Poker Players Planning For The WSOP Should Know The Marijuana Law
Poker players from all over the world are already planning their summer pilgrimages to Las Vegas. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) released the full schedule for the summer series earlier.
Some big changes in the schedule are being met with mixed emotions. No matter what, though, the excitement surrounding the summer series is underway. There are some changes in Nevada marijuana law that might enhance that excitement.
Poker players might want to keep reading though, as the new marijuana laws may not apply to them as much as they may think.
WSOP runs from May 30 – July 17
Just a few weeks ago, the WSOP revealed the marquee weekend events for the biggest poker series of the year. Just a few days later, they surprised everyone with the complete schedule.
Typically the schedule does not come out until mid-Februrary. The early release date was applauded by poker fans. Some of the changes were met with less fanfare though.
The biggest change on the schedule is the expansion from one online bracelet event to three. Unlike past years, all three events will be played entirely online. One event will feature the rather low buy-in of $333.
There is a comparable low price point for live events now too. The series will be running five Friday evening flights of a $365 bracelet event. In the post-Moneymaker era of WSOP events, there has never been an event with a buy-in less than $500.
Other changes include:
- A$10,000 Tag Team event.
- A super turbo tournament.
- A big-bet mix with a $2,650 buy-in.
One important note for the summer is that the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino will now except credit card payments for buy-ins for up to $10,000.
New weed laws won’t change much at Nevada casinos
Those staying at the Rio for the series might be planning to take advantage of the new Nevada marijuana laws that allow people in the state to hold up to an eighth of an ounce of marijuana legally.
Before anyone mails themselves supplies to a Vegas casino, be sure to make yourself familiar with the casinos’ stance on the new law.
Gaming regulators have gone on record saying that the strict regulations of casinos mean properties will be expected to keep recreational marijuana out of hotel rooms.
The law already excludes marijuana being used in public areas. That would include casino gaming floors and night clubs.
[i15-table tableid=20717][i15-table tableid=19346]Nevada weed law still being hashed out
Moreover, visitors for the summer should be aware the law is still in its early stages. With no legal dispensaries open in the state so far, there is technically no legal means to obtain marijuana in the Silver State.
There is also today’s revelation that the administration of President Donald Trump might crack down on states that have legalized weed.
If one does get caught carrying a legal amount of weed by a law enforcement official, the officer is not allowed to ask where you got the drugs from. We advise avoiding admitting how you obtained it, as possession may be legal, but purchasing marijuana from anywhere but a dispensary remains illegal.