Poker is an exciting game, but finding the right places to play is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best ways to find poker games and tournaments.
Legal Poker Rooms & Casinos
Let’s start with the most secure and regulated option: licensed poker rooms and casinos.
In India:
Poker is still emerging as a regulated sport. You’ll primarily find poker rooms in states where gaming is permitted under specific licenses, such as Goa, Sikkim, and Daman.
- Deltin Royale (Goa): One of India’s premier floating casinos, offering regular poker tournaments and cash games.
- Big Daddy Casino (Goa): Known for PLO and mid-stakes NLH action.
- Casino Mahjong (Sikkim): Hosts smaller poker events and is popular with players from Northeast India.
Note: Poker rooms in India often operate under the gaming laws of their respective states. Always confirm legal status before attending.
Internationally:
Countries with regulated gaming often have full-fledged poker rooms inside major casinos.
- Las Vegas (USA): Dozens of rooms like Bellagio, Aria, and The Wynn run daily cash games and series.
- London (UK): The Hippodrome and The Vic offer action from £1/£2 to high stakes.
- Macau: Home to high-roller poker at Wynn Macau and Poker King Club.
- Manila (Philippines): Resorts World and Okada host active tournaments and cash tables.
How to Find
- PokerAtlas.com (US & Canada)
- Bravo Poker Live (US real-time listings)
- Google Maps: Search ‘poker room near me’ or ‘[your city] casino poker’.
Private Poker Clubs (Legal & Semi-Legal)
Private poker clubs operate globally, with India and many Asian countries embracing this model due to legal restrictions on casino gaming.
In India:
In cities like Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, private clubs operate under memberships, sometimes charging seat fees or food-and-beverage minimums instead of rake.
Elsewhere:
- Texas (USA): Dozens of clubs like The Lodge (Austin) and Texas Card House (Dallas) run on a seat-rental model.
- Vietnam & Cambodia: Private rooms in Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh host both local grinders and traveling pros.
- Europe: Cities like Paris and Barcelona have semi-private games accessible through apps like PokerBROS or by local invite.
How to Find
- Facebook & Instagram poker groups
- Telegram/WhatsApp poker communities
Note: In India and other jurisdictions, the legality of poker clubs depends on state laws and the presence of real-money rake. Exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any private venue.
Pub & Bar Poker (Casual & Social)
Bar poker leagues offer low-stakes, community-driven games that are great for beginners or social players.
In India:
This format is still growing, but some metros like Bangalore, Pune, and Gurugram occasionally host poker nights in bars or breweries, often organized by local promoters or apps.
Globally:
- World Tavern Poker (USA): Runs free-entry bar tournaments with leaderboard prizes.
- Redtooth Poker (UK): Operates pub poker leagues across hundreds of locations.
- APT Bar Poker Open: A US-wide circuit that begins with free bar tournaments and leads to a $100K+ finals.
How to Find
- Search Facebook events: ‘poker night + [your city]’
- Check bar schedules and local nightlife listings
- League sites: WorldTavernPoker.com, RedtoothPoker.com
Local Tournaments & Series
Live tournament circuits exist in nearly every poker ecosystem, from global giants to local festivals.
In India:
- National Poker Series (NPS): While primarily online, NPS hosts live qualifiers and bootcamps in metro cities.
- DPT (Deltin Poker Tournament): India’s biggest live tournament series, held in Goa.
- Spartan Poker Tour (SPT): Organizes occasional live qualifiers and influencer events.
Many Indian players start online, qualify through satellites, and travel to Goa or Sikkim for the final tables.
International Options:
- WPT Global: Runs both international live events and online qualifiers in Asia, Europe, and North America.
- Asian Poker Tour (APT): Hosts events in Manila, Hanoi, and Macau with a growing Indian player presence.
- WSOP Circuit: Feeds into the World Series of Poker in Vegas, and increasingly into Europe and Asia via satellites.
How to Find
- Follow brands like WPT India, Spartan Poker, PokerBaazi, and APPT on Instagram.
- Use PokerAtlas and Bravo for live room tournament calendars.
Home Games
Home games are how many players get their start, and they are still one of the most accessible ways to enjoy poker socially.
In India:
In cities like Lucknow, Ahmedabad, or Kolkata, home games are common — but often operate in a grey zone. Games where the host doesn’t profit (no rake) are usually permitted for entertainment purposes.
Use caution: Keep stakes low, invite only trusted friends, and avoid advertising games online.
Globally:
Home games are common everywhere from suburban USA basements to European apartments. Apps like ClubGG, PokerBROS, and PPPoker are often used for organizing hybrid online-offline clubs.
How to Find
- Trusted personal networks
- Tools like:
- The Poker Timer App
- BlindValet
- Club apps for chip management
Caution: Many home games run with improper security, no dispute protocols, and unregulated rake. Always play responsibly.
Smart Steps to Start Your Poker Journey
Confirm Legal Play
Make sure you’re aware of the laws surrounding real-money poker in your area. Whether you’re in a casino, private home game, or an underground event, it’s important to play within the legal boundaries.
Gather the Right Info
Before committing to a game, always ask:
- What is the rake and how is it charged?
- What are the blind levels and the buy-in requirements?
- Is there a safety policy in place?
Knowing this will ensure you’re not blindsided once the action begins.
Limit Your Risk
Only bring the amount of money you’re okay with losing, especially when you’re playing in less regulated or private settings. Set a loss limit to protect your bankroll and peace of mind.
Start with Casual, Low-Stakes Games
Ease into poker by playing in low-pressure environments, like pub leagues or home games. These games are perfect for learning and building confidence without risking too much.
Connect and Observe
Poker is a game of both skill and relationships. Take the time to observe experienced players, ask questions, and build a network. You never know when a new opportunity could arise through a casual conversation.
FAQs
Q. Is poker legal in India?
A: Poker is legal in certain states like Goa, Sikkim, and Daman, where it operates under specific licenses. However, laws vary by state, so always check the legal status before attending a poker room or casino in India.
Q. How can I find a private poker club?
A: Private poker clubs can be found through social media platforms, poker-related Facebook and Instagram groups, or apps like PokerBROS. Always verify the legitimacy and legality of the club before attending.
Q. What is the best way to start playing poker?
A: Starting with casual, low-stakes games like pub leagues or home games is a great way to ease into poker. These environments help you learn the basics without risking significant amounts of money.
Finding a poker game close to home means connecting with a wider community and embracing the full poker experience. The adventure doesn’t stop when the cards are dealt, it continues with every hand, every game, and every new player you meet.
Keep following PokerProNews for more such informative pieces on poker.
