Some poker rooms are simply better than others. Some have better games, some more promotions while others can boast higher overall numbers of players or bigger tournament series.
In short there's no one-size-fits-all answer to which room is the best but that won't stop us from trying. Here's our take on the best poker rooms in the United States today:
- Bellagio (Sin City) - Best Live Cash Games in Vegas Note: Due to COVID-19 some gaming areas have been adjusted. Please check with each property regarding their hours of operation and available amenities.
Top 10 US Poker Rooms
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Bellagio (Las Vegas) - Best Live Cash Games in Vegas
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Atlantis Paradise Island (Bahamas) - Best Overall Game Selection
New Casinos in Alabama You Need to Check Out When Visiting -
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa (Florida) - Best Promotions in the USA
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(Florida) - Best Promotions in the Southeast
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Hustler Casino (California) - Best New Card Room in the USA
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Beau Rivage (Mississippi) - Top Regional Tournament Series
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Comus Hotel Casino Resort (Mississippi) - Best Spread of Games in America
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Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Racing Resort (Indiana) - Best Strategy Play
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Riverrock Casino Fashion Island (Virginia) - Best New Gaming Venue
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Golden Nugget (New Jersey/Atlantic City) - Best Online/Live Loyalty Rewards
1. Bellagio (Las Vegas, NV) - Best Live Cash Games in Vegas
Why it’s a top poker room: It’s got everything you could possibly want in a poker room including some of the highest stakes cash games in the world, a prestigious WSOP circuit event every year, and a poker room that would make even the biggest ceo jealous. Oh, and let’s not forget about the stunning fountain show directly outside the window.
Recent upgrade: The Bellagio poker room recently unveiled an extensive renovation that modernized the look of the room, improved seating and added six new tables for a total of 19 tables.
Must-Know Live! Casino Hotel Slots You've Never Heard OfCash games: $1/$2 to $1,000/$2,000+.
Tournaments: Daily tournaments from $5 to $500 and a major WSOP Circuit event every November.
Promotions: Various promotions including high-hand bonuses, annual Super Sonny Legends Poker Classic with more than $150,000 in guaranteed prize pools.
Notable Pro Players: Dan Bilzerian, Erik Seidel, Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Hellmuth, Doyle Brunson, Jennifer Tilly, David “Chino” Rheem, Ezri Nelson, Brian Rast, Erick Lindgren.
2. Atlantis Paradise Island (Nassau, Bahamas) - Best Overall Game Selection
Why it’s a top poker room: It may just be the best regional room in the world with games spread nightly including NLH, Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven Card Stud. Add in a massive tournament series (the PCA) every year that brings in some of the best players in the world and you’ve got a must-visit poker destination. Recent upgrade: The room was renovated in August 2018. Cash games: $3/$6 to $10/$20. Tournaments: Daily tournaments from $100 to $10,000 (including the famed PCA with a $10,300 buy-in).
Promotions: High-Hand Bonuses, Annual PCA with over $1 million guaranteed for the main event. Notable Pro Players: Liv Boeree, Jason Koon, Isaac Haxton, Chris Moorman, Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier.
3. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa (FL) - Best Promotions in the USA
Why it’s a top poker room: If you love promotions then the SRHP is your spot. They offer so many bonuses and incentives we aren’t sure how they turn a profit. Recent upgrade: The new seminole hard rock tampa opened July 24, 2021. The 55,000-square-foot centerpiece of the hotel and casino features 50 tables, including 34 poker tables. Cash games: $1/$2 to $5/$10. Tournaments: Daily tournaments from $60 to $750. Promotions: Too many to list but they include a Player’s Club, Welcome Bonus, Weekly Bonus, Anniversary Bonus, Incentive Trip Program, RockStar Rewards program and RockOut Challenges. Notable Pro Players: Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Tony G, Vanessa Selbst, Olivier Busquet, Jeff Gross.
��lined Roulette 2023 -- Play Roulette Games Online at Top-Rated Casinos4. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL - Best Promotions in the Southeast
Why it’s a top poker room: The seminole hard rock hollywood has taken over as the flagship casino of the Seminole Tribe and the new poker room fits that bill perfectly. With 50+ tables it’s easily the largest room in the SE and it regularly hosts big tournament series like Queen of Heart and The Showdown. Recent upgrade: Brand New Poker Room Opened july 29th, 2022. 40,000 square foot integrated gaming area, 50 tables Guest will enjoy 34 live action poker tables, including 10 Poker Pro tables. Premium finishes such as book-matched Italian marble, custom etched glass, backlit onyx and sparkling crystal chandeliers. Anchers a brand new gaming plaza that will feature 200 more slots and table games, along with new food and beverage options when it opens later this fall. Cash games: $1/$2 to $5/$10.
