There’s an unrivaled thrill that comes with engaging in a poker game at a casino . The atmosphere during a night of playing cards is electric, filled with the sound of chips being shuffled as players celebrate their victories or mourn their misfortunes.
While a poker room provides a fantastic experience, engaging in bets and bluffs in unconventional places can be equally thrilling. Many poker games have evolved beyond the confines of card rooms or home gatherings.
Players can immerse themselves in stunning locations, ranging from a serene poolside in a tropical paradise to the vibrant Fremont Street of downtown Las Vegas, or even amidst the beauty of nature in a cabin.
Let’s take a closer look at some remarkable poker environments where players are opting to step away from the usual card room and their familiar attire. These adventures highlight the versatility of poker as a game that can truly be played anywhere.
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1 – Poker in Prison
Not every player might feel inclined to try this poker setting , but playing while incarcerated certainly counts as an unusual venue. Erik Audé has firsthand experience of poker played behind bars. Hailing from Beverly Hills, California, the actor and personal trainer became involved in a notable situation following the events of 9/11.
A friend had asked Audé to return home with some leather items from the Middle East. He completed this task multiple times, eventually traveling to Islamabad, Pakistan, in early 2002. Upon his return, he realized his mission was more complicated than just transporting leather.
Security at the airport discovered 7.9 pounds of opium in his luggage, leading to a seven-year prison sentence. While he faced harsh conditions full of violence and intimidation, poker emerged as a means to keep himself occupied and mentally alert.
Inside the prison, players gathered on the floor to play since there were no tables or chairs available:
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"I was put on death row because that was the safest option for me at that moment,\" he recounted to PokerNews. \"I was surrounded by other inmates who played frequently. Texas Holdem poker One inmate named Murad, who spoke some English, became a close friend and taught me the game. "We’d join in for five Pakistani rupees [around five cents] using chips and old playing cards. We preferred playing tournament-style poker since many didn’t have enough money for cash games. The stakes often involved food – chicken, yogurt, drinks, and more – that would keep us playing. "In that prison, hunger was a constant struggle, so winning food was a significant reward, and players were incredibly competitive. On other occasions, if we couldn't gather enough players to contribute towards the chickens costing 100 rupees, we would play for cash. But it was a great way to pass the time.\" |
After two and a half years, Audé was released thanks to U.S. officials who intervened on his behalf. His incredible journey was featured on the television show Locked Up Abroad, and he now regularly competes in major poker events. poker tournaments .
Certainly, a comfortable chair in a casino beats sitting on the floor of a Pakistani prison any day.
2 – Fremont Street Welcomes a WSOP Main Event Champion
The rise of televised poker and the growth of the sport during the early 2000s were remarkable. online poker The dramatic victory of the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event, broadcasted on ESPN, allowed viewers to see hole cards and significantly contributed to the sport's surging fame. Chris Moneymaker’s However, the WSOP experienced steady growth throughout the 1990s, with participation increasing yearly, from 201 players in 1992 to 393 in 1999. A unique aspect of the 1997 Main Event was revealed when players reached the final table.
In 1995, the Fremont Street interactive light show made its debut, providing a unique backdrop for the final table that took place right outside Binion’s Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas.
The event transpired in April and May, with scorching heat reaching 98 degrees as poker legend Stu Ungar pursued his third Main Event title. Dealing with the sweltering heat, he ultimately triumphed, pocketing $1 million.
At that time, the WSOP Unfortunately, Ungar passed away just a few months later, but his legacy endures as the only player to have won the Main Event three times.
Who wouldn't cherish a day at the beach? Sunshine and sand have historically drawn players for final table poker action across various events. In 2013, a World Poker Tour commentator earned his spot on the Mike Sexton Champions Cup, taking home a substantial prize of $145,000.
3 – Beach Vibes
The WPT Caribbean event took place at Casino Royale in St. Maarten, where the filmed final table overlooked the breathtaking blue waters and scenic shoreline. It truly was a dream vacation for participants, with a six-figure payout at stake.
