Long Lines Greet WSOP Registrants

On the way to the Rio convention room where all the World Series of Poker action is taking place, a mob of hundreds of poker players line the hallways waiting to register for the events.

The first of day of the 38th annual WSOP is characterized by lines and a mixture of chaos and excitement. Early this afternoon, the line to register for events averaged a nearly four-hour wait.

"We can safely say that the first day of the World Series of Poker is always going to be a little crazy. There are literally thousands of players that all need to be individually registered," said Nolan Dalla, member of the WSOP public relations team. "There are simply not physically enough windows to accommodate everyone quickly."

Greg and Christy Fitzgerald traveled to Las Vegas from their home in Houston, Texas, to play in the $1,500 no-limit event scheduled for tomorrow at noon.

"We have been here for about two hours. It's pretty exciting to be here, but it's really frustrating to have to wait in this long line when we preregistered," Christy Fitzgerald said.

They've been to the WSOP before, and said this year has been the worst as far as long lines and waits.

"It was not this bad last year," Greg Fitzgerald said.

Players should be aware that they need a Harrah's player's card to register for the events. Some players made it far into the line before realizing they needed a card and had to step out and sign up for one.

Darryl Pham, a 23-year-old casino employee, said he came yesterday to register but the line was too long and thought it might be better today. He had been waiting for two hours and expected to wait at least one and a half hours longer before he reached the cashier cages.

Ironically, a number of Corum clock displays were placed every few feet in the middle of the hallway where players were waiting. Players were literally watching the time crawl by as they passed the advertisements for the official time and bracelet supplier for the WSOP.

"By this evening and tomorrow, things will slow down. Then in two or three weeks from now, the system will be running smoothly," Dalla said.

The lines for the satellite sit-and-gos were also quite long.

"I've been waiting for so long. It is not organized at all. There are at least 12 tables not being used and a huge long line," David Stetler of Las Vegas said.

The problem was caused after the kiosk system that was implemented this year to help the satellite registration and payouts go more smoothly crashed early this morning. It will be out of service indefinitely, but a Rio employee confirmed that they are working on the problem.

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