Tournaments: Daily tournaments from $100 to $800 w/ a scheduled 4-day $20 million guarantee in Sept. Promotions: Similar to Tampa w/ a VIP program, Welcome Bonus, Weekly Bonus, Anniversary Bonus, Incentive Trip Program, RockStar Rewards program and RockOut Challenges. Notable Pro Players: Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Tony G, Vanessa Selbst, Olivier Busquet, Jeff Gross.
5. Hustler Casino (Los Angeles, CA) - Best New Card Room in the USA
Why it’s a top poker room: It’s the biggest and best card club ever built (according to Larry Flynt) and boasts more tables than any other room in California. Recent upgrade: Brand new poker room opened just before Pandemic hit in early 2020. Features Ashley Adams as host. Cash games: $1/$2 to $5/$10. Tournaments: Daily tournaments from $60 to $750. Notable Pro Players: Rick Salomon, Jean-Robert Bellande, Bob Forero, Taylor von Kriegenbergie.
Best Real Money Casino Apps Update 2024 - Top US Apps List6. Beau Rivage (Biloxi, MS) - Top Regional Tournament Series
Why it’s a top poker room: MGM’s Beau Rivage is the classiest room in Mississippi and its poker room doesn’t disappoint either. Sure, the limits are fairly low but the hospitality is second-to-none and the Gulf Coast Poker Championship (GRPC) is one of the best regional tournament series in America. Recent upgrade: Renovated in May 2018. Cash games: $1/$2 to $5/$10. Tournaments: Daily tournaments from $60 to $400 w/ a GRPC in April that features a $1,000 buy-in event. Promotations: High-Hand Bonuses, Gulf Coast Poker Championships. Notable Pro Players: Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari.
7. Boomtown Bingo & Casino (San Jose, CA) - Friendliest Staff in America
Why it’s a top poker room: The poker room at Boomtown San Jose isn't the biggest, but it certainly packs a punch with excellent service, generous comps, and some of the friendliest staff in the business.
Recent upgrade: Boomtown San Jose reopened in August 2021 after a $40 million remodel. The newly-renovated poker room offers 11 tables, plus all new tables and chairs. Cash games: $1/$2 to $5/$10. Tournaments: Daily and weekly tournaments starting at just $75. Promotations: High Hand Jackpot, Bad Beat Jackpot, Monthly Free Rolls, Double Points Day. Notable Pro Players: Jake Schwartz.
List of US Casinos by State | Casino Revenue & Info8. Comus Hotel Casino Resort (MS) - Best Spread of Games in America
Why it’s a top poker room: There might be higher limit cash games in LA or Baltimore might have bigger overall tournaments but the Comus Hotel Casino Resort lays claim as the only poker room in America that offers Seven Card Stud and Omaha Hi-Lo in its regular rotation. Recent upgrade: Moderate recent renovation of the poker room. Cash games: $1-$2 to $5-$10 for NLHE and $3-$6 to $10-$20 for Stud/Omaha. Tournaments: $65 daily events, $5,000 Guaranteed Sundays, $30,000 GulfCoastPokerChampionship.com Mega Stack. Promotations: High hands, bad beat jackpots, anniversary, holiday and special event giveaways. Notable pro players Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, David “Chino” Rheem, Dennis Blieden, James Carroll, Nick Pnuka.
9. Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Racing Resort (IN) - Best Strategy Play
Why it’s a top poker room: Although the cash-game limits top out at $5/$10 this poker room punches way above its weight with HPT, Mid-States Poker Tour and occasional WSOP Circuit stops. And let’s not forget the free trips awarded monthly for the World Championship of Amateur Poker in Las Vegas. Recent upgrade: Recently expanded to 20 tables. Cash games: $1/$2 to $5/$10. Tournaments: Daily tournaments from $65 to $525 w/ HPT and MST throughout the year and a WSOPC once a year. Notable Pro Players: Jeff Gross.
casino 10 deposit10. Riverrock Casino Fashion Island (VA) - Best Online/Live Loyalty Rewards
Why it’s a top poker room: It’s Virginia’s only licensed poker room so if you’re a Hampton Roads or DC area player willing to play in a state-wide liquidity sharing agreement with neighboring states you get a pretty much monopoly on live games. Recent upgrade: Brand new temporary poker room while a larger one is constructed. Cash games: $1/$2 to $5/$10. Tournaments: Daily tournaments from $65 to $525 w/ major series expected once interstate compact goes into effect. Notable Pro Players: Jeff Gross.
