Erik Seidel considering semi-retirement in wake of U.S. tax bill changes
The 10-time WSOP bracelet winner and Poker Hall of Famer Erik Seidel has taken to social media to explain his decision to step back from a full-time poker schedule in the New Year.
One of poker’s favorite sons, Erik Seidel, is considering semi-retirement with the United States tax laws set to change in 2026.
Donald Trump set out his ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in 2025 and many players were concerned that it would mean the end to their professional careers, with a year without profit potentially having devastating consequences.
Seidel, a renowned player in the game since his dramatic defeat heads-up to Johnny Chan in the 1988 WSOP Main Event World Championship, has decided that enough is enough and even outlined his intention to seek alternative employment on X.
Very concerned about the tax change next year. It’ll put me in semi-retirement. Open to any opportunities, especially if it involves traveling to new spots. DM here or on IG
— Erik Seidel (@Erik_Seidel) December 8, 2025
Seidel’s threat is being taken very seriously by his peers and has been discussed at length, with poker players reaching out to politicians since the announcement of potential changes to tax laws earlier this year. So far, nothing has been able to stop Trump's plans, and Seidel has decided that if he is to semi-retire, then taking the next step in his career should come sooner rather than later.
Is Seidel the first to jump ship?
Seidel, one of poker’s most beloved players, could be the first casualty of poker’s inability to block the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’. Phil Galfond warned that other players will drop away from the game if their losses were only 90% tax deductible rather than 100%. After previous dark days in poker’s history such as the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) in 2006, Black Friday in 2011 and the COVID pandemic of 2020 and 2021, another one may be coming.
On each of those occasions, poker rode out a difficult situation by turning to alternate means. COVID forced players online, Black Friday necessitated moves abroad for some. But as a U.S. tax resident, Seidel seemingly believes no feasible plan exists for him to remain a poker professional. If it is the beginning of the end for one of poker’s most affable winners, this would be a sad way for it to happen.
Back in September, Nevada representative and Democrat Dina Titus proposed a revision the gambling tax but her suggestion for a policy change was rejected by the Rules Committee within the U.S. House of Representatives. At the time, she vowed to continue the fight, saying: “[I will] continue to build support to restore the 100% gambling loss deduction.”
With each day that passes, more poker players of Seidel’s lofty level are likely to question what steps they need to take next should the bill be passed.
