One month away from the 50th annual World Series of Poker, tournament officials released news about several new additions for the 2019 version of the WSOP. In addition to more starting chips, big blind ante, and new events such as the ‘Big 50,’ here is what players can look forward to at the 2019 WSOP.

Main Event Seat Giveaway

In celebration of the 50th annual WSOP, the organization is giving away five WSOP Main Event seats through a drawing held on July 1, 2019. To receive a free entry to the drawing, players simply have to swipe their Caesars Rewards card at the Rio Caesars Rewards desk. Additional entries can be awarded based on tournament play in gold bracelet events. Play in two different gold bracelet events, earn a second entry to the drawing. Then for every additional gold bracelet event that someone plays, he or she will earn another entry to the drawing with a maximum of five entries to the drawing allowed.

$500 Hot Seat Promotion

During the summer, The Rio’s Pavilion Ballroom is always packed with cash game tables, otherwise known as “live action tables” or “live action games.” Starting June 3 and running to July 9, the WSOP will draw a random seat every hour of the WSOP and the player in that seat will receive $500 in cash value casino chips. There’s 864 hours in that span, meaning you have up to 864 chances to win. It also means the WSOP could be giving away $500 864 times for a total that could reach $432,000.

According to the promotion’s official rules, a “drawing will be held each hour on each day starting at 12 am only in the event that there is an eligible poker game running.” A $1 jackpot promotional rake will be taken from each pot that reaches $10 or more at eligible live action tables.

Tournament Registration Updates

For the 2019 WSOP, players can put funds into an account and then have options to register for events online or via a mobile device. Using this method, players can also print seat cards and tournament receipts at one of the several kiosks around the WSOP tournament area.

Also for the 2019 WSOP, players can use credit and debit cards right at the WSOP Main Cage. What could previously be done online only is now allowed to be done in-person, adding more payment options for players looking to enter WSOP events. Fees do apply, and you can visit WSOP.com/registration for more.

Automatic Shufflers, Mid-Stakes Cash Section

One hundred automatic shuffling machines will be added to the Rio’s Amazon Room. In past years, only a handful of tables in the Amazon Room had automatic shufflers.

As mentioned above, the Rio’s Pavilion Room is home to cash games. In 2019, this room will have a dedicated mid-stakes section featuring 30 high-end Gorilla Gaming tables. The enhanced tables feature automatic shufflers, mobile device charging, and upgraded chairs.

Gavin Smith Memorial Poker Tournament

On May 28, the WSOP will host a $200 buy-in memorial tournament to benefit the family of Gavin Smith. The event will be rake-free and start at 6 pm PT. From each $200 buy-in, $100 will go to the prize pool and $100 will be donated to the Gavin Smith Trust.

Ladies Warm-Up Tournament

The 2019 WSOP Ladies Championship kicks off on June 20. The day before, June 19 at 6 pm, the WSOP will host a special, one-day, non-bracelet Ladies No Limit Hold’em Warm-Up event with a $150 buy-in.

Seniors and PLO Deep Stack Events

Every Wednesday from May 28 to July 10, the WSOP will host special seniors-only (50+) one-day, deep-stack, No Limit Hold’em tournaments. These tournaments will start at 9 am PT.

Every Sunday from June 2 to July 14, the WSOP will host special one-day, deep-stack, Pot Limit Omaha tournaments. These tournaments will start at 5 pm and have a $250 buy-in.

As always, stay tuned to the PocketFives ‘Everything You Need To Know About the 2019 WSOP‘ article for more.