Satellite FAQs
What is a Satellite?
A satellite is a tournament in which the grand prize awarded is a buy-in for a larger tournament.
How do I enter a Satellite tournament?
You can register to play WPT Satellites at select venues. These WPT Satellite host casinos and card rooms are officially registered through WPT Enterprises, Inc. and are listed both on the satellites page at www.worldpokertour.com and in our online calendar.
What is the average Satellite tournament buy-in?
The beauty of a Satellite tournament is the flexibility it offers to both casinos and players. You may buy in for as little as $5 (as with some online satellites) or as much as $2500 (in the case of the Bellagio WPT World Championship Super Satellites). Check with the WPT Satellite host casino for accurate buy-in and entry fee details.
Is there only one winner following a Satellite tournament?
Single-table satellites generally have only one winner. In some instances a second place finisher may be awarded entry into another tournament, or a cash payout structure may accommodate the top finishers if the prize pool is in excess of the grand prize buy-in. A Super Satellite is a satellite tournament with a large number of entrants, awarding as many grand prize buy-ins as the prize pool allows.
Once I've won a WPT Satellite, how do I register for the main event?
The WPT Satellite host casino or card room that awarded your grand prize buy-in to the main event will take care of the transfer of funds for registration. You just need to arrive on-site for the main event to register in person prior to the tournament. Check with the WPT Member Casino hosting the main event tournament for appropriate registration times.
Do I have to pay for travel and related expenses?
No - in addition to the grand prize buy-in, WPT Satellite host casinos will be awarding a grand prize package, including buy-in, entry fee, lodging, & roundtrip airfare to the event.
Will I be on T.V. if I play a WPT Satellite?
Not necessarily - WPT Satellites are qualifying tournaments for WPT Member Casino main events. They are not taped or televised. However, if you're skilled or lucky enough to win a grand prize buy-in to a main event, you may very well find yourself at the coveted final table.
Can anybody play WPT Satellites?
Pursuant to federal law, persons under the age of twenty-one (21) are not permitted to gamble at most WPT Satellite host casinos or WPT Member Casinos.
Are all Satellite tournaments WPT Satellites?
No - only casinos or card rooms that register through the WPT Satellite Program offer WPT Satellites.
What do I do if my local casino doesn't run WPT Satellites?
Talk to your local Poker Room Manager or Tournament Director about registering their casino or card room through the WPT Satellite Program. Registration information can be found on the "Apply to become an official satellite host casino" section of this page.
