There is likely no country synonymous with the world’s most popular card game than the US. According to the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the planet’s most established franchise of poker tournaments sponsored by Caesars Entertainment, more than one hundred million people play poker online, and sixty million of these individuals have a US IP address. Hence, it is safe to say that the game, which has roots in the French Poque, is still a super trendy American pastime, despite many claiming that its heyday came and went.
Although not allowed everywhere, many US territories embrace card gambling excitement. That is so predominantly due to poker’s skill element and historical lineage. It first gained fame in the American South in the 19th century before spreading across the nation thanks to the US military. Therefore, today, there is no shortage of US regions where this game has thrived and boasts diverse card rooms for gamblers of all experience levels to enjoy. Below we map out a road trip from the United States’ west coast to its east one, with six cities that offer premium card thrills and fun. Many of the mentioned spots also play host to WSOP and WPT events. Parties interested in sitting down at such tables should consider playing online poker Holdem during tours, as this is always a great option to increase one’s skill-set before sitting down with the pros.
Los Angeles, California
California loves poker. That much is evident because the Golden State houses sixty-six card rooms. Even though only six of these are in the Los Angeles area, the City of Angels is always worth а visit, as it features a diverse local culture that every traveler should explore. Moreover, LA’s stunning beaches are reason enough to make the trip here. However, those into cards can justify their gas costs by entering through the doors of either the Bicycle Casino or the Gardens one, which have over one-hundred and eight poker tables apiece.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City is without question North America’s gambling capital. It likely is the planet’s, even though Macau generates more gaming-related revenues per year. But, the former Portuguese colony, now a Chinese special administrative region, lacks the charm that Vegas has cultivated from the 1950s on. Thus, there are multiple grounds to make a stop in Nevada’s most populated city, which boasts twenty-five poker rooms. The Vegas establishment with the most tables in the little known Orleans Casino with thirty-four, two more than the Venetian. The WSOP’s 2022 main event will be held at the Bally’s Casino.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, known to many as the World’s Finest Golf Destination, is not the first city people think when the topic of resort cities pops up. Yet, it has the highest number of luxury spas, various trendy galleries, countless upscale restaurants, and more than a few shopping malls. All those properties jumbled together make it a popular vacation spot for white-collar crowds. Scottsdale also has a booming poker scene. The city has thirty-six casinos, many of which have poker rooms. By far, the Arena Poker Room, on 9800 E Talking Stick Way, is Arizona’s largest card venue, with forty-seven tables spread out on its floor.
Kansas City, Missouri
Despite Missouri being the eastern starting point for the Pony Express and the US territory with the most caves, most Americans associate it with riverboats casinos, plus illegal gambling. Today, the Show-Me State allows eleven gaming boats to operate within its borders. Four of these are in Kansas City, with three featuring poker. Per online reviews, Harrah’s Kansas City is the best place to experience quality Texas Holdem in Missouri. It is an official WSOP satellite location and offers the usual Caesars Rewards Players Card.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ten of Pennsylvania’s twelve casinos have poker rooms. Yet only three in the Philadelphia area offer card gambling. Harrah’s room in Chester is the heart of Pennsylvania’s high-stakes poker entertainment, featuring twenty-eight cash tables and daily tournaments. The card floor at the Parx Casino is not as fancy but is more massive, providing eighty tables, a bad-beat jackpot, and one daily contest. Last but not least, the SugarHouse casino is a branded Poker Night in America room that regularly hosts tournaments and televised high-profile cash games.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is widely regarded as the second-most visited gambling city in America, behind Las Vegas. Given its northeast location, it is the perfect place to end a west-to-east poker road trip. Surprisingly, there are only five rooms in the AC area, with naturally, the world-famous Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa being the best of these. Though, the WSOP room at Bally’s casino, with its twenty tables, is a close runner-up.