker was hit in 2006 when numbers reached 8,773. With huge numbers expected this year, 2022 could be the year when that record is broken.