Rumours are rife that the World Series of Poker will be relocating from its long-time home at the Rio to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.
A handful of US media outlets reported late last week that the WSOP would be held at the Bally’s and Paris properties from 2022, with the series also likely to return to its traditional American summer scheduling from May to July.
Pool tournament organiser VNEA is behind the Bally’s talk, having posted on its facebook page that it had been informed by Bally’s its contract would not be renewed as it needed the space to host the WSOP.
A source who works for Caesars Entertainment – the company that owns the WSOP brand as well as the Bally’s/Paris properties – also confirmed to PokerMedia Australia that this was currently the plan with Caesars’ contract with the Rio running out after this year.
The rumoured move to the Las Vegas Strip comes after Caesars sold the Rio to a real estate investment firm for US$516 million, speaking widespread talk that its days hosting the WSOP were numbered. It is important to note, however, that neither Caesars nor the WSOP has officially confirmed any such relocation.
Originally held at Benny Binion’s Horseshoe Casino, the WSOP moved to the Rio in 2005 – the same year Australia’s Joe Hachem won the main event – where it has remained ever since.
If the talk is true, this year’s WSOP – to be held from 30 September to 23 November – will be the last to be held at the Rio.
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