Las Vegas Strip poker rooms unlikely to reopen in first phase I do not believe any Las Vegas Strip casinos will launch poker immediately upon reopening. These resorts will try to generate as much cash flow with as few employees as possible due to the massive cash burns experienced during the closure. Three poker rooms in Las Vegas are reportedly closing permanently. A CardsChat report states that the poker rooms at The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, and Excalibur will not be reopening following their pandemic-forced closures in March. Now it appears that the poker rooms will never reopen.
Also, believe it or not, the other L.A. County 'poker rooms' that opened, Hollywood Park Casino, Hawaiian Gardens, etc, only opened for table games. I believe this has to do with the insane rules the state and the county put in place for offering games even outdoors. 'Back in Action,' is the first poker tournament to be hosted at Bally's Las Vegas in 2020 and will offer both 1-day and 2-day events scheduled throughout the length of the series. The iconic Strip property welcomes players back with a 28-table capacity, with eight players separated by plexiglass dividers. Online Poker in Nevada With the WSOP playing out each summer at the Rio in Las Vegas, poker has become synonymous with the state of Nevada. Players come from around the world each summer for almost two months of live poker action. That now usually includes online action and big online events as well with so many players in the state.
Nevada isn't just a great place for poker players who enjoy some time at the live tables. It's also one of only four states with legal real-money online poker in the US. Players from Las Vegas to Reno to Carson City can take advantage and get a seat at an online poker table at any time.
The market has also seen some growth in recent years. Players can now qualify for seats into the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas and even win an official WSOP bracelet online. That gives it a cachet other operators don't have.
Latest Nevada online poker news
- by Anthony Cicali IIIFebruary 4, 2021
- by StaffDecember 15, 2020
NV Online Poker Bonus Codes
| Poker Site | Free Play Bonus | Bonus Code (Click to claim now) |
|---|---|---|
| WSOP.com | Free $10 | GET10 |
Online Poker in Nevada
With the WSOP playing out each summer at the Rio in Las Vegas, poker has become synonymous with the state of Nevada. Players come from around the world each summer for almost two months of live poker action.
That now usually includes online action and big online events as well with so many players in the state. Along with New Jersey online poker, Nevada has been a state leader in the online poker industry.
As of April 2020, WSOP.com is the only online poker site operating in the Silver State. WSOP.com debuted in Nevada (as well as New Jersey) back in 2013.
While traffic is fairly steady these days at around 500-800 players at peak times, WSOP.com makes a great option because of its secure, legal environment. Players can also play for seats in WSOP and major online tournament series.
New players to WSOP.com can earn a free $10 just for signing up and a 100% Deposit Bonus of up to $1,000 with the exclusive USPoker link. That's a nice deal for new players.
Also, because of its shared player pools with players in New Jersey and Nevada, WSOP.com is able to create larger play and prize pools because of its shared liquidity in both states. That also includes 888poker's pool of players in Delaware as well.
WSOP.com uses software from the well-established international online operator 888poker. The software is user friendly and features plenty of different cash games and tournament options.
Real Money Poker Apps in Nevada
More players than ever are using apps to play real money online poker. Poker apps make for a simple way to play poker on the go at any time. This comes with the same ease of use you may have found in the traditional poker client.
Online poker sites, including WSOP.com, have made their poker apps much more user friendly in recent years. That includes:
- Easy lobby navigation
- Simple game play features
- Efficient tiling options to play more than one game or event
- Simple download and signup even on a phone
Players will find a poker app that is easy to navigate and simple to download. Players can make cash outs and deposits just like they would on the desktop client.
Smaller events like Sit & Go's are easiest to play on poker apps but larger multi-table tournaments are also possible on the WSOP.com app. An app makes for a great online poker experience.
WSOP.com Nevada online poker bracelet events
A WSOP gold bracelet has been and remains the biggest trophy in poker. WSOP.com also now rewards online bracelets each summer. The site hosted the first World Series of Poker online bracelet event on July 2, 2015.
That first event featured a $1,000 entry and the final two players actually met at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to finish the event live two days later.
The online event has returned every year since in an even more robust form. In 2018, for the first time, players in New Jersey competed in the online bracelet events with players in Nevada. Players also now finish the events online – not coming back later to play in a live setting.
That continued in 2019 and WSOP.com announced up to 85 gold bracelets for 2020, split between WSOP.com NV and GGpoker for international players. This is the largest number of online bracelets ever offered.
