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World Series of Poker

Review · Card · PlayStation 2 · PSP · Xbox

World Series of Poker

Reviewed: 13 May 2026

PlayStation 2 · PSP · Xbox · GameCube · PC

Activision · 2005

Ludograph rating

C

Mixed

51 /100

Automated review

World Series of Poker helps kids develop strategic thinking and critical analysis through virtual poker, though it simulates gambling.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 39 · R 28
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

39

Risk (RIS)

28

Daily limit

90min

Age guidance

13+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.62
B2Social-emotional
0.20
B3Motor
0.10

World Series of Poker offers a challenging and engaging experience that hones strategic thinking, critical analysis, and emotional regulation skills. Players learn probability and decision-making in a competitive environment, with the added benefit of character customization.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.53
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.17

While free from modern monetization and social risks, the game's core mechanic of gambling, even with virtual currency, could potentially foster habits associated with variable rewards and loss aversion. Players may experience competitive toxicity and social comparison related to in-game success and character appearance.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
0.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.00
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.00
R4.6Simulated Gambling
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

ReviewedMay 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is World Series of Poker safe for kids?

Ludograph gives World Series of Poker a rating of 51/100, recommended for ages 13 and up. It delivers genuine benefits but carries design risks that deserve a close look.

What age is World Series of Poker appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 13+ for World Series of Poker, based on benefits, risks, and content review. That is stricter than ESRB E10+, because our assessment weighs behavioral design risks, not just content.

How long should kids play World Series of Poker?

Our session recommendation for World Series of Poker is up to 90 minutes per day. It is derived from the game's own structure (natural stopping points, compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, and social dynamics), not from a universal screen-time dose.

Session recommendations are design-based heuristics. Evidence linking specific daily durations to child outcomes is limited, and context matters as much as time; treat this as a starting point for household rules, not a clinical threshold.

What are the main risks of World Series of Poker?

While free from modern monetization and social risks, the game's core mechanic of gambling, even with virtual currency, could potentially foster habits associated with variable rewards and loss aversion. Players may experience competitive toxicity and social comparison related to in-game success and character appearance.