11. Aria Resort and Casino (Las Vegas, NV)
Aria is another stellar poker room located in the City That Never Sleeps. Operated by Caesars Entertainment, it offers plenty of perks for members of their Total Rewards loyalty program. You’ll find a sleek design with comfortable seating for up to 600 players.
What we love Most people come to Vegas for a short time, so the fact that Aria runs daily majors makes it perfect for those visiting the city.
Downside
Not much to report here, except that high hands don’t seem very lucrative compared to some rooms.
Cash Games: No limit hold em starts at $1/ $1 and goes up to $100/$ 400. Limited offers are also available.
Tournaments: One of the most popular places to play tourneys in Vegas. $50 is the lowest buy-in with $100 being more common. Majors range from $300 up to $10,000.
Pros: Location, promotions, structure of cash games
Promotions: One of the best rewards programs in Vegas. Total Rewards allows customers to earn points at Aria, as well as several sister properties in Sin City and beyond.
12. Planet Hollywood (Las Vegas, NV)
Planet Hollywood is known for its Poker Pro Superstar bartenders who used to include Antonio Esfandiari and Daniel Negreanu. Located inside the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the iconic Las Vegas strip, this poker room offers great visibility so you can feel the excitement of the city while you play.
What we love PH offers non-smoking tables, overstuffed leather chairs, and hundreds of HD flat screen TVs. It really does provide a VIP experience for anyone playing.
Downside
High tables usually start at $2/$5 NLH whereas other Vegas rooms are $1/$2.
Cash Games: $1/$2 to $10/$20
Tournaments: $70 daily; $570 “Monster Stack”.
Pros: Great promotions and fabulous location.
Consideration: Higher minimum deposit required for chips ($20 vs. $10 in most places.)
13. Commerce Casino (Commerce, CA)
Commerce Casino is the largest poker room in the world based on the number of tables. It’s also the highest volume room in the USA due to its close proximity to around 30 million people in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
What we love No limit holds em starts at just $1/$2! Cash games go up to $10/$20 and even offer $20/$40 seven card stud/eight or better. This place has 235 tables so you can always find a game.
Tournaments: Commerce Casino runs daily tournaments at a variety of buy-in levels. The best ones are their Sunday majors ($30K guarantee, $45K guarantee, $70K guarantee, and $120K guarantee).
Pros: The absolute best cash games in the greater Los Angeles area.
Cons: Unattractive decor and limited promos. Doesn’t accept credit cards.
14. Golden Nugget (Atlantic City, NJ)
Located in historic Atlantic City, the Golden Nugget features 10 tables and is open 24/7. You can also earn rewards through their incredible Golden Nugget LOVE CLUB.
What we love Their non TORq high hand jackpots pay a MINIMUM of $360 hourly from 11am to 7pm (peak hours)
This means as long as you’re playing you’re qualified to win an extra $360 during peak hours.
Downside
Not many tables and cash games start at $1/$2 instead of $1/$1
Tournaments: $6+$0.30 from 11am to 7pm $500 + $0.30 from 8pm until Close
Pros: Awesome high hand jackpots
Cons: Only 10 tables and high min cash limit.
15. Ozarks Card House (Mo)
The Ozarks Card House is a full-service casino featuring 20 poker tables.
Best Enclave Casinos That Are a Must Visit (or Revisit)What we love These guys offer a $200 signup bonus so you can earn money just for joining. Daily high hands pay progressively up to $500 and there’s a killer bad beat jackpot.
Downside
Only one $2/$5 game. All other limits are in $1 increments. Example $1/$1, $6/$12, etc.
Cash Games: $1/$2 No Limit Hold Em, $2/$5 No Limit Hold Em.
Limit Games: 30 Second and Regular $1, $2, $3, $4, $6, $8, and $12. Pot Limit Omaha $1/$3.
Tournaments: $40 buy in at 3 pm and 7 pm daily.
Pros: Great promotions like a $200 signup bonus, progressive and bad beat jackpots.
Cons: Limited cash games and higher denominations are in ridiculous ratios.
