Poker is a popular card game that has long been associated with luxury, opulence and all round extravagance, having originated in the US in the 1800s before going on to become the world’s most popular casino game.
In recent years, the rise of online casinos has made the game more accessible than ever before, with players able to log on from anywhere, anytime using just their laptop or smartphone to gain access to immersive live dealer play. According to the World Poker Tour, over 120 million people now play poker online, but there’s still nothing quite like the glitz and glamour of a land-based casino, with the world’s biggest high rollers just keeping on coming back for more.
Land-based casinos understand gamers’ desires to play in big, lavish establishments and spend millions to develop high-end accommodations and amenities to serve big spenders. But where exactly can you still find the casinos that offer the kind of high-roller tables that feel like something out of the movies?
Here, we take a look at the most luxurious venues to play poker in around the world, and from the bright lights of Vegas to the opulence of Monaco, if you’re an enthusiast then you’ll want to tick all seven of them off your bucket list.
1. The Bellagio, Las Vegas
Luxury hotel, resort, and casino Bellagio is undoubtedly one of the most iconic venues on the Las Vegas Strip, and arguably, the world. Owned by Blackstone Inc, it offers a wide variety of casino games, slot tournaments, giveaways, and hosts. The poker tables are, of course, a highlight, and its private rooms are reserved exclusively for those looking to partake in high stakes poker games – often with eye-watering sums of money changing hands.
You’ve likely seen it featured in Hollywood blockbusters including Ocean’s Eleven, World Poker Tour, and other silver screen hits. However, until you’ve sat in the 7,000 square feet hosting 40 oval poker tables yourself, you can’t gain a thorough understanding of just how grand it really is.
2. MGM Grand, Las Vegas
The Metro Goldwyn Mayer Grand is an American company operating a series of hotels in Las Vegas, Michigan, Mississippi, and other locations – and the MGM Grand in Vegas is the jewel in its crown. This plush super casino resort features 6,852 rooms in one building, making it the largest single hotel building in Vegas. Inside, you can find the MGM Grand Arena, which hosts big UFC, boxing, and concert events, drawing in huge crowds of spectators to its biggest events throughout the year.
Its luxury wagering floor covers an area of 191,424 square feet, with tourists forever clamouring for a chance to visit the poker room, which features 13 tables and offers daily low-stake tournaments as well as many cash games. If you’re just visiting the city for fun and want to experience a piece of the action, play the $1/$3 no-limit hold ’em poker variant. It might not turn out to be the kind of big money game you’re used to seeing in the movies, but it’s a great way to get a taste for it if you’re a relatively amateur player.
3. Luxor Resort and Casino, Las Vegas
The Luxor Resort and Casino opened in 1993, with initial building costs totalling $373 million and a further $900 million spent on expansions and renovations in the years since. The ancient Egyptian theme that features throughout the entire resort makes it a unique venue that attracts wealthy guests from across the globe, with the black, mirrored pyramid that forms the main part of the hotel making it one of the most striking in the world.
The Luxor is of course popular for its gaming, and particularly the top-rated poker room. The casino floor layout is simple to navigate, with easy-to-access amenities at hand where you can grab a drink, steak, or simply relax. You can also partake in freeroll tournaments and free poker lessons, and experience the luxury of playing in a high-end hotel first-hand.
4. The Venetian Macao, China
Macau has surpassed Vegas when it comes to annual gambling revenue over recent years, and has attracted a string of big name resorts and casinos that you might be familiar with from the original Sin City as a result. The Venetian Macao is one of them, and this impressive 39-story building, located on Macau’s Cotai Strip, is actually owned by the Las Vegas Sands Company. Not only that, but it’s the world’s largest casino, too, with a huge game offering, stunning interiors, 350 brand-name stores and over 30 bars and restaurants all within its confines.
The casino floor is kitted out with 3,000 slot machines and 800 tables, spread over nearly 500,000 square feet of gaming space. You can only wager a minimum of $300 per game, and it’s possible to wager millions on the Casino’s VIP Plaza Club – so it’s easy to see why the world’s biggest high-rollers flock here to take on other top level players in nail-biting high-stakes games of poker.
5. Casino de Montréal, Canada
The Montréal Casino on Notre Dame Island is the largest in Canada. Located within the St Lawrence River on a man-made island, it contains two former Expo 67 pavilion buildings, and first opened its doors in 1993.
Today, it remains open for the public from morning to late night hours seven days a week. There is a dress code to adhere to, but these days, it’s rather relaxed. You’ll be allowed to enter in any appropriate attire, as long as it doesn’t feature violent depictions or writings associated with a known violent organisation.
Casino de Montréal cost about $95 million to build, making it one of the most luxurious establishments in Canada – so if you’re visiting the country then you won’t want to miss it out of your itinerary.
6. Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
One of the most opulent and iconic casinos in the world, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is an architectural masterpiece, and has been a fixture in Monaco’s history for centuries. It was founded in the 19th century and remains one of the very finest gaming venues in Europe, with its captivating décor and glamorous atmosphere attracting visitors from around the world.
Playing at this particular casino is an unforgettable experience, blending thrilling games with entertainment and all out opulence. You can still visit the casino even if you don’t have plans to wager on high-roller tables, so if you’re in Monaco, then be sure to pop in and soak up the atmosphere, because it’s unlike any other.
7. Foxwoods Resort Casino, Connecticut
Foxwoods Resort Casino was once the world’s largest casino and remains New England’s largest casino until today. Two hours from New York and in a somewhat secluded location, it’s open from morning to late night, but if you’re planning to visit then be sure to adhere to the dress code, as cargo pants, work boots, chains, and baseball hats are forbidden in the evening.
Foxwoods Casino has over 250 tables and 22 casino game types. If you’re just looking for a luxurious experience without spending a lot, you can wager at the $1 blackjack table as you indulge in high-end shopping and golfing – but if you’re looking to play with larger sums and put your poker prowess to the test, then you’ll have no trouble finding some willing opponents here.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
