More than ever, whether for business or leisure, people are hitting the road. Air travel, road trips, train journeys, or cruises take us to new and exciting places. The best part is that we can carry our favorite pastime with us wherever we go.
Playing poker doesn't require any special gear. There's no need for extra baggage or rentals. We can easily enjoy our favorite game on the go without any expense or hassle.
I've had the pleasure of playing poker in various locations throughout the United States and around the globe, totaling 25 countries and all 50 states last I checked. I've discovered numerous places where poker is easily accessible, and a little effort can yield a game.
Likewise, numerous locations are perfect for a poker getaway. In this article, I'll share some recommendations for where to consider a poker holiday and tips on how to locate a game no matter where you find yourself.
Table of Contents
- Pick a Poker-Rich Vacation Spot
- Find Poker Wherever You Go
- Explore Whether Local Bars or Eateries Host 'Complimentary Poker Events'
- Look For “Charity Poker Games”
- Reach Out to Community or Labor Groups
- Ask at Your Hotel/Motel
- Connect with Friends, Poker Enthusiasts, and Relatives
- Ask a Cab Driver
- Poker Travel Summary
Pick a Poker-Rich Vacation Spot
Many destinations provide both an amazing vacation experience and a chance to enjoy abundant legal poker while you relax.
Here's my compilation of 20 fantastic locales for a poker getaway, each one I've personally visited and appreciated, organized in alphabetical order.
- Arizona, US (particularly around Phoenix and Tucson)
These significant cities in Arizona boast wonderful weather, excellent golf courses, fantastic dining options, and stunning desert landscapes. Additionally, you'll find top-notch poker venues like Talking Stick in Phoenix and Desert Diamond in Tucson.
- Atlantic City, New Jersey-Eastern Pennsylvania, USA
Situated between the scenic Jersey shore and the vibrant cultural and historical offerings of Philadelphia, this region makes for a lovely holiday destination. With around a dozen poker rooms, including the renowned Borgata in Atlantic City and Parx near Philadelphia, it's the perfect mix of history and poker excitement.
- Dublin, Ireland
A city steeped in Irish heritage and culture, it’s a must-visit. Home to four poker rooms, including the stylish and consistently bustling Fitzwilliam and the lively, late-night D1 , your poker cravings will definitely be satisfied.
- Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is not only picturesque with its majestic castle but also hosts an arts festival, boasts delightful cuisine, and offers excellent shopping opportunities, alongside multiple venues for enjoyable malt beverages. Two prominent poker rooms host cash games and tournaments late into the night.
- Goa, India
Goa, recognized as India's honeymoon hotspot, is perfect for those seeking a beach getaway, hiking trails, and breathtaking scenery. The harbor features several casino boats that host luxurious poker experiences.
- Las Vegas, NV, USA
With 411 poker tables spread across 31 poker rooms within over 200 casinos, this city offers an immense variety of entertainment and dining options. What more could you possibly ask for?
- Lima, Peru
A lively and expansive city in South America nestled at the base of the Andes, home to three active poker venues.
- London, UK
Known worldwide as a classic vacation hotspot, this historic destination is also home to eight poker rooms that many may not be aware of.
- Macau, China
A renowned gambling hub with a thriving poker culture that includes high-stakes games for the adventurous.
A lively tropical metropolis where poker enthusiasts can find games at all levels across several poker rooms, paired with reasonably priced lodging options.
- Manila, Philippines
Canada’s most European-like city, notable for its outstanding dining, artistic venues, jazz, and natural beauty. It also features two standout poker locations, the Casino du Montreal and The Playground.
- Montreal, Canada
This historic and culturally vibrant American city has long attracted tourists. It has now evolved into a lively poker destination, featuring the newly opened Encore casino in nearby Everett with 72 poker tables, along with multiple poker rooms in neighboring New Hampshire, a room in Rhode Island, and two more in Connecticut – all conveniently located within 90 minutes of Boston's Logan International Airport.
- Boston, Massachusetts, USA
The area connecting Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico features several poker rooms alongside a vibrant arts culture and the stunning backdrop of mountains and high desert.
- New Mexico, USA
Once the premier destination for American honeymoons, breathtaking Niagara Falls continues to be a showcase of natural splendor worth experiencing from either the U.S. or Canada. The poker venues at Seneca Casino and Casino Niagara make it an excellent choice for poker enthusiasts.
- Niagara Falls, NY, USA – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
The Bay Area, which encompasses San Francisco and San Jose, has long been acknowledged as a premier destination for tourists. Additionally, it is infused with numerous poker rooms such as Bay 101 , Artichoke Joes , Lucky Chances , and the Oaks .
- Northern California, USA
Once known as the steel capital of the U.S., Pittsburgh has transformed into a modern, tech-savvy city rich in culture located at the confluence of three rivers. Nearby Cleveland, with its scenic lakeside and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has also become a favored tourist haven. Both cities offer excellent poker venues, making this region ideal for a poker getaway.
