If you’re a poker enthusiast with some woodwork skills, prop poker chips or cards might not be the most challenging projects on your list. However, they’re definitely among the most useful ones if you often host home games.
But what if you take it up a notch? What if you built an automatic poker table or a chip sorting machine? Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? But trust me; it’s doable! Today, we’ll look into some coolest poker project ideas that will undoubtedly take your gaming experience to another level!
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Before we jump to the project ideas, let’s see why making poker props by yourself is awesome. First and foremost, these projects will make you stand out from the crowd. Have you ever attended a home game where the owner had an automatic poker table and a robot dealer? I bet you haven’t! Unique experiences are one of the things that make poker so attractive, and these projects provide just that.
Furthermore, building your own poker props will save you money in the long run. Of course, if you hire an expert carpenter to make the projects for you, it might not be cheaper than buying quality poker props. Still, if you have the necessary tools and skills, you won’t have to invest money in these items anymore. DIY projects also allow you to customise every detail, which brings us to the next benefit.
Mobile Casino Management Tips from Industry ExpertsYou can personalise the projects according to your taste and game specifications. For instance, if you often organise home games with players who misuse the capping technique, you could build custom caps to stop them from being annoying.
Finally, these projects are fun! There’s no better way to unwind after a busy workday than spending a few hours in your basement, covered in sawdust, and creating something cool and useful.
Where to Buy Poker Prop Plans?
If you are new to this and don’t know where to start, don’t worry - many people have already walked this road, and you can find plenty of ready-made plans online. These plans contain all the details, measurements, and illustrations needed to bring your project to life. There are free and paid options, so choose wisely depending on your budget and skills.
One of the most popular websites offering poker prop plans is Etsy. This online marketplace has a wide variety of plans designed by experienced poker makers. The great thing about Etsy is that you can communicate directly with the sellers if you have any questions or special requests. Plus, you can read customer reviews to ensure the plans are clear and accurate.
Golden Nugget Casino Bonus Code & Promotion (NJ, MI, VA) ReviewAnother option is Instructables, a website that allows users to share their DIY projects and instructions. Here, you can find both free and paid plans, as well as step-by-step videos. The community is very active, so you can ask for help if you get stuck.
Amazon is also a great resource, especially if you prefer physical plans instead of digital ones. Several independent sellers offer print-on-demand booklets with detailed instructions and diagrams.
And finally, social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can connect you with skilled poker makers who may be willing to sell or share their plans. Just be cautious when providing your personal information and never send money via non-secure channels.
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Now that you know how to get your hands on some solid prop plans let’s look at ten of the coolest poker project ideas. From a simple chip stack monitor to a sophisticated voice-controlled poker stream bot, there’s something for every skill level and budget. So grab your toolbox and let’s get started!
1. Chip Stack Monitor
This nifty gadget will display each player’s chip count automatically, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual checks. All you have to do is attach seven Raspberry Pi displays above the poker table and program them to sync with a central system. The screens will constantly update the chip amounts, so you can focus on the action without any interruptions.
The best part is that you can customise the design to match your decor. How about attaching small plastic poker chips over the displays for an extra touch? Your players will surely appreciate the professional vibe of your home game. And if someone tries to steal chips, you’ll instantly know who the culprit is!
Materials:
- 7 x Raspberry Pi Zero W + Case
- 7 x 2.2” TFT SPI Resistive Touchscreen + Female Header
- 1 x Breadboard Power Supply 5V/3A (Optional)
- 7 x Jumper Wires Male to Female
- 7 x Small Wooden Displays
- 7 x Double Face Tape
- Soldering iron, soldering wire, screwdriver
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Estimated Cost: $400
Time Needed: 80 hours
Where to Buy: Element14
2. Chip Sorting Machine
Have you ever mixed up the values of your poker chips and felt the shame? Fear not, as this clever device will sort your ceramic disks according to colour and density, ensuring a flawless game every time. It works like a charm with up to 300 chips of different denominations.
The machine consists of a vibrating platform, a suction cup, and a sorting track. When you feed the chip into the hopper, the vibration separates it by value, and the suction cups guide it to the corresponding output. It’s like magic, but way more practical!
Materials:
- 1x Arduino Uno Rev3
- 1x Vibrating Motor 6V
- 1x Stepper motor 12V
- 1x Solenoid Valve 12V
- 3x Linear bearings 12mm inner diameter
- 2x Ball bearings 6mm inner diameter
- 1x Acrylic glass 305×210 mm
- 1x Aluminium profile 1500×210 mm
- 1x Wood board 305×210 mm
- Wire, glue, screws, plastics
Difficulty Level: Expert
Estimated Cost: $300
Time Needed: 120 hours
Where to Buy: Instructables Premium
3. Charging Docks for Wireless Phone Charge Cards
These cute docks will keep your players’ phone charges handy and organized. No more messy cables or lost adapters! Each dock fits a standard wireless phone charge card, so you don’t have to drill holes in the table. Plus, the round shape adds a stylish touch to your setup.
