The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure is one of the biggest live poker events in the world, so there’s a lot going on. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers that are designed to help you get the best out of your stay in The Bahamas. If you still have a query that is not dealt with below, please email pca@pslive.com.
The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) is a live festival of poker that takes place every year in the Bahamas. The 2013 PCA will be held at the Atlantis Resort and Casino January 5-14, 2013. The Main Event will take place January 7-13.
Yes. You are required to accept and sign our Terms of Use. You will only have to do this once, when you first register at the PCA. When you first arrive, you will be registered on the system and given a PSLive card. At this stage you are required to sign the Terms of Use.
PokerStars Live is the new registration system of the European Poker Tour and PCA. You only need to sign-up ONCE and you will receive your lifelong PSLive card. This card gives you the added benefits of:
No. The registration process is compulsory for participation in any of the tournaments.
You must be 18 years of age or above to participate in PCA events. No persons under the age of 18 are allowed to enter the tournament area throughout the duration of the event.
The events have a variety of buy-ins. Please check the PCA Schedule for full details.
We encourage you to win your entry by playing in one of our satellites. Satellite buy-ins start at $1.10; there will also be satellites where you may use your Frequent Player Points to buy in. To play in any of our satellites please go to our client and check under the ‘Events’ > ‘PCA’ > ‘Satellite’ tab. If you do not have a PokerStars account please go to www.pokerstars.com and download the software for free.
If you fail to qualify and would still like to play in the event, you may buy directly into the tournament for $10,000 + $300.
You may qualify for the PCA either by:
Alternatively you can buy directly into the event for $10,000 + $300 - please see the options below.
Yes, there are five ways in which you can purchase a package:
From your PokerStars Account using real money
We are allowing players to buy in directly to the 2013 PCA for a Seat only, Seat & Hotel or Seat, Hotel & Room Folio package by using funds directly from their PokerStars.com and/or PokerStars.eu accounts. Online Registration will be open nearer to the event, and will be listed under the following tabs: Events > PCA > Qualifiers:
Registration for PCA 2013 Hotel Packages (listed below) are available in the same lobby described above.
NOTE: To unregister you will need to email registrations@pslive.com at least 3 hours before the event begins, or visit the onsite registrations desk after this time. If you purchase both Seat and Hotel packages using your account, you will be able to unregister and receive a full refund up until 3 weeks before the event. After this stage, the Hotel portion of the package is non-refundable.
Players who register using PokerStars account funds will be considered PokerStars players and we reserve the right to require them to wear a PokerStars logo during the event. Players will also be subject to onsite cash payout restrictions (specified upon event registration). Any winning amount above the Cash Maximum payout will be deposited to the PokerStars account used to buy in.
PokerStars buy-in via the client, using funds from your account, is open to PokerStars account holders (excluding .ES, .IT and .FR). For more information on how to register if you have a .ES, .FR or a .IT account email registrations@pslive.com.
With PokerStars FPPs
If you have reached the Supernova level of the PokerStars VIP Club. For more details please contact vipclub@pokerstars.com. Please remember, if you use your FPPs to buy into this event, you will be required to wear PokerStars clothing while you play.
On Site
You can buy in directly at Atlantis with $10,300 in cash.
By Wire
For more details on buying in using a wire transfer please e-mail registrations@pslive.com
Yes, there are. Everyone buying directly from their PokerStars account needs to adhere to the following rules:
If you have a PokerStars.com or PokerStars.eu account – Yes. You will be able to withdraw funds at the PokerStars bank, There is a maximum withdrawal limit of $10,000 per day.
Any account which is not PokerStars.eu or PokerStars.com cannot withdraw funds during the PCA.
If you have a PokerStars.com or PokerStars.eu account – Yes. You will be able to deposit funds using the PokerStars Bank. There is no limit on the amount you can deposit.
Any account which is not PokerStars.eu or PokerStars.com cannot deposit funds during the PCA.
There will be a large variety of side events running at the PCA. See the PCA Schedule page to find out more, with the full schedule set to be announced soon.
From your PokerStars Account.
Side event registration through your PokerStars account will open later in the year once the full schedule is announced.
On Site
Registration will be open every day for all the MTT side tournaments. Sit & Go’s and cash games will also be available.
Yes. Please email registrations@pslive.com for further instructions.
Yes. There will be super-satellites available on-site. See the PCA Schedule page to find out more.
You can still purchase an entry directly before the start of the event subject to availability.
Yes. We will have two starting flights on the first two days of the tournament, Day 1A Monday, January 7 and Day 1B Tuesday, January 8.
Yes, If you have qualified or bought-in, you can pick your start day by registering for Day 1A or Day 1B dummy tournament on the PokerStars client. Just go to Events > PCA > Qualifiers. Players not picking a start day or qualifying in the week prior to the event will be assigned a start day by the organizers. If you buy in with cash in advance simply advise registrations of your chosen start day.
The Day 1A, first flight, will be on Monday, January 7.
Yes. There will be a Party and all players are allowed to bring one guest. PokerStars Supernova Elites will be allowed to bring two guests.
Take a look at the Main Event blind structure page.
Yes, if the event hasn’t sold out. You may buy in directly until cards are in the air on the day of the second flight.
Yes. There will be cash games of various limits and a selection of other tournaments you can play. Take a look at the PCA schedule for more.
Smoking is not permitted inside the tournament area as per Atlantis policy. All games and tournaments are strictly non-smoking.
Yes. All travellers, travelling to and from The Bahamas, need to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality. Make sure you start working to get your passport now should you require one; it can take a long time to get your passport. It is your responsibility to have proper documentation. We have provided links to some passport services below. If your country is not listed, simply Google the word "passport" and the name of your country to find your local passport service.
• United Kingdom passport information
• Canada passport information
You can learn more about Atlantis at www.atlantis.com.
We will allow you to take a portion in cash. The rest can be deposited into your PokerStars account or wired directly to your bank account. Players will be subjected to a Maximum Cash Payout Rule.
It is also very important to note that you are not allowed to carry more than $10,000 through Customs without declaring it. Bahamas Customs are known to be very strict with regards to this rule.
No. You are responsible for your own tax affairs in your local jurisdiction, please ensure you are aware of such obligations in relation to your winnings.
Yes, 3% of the majority of prize pools will be reserved for dealers and tournament staff. You are more than welcome to contribute any additional amount you like from your winnings.
The PCA has strict rules on the wearing of branded logos by players during PCA. Please check the Rules and Regulations page.
Some PCA events are televised, including a featured 'show' table. The PCA TV show is produced by Halfords Media UK Ltd, Tours Productions and is broadcast on terrestrial and TV channels across the world. All PCA contestants are obliged to sign a TV waiver form before play commences. Any player who does not sign the TV waiver will not be allowed to participate in the tournament.
To book accommodation at the Atlantis please emails pca@meridican.com. For all other hotels please contact the hotel directly.