Friday, 29th March 2024 14:37
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For the last couple of years, poker has very much been an at-home activity. That is to say, we’ve all been playing online.

Online poker is still awesome. It always will be. But poker is a game that can be enjoyed and experienced in a range of environments.

Live poker is back. We’ve already had the EPT Prague this year and soon it’ll be time for the EPT Monte Carlo. Meanwhile, countries continue to open up their borders for international tourism.

For keen recreational players and pros alike, combining poker and travel makes for a dream holiday. Here are four interesting poker experiences for you to try around the world.


Las Vegas

Where else to start but Las Vegas? Although there are many alternative gaming destinations, Vegas is still the place to be for poker players.

Sin City has over 50 casinos. For a taste of luxury, you can spend a few hours at the tables of the Venetian or Bellagio. If you’re feeling nostalgic you can head to the Golden Gate.

The WSOP, one of the most prestigious live circuits, is held in Las Vegas, this year at Bally’s/Paris from May 31 to July 2022. If you want to give high stakes tournament poker and equally nail biting cash games a go, then the WSOP is a great time to experience the city.

But any time is a good time for poker in Vegas. Major casinos have games running every night and you’ll be able to find a wide range of stakes and variety of game formats. Check out this article on the top places to play poker in Vegas.

Off the tables there’s loads to do in the way of entertainment. Just wander down the strip and see what happens!


Amsterdam poker boat

This poker holiday suggestion is ideal for larger groups such as birthdays, hen, or stag parties, as bookings are for 30 people.

You’ll have a private boat with your own captain and croupiers as well as, wait for it… a nearly naked waiter or waitress serving drinks from an open bar. While the game’s going on you’ll be cruising around the docks and islands of Amsterdam.

Be aware that this is not a real money poker tournament. It’s more of a fun poker experience. You’ll be given house chips and at the end of the night you can tot up and see who’s made the most.

You can book the Amsterdam poker boat at FunAmsterdam.


Take a poker cruise

Poker cruises combine an awesome sight seeing holiday with the unique experience of playing cards on the open ocean. Buy-ins are usually low stakes and many cruiselines offer lessons to beginners, so it’s an accessible way to enjoy the game.

Sail off into the sunset on a poker cruise

One company that focuses solely on poker experiences is Card Player Cruises. They run several cruises per year to destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and Bermuda. Whenever the ship is on the ocean there’s a game running, and because these cruises are aimed specifically at poker players they are always lively. Typical hold em stakes are $1/$3. You’ll also be able to take part in poker seminars, courses, and party with the other players.

If you’d rather focus more on the cruising and sightseeing and play a little poker on the side for entertainment, many cruiselines have a casino along with their usual amenities such as spas, bars and restaurants.

Celebrity Cruises, for example, has a Fortune Casino on board, as well as a downloadable app that lets you play casino games on international waters. Royal Caribbean International are another company that run regular poker games on board.


EPT Monte Carlo

One of the most prolific live poker series is the European Poker Tour (EPT). This is guaranteed to be one poker experience that you won’t forget, combining high caliber tournament poker with an experience centered around the players.

The next event is the EPT Monte Carlo, running from April 28 to May 7. Monte Carlo is a classy city of superyachts, fashion and fine dining. You can also visit the Monte Carlo Casino, one of the most stunning and oldest casinos in Europe.

The EPT poker event is held at Monte Carlo Sporting in the exquisite Salle des Etoiles card room. Buy-ins for the Main Event are $5,300. A lower cost alternative running during the series is the French Poker Series Main Event for $1,100. Satellites for both are available on PokerStars.

A trip to Monte Carlo isn’t going to be cheap. But it will be a poker holiday that you’ll never forget. Find out everything you need to know about the EPT Monaco here.

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