The site sees a major increase in its player pool each summer with so many players in Las Vegas for the live WSOP at the Rio. This drives player pools and is also a nice opportunity for players in New Jersey to get in on the action.
Satellites and super satellites to many World Series of Poker events can be found on WSOP.com during the spring and summer. A handful of these satellites are freerolls, and others require a buy-in as little as $1. Qualify for WSOP events via the link below:
Can I Play on Nevada Poker Sites from Outside Nevada?
All online US poker players must be located in a legal jurisdiction to play, in this case Nevada. Geolocation software also makes sure players are all located within the legal jurisdiction. This is also required by state regulators and keeps the game safe from outside influences.
That doesn't mean a player has to be in the state to open an account or make a deposit. Players heading to Las Vegas for the live WSOP or just for some fun in Sin City can get up ahead of time and then easily play while in town (or anywhere else in Nevada for that matter).
How to Open a New Online Poker Account in/for Nevada
Getting started at WSOP.com is easy. After downloading the app or the full poker software, you can expect to provide some simple information like:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Username
- Password
You can also claim your free no deposit poker bonus as part of the sign-up process. After setting up an account, making a deposit using an app or via desktop/laptop is easy and safe. Players depositing at WSOP.com can use any of the following:
- E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
- Visa/Mastercard
- PayNearMe, available at thousands of retail outlets
Another option is making a deposit at a Caesars property including: Rio, Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Harrah's, Paris Las Vegas, and most other Caesars properties in Nevada. This is also a valid cash out method as well.
Are Legal Online Poker Sites Safe?
Legal online poker sites in the US must comply with strict laws and regulations. These help make your personal information and funds secure.
In Nevada, online poker is regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. WSOP.com is a proven brand and now has a history of success in running online gaming along with its partner 888poker. That also goes for player safety and security.
Another security issue is player collusion and WSOP.com and other operators monitor these possibilities. Player collusion and discrepancies are commonly discovered by software monitoring. This helps ensure a fair game for all players.
Offshore and underground sites don't always have these protections. Players often complain of slow payouts as well. In the past, some sites have gone under and players lost their funds.
In a legal, regulated market, players can be assured their funds are safe. Learn more about safe poker sites here:
Which Poker Sites Might Come to Nevada Next?
WSOP.com probably won't be operating in Nevada by itself forever. With more live events being held in Las Vegas (and even in other cities, like with Run It Up Reno), other operators may see a nice group of players in live events also looking to play online.
Which of those might be possible? There are a few that might be interested.
partypoker
partypoker partners with the World Poker Tour, which stages several regular events in Las Vegas. The tour and partypoker team up for live events as well and partnered on the WPT Online Series in May 2020.
Nevada seems like a possibility for partypoker at some point, but there were no developments through the early part of 2020.
PokerStars
Another possibility might be PokerStars. Nevada's original online poker law gave WSOP.com a head start because it included a 'bad actor clause.' This forced a five-year wait for poker operators that had offered online poker in the US.
That time frame has now passed and with PokerStars looking to grow in the US, Nevada is the only state possible at the moment. Could a move into the Silver State be in the works? It seems possible at least.
Nevada online poker FAQ
Is online poker legal in Nevada?
The state of Nevada made online poker legal in 2013. That includes interstate compacts with other states offering legal online poker, as WSOP.com has done so with New Jersey and Delaware.
Many in the industry expected other states to legalize online poker after 2013, but that has been slow in coming. In early 2019, the US Department of Justice reversed a previous department opinion that the Wire Act applied only to sports betting.
That had some big consequences for online gaming including poker. The ruling would have made interstate compacts illegal. As of April 2020, the issue remained tied up in court after the DOJ lost the first round in court.
That has hampered opportunities for expanding interstate compacts with states like Pennsylvania, which launched real money online poker in 2019. Legislators there did not include interstate compacts in legalizing online poker.
Michigan online poker and West Virginia online poker were legalized in 2019. Small populous states like West Virginia may need these compacts for poker to survive in the state.
In the meantime, until the Wire Act is sorted out players can still take advantage of the WSOP and the three-state compact. That allows for larger prize pools and payouts.
What Nevada regulated poker rooms are live?
WSOP.com is currently the only regulated Nevada online poker room as of 2020.
Do I have to be a Nevada resident to play online poker?
No, but you need to be within the state of Nevada to play at regulated online poker rooms.
How does a poker room know a player is within Nevada?
Online poker rooms use three location devices to determine whether a player is within Nevada at the time of login.