To make the docks more appealing, you can paint them in your favourite poker colours or add some felt pads to prevent scratching. Your guests will certainly appreciate this thoughtful gesture, and you’ll earn bonus points for attention to detail.
Materials:
- 4x Aluminum Angle 1"x 18"
- 4x Acetal Round Rod 1" Diameter x 6" Long
- 4x #8-32 x 1/2" Pan Head Phillips Shelder Zinc
- 4x #8-32 x 3/8" Pan Head Phillips Cup Point Steel Screws
- 4x Delron 1/8"x 6"x 6"
- Felt sheets
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $90
Time Needed: 30 hours
Where to Buy: Thingiverse
4. Automatic Card Dealer With Raspberry Pi & Servos
Impress your poker buddies with this high-tech dealer that shuffles, deals, and even talks like a pro! The secret ingredient is a Raspberry Pi mini computer connected to six servomotors and a speaker. Using a GUI interface, you can program the deck size, dealing speed, and verbal comments. The possibilities are endless!
To enhance the realism, you can use real playing cards and a card protector holder. Just make sure to oil the servos regularly to avoid wear and tear. This project requires some electronics knowledge, but the result is worth the effort. Are you ready to revolutionise your home games?
Free Real Money Slot Apps with No Wagering Requirements (2023)Materials:
- 1x Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
- 1x 7″ HDMI Display with Camera Module
- 6x Micro Servo 9g
- 1x Breadboard Power Supply 5V/3A
- 1x Speaker 8Ω 3W
- 1x Cardboard Box
- Jumper Wires Male to Female
- Screwdriver, hot glue gun
Difficulty Level: Expert
Estimated Cost: $300
Time Needed: 150 hours
Where to Buy: Hobby Components
5. Hole Cards Holder Arm
If you’ve ever played poker, you know how awkward it is to hold your hole cards by yourself. Not only does it strain your muscles, but it also exposes them to sneaky glances. Well, say goodbye to those days with this nifty arm that securely holds your precious cards.
Made of sturdy aluminium tubes and laser-cut acrylic plates, this holder can rotate, tilt, and extend to fit different playing styles. You can also adjust the tension of the spring for a firmer grip. Your opponents better watch out, as your hole cards are now invincible!
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- 1x Laser cut acrylic sheet
- 2x Aluminum tube 19mm outer diameter × 12mm wall thickness × 200mm length
- 1x Aluminum angle 19mm × 180mm × 12mm
- 1x Aluminum plate M6 178×38 mm
- 2x Spring φ3.175×15mm
- 2x M6x10mm pan head button cap stainless steel
- 2x M6x20mm pan head button cap stainless steel
- 1x Nylon bolt M6x20mm
- 1x Nylon nut M6
- 4x 6-32 pan head button cap zinc
- 4x 6-32 cup point steel machine screw
- 4x M3x8mm pan head button cap stainless steel
- 4x M3x16mm pan head button cap stainless steel
- 1x Aluminium plate M3 70×14 mm
- 1x Aluminium L-shape bracket 15mm × 25mm × 12mm
- 1x Delrin ball 10mm diameter
- Silicone sheet, thread locker, hot melt glue
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $170
Time Needed: 60 hours
Where to Buy: Thingiverse
6. Poker Stream Bot Controlled by Voice or Mobile App
Are you tired of filming your home games manually? Do your arms ache after hours of handheld streaming? Fret not, as this robot got your back… or should I say, your camera?! Equipped with a Raspberry Pi, a webcam, and some servos, it can pan, tilt, and zoom according to your commands.
You can control it via voice assistance like Alexa or Google Assistant or a user-friendly Android app. Want to show the dealer’s face? Say “Alexa, tell the bot to pan left!” Done. Close-up on the river card? “Google, tell the bot to zoom in!” Relax and enjoy the game while the bot does the heavy lifting.
Materials:
- 1x Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
- 1x 7″ HDMI Display with Camera Module
- 2x Micro Servo 9g
- 1x Stepper Motor 12V 200 steps/rev
- 1x Breadboard Power Supply 5V/3A
- 1x Webcam
- Speaker 8Ω 3W
- Jumper Wires Male to Female
- Screwdriver, hot glue gun
Difficulty Level: Expert
Estimated Cost: $350
Time Needed: 180 hours
Where to Buy: Hobby Components
7. Under Table Chip Transport System
Forget about boring chip trays that clutter your table! This sleek transport system slides discreetly under the table, connecting up to eight players and preventing chip stealing or blocking. Made of high-quality materials and smooth bearings, it moves silently and effortlessly.