16. Horseshoe Southern Indiana (SC)
Horseshoe Southern Indiana is a spectacular casino located across the Ohio River from Louisville Kentucky.
What we love Excellent rates for high hands ($200 hourly to $500) and their bad beat jackpot is legendary. Starting at 7pm nightly, the bad beat grows by $15,000 each hour with a weekend spike of $30,000 per hour Friday through Sunday.
Cash Games: $1/$2 to $30/$60.
Tournaments: $65 Daily w/ $5,000 Guaranteed Weekly.
Pros: Outstanding high hand and bad beat jackpots.
Cons: Kind of far from everything unless you live in Louisville.
What Defines a Good Poker Room?
There are dozens of factors that determine whether a particular cardroom is worth playing at but we tried to keep things simple by focusing on rooms most players would actually want to visit. So we took geographic location into consideration since it really doesn’t matter how amazing a poker room is if it’s not someplace you’d actually want to go.
After that we considered average limit play, variety of games, promotional value, comps, skill level of opponents, strategy skills allowed, overall amenities, size of tournaments and quality of management. We also gave extra credit to rooms that hosted major tournaments or were unique in some way.
Major Poker Events and Tournaments
If a room hosts a major poker series (such as Harrah’s Entertainment’s Circuit Series or MGM’s Lucky Hearts Poker Series) it’s probably going to make our list because exposure like this significantly boosts overall limit play and attracts better players.
Average Limit Play
The holy grail of poker rooms is the high roller who plays huge limits and keeps the other fish afloat. Rooms that offer $5/$10 or higher are few and far between so when we find one with $10/$20+ games we take notice.
Variety of Games
$1/$2 No-Limit Hold’em is the most popular poker game but that doesn’t mean we want a room that only offers that. We’re looking for Seven-Card Stud, Omaha, Lowball, H.O.R.S.E., Dealer’s Choice and other lesser played variants because mixed games bring skilled players together and create a better overall atmosphere.
Promotional Value
High-hand jackpots are nice but what else is a room doing to encourage people to play? Good poker promotions include freerolls, added money, charitable events, interesting jackpots, fun races and interesting leaderboard competitions.
Caesars Casino Bonus Code Options for 2023 - Both Realistic and ExaggeratedComps
Free play is nice but what good is a $1 an hour in food compensation when your hourly net loss at a poker table is $20? Great rooms offer complementaries based on actual time played (similar to old MGM comp system) and deliver meals that can offset severe downswings.
Skill Level of Opponents
We want rooms filled with fish! The lower the skill level of opponents, the more likely we are to add a room to our favorites list. It’s also important to note how many serious grinders are in the room and how accessible they are. Having 20 whales may be nice but irrelevant if they’re never available when you need them.
Strategy Skills Allowed
No discussion about skill level would be complete without mentioning how strict a room is about playing the game correctly. While we certainly don’t want to play with morons who don’t know which hand wins in Texas Hold’em, it’s important to allow some mistakes so fish have a chance to stay in the game. However rooms that blatantly allow blatant straight up incorrect moves and plays over and over again are not welcome destinations.
Overall Amenities
Do you want to play in a dark dank basement with no food, girls or music? Of course you don’t. Poker rooms should be bright, airy and well lit. Many players prefer smoking sections. Availability of attractive dealers is also a plus for some players.
Best Casinos in Florida, 2023's Top FL Casino List.Quality of Management
A room is only as good as its management team. When changes are made they should be done with the players’ best interests in mind. Listening to player complaints and acting accordingly is a sign of a good manager.
Size of Tournaments
Although many casual poker players don’t care about tournaments it’s an important part of the industry’s growth. Rooms that can draw 500+ players for weekly majors deserve recognition and players who appreciate large fields should make these rooms their home.
Why Are Casinos Called Casinos?
You already knew someone was getting screwed.
Actually casinos got their name because they originally were meant to be pleasurable places, just like the from the Generala hotel in Venice where gaming originated. Unfortunately somewhere along the line someone decided that ripping off customers was more profitable than giving away cookies and pinot noir so they came up with the clever name "casino" to mask their deviant behavior.
Of course nowadays most regulated gaming jurisdictions have gaming control boards whose sole purpose is to ensure fairness and protect customers from nefarious operators but the damage had already been done. The word casino stuck and now it’s a generic term used for any place that takes your money and gives you a slight chance of winning back a little bit.