One is the player's IP address. This locates the point of a player's internet connection. Cell phone triangulation is also used to determine a player's location. The cellphone pings off multiple towers and its approximate location determines whether the player may sit at real money tables.
Mapping of wireless internet connections provides another location method. Real Gaming uses a smartphone app that uses multiple sources to verify the location.
Is Nevada location verification technology precise?
No, this is why players located within one mile of the state line may not play. This is the margin of error for cellphone triangulation and other methods. This ensures that no players can play outside the state.
What cities are within one mile of the Nevada state line?
Players in Primm, Mesquite, Laughlin, Jackpot, West Wendover and Stateline may not be able to play online poker in Nevada due to being within one mile of the state line.
How do you deposit at a Nevada online poker room?
WSOP.com accepts deposits via electronic checks, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, PayNearMe, PayPal and cash at the cages of the following Las Vegas casinos:
- Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
- Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
- Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino
- Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
- Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
How do you cash out from a Nevada online poker room?
WSOP.com pays withdrawals by electronic checks, cash at five Caesars casinos in Las Vegas and check by mail.
How old do you have to be to play online poker in Nevada?
Nevada requires all online poker players to be 21 years of age or older. This is the same age requirement to gamble at brick-and-mortar casinos.
Do Nevada online poker rooms share player pools with any other state or country?
Nevada online poker is only offered to players located in the state. 888 and WSOP networked player pools between Delaware and Nevada in March 2015. New Jersey joined in 2018 to create an even bigger player pool. Players located in the three states can compete against each other on WSOP.com.
Why does my state not offer regulated online poker?
Most states require legislative action to expand gambling. This includes online poker. It will likely require a bill being passed by both state houses and a signature from the governor for a state to regulate online poker.
What games are offered at Nevada online poker rooms?
WSOP.com offers Texas Hold 'em cash games and tournaments for online play along with Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low.
Can I cash out from outside Nevada?
Yes, all poker rooms will allow players to withdraw from outside Nevada.
Does Nevada offer online casino games?
No, Nevada does not offer any official regulated real money online casinos. Nevada only offers online poker at this time.
Are player-to-player transfers allowed?
Player-to-player transfers are not allowed due to fraud and money laundering concerns.
How many players are there on WSOP.com?
As of April 2020, the WSOP/888 shared liquidity pool was seeing some of its best traffic ever. That came after the Coronavirus pandemic had many more players at home and looking for action.
That included regularly peaking at more than 800 players and a seven-day average of around 500 players in early April. The site also launched several major series like the Online Super Series to meet demand.
That series actually awarded WSOP Circuit rings and the site also hosts other WSOPC during the year. WSOP.com continues to add to its promotions and tournament offerings.
Nevada: Home to first licensed US online poker room
Contents
- 3 DECEMBER NINE: Final Table Set in WSOP Main Event With Joseph Hebert Chip Leader
- 3.2 Online Poker in Nevada
- 3.2.6 Which Poker Sites Might Come to Nevada Next?
- 3.3 Nevada online poker FAQ
- 3.2 Online Poker in Nevada
It all started with regulations drafted by the Nevada Gaming Commission on Dec. 22, 2011. An opinion letter written by the Department of Justice became public the following day stating that online poker did not violate the Wire Act. The DOJ opinion written three months earlier was in response to a state lottery inquiry.
Nevada Legislature took up the online poker issue in February 2013. It confirmed the regulations drafted by gaming regulators. Nevada lawmakers also included language that permits the governor to enter into liquidity sharing agreements with other states. Nevada has since entered into such an agreement with Delaware and New Jersey.
Ultimate Poker became the first entirely legal poker site in the US on April 30, 2013. There was no previous announcement leading up to the launch. The news hit the mainstream, and Ultimate Poker executives took to the airwaves to help promote the product.
Station Casinos was the group behind Ultimate Poker. The company is the largest locals casino owner in Las Vegas.
The site was heavily promoted at the casinos owned by Station and through direct mailers to players registered with the Boarding Pass players club. Ultimate Poker players could deposit and withdraw from any cashier cage operated by Station Casinos.
Ultimate Poker drew several hundred players from its first day. The first major Sunday tournaments hit its cap of 200 entrants and produced a $20,000 prize pool. Legal online poker was alive once again in the US.
WSOP.com launches and takes over the Nevada market
The fortunes of Ultimate Poker started to decline when WSOP.com launched on Sept. 17, 2013. It only took about six weeks for WSOP.com to overtake Ultimate Poker for the No. 1 spot regarding online poker traffic in Nevada.
