Where To Play Poker Other Than Las Vegas

Poker is an American tradition, and whilst it might not be as popular as pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving or Super Bowl Sunday, it is a part of our history.

Poker was played in the days of the old Wild West, long before football became popular. It lends itself to popular culture through terminology and is perhaps the most recognizable card game in the country. Poker may have originated in China, but it was brought to these shores in 1803, around the time of the Louisiana Purchase.

Since then, we have refined the game and created its spiritual home, Las Vegas. Every year, thousands of people descend on Sin City to participate in the World Series of Poker, the definitive competition that draws attention globally. Last Year, Korey Aldemir won $8m by taking the top prize, becoming one of the Las Vegas success stories. Vegas is a city with other attractions too; hikers enjoy the Red Rock Canyon trails, and music fans may have visited Vegas for a show or festival. There’s plenty more to do, even if you’re not partial to a round of poker.

If you do want to play poker, but enjoy attractions that Vegas doesn’t have, then you’re in luck. Vegas isn’t the only city with a strong poker tradition, and whilst it dominates the headlines year on year, there are other great places to pull up a chair and play a few hands. If you’re looking for a poker experience that isn’t in the Nevada desert, then we’ve got some suggestions for you right here.

Los Angeles

LA is a great city for all manner of reasons, from Hollywood history to Sunset Strip and Venice Beach. It’s a city film buffs love thanks to its connections to Hollywood, and that’s something Vegas just can’t offer. Few realize how strong some Los Angeles poker rooms are. There are six dedicated poker rooms in LA, and whilst Southern California doesn’t get recognition as a gaming hub, some of these locations are among the biggest in the world. Bicycle Casino, also known as The Bike, is one of the most famous locations in the US. It boasts 185 card tables and has everything from high roller tables to $1/$3 fish.

Atlantic City

There’s no denying it; people love a beach. Las Vegas might have the sand and the heat, but nothing can beat the gentle sounds of a wave lapping at the shores. That’s one great reason to visit Atlantic City; it has great beaches to suit all tourists. That means kayaking, fishing, volleyball and surfing and if you wish, poker. Before widespread legislation came into practice for poker, Atlantic City had the only legal poker room on the East Coast south of Connecticut. It was perhaps best known for its wide boardwalk and expansive beaches, but today it is also a gaming city in the north that rivals Vegas. The Borgata Poker Room is one of the best; it boasts Hold’em, Stud, Omaha and many other poker variations. There are tournaments every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and it is just one of several great places to get dealt in.

New Orleans

The Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Mississippi is a great place to play and a great place to visit. Recently, Ozark has flown the flag for gaming in the Midwest, but heading a little further south brings you to New Orleans, a city rich in culture and dealing a mean hand of poker at the same time. New Orleans is a melting pot of culture like no other city, renowned for its jazz music, Cajun food, and unmissable Mardi Gras celebrations. You can also get dealt into a hand of poker; Harrah’s New Orleans is possibly the best place to find a poker game in the Big Easy, although it is more compact than some locations. It has 20 poker tables and features a popular $200 buy-in Saturday showdown. Elsewhere, The Orleans Poker Room is open 24 hours a day and features a No-Limit game with a $1/$2 buy-in.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our guide to the best things to do in Delaware.