Australian Poker Hall of Famer Gary Benson Banned from the Remainder of the 2026 WSOP

Australian Poker Hall of Famer Gary Benson says he has been banned from competing in the remainder of the 2026 World Series of Poker after being escorted from the tournament venue by security following a dispute over tax documentation for one of his Australian clients.

The decision ends Benson’s 2026 WSOP campaign after a successful series that saw him record eight cashes worth more than US$96,000.

Should the decision stand, Benson will miss the remainder of the series, including the prestigious US$10,000 WSOP World Championship Main Event.

The ban may also have implications for the popular $25K Fantasy Draft, where Benson owns the “Trump Power” fantasy team, although despite the solid performance by Gary the team currently sits 21^st place out of 24 Fantasy teams.

Who is Gary Benson?

Gary Benson is one of Australia’s most recognisable poker players, currently ranked 20^th All-Time Money List with over US$2.8M in tournament cashes, including a WSOP Bracelet in Seven-Card Stud, one of the inaugural members of the Australian Poker Hall of Fame and a regular at Mixed Games Academy events back home. Benson has also worked as a Chartered Accountant for more than 40 years and has specialised in US tax matters for Australian poker players for over three decades.

He says he has assisted hundreds of Australian players with US tax obligations after cashing in tournaments across the United States.

The incident also comes just two years after Australian Poker Schedule campaigned for greater transparency surrounding the unexplained exclusion of several Australian poker players, including Benson, from The Star Entertainment Group casinos, highlighting the importance of clear communication when decisions prevent players from competing.

What Happened?

According to Benson, the incident occurred after one of his Australian tax clients asked him to accompany him while collecting tournament winnings.

Benson says tournament staff required the player to sign a tax declaration stating he was not carrying on a trade or business in the United States.

Acting in his capacity as the player’s accountant, Benson says he advised his client not to sign a declaration that he believed was inaccurate.

According to Benson, tournament staff advised the player he would not receive his winnings unless the form was signed.

Benson says he attempted to resolve the matter with WSOP officials before later collecting his own tournament winnings.

He says that as he left the payout area he was approached by WSOP Executive Director Jack Effel, WSOP Operations Director Andy Rich and several security personnel.

According to Benson, Effel informed him that he had “gone too far”, that his 2026 WSOP was over, and that he was not welcome back for the remainder of this year’s series before security escorted him from the venue.

A Long Running Disagreement

Benson says the incident was the culmination of a long-running disagreement with the WSOP over the tax forms required from international professional poker players.

According to Benson, he believes qualifying professional players should be able to complete alternative IRS documentation, while Caesars Entertainment maintains its current tax procedures are correct.

Benson says he had previously discussed the issue with senior WSOP officials earlier in the series and believed both parties had agreed to revisit the matter after the conclusion of the 2026 WSOP.

Benson Speaks

In a Facebook post published after the incident, Benson wrote:

“Banned! I managed to pickup 8 cashes for just over $96k before WSOP tournament director, Jack Effel decided last Thursday that I should be banned from the rest of the series for helping my tax client with his cash out and advising not to perjure himself by signing a certification saying he was not a professional gambler.”

When asked in the comments what would happen if a player refused to sign the paperwork, Benson replied:

“They won’t pay you your prize money, so it’s sign under duress or don’t get paid.”

Benson says he hopes to be allowed to return to the WSOP in 2027.

In an email Benson says he sent to WSOP Executive Director Jack Effel following the incident, he requested the decision be reconsidered, writing that at no time had he ever been rude or disrespectful to him or any WSOP staff and he believed “the punishment here far exceeds the crime” and asking to be allowed to continue competing.

WSOP Contacted for Comment

Australian Poker Schedule has contacted the World Series of Poker seeking comment regarding Benson’s exclusion from the remainder of the 2026 WSOP and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This article will be updated if a response is received.