WSOP.com Nevada was heavily promoted during the summer World Series of Poker. This helped it draw players away from Ultimate Poker.
The software used by WSOP.com was far superior to the one used by Ultimate Poker. This included the introduction of Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low. Ultimate Poker only offered Texas Hold 'em at the time.
Real Gaming became the third online poker room in Nevada. Backed by South Point Casino, a locals casino on Las Vegas Boulevard south of the Strip. The site only offered No Limit Texas Hold 'em cash games and one-table tournaments.
The competition proved to be no match for Ultimate Poker. The site struggled with inferior software and an inability to improve it in a timely manner.
Ultimate Poker dealt its last hand of online poker in Nevada on Nov. 17, 2014. It previously folded its New Jersey operations on Oct. 5, 2014, citing the bankruptcy of its business partner Trump Taj Mahal as the reason. Ultimate Gaming, its parent company, has since ceased operations.
WSOP.com now controls more than 99 percent of the Nevada online poker market. Real Gaming struggles to draw a single full table and is completely dark most hours of the day.
Nevada Interstate online poker compact
Nevada and Delaware launched the first poker liquidity sharing agreement in March 2015, and New Jersey joined the mix in May 2018 to create a tri-state player pool in the US.
As the only platform available in all three states, WSOP.com was the only site to take full advantage of the liquidity sharing at launch. WSOP revealed new promotions, a bigger and better rewards program, and larger tournament guarantees in conjunction with its suddenly larger network.
888 provides WSOP.com's platform and hosts the only poker network in Delaware. There are three skins on the Delaware poker network: Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway. All are racinos that operate video lottery casinos in the state.
Nevada live poker rooms
Nevada is the home to live poker in the US. Las Vegas is where most of the action occurs.
Venetian is the largest poker room in Las Vegas. It offers 59 tables. That number goes up during its Deep Stack Extravaganza tournament series.
Bellagio is the second-largest Las Vegas poker room. It spreads 37 tables. Other major Las Vegas Strip poker rooms include Wynn, Aria, and Caesars Palace.
There are several popular poker rooms in Las Vegas located off the Strip. The Orleans is the largest and is the home of Omaha High/Low and Fixed Limit Hold 'em in Las Vegas. The Orleans draws an equal number of locals and tourists.
Red Rock is the second-largest locals' poker room. You'll find it at the far west end of the Las Vegas Valley in the suburb of Summerlin. Green Valley Ranch, in the southeast part of town, is another active poker room in the locals market.
Visiting Las Vegas
There are numerous activities in the area if you need a break from poker. Rio has a zip line running between two hotel towers. The Palms offers a movie theater. Gold Coast has a bowling alley. All of those options are within walking distance.
Those with a car may want to explore Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Red Rock is a national park just west of the valley. Valley of Fire is about an hour north, Hoover Dam about an hour east. All are great outdoor activities.
Here are some of our favorite nongambling attractions in Las Vegas.
Those looking to party can take a cab for less than $10 to the Las Vegas Strip. There are top nightclubs at Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Aria, Wynn, Encore, Venetian, and Caesars Palace.
Those that enjoy the old-school feel should take a trip downtown. It will cost about $25 each way from Rio. Make sure to get in the cab at the convention center and tell the driver to take Industrial (part of which has been rechristened as Sammy Davis Jr. Drive) to keep from getting long-hauled on the highway.
Downtown Las Vegas is where legalized gambling started. It offers much better odds for those looking to gamble. The best blackjack in Las Vegas may be at El Cortez.
Great video poker is spread at numerous casinos. Craps players will want to hit the 20x odds spread at Main Street Station. In addition to better gambling, the minimum table game bet is often just $5 downtown.
While downtown, you may want to check out Fremont East. This is a block that's undergone recent revitalization and is between Las Vegas Boulevard and El Cortez. It includes a strip of bars and clubs.
Here are our five favorite things about downtown Las Vegas.
Where to stay for the World Series of Poker
Finding a great place to stay can be tough. Rio typically offers competitive rates.
Make sure to check out Gold Coast. Directly across the street from Rio, it will likely be cheaper. The Orleans is just two blocks away, although it is a little too far to walk.
If you have a car, you may want to check out some of the locals' casinos owned by Station. Staying downtown is another option.
Some players choose to stay at an extended stay to save some money. These are always hit and miss. Avoid the area along Tropicana the next exit down the highway from Rio. Most other neighborhoods with extended stay hotels will be in more desirable areas.
On weekends they come from across the country. They pack a light handbag, kiss their loved ones goodbye, and get on a plane.