While sunglasses might be standard for players at the table, the magnificent outdoor seaside location certainly made them a necessity. Tony Dunst .
Take a look at some of the thrilling moments from St. Maarten:
This was not the only WPT event to offer a tropical atmosphere for the final table. The original Aruba Classic from the tour’s early days featured a final table set among swaying palm trees, showcasing stunning views of the Caribbean sea.
Notable winners of this event include Juha Helppi, Freddy Deeb, and Erick Lindgren.
This series, which aired for three seasons from 2014-16, showcased high-stakes tournaments with buy-ins reaching $100,000 on the island of St. Kitts, with the final table set against a backdrop of the beach.
The company’s Alpha8 tour was an early high-roller Philipp Gruissem emerged victorious in the series' inaugural event, claiming a prize of $1.1 million – a great reason for a vacation.
The onset of the pandemic posed significant challenges. Casinos worldwide were forced to close their doors, leaving many players in limbo.
4 – Tent Time
Finding live poker During the summer of 2020, casinos gradually began reopening, though the timing varied by location. In the U.S., a state-by-state approach dictated what was permissible; what one state allowed might not apply in another. many players heading to online poker In California, restrictions persisted for quite some time. The Gold State boasts a mix of tribal and commercial poker venues, with Native American nations setting their own guidelines, including how they responded to the pandemic. Many managed to reopen indoor poker rooms more swiftly than others in California.
Commercial casinos faced stricter state mandates and had to think outside the box. Many opted for large tents and outdoor settings to resume card games. By October 2020, places like the Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles were back in business with outdoor facilities for players.
They constructed tents and other open-air structures that ensured ample space and ventilation. Numerous properties invested significantly to create these outdoor venues.
Charlie Wilmoth, an L.A. resident and host of Third Man Walking, recalls playing in outdoor card settings. He reminisces about visiting the Ocean’s 11 casino in San Diego.
"The autumn weather was delightful — average highs were around 83 and lows about 65, making it perfect for a day outside,\" he shares. \"Although it wasn’t certain how safe it was to be outdoors at that point, we knew it was certainly better than staying indoors.
"Without being overly dramatic, after being confined for much of 2020, playing poker outside gave me a sense of control over my life. Plus, the Southern California weather is arguably the best for outdoor poker you can find!\" poker podcast There are surely worse fates than playing poker outdoors in nearly ideal west coast weather. With blue skies, soft breezes, and bright sunshine, that scenario could prompt many poker enthusiasts to dream their own little California Dreaming.
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5 – Adventure Afar: Hunting, Fishing, and Embracing Nature Outdoor trips often feature card games during downtime from hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, or other activities. Many hunting and fishing excursions incorporate poker games in lodges or accommodations. |
Imagine you’re on an Alaskan salmon fishing adventure, chasing elk in Colorado, hiking in Yellowstone, or parked in an RV for a getaway. Countless outdoor enthusiasts indulge in a game of poker after a fulfilling day spent in nature.
The Canadian series The Red Green Show even entertained audiences with a poker scene from Possum Lodge. The character Red humorously recounts how he lost on the final hand after an otherwise victorious night, playing with quite a few wild cards, managing to escape without losing his flannel shirt.
The author recalls fond memories of visiting west Texas for dove hunting with friends and family, which often included mixing in tournaments and cash games within an old western-style cabin, just right for poker.
The ultimate aim was to win enough to cover the entire trip expenses, a goal achieved with a mix of successes and failures, but always filled with enjoyment.
The popular show Yellowstone also showcases a poker game in a bunkhouse, featuring many of the cowboys from the series. It's clear that many real-life cowboys engage in similar games after a long day of herding cattle.
No matter how weary a poker player may feel, there is always a moment for a game!
Sean Chaffin is a seasoned freelance writer located in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He specializes in poker, gambling, the casino sphere, and various other subjects. You can follow him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions, or reach out via email at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net.
2 – Fremont Street Welcomes a WSOP Main Event Champion
5 – Adventure Afar: Hunting, Fishing, and Embracing Nature