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Reno, along with nearby Sparks, Lake Tahoe, and Carson City offers fantastic dining, scenic vistas, outdoor activities year-round, plus numerous casinos that include poker rooms.
- Reno, NV, USA
The metropolitan area stretching from Seattle to Tacoma is celebrated as a prime tourist destination, complete with over a dozen poker rooms.
- Seattle, Washington, USA
The sprawling region enveloping Los Angeles and San Diego boasts wonderful weather, a long-standing reputation as a favorite vacation locale, and numerous poker establishments, including the major poker hotspots of Commerce , Hollywood Park , and the Bicycle Club .
- Southern California, USA
Revered for its stunning cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla, and Malaga, what is less known is that each of these destinations features a lively poker community.
- Spain
Revered for its stunning cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla, and Malaga. Yet, what may surprise you is that every one of these destinations boasts a vibrant poker scene.
Find Poker Wherever You Go
 with several stacks of chips balanced on top.jpg.webp)
When traveling for work or leisure, you might find yourself looking to spice up your evenings with a game of poker. In plenty of cases, this is a straightforward endeavor as many areas feature legal and well-advertised poker rooms.
You can search for games on various online platforms like www.thepokeratlas.com . However, sometimes this isn't as simple as it appears; you may encounter challenges in locating poker venues due to legality issues or significant restrictions.
Nonetheless, I've discovered a general method consisting of six different approaches to finding a poker game, no matter where you are situated.
Explore Whether Local Bars or Eateries Host 'Complimentary Poker Events'.
In many regions, although traditional gambling may not be permitted, freeroll poker tournaments are allowed. This is often the case in numerous states and countries.
Local bars and restaurants frequently host poker tournaments without an entrance fee, providing participants with the chance to win small rewards like $25 in food or drink credits, along with points toward larger competitions. These venues profit from food and beverage sales while using free tournaments to attract patrons, much like trivia nights.
While the competition in these tournaments may lean toward a less structured style, as no buy-ins are required, they still create an arena for poker rivalry. Importantly, they also serve as excellent places to learn about additional poker opportunities in the area.
Look For “Charity Poker Games”
In some areas where dedicated casinos or poker establishments don't exist, live cash games may be permissible under a state charity gaming license.
Social clubs, restaurants, and cultural organizations may host these games regularly, although not every day. While advertising for them might be banned, a quick online search can unearth the timing and locations for these so-called 'charity' games.
Reach Out to Community or Labor Groups
Countless clubs and organizations often organize small poker tournaments for their members and guests. Sometimes these gatherings welcome visitors for a day, allowing them entry via sponsorship from someone they’ve met or by other means into potential fundraiser events.
A simple online search can help uncover these activities. You may also find out about them by contacting various groups in the city or town you’ll be visiting. Additionally, if you're a member of a local group back home, they might be able to assist in connecting you with games during your travels.
As seen with the freeroll tournaments, a small gathering at a fraternal organization can lead to discovering larger games down the line. I’ve successfully found games in states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Maine, Florida, and even Guam through these connections.
Ask at Your Hotel/Motel
At your hotel or motel, a concierge typically assists guests in finding what they seek. Even if there isn’t a dedicated concierge, local employees may have insights into poker games nearby — maybe even right at your lodging.
This strategy has led me to games in locations like Alaska, Hawaii, Georgia, Hungary, Japan, Sweden, and Taiwan.
Connect with Friends, Poker Enthusiasts, and Relatives
Individuals in your network, both within and beyond the poker community, might know someone in your destination who can inform you of local poker games. Don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire.
Approaching this task with a methodical and organized mindset can be quite beneficial. Begin by compiling a list of acquaintances, and then reach out to each of them to ask for contacts in the location you are visiting. I've uncovered numerous poker games through this method.
Ask a Cab Driver
Taxi drivers often possess a wealth of knowledge about their surroundings. They frequently serve as excellent resources for locating poker games. On multiple occasions, I've stumbled upon games in places like the Bahamas and Grenada simply by inquiring with my drivers, who then took me to the games they were familiar with.
In one instance, I found myself in a poker game hosted by off-duty taxi drivers!
Poker Travel Summary
Poker can be found almost everywhere. You have the option to plan your leisure trips around poker, transforming them into fantastic poker getaways. Additionally, you might discover poker events in places you visit for different reasons. If traditional public poker rooms are scarce in your chosen destination, there are numerous alternative avenues for seeking out poker or casino activities. For instance, just recently... SI casino was launched.
However, it's crucial to engage in networking actively. I also recommend being open to participating in poker games that may not initially appear appealing, as I've often found them to be enjoyable and they can serve as prime opportunities for forging connections that may lead to other gaming experiences.