Destination: Las Vegas.
Some come for the dazzling shows. Others for the food or the Vegas experience.
But most are here for one thing only:
To play poker.
They are the poker pilgrims, and the poker rooms of Las Vegas are the ultimate adventure.
If you're interested in playing poker online, check out our top recommendations below!
The casinos of Las Vegas have always had an affinity to poker. From the Bellagio and MGM Grand all the way to the small poker rooms in the narrow alleys off the alluring Strip, the poker tables are set, and the games are on almost 24 hours a day. Tourneys and cash games never stop. Nor does the endless line of players streaming in the casinos.
But the question on everybody's mind who's planning a trip to the Sin City is this:
Which is the best poker room among the dozens that fill the Strip and the areas around it?
Whether you're a casual player looking for some fun and entertainment or a dedicated player who takes your game seriously and plays to win money, it all comes down to one thing. Which poker room offers more action, has friendly dealers, and — maybe most importantly – has the softest competition.
Does this mean that you should avoid the famous casinos with their luxurious ambiance and great atmosphere because of sharks?
Not necessarily.
In fact, if you're going to Vegas to make some money at the tables, then there's a type of player you should worry about more than sharks. I'm talking about the ones chasing freerolls. They are attracted by promotions, and they won't be playing many hands or putting a lot of money in the pot.
In other words, these are the players to avoid. These tables are neither fun nor are they worth your time.
Which brings us back to the main question:
Which rooms are the best both for recreational and career poker players as well?
Las Vegas Poker Vlog
And which ones should you avoid?
Here are 7 poker rooms in Vegas that made the cut.
1. The Aria
This visually-striking hotel and casino is one of the newest additions to the Strip. Despite that, it has attracted a decent clientele who love the poker room's swiveling chairs, which make you feel like you're sitting on a cloud. Any time of the day or night, the Aria is teeming with players.
And there's never a shortage of tables.
How do you cash out from a Nevada online poker room?
WSOP.com pays withdrawals by electronic checks, cash at five Caesars casinos in Las Vegas and check by mail.
How old do you have to be to play online poker in Nevada?
Nevada requires all online poker players to be 21 years of age or older. This is the same age requirement to gamble at brick-and-mortar casinos.
Do Nevada online poker rooms share player pools with any other state or country?
Nevada online poker is only offered to players located in the state. 888 and WSOP networked player pools between Delaware and Nevada in March 2015. New Jersey joined in 2018 to create an even bigger player pool. Players located in the three states can compete against each other on WSOP.com.
Why does my state not offer regulated online poker?
Most states require legislative action to expand gambling. This includes online poker. It will likely require a bill being passed by both state houses and a signature from the governor for a state to regulate online poker.
What games are offered at Nevada online poker rooms?
WSOP.com offers Texas Hold 'em cash games and tournaments for online play along with Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low.
Can I cash out from outside Nevada?
Yes, all poker rooms will allow players to withdraw from outside Nevada.
Does Nevada offer online casino games?
No, Nevada does not offer any official regulated real money online casinos. Nevada only offers online poker at this time.
Are player-to-player transfers allowed?
Player-to-player transfers are not allowed due to fraud and money laundering concerns.
How many players are there on WSOP.com?
As of April 2020, the WSOP/888 shared liquidity pool was seeing some of its best traffic ever. That came after the Coronavirus pandemic had many more players at home and looking for action.
That included regularly peaking at more than 800 players and a seven-day average of around 500 players in early April. The site also launched several major series like the Online Super Series to meet demand.
That series actually awarded WSOP Circuit rings and the site also hosts other WSOPC during the year. WSOP.com continues to add to its promotions and tournament offerings.
Nevada: Home to first licensed US online poker room
Contents
- 3 DECEMBER NINE: Final Table Set in WSOP Main Event With Joseph Hebert Chip Leader
- 3.2 Online Poker in Nevada
- 3.2.6 Which Poker Sites Might Come to Nevada Next?
- 3.3 Nevada online poker FAQ
- 3.2 Online Poker in Nevada
It all started with regulations drafted by the Nevada Gaming Commission on Dec. 22, 2011. An opinion letter written by the Department of Justice became public the following day stating that online poker did not violate the Wire Act. The DOJ opinion written three months earlier was in response to a state lottery inquiry.
Nevada Legislature took up the online poker issue in February 2013. It confirmed the regulations drafted by gaming regulators. Nevada lawmakers also included language that permits the governor to enter into liquidity sharing agreements with other states. Nevada has since entered into such an agreement with Delaware and New Jersey.
