Since the 1930s, the United States has had a strong reputation for being a gaming hub. Thousands of players from across the globe flock to places like Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City to try their hand at classic games like blackjack, slots, roulette, and the ever-famous poker.
Because poker is one of the most popular games in America, gaming establishments everywhere have created facilities specifically for poker. Poker rooms across the country allow poker fans to challenge one another over cash games and tournaments. Below, we’ve provided a list of the best poker destinations in America.
Nevada
Naturally, the single best destination for poker in America is the desert state of Nevada, the home of gaming cities Reno and Las Vegas. The establishments along the Las Vegas Strip, such as the Aria Resort and Casino, The Venetian, and The Bellagio, have some of the most luxurious poker rooms in the world. Las Vegas, specifically the Rio All-Suite Hotel Las Vegas, is also the venue for the World Series of Poker, which is considered to be the single most important poker event in the world. WSOP consists of 80 tournaments, including the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Championship, also known as the Main Event.
California
The sunny state of California is known for being a romantic destination, and is often scouted for destination weddings. The North has breathtaking mountain views, while the South is better known for its relaxing beaches. However, its most famous city, Los Angeles, is best known for its entertainment — and that includes gaming options.
If Las Vegas has some of the most luxurious poker rooms in the world, Los Angeles in California has some of the biggest. The famous La-La Land is home to the Bicycle Casino, Commerce Casino, and The Gardens Casino, which each have poker rooms exceeding 150 tables. Establishments of such scale guarantee that poker players can go straight to the action and challenge opponents of any level.
New Jersey
If the West Coast has Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the East Coast has Atlantic City. The New Jersey city gets thousands of visitors every year, and despite previous pandemic restrictions, its gaming operations generated $422 million in revenue in 2021. Leaders are optimistic that the city will only continue to grow.
When it comes to poker, Atlantic City’s most famous establishments include Borgata, the 85-table poker room that once hosted the World Poker Tour; Bally’s Atlantic City, a 42-table room that occasionally hosts the WSOP Circuit National Championship, and Golden Nugget Atlantic City, a small, 10-table poker room that aims to deliver great poker experiences to people who want a more intimate feel.
Florida
The state of Florida also has a number of exciting poker rooms. However, in comparison to other states, which keep their gaming establishments concentrated within one city, the poker rooms in Florida are more spread out. Two of its most famous poker establishments are the dog racing tracks Ebro Greyhound in Ebro and Derby Lane in St. Petersburg. Both host games of popular variants like Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker.
America’s a great place to visit if you’re a fan of poker. From California and Nevada to the West and Florida and New Jersey in the East, there are many great poker establishments to see.
