Some people are quite content playing online, which is totally cool if that floats your boat. Yet there’s something special about live poker that just can’t be replicated on your computer or mobile device.
Maybe it’s the free drinks, nice decor, or fresh air (some places have outdoor poker). It could simply be the thrill of pushing real chips into a pot that determines cold hard cash. Every poker player should experience a live room at least once.
The only problem is not all brick-and-mortar card rooms measure up to expectations. Today I’ll be ranking the top venues across the United States to help you plan your excursions. Keep reading to see where the best live poker in the US can be found — and why.
10. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino – Biloxi, MS
MGM Resorts owns Beau Rivage, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone to hear that this Mississippi Gulf Coast resort offers high-end amenities. The poker room is no exception to that rule.
36 tables feature ultra-comfortable chairs, 85 inch monitors, and plenty of outlets to keep your devices charged. A rewarding M Life poker program seals the deal and makes Beau Rivage road trip worthy.
9. Triton Poker – Various Locations
Triton isn’t a single physical location like the rest of my choices but rather a traveling poker tournament series. Hosted by rich businessman Richard Yong, Triton Poker stops in exotic lands like Montenegro, Jeju, and Buddh Kristiania (an unrecognized state) to host some of the richest games in the world.
Billionaire chip stacks are commonplace as players like Daniel ‘Jaws’ Neagu, Paul Phua, and Alan Keeling gamble with sums that would make your head spin. If you want to watch billionaire Zhang Limeng skewering another million-dollar furnierie with a fork and knife, check out the Triton Poker live stream next time they’re on tour.
8. Bellagio Poker Room – Las Vegas, NV
How does the world’s most famous poker room sound? Of course I’m talking about the Bellagio, which has been immortalized in , on TV, and throughout pop culture in general. This iconic poker room offers exceptional service and great games 24/7.
Everyone from first-time visitors to elite professionals will enjoy what the Bellagio has to offer. Its central Strip location doesn’t hurt either, seeing as there’s always something to do day or night in Las Vegas. If you’ve never sat down at a Bellagio table, you haven’t lived.
Factors of a Reliable Casino Review Site (That You Need To Know)7. Atlantis Paradise Island – Nassau, Bahamas
One step into the stunning Atlantis Paradise Island poker room and you’ll realize this is no ordinary card palace. An enormous dome-like roof made to look like the ocean above an underwater city lets natural light pour in while 54 tables provide ample gaming opportunities.
Poker Atlantis, a play on words, is an innovative online poker site that runs in conjunction with the casino. They host an annual $10,000 buy-in event that stops in the Atlantis poker room each Winter. Combine that world-class poker with water slides, private beaches, and other forms of entertainment, and you’ve got yourself a dream vacation.
6. Commerce Casino – Commerce, CA
The largest poker room in the world can be found at Commerce Casino in LA County. 200 tables house a wide variety of games because demand for space is high when you hold the crown of biggest card room on earth.
Freerolls, food promotions, and other loyalty rewards keep players coming back through Commerce Casino’s rewards program. If you don’t like crowds, however, you’ll want to try a different venue - weekends can get pretty chaotic.
Free Casino Slot Apps to Play for Real Money 20235. Card House Rules – Cincinnati, OH
Some might raise an eyebrow at the idea of an old factory turned poker paradise, but Card House Rules dispels those concerns as soon as you walk through the door. The open concept design makes one feel as if they’re in a loft, despite being surrounded by concrete walls.
Natural light shines through windows and provides a nice contrast to the industrial vibe. 30 tables fit snuggly inside this wonderful building, creating an intimate atmosphere that larger casinos can only dream of having. Add in reasonably priced games and a fantastic restaurant, and you’ve got one heck of a local card room.
4. PokerStars Atlantic City – New Jersey
Resorts Casino Hotel plays hosts to PokerStars’ only US brick-and-mortar establishment. Many were left wanting more when they first saw the small 11-table setup, but the truth of the matter is that PokerStars AC focuses more on the experience than the quantity of tables.
And what an experience it is. Beginners love the access to free tutorials and can interact with online peers through the patented ‘Next Level’ initiative. Satellites, merchandise giveaways, and other fun promos ensure everyone leaves happy, even if they lost at the poker tables. Throw in gorgeous dealers and an excellent rewards system, and PokerStars Atlantic City is doing many things right.
3. Hustler Casino – Gardena, CA
Hustler Casino was founded in 2020 - yes, you read that correctly - despite ‘Since 1979’ being prominently displayed on their website. The original card room closed its doors in 2019 and Larry Flynt reopened a spiffy new version a year later.
The new casino boasts 55 tables, a cashless system, and plenty of high limits. Cash games run around the clock and Hustler hosts popular tournaments like the LA Poker Classic. Best of all, California’s third gambling option finally has a quality poker room after Hustler flew through construction and began accepting hands in late 2020.
2. Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino – Las Vegas, NV
World Series of Poker. ‘Nuff said, right? The WSOP commandeers several sections of the Rio poker room each summer and transforms it into the biggest tournament series in the world. Hundreds of events, unbelievable action, and multimillion-dollar payouts are just the tip of the iceberg - .
Brunelda Dunkel, aka The Chicken Lady, wanders the aisles to provide water and sunblock to players in need. Lovable commentators provide analysis during the televised final tables. Pro players can be seen chatting at the rail after winning a bracelet. And thousands of amateur poker players fulfill lifelong dreams every year in pursuit of poker glory. What more could you ask for in a poker room?
Real Money Wins That Happened Outside of Casinos1. Bell Gardens Casino & Bar - Bell Gardens, CA
There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Bell Gardens Caseno matter how much you play live poker. That’s exactly how the card room prefers it - they cater almost exclusively to professional and serious amateur players.
HUGE pots are the norm instead of the exception at Bell Gardens Casino & Bar. ($50/$100 minimum buy-in!) and high-stakes cash games are often featured on live streams and . If you have a bankroll to protect and don’t want to deal with amateurs, head down to Bell Gardens. Just be prepared to pay $150/hour in rake.
Other Noteworthy Live Poker Rooms Around USA
- Borgata Poker - Atlantic City, NJ
- The Venetian - Las Vegas, NV
- Seminole Hard Rock Casino - Hollywood, FL
- Golden Nugget Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV
- Rupp Arena - Lexington, KY
- SLS Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV
- Hustler Casino (coming soon) - Gardena, CA
- RunItOnce Card Room - Los Angeles, CA
- Choctaw Durant - Durant, OK
- Foxwoods Resort Casino - Mashantucket, CT
- Beasley's Talladega SuperSpeedway - Lincoln, AL
- Seneca Niagra Resort & Casino - Niagra-on-the-Lake, Canada
- River Rock Casino Resort - Richmond, Canada
- Ourgame Card Club - Macau
Finding the Best Live Poker in Your State
Vegas might seem like the mecca of poker due to the Strip’s numerous world-class casinos, but that mentality couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Las Vegas only ranks as my ninth-best place to play live poker in the United States.
Whether you prefer high-limit cash games, frolicking in low stakes tournaments, or taking part in innovative formats, you’re bound to find a suitable card room within America’s borders. I’ve shared my favorite rooms above, but maybe one of the honorable mentions is closer to you. Either way, there’s no excuse to only play poker on the internet - get out into the real world and experience everything live poker has to offer!
Best Online Casinos in the USA for 2023 🎰🏆Note: Image credits