Ultimate Poker became the first entirely legal poker site in the US on April 30, 2013. There was no previous announcement leading up to the launch. The news hit the mainstream, and Ultimate Poker executives took to the airwaves to help promote the product.
Station Casinos was the group behind Ultimate Poker. The company is the largest locals casino owner in Las Vegas.
The site was heavily promoted at the casinos owned by Station and through direct mailers to players registered with the Boarding Pass players club. Ultimate Poker players could deposit and withdraw from any cashier cage operated by Station Casinos.
Ultimate Poker drew several hundred players from its first day. The first major Sunday tournaments hit its cap of 200 entrants and produced a $20,000 prize pool. Legal online poker was alive once again in the US.
WSOP.com launches and takes over the Nevada market
The fortunes of Ultimate Poker started to decline when WSOP.com launched on Sept. 17, 2013. It only took about six weeks for WSOP.com to overtake Ultimate Poker for the No. 1 spot regarding online poker traffic in Nevada.
WSOP.com Nevada was heavily promoted during the summer World Series of Poker. This helped it draw players away from Ultimate Poker.
The software used by WSOP.com was far superior to the one used by Ultimate Poker. This included the introduction of Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low. Ultimate Poker only offered Texas Hold 'em at the time.
Real Gaming became the third online poker room in Nevada. Backed by South Point Casino, a locals casino on Las Vegas Boulevard south of the Strip. The site only offered No Limit Texas Hold 'em cash games and one-table tournaments.
The competition proved to be no match for Ultimate Poker. The site struggled with inferior software and an inability to improve it in a timely manner.
Ultimate Poker dealt its last hand of online poker in Nevada on Nov. 17, 2014. It previously folded its New Jersey operations on Oct. 5, 2014, citing the bankruptcy of its business partner Trump Taj Mahal as the reason. Ultimate Gaming, its parent company, has since ceased operations.
WSOP.com now controls more than 99 percent of the Nevada online poker market. Real Gaming struggles to draw a single full table and is completely dark most hours of the day.
Nevada Interstate online poker compact
Nevada and Delaware launched the first poker liquidity sharing agreement in March 2015, and New Jersey joined the mix in May 2018 to create a tri-state player pool in the US.
As the only platform available in all three states, WSOP.com was the only site to take full advantage of the liquidity sharing at launch. WSOP revealed new promotions, a bigger and better rewards program, and larger tournament guarantees in conjunction with its suddenly larger network.
888 provides WSOP.com's platform and hosts the only poker network in Delaware. There are three skins on the Delaware poker network: Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway. All are racinos that operate video lottery casinos in the state.
Nevada live poker rooms
Nevada is the home to live poker in the US. Las Vegas is where most of the action occurs.
Venetian is the largest poker room in Las Vegas. It offers 59 tables. That number goes up during its Deep Stack Extravaganza tournament series.
Bellagio is the second-largest Las Vegas poker room. It spreads 37 tables. Other major Las Vegas Strip poker rooms include Wynn, Aria, and Caesars Palace.
There are several popular poker rooms in Las Vegas located off the Strip. The Orleans is the largest and is the home of Omaha High/Low and Fixed Limit Hold 'em in Las Vegas. The Orleans draws an equal number of locals and tourists.
Red Rock is the second-largest locals' poker room. You'll find it at the far west end of the Las Vegas Valley in the suburb of Summerlin. Green Valley Ranch, in the southeast part of town, is another active poker room in the locals market.
Visiting Las Vegas
There are numerous activities in the area if you need a break from poker. Rio has a zip line running between two hotel towers. The Palms offers a movie theater. Gold Coast has a bowling alley. All of those options are within walking distance.
Those with a car may want to explore Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Red Rock is a national park just west of the valley. Valley of Fire is about an hour north, Hoover Dam about an hour east. All are great outdoor activities.
Here are some of our favorite nongambling attractions in Las Vegas.
Those looking to party can take a cab for less than $10 to the Las Vegas Strip. There are top nightclubs at Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Aria, Wynn, Encore, Venetian, and Caesars Palace.
Those that enjoy the old-school feel should take a trip downtown. It will cost about $25 each way from Rio. Make sure to get in the cab at the convention center and tell the driver to take Industrial (part of which has been rechristened as Sammy Davis Jr. Drive) to keep from getting long-hauled on the highway.
Downtown Las Vegas is where legalized gambling started. It offers much better odds for those looking to gamble. The best blackjack in Las Vegas may be at El Cortez.
