Wynn Las Vegas taking initiative focuses on ensuring player safety and security
In the fast-paced world of poker, the game's face has dramatically changed over the last two decades. Once upon a time, the biggest stars were the big personalities that emerged from smoky rooms and landed TV spots. Today, the new poker heroes are bred online – live streamers, vloggers who share their every move at the table.
However, as technology advances and new opportunities arise, so does a group eager to exploit any vulnerabilities in the system. Poker has always fought a constant battle against cheating, from collusion to marked decks to online incidents.
Last August, concerns about cheating scandals surfaced after two table game gamblers in France got busted for using miniaturized camera technology. Matt Berkey, a notable poker player, dedicated an entire podcast episode to shedding light on these incidents and the misdeeds throughout the poker world.
Operators now face steeper challenges to ensure game security. Wynn Las Vegas, one such operator, has made substantial efforts to combat cheating, and their approach has been particularly public.
Ryan Beauregard, Executive Director of Poker Operations at Wynn Las Vegas, shared their journey, "In 2024, we implemented several measures to tackle issues that weren't formally addressed at scale. We wanted to define the 'soft' rules so everyone could be on the same page."
The changes were most noticeable at tournament tables. No cell phone use at the table and no headphones from three tables down to the end of an event became standard. Beauregard explained, "We made the decision to remove all electronic devices, including phones and headphones, when a tournament reaches the final three tables. With voice-to-text and other concerns around electronics, this was a reasonable middle ground to add an extra level of game protection."
Some poker players found this change challenging, as headphones are almost second nature for them. However, players have generally adapted with few complaints since the change. Beauregard shared, "It has been very smooth. Players understand that there are threats that didn't exist just a few years ago, and they are willing to sacrifice a few hours of scrolling or music to ensure a level playing field."
Wynn Las Vegas also took strong action against the use of solvers during tournaments and for spectators at final tables, aiming to put an end to coaching between hands. Keeping an eye on the ever-changing poker landscape is crucial for maintaining the right balance between rules and regulations.
Beauregard emphasized, "I'm not a big fan of 'more rules,' but I want to take action when the consequence of doing nothing could be harmful to game integrity, player experience, or growth of the game. Poker has been moving in the right direction. My biggest fear is that we, as an industry, don't do everything we can to protect players and the player experience, and that a lack of action could potentially reverse the positive changes and growth we have seen in the past 4-5 years."
Wynn Las Vegas often serves as an industry leader, setting examples for other operators. Beauregard concluded, "Change is never easy, especially when it comes to phones, but I'm optimistic that this is a good start."
Despite the challenges, operators like Wynn Las Vegas continue to strive for a fair and secure gaming environment, adapting to new technology and threats to maintain the integrity of the game.
- Poker players, especially online, have encountered new vulnerabilities as technology advances, with concerns about cheating manifesting more frequently.
- Operators like Wynn Las Vegas, in response to these challenges, have implemented measures to ensure game security, particularly at tournament tables.
- These measures include banning cell phone use and headphones at tables, which some poker players have found challenging, but have generally accepted for the sake of a level playing field.
- Wynn Las Vegas has also taken strong action against the use of solvers during tournaments and for spectators, aiming to put an end to coaching between hands.
- Despite the resistance, operators continue to adapt to new technology and threats, serving as industry leaders in maintaining the integrity of the game, whether it's in casino-and-gambling settings or the growing realm of online poker.
