Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Latin American Poker Tour?

A. The PokerStars.net Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) is a series of major poker tournaments conducted throughout the Lain America region. The first season of the LAPT starts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from May 3-5, 2008. LAPT events take place in some of the most exotic destinations in the region.

Q. When and where are the LAPT Season 1 events taking place?

The LAPT reserves the right to cancel or alter details of listed events at its discretion.

Q. What is the structure for Latin American Poker Tour events?

A. Most LAPT events are three-day tournaments. The $2,500 buy-in main events will incorporate a 20,000 chip start bank and 60 minute levels, with slowly increasing blind levels. Please click LAPT structure for details.

Q. Will there be side events, Sit & Go's and cash games at all LAPT events?

A. Yes, at LAPT San José (Costa Rica) and Punta del Este (Uruguay), there will be side events, S&Gs and cash games, based on demand. However, because of Brazilian legal restrictions, there will be no side events or cash games at LAPT Rio.

Q. Why has the LAPT tournament fee been waived for LAPT Rio?

A. As the Brazilian government imposes a 30% tax on all tournament winnings, the LAPT is waiving its $200 tournament fee for LAPT Rio.

Q. What is the tax situation in Brazil?

A. According to the Brazilian Income tax regulation there is a 30% withholding income tax due on any cash winnings on any tournaments held in Brazil. The withholding income tax is due regardless of whether the winner is a Brazilian or a foreign national and regardless of the country of residence of the foreign national. Nevertheless the Brazilian withholding income tax can be recognized as a tax credit in the country where the foreign national has its residence.

Brazil has double taxation treaties with several countries which guarantee the tax credit in the foreign country.



With respect to Canadian residents, article 22 of the double taxation treaty (Brazilian Decree 92.318 of January 23rd., 1986) assures that the tax paid in Brazil will be recognized by the Canadian tax authorities as a tax credit.

With respect to the United States of America, even though there is no double taxation treaty signed, Brazil has entered into a Reciprocity Agreement with the US Government, which also assures that the tax withhold in Brazil will be acknowledge as a tax credit by the US tax authorities. In both cases, the tax receipt shall be certified by the corresponding consulates in order to be accepted by the foreign tax authorities.

Q. What poker game will be played in the LAPT main events?

A. The main events will all be No Limit Hold'em. At some venues, side events, Sit & Go tournaments or cash games may be spread in other poker variants, such as Stud or Omaha.

Q. What is the buy-in for LAPT events?

A. The buy-in for most LAPT events is USD 2,500 (or its equivalent in local currency) plus fee in some cases. All main events are freezeouts.

Q. Is there an agreement I need to sign to appear in an LAPT event?

A. Yes. A condition of entry into any tournament on the LAPT will be the completion and signing of a broadcast release form.

Q. Can I play even if I don't sign the agreement?

A. No. The release form is a requirement for participation in any LAPT event.

Q. How old do I have to be to participate?

A. Brazil: 18 | Costa Rica: tbc | Uruguay: 18.

Q. How much does it cost to enter?

A. We encourage you to win your entry by playing in one of the qualifying satellite tournaments on PokerStars. Satellites buy-ins start from as little as $2.20. Click on the PokerStars tournament lobby, click on "Events" and "LAPT" for satellites to the events. If you fail to qualify and would still like to play in an LAPT event, you may buy directly into tournaments in advance (to guarantee your seat) or at the venue on the day of the event. Details for advance buy-ins are available for each event on their respective pages. Please note that capacity is limited at all events.

Q. Can I buy into an LAPT tournament using W$?

A. Yes. Players may buy in to LAPT events using W$ providing they have PlatinumStar or Supernova VIP status on PokerStars. This service depends on availability. Requests for W$ direct buy-ins must be submitted to registrations@pokerstars.net and requests need to be received before the final online qualifying tournament on PokerStars. Capacity is limited, so to avoid disappointment, please notify the LAPT as soon as possible if you want to buy-in directly. Players may buy seat-only packages at the going exchange rate on the day of registration, or they may also buy LAPT accommodation packages - depending on availability.

All W$ buy-ins to LAPT events will be PokerStars sponsored players for that LAPT event, and they are required to wear PokerStars logo gear for the duration of the tournament.

Q. Can I buy into a satellite on PokerStars using T$?

A. No.

Q. Can I sell my seat if I win a satellite or freeroll on PokerStars?

A. No. You must play the first seat you win. If you are fortunate enough to win additional seats, your PokerStars account will be credited with W$ for the package price, and the spending allowance will be credited in cash.

Q. Can I cash-in my seat for W$ or transfer it to a friend if I win a satellite or freeroll on PokerStars?

A. No. LAPT seats are non-transferrable and non-refundable.

Q. I won! What do I do now?

A. You will receive an email from the LAPT describing the basics of the package and telling you what to do next.

Q. My package included spending money. What's that for?

A. The LAPT prize package includes the tournament buy-in, four nights accommodation and spending money intended to help cover your air fare and taxis. The spending money is credited to your PokerStars account. You will need to make your own travel arrangements, and we encourage you to do this early as prices increase significantly if you don't book in advance.

Q. Will I have access to my PokerStars account to get cash while I'm attending an LAPT event?

A. No. Please bring all the cash you need for incidentals and side play.

Q. Is my food included in the price of the trip?

A. No.

Q. Do I need a passport to attend an LAPT event?

A. Yes. All players travelling abroad will need a passport and citizens of some countries will need visas. Please check the relevant event page and/or consult your travel agent. PokerStars and the LAPT are not responsible if you have failed to make the necessary arrangements regarding your visa and are denied entry to the country.

Q. I have won a PokerStars LAPT prize package (including seat, hotel and spending money) - can I bring a guest?

A. Yes. If you have qualified for the tournament through PokerStars, your prize package includes a double room where your guest may sleep at no extra cost. However, all other costs incurred by your guest will not be covered in your prize package.

Q. I have won a PokerStars LAPT prize package - do I have a hotel reservation?

A. If you have won a PokerStars package online, your hotel room will be booked by PokerStars and you do not need to do anything except book and pay for your flight. You will receive confirmation regarding your hotel accommodation shortly. Players who have bought seats directly will have to make their own accommodation arrangements.

Q. What clothes should I bring?

A. LAPT events are held at luxury hotels, so please wear appropriate clothing. However, there is no specific dress code for LAPT tournaments. Please bring appropriate clothing for the destination country's climate!

Q. What is the currency in the countries where LAPT events are being held?

A. Please see the event-specific pages for details and approximate exchange rates. For up-to-the-minute exchange rates, click http://www.xe.com.

Q. What payment methods can I use for direct buy-ins?

A. Players who would like to register in advance for an event (and be guaranteed a seat) should e-mail registrations@pokerstars.net to receive instructions on sending their payment by wire transfer or bank draft.

Q. Will I need special identification to enter the tournament?

A. Yes. Please bring your passport with you in order to register.

Q. What logos am I allowed to wear?

A. The Latin American Poker Tour has strict rules on the wearing of branded logos by players at LAPT events. Please click Rules and Regulations.

Q. Will I appear on the Internet or television?

A. A video blog team will be filming at all Season 1 LAPT events. All LAPT contestants are obliged to sign a broadcast waiver form before play commences. Any player who does not sign the broadcast waiver will not be allowed to participate in the tournament.