Great video poker is spread at numerous casinos. Craps players will want to hit the 20x odds spread at Main Street Station. In addition to better gambling, the minimum table game bet is often just $5 downtown.
While downtown, you may want to check out Fremont East. This is a block that's undergone recent revitalization and is between Las Vegas Boulevard and El Cortez. It includes a strip of bars and clubs.
Here are our five favorite things about downtown Las Vegas.
Where to stay for the World Series of Poker
Finding a great place to stay can be tough. Rio typically offers competitive rates.
Make sure to check out Gold Coast. Directly across the street from Rio, it will likely be cheaper. The Orleans is just two blocks away, although it is a little too far to walk.
If you have a car, you may want to check out some of the locals' casinos owned by Station. Staying downtown is another option.
Some players choose to stay at an extended stay to save some money. These are always hit and miss. Avoid the area along Tropicana the next exit down the highway from Rio. Most other neighborhoods with extended stay hotels will be in more desirable areas.
On weekends they come from across the country. They pack a light handbag, kiss their loved ones goodbye, and get on a plane.
Destination: Las Vegas.
Some come for the dazzling shows. Others for the food or the Vegas experience.
But most are here for one thing only:
To play poker.
They are the poker pilgrims, and the poker rooms of Las Vegas are the ultimate adventure.
If you're interested in playing poker online, check out our top recommendations below!
The casinos of Las Vegas have always had an affinity to poker. From the Bellagio and MGM Grand all the way to the small poker rooms in the narrow alleys off the alluring Strip, the poker tables are set, and the games are on almost 24 hours a day. Tourneys and cash games never stop. Nor does the endless line of players streaming in the casinos.
But the question on everybody's mind who's planning a trip to the Sin City is this:
Which is the best poker room among the dozens that fill the Strip and the areas around it?
Whether you're a casual player looking for some fun and entertainment or a dedicated player who takes your game seriously and plays to win money, it all comes down to one thing. Which poker room offers more action, has friendly dealers, and — maybe most importantly – has the softest competition.
Does this mean that you should avoid the famous casinos with their luxurious ambiance and great atmosphere because of sharks?
Not necessarily.
In fact, if you're going to Vegas to make some money at the tables, then there's a type of player you should worry about more than sharks. I'm talking about the ones chasing freerolls. They are attracted by promotions, and they won't be playing many hands or putting a lot of money in the pot.
In other words, these are the players to avoid. These tables are neither fun nor are they worth your time.
Which brings us back to the main question:
Which rooms are the best both for recreational and career poker players as well?
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And which ones should you avoid?
Here are 7 poker rooms in Vegas that made the cut.
1. The Aria
This visually-striking hotel and casino is one of the newest additions to the Strip. Despite that, it has attracted a decent clientele who love the poker room's swiveling chairs, which make you feel like you're sitting on a cloud. Any time of the day or night, the Aria is teeming with players.
And there's never a shortage of tables.
Apart from the beautiful poker room, with its dark shades of red and brown, the Aria offers a lively atmosphere and lots of action. They feature lots of cash games spread throughout the peak hours. The Aria also runs decent tourneys (even on weekdays), including their popular $125 buy-in tournament at 7pm.
You can expect to find $1/$3, $2/$5, $5/$10 NLHE games as well as $1/$3 and $2/$5 PLO.
For higher stakes, they have Ivey's room, named after Phil Ivey. There you'll find famous players competing in the $300/$600 mixed game.
The Aria's dedicated poker room, with about 24 tables, is among the few places where you can find games running in the morning hours between 7am and 12pm. There you can expect to find a wide range of skills, which is great if you're looking to improve your game.
Besides the experienced rounders who play for high stakes, most of the players who frequent the Aria are recreational players with a lot of money.
And with such lively action, you always have options to move tables if you need to.
2. The Venetian
The Venetian Resort is one of largest hotels in the world. It stands to reason that they should have a dedicated poker room to match. The 59-table poker room is well-managed, with two separate high-limit areas. It's more spacious and laid back than most poker rooms on the Strip, even if the action is more subdued.
Cash games run from $1/$2 to $5/$10 NLHE. They also offer low stakes LHE and Omaha. They also have some good deep-stack tourneys, as well as two big daily tournaments at 12:05 PM and 7:05 PM.
Competition-wise, you can find many soft games, even though the daily tournament schedule attracts local players. You can recognize the locals from the tourists quickly. The locals are the ones the dealer calls by name.
