WSOP Introduces New Rule Following 2025 ClubWPT Gold Bracelet Dispute

(AsiaGameHub) –   World Series of Poker administrators have revised the 2026 rulebook following the ClubWPT Gold controversy that took place last summer. The new regulatory language specifically targets external prizes linked to WSOP event outcomes.

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Key Details to Note

• Rule 40(e) prohibits third-party payouts tied to WSOP tournament results.
• This regulatory adjustment follows the dispute between James Carroll and Jesse Yaginuma during the 2025 Millionaire Maker event.
• The rule may also impact public bracelet wagers placed between poker players.

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New Rule Regulates External Prizes

The 2026 WSOP now provides tournament officials with a clear mechanism to block future promotions similar to the ClubWPT Gold offer.

Rule 40(e), which falls under the tournament integrity section, states that players may not accept external payments or prizes from third parties that are contingent on the result of any WSOP event. Players who violate this rule stand to forfeit all their WSOP prize earnings. If the prize money has already been distributed, WSOP host venues can require the full amount to be returned plus accrued interest.

This new language was introduced in response to one of the most high-profile poker controversies of the 2025 WSOP. In the $1,500 Millionaire Maker tournament, James Carroll and Jesse Yaginuma advanced to heads-up play, competing for a bracelet and a top prize of more than $1.25 million. Carroll held a significant chip lead, but Yaginuma ultimately won the event, and also qualified for a $1 million ClubWPT Gold bonus as he wore the platform’s branded patch.

Multiple hands from the heads-up round were quickly called into question on social media. WSOP officials launched an investigation, withheld the bracelet, split the top two prize pools between the two finalists, and later banned both players from participating in future WSOP events.

Rule 40(e) eliminates the core incentive that was at the center of that dispute. Moving forward, no player may accept a bonus, promotional payout, product prize, or similar reward tied to their final placement in a WSOP event.

However, the scope of the rule may extend beyond online poker promotions. Its wording also appears to cover bracelet bets, a common type of side wager among frequent tournament players. These bets may still be arranged privately, but public versions now carry far greater risk of repercussions.

This rule change follows an established pattern of updates from the WSOP. After the 2024 Main Event debate surrounding Jonathan Tamayo and alleged rail assistance, WSOP officials adjusted existing rules. Now, in the aftermath of the Yaginuma and Carroll case, another regulatory update has been rolled out.

The WSOP also added new provisions addressing pay jump stalling. Rule 80 states that players who intentionally waste time or use their time banks to move up the payout ladder may face shortened decision clocks or other penalties.