For poker enthusiasts, traveling goes beyond just discovering new places. It’s a quest for the best gaming tables around the world. Each destination offers its own flavor of gaming, blending local culture, unique ambiance, and unique gaming opportunities. The number one destination remains Las Vegas, where the top poker players gather for the biggest tournaments and cash games. However, what are the other top destinations where poker communities thrive? Here is an overview of the world’s must-see destinations for poker enthusiasts.
1) Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the iconic destination for any poker lover. This city, nicknamed the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” is famous for its dazzling casinos and vibrant atmosphere.
Las Vegas also hosts the World Poker Championships each year, bringing together thousands of players, including the best professionals. The Strip, a legendary avenue, contains countless poker hotspots, such as the Bellagio, the Venetian, and the MGM Grand, offering world-class gaming tables.
In addition, Las Vegas offers a unique experience: online poker. Several land-based casinos offer online poker platforms for those who prefer to play from home. Online poker is a convenient alternative to the often crowded casino rooms. For example, MGM Grand allows you to join all the thrills of their online poker rooms and play comfortably from a smartphone, tablet, or computer on BetMGM online casino.
2) Atlantic City
The next stop in the USA is Atlantic City (New Jersey).On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, not far from Buffalo or New York and even less from Philadelphia, Atlantic City is easily reachable thanks to train or bus lines from these large cities.
In 1978, state voters approved opening the first casino to revitalize the city. Forty-five years later, Atlantic City has become the second-largest gambling city in the country, earning the nickname “Las Vegas of the Eastern USA.” Tourists from all over the world come to play poker in its casinos, which are open 24/7.
There are three open Atlantic City poker rooms: Borgata, Harrah’s, and Tropicana. With 85 poker tables and frequent high-stakes tournaments, the Borgata poker room is the most popular spot for players in the Northeast.
3) Macau
On the other side of the Pacific lies Las Vegas’ biggest rival: Macau. The city is on the way to becoming the world’s gaming capital, and we no longer know where the crazy hotel and casino projects will stop.
Spectacular casinos and a thriving poker community make it a haven for players seeking outstanding performances in this new gaming paradise. Macau regularly hosts significant poker tournaments, including events such as the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), attracting competitors from around the globe. The level is very high on-site.
However, whether you’re a gambling fan or not, Macau alone is worth at least a visit. This independent region of China is full of attractions that will delight every visitor. Apart from its striking beauty and unique cultural experiences, Macau draws serious poker players.
4) Monte Carlo
Monaco is a symbol of glamour, jet-set, and luxury in France. Luxury is at its peak in a casino known to all, but locals are not allowed to enter. If this anecdote is still surprising, it does not detract from the appeal of the Monte Carlo casino built by the architect Garnier.
On the contrary, it offers additional prestige and paradoxically oscillates between an inaccessible dream and a place where everything is possible. Following the same principle as Las Vegas, many online poker platforms do not hesitate to take inspiration from this location for certain graphics, names, or presentations of poker games. Monte-Carlo hosts Europe’s richest tournament, the EPT Grand Final, which usually takes place in April.
5) Melbourne
Australia, although discreet in this area, makes the list. Melbourne, the birthplace of Joe Hachem, a famous poker player, has an enormous gaming complex that provides casinos, nightclubs, hotels, and luxury boutiques along the Yarra River. This is the biggest poker destination in Australia with its giant Crown casino, which hosts the Aussie Millions in January and the PokerNews Cup in October.
Gaming in the World’s Best Poker Communities
Poker is a game that can be enjoyed and experienced in a wide range of different environments. Poker communities continue to grow and thrive, largely thanks to online platforms like BetMGM Poker, which have boosted this discipline. The days of only being able to experience the true thrill of the game around a non-virtual table have passed; the digital world has made it possible to democratize this activity and thus offer it a genuine revival. Far from being exhaustive, this list provides leading cities worldwide with the most prominent poker communities. So, have you found the dream destination that tempts you the most?