You can install transparent acrylic windows to check the chip amount or add LED strips for a futuristic touch. Your friends will marvel at your engineering skills and thank you for the improved game flow. Next stop, World Poker Tour!
Materials:
- 8x Linear bearing 12mm inner diameter
- 8x 3D printed wheel with M3x8mm metal thread
- 8x M3x8mm pan head button cap stainless steel
- 8x 6-32 pan head button cap zinc
- 4x M3x16mm pan head button cap stainless steel
- Aluminium extrusion 38.1×125x150mm
- Acrylic glass 380×75 mm
- LED strip 5050 50 cm
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $250
Time Needed: 50 hours
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8. Customised Poker Caps
Every good poker game needs some friendly competition, and what better way than customised caps for each player? You can choose any material you like – from felt for a classic touch to plastic for durability. Then, use a vinyl cutter to apply your nickname, national flag, or favourite poker quote.
Not only do these caps add flair to your head but also your stack! Match the colour to your chips for instant identification or mix it up for some banter. Trust me; there’s nothing like telling your opponent, “Sorry, that bet is on my hat!” and actually meaning it.
Materials:
- 4x A4 Felt Sheets
- 4x Plastic Sheets
- 4x Cap
- Vinyl Sheets
- Vinyl Cutting Machine
- Scissors
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $100
Time Needed: 40 hours
Where to Buy: Cricut
9. Voice-Controlled Lighting System
Set the mood for your poker night with this enchanting lighting system that responds to your voice or music rhythm. Featuring colour-changing LED bulbs and a Raspberry Pi controlled by Alexa or other virtual assistants, it can simulate sunrise/sunset, flash on beat, or dim according to the table tension.
You can also use a mobile app to customise the patterns and sync with other smart home devices. Impress your guests with your tech savvy and create an immersive atmosphere that will elevate your poker experience to the max. Just don’t blame me if someone gets trapped in the “blue hour” and misses his or her blind!
Materials:
- 4x LED Downlight Non Dimmable 2700K – Daylight 5050
- 1x Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
- 1x USB Sound Module
- 1x Amazon Smart Plug
- 1x 7″ HDMI Display with Camera Module
- Jumper Wires Male to Female
- Screwdriver, hot glue gun
Difficulty Level: Expert
Estimated Cost: $450
Time Needed: 180 hours
Where to Buy: Cree LED
10. Robotic Poker Dealer
Are you ready to enter the realm of science fiction with this mind-blowing dealer that combines mechanical arms, suction cups, and a touch screen interface? Not only does it shuffle, deal, and discard cards with precision, but it can also announce betting rounds, timeouts, and showdown, sparing you the hassle of a human dealer.
Customise the settings via a user-friendly menu and impress your friends with your tech prowess. Ok, maybe it’s not as exciting as having a scantily clad girl delivering the cards, but it’s way more equalitarian and hygienic. Plus, imagine the priceless reaction when someone asks, “Can we get a real dealer, please?” and the robot replies in a monotone voice, “I am the real dealer.”
Materials:
- 1x Industrial robot ARM-200
- 1x Touch Screen 7"
- 6x Micro Servo 9g
- Breadboard Power Supply 5V/3A
- Speaker 8Ω 3W
- Jumper Wires Male to Female
- Screwdriver, hot glue gun
Difficulty Level: Insane
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Time Needed: 300 hours
Where to Buy: Seeed Studio
Final Thought: Which Project Is Most Popular Among Poker Players?
It's hard to pick a winner from this stellar lineup, isn't it? Each project offers a unique blend of functionality, creativity, and geekiness that can enhance your poker parties in different ways. But if I have to make a guess, the automatic card dealer with Raspberry Pi and servos seems to be the crowd pleaser. People love the idea of having a robot doing the grunt work while they focus on strategy and trash talk. Plus, the customisation options and verbal comments add a lot of personality and humour to the game.
0% Casino Bet MGM Withdrawal Fee 2023 - The Biggest SurpriseThat being said, your preferences and skills should also play a role in your decision-making process. If you're into lighting and sound effects, the voice-controlled lighting system or the poker stream bot might be more up your alley. Or maybe you want to start small and graduate to more complex projects. In that case, the charging docks or cap customiser would be a wise choice.
Ultimately, the goal is to inject some excitement and originality into your poker sessions and maybe inspire some memes. Who knows? Maybe the automatic card dealer will become so popular that they replace human dealers altogether and we'll all be playing against robots soon. I, for one, welcome our new poker overlords. Your turn! What project are you going to tackle first? Let us know in the comments below.
Bart Harrison loves being at the tables whether it’s fibre optic cable or fitting an extra socket. He is senior writer at PokerListings.
