PCA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure?
The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) is the biggest poker festival outside of Las Vegas, with over 50 events. It is also an official European Poker Tour (EPT), Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and Latin America Poker Tour (LAPT) event. The PCA will be held at the Atlantis Resort and Casino January 4-14, 2010.
Is there an agreement I need to sign to play in any of the PCA events?
Yes. A condition of entry into any tournament on the PCA will be the completion and signing of a waiver form. To receive a copy of the waiver form prior to the Event please e-mail pca@pokerstars.com.
Can I play even if I don't sign the waiver form?
No. The waiver form is a requirement for participation in any of the events.
How old do I have to be to participate?
You must be 18 years of age or above to participate in PCA events.
How much does it cost to play at the events?
The events have a variety of buy-ins. Please check the PCA Schedule for full details.
How much does it cost to play the Main Event?
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.
How do players qualify on PokerStars for the Main Event?
You may qualify one of four ways:
• Win one of our cash satellites.
• Win one of our Frequent Player Point or Tournament Leader Board events.
• Win one of the 27 packages being given away in the PCA Freeroll Fantasy
• Buy directly into the event for $10,000 + $300.
Can I purchase a Main Event package?
Yes, there are five ways in which you can purchase a package:
From your PokerStars Account
We are allowing players to buy the PCA Main Event Package (Seat only, Seat + Hotel + Food Credit or Seat + Hotel) directly from their PokerStars account from December 1, 2009. Simply go to the Tournament Lobby, click ‘Events’ > ‘PCA’ > ‘Qualifiers’ and chose from:
• PCA: List of Direct Buy-Ins – for purchasing the PCA Main Event Seat + Hotel + Food Credit Package
• PCA: List of Direct Buy-Ins [seat only] – to purchase the $10,300 Main Event Entry only
• PCA: List of Direct Buy-Ins [seat + hotel only] – to purchase the PCA Main Event Seat + Hotel Package
NOTE: You can unregister from the Main Event on the client up until three hours before the start of the event. After this time you will not be able to unregister.
With PokerStars T$
Provided you are a PlatinumStar VIP or higher. If you meet this criterion, then you may purchase either the PCA package ($15,130) or just the tournament buy-in ($10,300) with T$. Otherwise, you will have to win your way into the PCA via a PokerStars satellite. Of course, you may use your T$ to buy into our PCA satellites. Please remember, if you use your T$ to buy into this event, you are required to wear PokerStars clothing while you play. If you are interested in buying with T$ please send your request to registrations@pokerstars.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@pokerstars.com
Are there are any specific rules for buying directly from my PokerStars account?
Yes, there are. Everyone buying directly from their PokerStars account needs to adhere to the following rules:
• Once you register for Main Event or any of the side tournaments, you can only unregister up until three hours prior to the start of the event.
• Any player buying a PCA Seat + Hotel or PCA Seat + Hotel + Food Credit package and wishing to unregister, will be allowed to receive a full refund up to three weeks before the start of the event (December 15, 2009). After that time, unregistrations will still be processed but we can’t guarantee that we will be able to refund the Hotel cost. We will have to contact the Hotel and see if we can sell the room to someone else.
• Players buying in directly through their PokerStars account are still subject to the PCA Terms & Conditions
• Players buying directly through their PokerStars account are considered sponsored PokerStars players and may be required to wear PokerStars logo clothing throughout the tournament.
• Any winnings will be paid directly to players’ PokerStars accounts with a maximum of $10,000 being allowed to be taken in cash.
What other tournaments will there be 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.
How can I buy into the PCA side tournaments?
From your PokerStars Account, starting December 1, 2009.
Go to the ‘Events’ > ‘PCA’ > ‘Qualifiers’ tab in the PokerStars lobby to see a list of side events that you can buy-in to online.
On Site
Registration will be open every day for all the MTT side tournaments. Sit & Go’s and cash games will also be available
Can I purchase a package by wiring funds?
Yes. Please email registrations@pokerstars.com for further instructions
Can I win an entry once I'm in The Bahamas?
Yes. There will be super-satellites available on-site. See the PCA Schedule page to find out more.
What if I don't manage to win a seat in the super-satellites?
You can still purchase an entry directly before the start of the event subject to availability.
Will there be more than one starting "flight" at the Main Event?
Yes. We will have two starting flights on the first two days of the tournament, Tuesday, January 5 and Wednesday, January 6.
Can I choose my Main Event starting flight day?
You can request a start day up until a week before the start of the event. Do this by e-mailing registrations@pokerstars.com
What day does the Main Event actually start?
The Day 1A, first flight, will be on Tuesday, January 5.
Will there be a Party? Can I bring a guest?
Yes. There will be a Party and all players are allowed to bring one adult guest.
What is the blind structure and prize structure for the Main Event?
Take a look at the Main Event blind structure page.
Can I buy in into the second flight after the first day starts?
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.
Will there be other poker games and tournaments I can play while in The Bahamas?
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.
Is smoking allowed at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure?
Smoking is not permitted inside the tournament area as per Atlantis policy. All games and tournaments are strictly non-smoking.
Do I need a passport to get to the Bahamas?
Yes. All travellers, including U.S. citizens travelling to and from The Bahamas, need to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements. The U.S. Government offers an expedited service whereby a passport can be obtained in about two weeks. Make sure you start working to get your passport now; because of the changes, 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
Where can I find out more details about the Atlantis resort?
You can learn more about Atlantis at www.atlantis.com.
How will I get paid if I win the tournament?
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.
Will taxes be withheld from my winnings?
No. You are personally responsible for paying all required taxes in your home country on your winnings.
Will money be withheld from the prize pool for dealer tokes?
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.
What logos am I allowed to wear?
The PCA has strict rules on the wearing of branded logos by players during PCA. Please check the Rules and Regulations page.
Will I appear on television?
It's possible! Some PCA events are televised, including a featured 'show' table. The PCA TV show is produced by Kawa 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.
How do I book accommodation?
To book accommodation at the Atlantis please emails pokerstars@meridican.com. For all other hotels please contact the hotel directly.