3. The Bellagio
The Bellagio is always lively and full of all popular cash games and tournaments. The poker room is not as big as the Venetian, but it still looks opulent and luxurious.
Just because it's a big and a relatively old casino frequented by famous players doesn't mean you should shy away from it. You can find easier competition there. Plenty of tourists play recklessly there.
If you want to find the best action and softest games, you should play there between Wednesday and Sunday. These are the major fly-in days for most out-of-towners. Tourists tend to go far too hard the first day they hit the Strip. They drink like fish and play accordingly — like fish.
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You'll find all limits of cash games in the Bellagio. Starting from $1/$2 NLHE all the way to $20,000 buy-in games in Bobby's Room. You also get other games like Omaha and stud.
4. The Wynn
Conveniently located near Encore Players Club, this spacious room has 28 tables.
Entertainment is not in short supply with the 37 TV screens and the nearby restaurants offering a variety of foods.
Some people who play at the Wynn claim the competition is tougher than most. The Wynn Casino also has one of the busiest poker rooms in Vegas, with anywhere from 10 to 30 games going on at any given time.
You can even find a game running at 5am here. Most poker rooms slow down after 1am. This says something about the Wynn and its customers.
The stakes for cash games range from $1/$3 NLHE all the way up to higher stakes games with no maximum buy-ins. Besides the daily tournaments, there are seasonal tournaments which are always popular because of the high guarantees.
But perhaps the things players like most about the Wynn are the laid-back atmosphere, prompt service, and sharp and friendly dealers. They all make for an enjoyable experience in that beautiful and artsy room.
5. MGM Grand
The poker room at this illustrious hotel is grand and smoke-free all the time, which says a lot about the management of the room. Perhaps because of its proximity to Centrifuge Bar, the room always feels lively as the drinks, always free for players, keep flowing. It's easy to walk in and mistake it for a party.
The level of play is similar to that at the Aria. There's a real mix of players here, and the games can be profitable depending on your skill level.
That said, on Friday and Saturday late night, this can be a great place to find some tipsy players. They're mostly people staying at the hotel playing $1/$2 stakes in soft games. For the most part, they don't know what they're doing.
They offer daily tournaments and cash games at $1/$2 and $2/$5 NLHE.
If this is your first visit, the MGM poker room is the best place to introduce you to the game in Las Vegas. The chances of meeting a serious player here or a professional-hopeful are slim.
6. Caesars
Caesars is another non-smoking poker room with a great atmosphere. They focus on providing a good place to play. For starters, the room is completely separated from anything else at the casino. You also get free drinks, and the buffet offers outstanding food.
But there are 2 things not going for this room:
- The players are mostly good, making the competition here stiffer than elsewhere.
- The blind structures are not to the players' advantage.
Because let's face it, even if you're going to the casino to throw away chips at the poker tables, you still want to have some fun with like-minded players. The last thing you want is to play in a room full of sharks who'll take your money before you even have a chance to finish your first dry martini.
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The untold secret which every player who's visited Vegas knows, but won't talk about aloud, is that the more luxury resorts have the nicest rooms, but also the toughest competition. On the other hand, most of the rooms that run a $1/$2 game will have a lot of recreational players.
Of course, this isn't always true. There are good and bad places in all parts of town. But it stands to reason that the high rollers would love to play at big casinos on the Strip. That's where the big action is. Also, they're looking to bust up the weekend players coming to town.
Caesars offers a standard low-stakes spread of $1/$2, which runs every day, and $2/$5 every night and on weekends. You can play in four tournaments every day with buy-ins between $125 and $150.
7. Excalibur
Excalibur is not as big a room as the other ones on this list. Despite that, it seems to attract mainly tourists and weekend warriors.
Located in the back of the casino, the Excalibur's cardroom might be the softest room on the strip. If you know what you're doing, you can turn a quick profit here.
From midnight to 6am, you'll always get loose and soft play. However, during the day, the games get tighter.
The tournaments on offer have buy-ins between $40 and $45 and play four times a day. Cash games are usually $1/$2 NLHE with a few tables every now and then for $2/$6 LH.
Conclusion
If this is the first time you're playing poker in Vegas, then you should play tight and conservative at first. You want to get a good feel for the game, the players, and the skill levels at the table. Despite what you may have heard, the games in Las Vegas are softer than you might think.
Also, it's worth noting that the game gets even softer on big convention times. Special occasions like the National Finals Rodeo, Super Bowl, Final Four, and CES Show are the best times to plan your poker trip to the Strip.
Venetian Las Vegas Poker Tournaments
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