May 31st is a magical day in poker — representing the start of the 2022 World Series of Poker. But this is not any old WSOP — it will the first in its new location on the Las Vegas Strip.
For the next month and a half, poker players will play for WSOP glory at Bally’s and Paris after nearly two decades at the Rio Hotel and Casino.
With the WSOP moving to a new location there will undoubtedly be a lot of changes and some things that will be familiar. In a video posted just prior to the start of the 2022 WSOP, poker commentators Lon McEachern and Norman Chad gave players and fans a sneak peek of what they can expect at the new venue.
It’s a must-watch for anybody planning to attend the festivities this summer as they get acclimated to the location.
What did we learn from the 2022 WSOP Tour video?
McEachern and Chad covered a variety of important topics in their 9-minute tour. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable, including where players will be playing, eating, parking and entertaining themselves.
Pick Up Your Casears Rewards Card after arriving
Shortly after arriving to the WSOP, make sure to make a quick stop for your Caesars Rewards Card.
Cages are at the Champagne Ballroom
When you get on the property, you can find the cages to register at the Champagne Ballrooms, which will include 16 cages and 10 VIP windows. Players that won seats through WSOP.com will come to the gages to verify seats. Players can then use kiosks throughout the property to register for tournaments.
Tables will be in the Paris Ballroom, Bally’s Grand Ballroom and Bally’s Event Center
The majority of the “smaller” stakes action — with buy-ins less than $10,000 — will be held in the Paris Ballroom, which is over 88,000 square feet and will house 300 poker tables. If your player receipt says “Bally’s Grand Ballroom,” players should look for “Platinum” above the doors, where 187 tables will be laid out for action. These events will be for tournaments under $10,000 buy-ins as well as for overflow for larger tournaments.
Adjacent to the Bally’s Grand Ballroom is the Bally’s Events Center, which will host the premier events of the 2022 WSOP. The location includes 87 tables and 5 featured tables, where most of the broadcast action will be held.
8,000 parking spots available
One of the biggest concerns about the new location is what parking would be like. Fortunately, between both properties, over 8000 parking spots are available, which was double the amount the Rio had. Diamond and Platinum level on the Caesars Rewards Card allows you to park for free. Monorail and ride-sharing are among the other options players have for getting to the WSOP.
There is a wide selection of eating options
With the new location, players will have a host of dining options at both locations. Options include the return of the WSOP Cafe, a food court at Bally’s, Nosh deli, cafe belle, Bobby Burgers, Giordano’s pizza, and Dave’s Hot Chicken. Some of the more high-end options include Nobu Paris, Gordon Ramsey Steak, and Vanderpump a Paris.
What’s on tap for Day 1 of the World Series of Poker?
Per tradition, the 2022 WSOP starts off with the Casino Employees event, a No Limit Hold’em event that is limited to casino workers. The action gets underway at 11 AM PT.
A few hours later, one of the biggest tournaments of the series gets underway, the $100,000 High Roller Bounty No-Limit Hold’em. Action for the 3-day tournament will start at 3 PM PT. Expect to see some of poker’s biggest names taking part.
A full schedule of the 2022 WSOP can be found here.
