WSOP ALERT: Non-US Residents Need Two Pieces of ID

A WSOP tweet has sent shockwaves in the non-US poker playing community…

PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIRED

If you’re a non-US resident and you’re planning on playing the World Series of Poker, you will need to bring along a second piece of valid photo identification along this time around; your passport alone won’t do the trick this year at the WSOP.

This shocker came from the WSOP’s Twitter account just about an hour ago and already, star players are scrambling: some, like 2013 WSOP bracelet winner Jason Duval (GPI#542) do not have a second piece of ID while others, like Niall Farrell (GPI#181) have already made their way to the US from Europe and simply won’t have access to a second piece of ID.

It’s still not exactly known what will work as a second piece of ID. A driver’s license seems like the obvious choice, however, some don’t drive and it’s still not clear if the driver’s license will be accepted as some countries do not post home address on theirs. Others are hoping that a utility bill should do the trick, again, the information still doesn’t seem to be clear.

Attn non-US WSOP players: You'll want a 2nd form of ID besides passport to reg for events. Need ID proving your residency/current address.

— WSOP (@wsop) May 22, 2014

PALANSKY CLARIFIES THE SITUATION

We reached out to Seth Palansky, VP or Corporate Communications for Caesars Interactive Entertainment, who indicated that this is a US Federal Law that “applies to all casinos, all financial institutions, all places that deal with money. International players are just advised to bring something besides a Passport, because a passport does not provide a home address.  A cell phone bill, a utility bill, a Drivers License if it has it.  A credit card statement.  With online banking, bill pay, etc., everyone should be able to have something that documents where they live.”

So don’t panic folks, if you’re already in the US, you can surely find some way to get a document that shows your home address along as with your Passport.

If you require more information, you can visit:
http://www.finra.org/Industry/Issues/AML/