Nevada Poker Rooms: Where to Play Live Poker in NV

Find the best locations to play live poker in The Silver State

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Nevada poker rooms offer a range of cash games and tournaments that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From small-stakes cash games to world championships, Las Vegas is hands-down the best place in the world for live poker options.

Most Popular Cardrooms in Nevada Reviewed

Whittling down the top Nevada poker room options to a top 5 was hard, but we’ve done it. We’ve focused on Las Vegas, as most of the best Nevada cash games and tournaments are there. However, we’ve found space for one or two cardrooms further afield.

#1 Bellagio

Opened in 1998, the Bellagio cardroom in Las Vegas has been a staple in the poker community for over two decades. This 7,000-square-foot gaming floor is home to 40 poker tables, providing a variety of games for all skill levels.

One of the largest cardroom options in Vegas, the Bellagio is well known for its cash games, which run 24/7. The variety of games on offer is vast, ranging from Texas Hold’em to Omaha Hi-Lo. No matter your preference, there’s likely a table to suit your style.

The Bellagio also hosts major tournaments and poker events throughout the year. These include daily tournaments, high roller events, and the infamous “Big Game,” which attracts some of the biggest names in poker.

The cardroom at the Bellagio also offers a variety of Sit ‘n Gos, which are single-table tournaments that begin as soon as the table is full. These games offer a quick and exciting way to play poker, with the potential for significant winnings.

bellagio casino las vegas

The Bellagio cardroom can comfortably fit hundreds of cash players at any given time. This, coupled with the variety of games on offer, makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

In terms of rewards and loyalty schemes, the Bellagio offers the M life Rewards program. This allows players to earn points for every dollar spent at the poker tables, which can then be redeemed for a variety of perks including room discounts, priority reservations, and exclusive access to events and promotions.

The cardroom also offers several happy hour deals throughout the week. These deals vary, but typically include discounted drinks and food, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a game of poker while also grabbing a bite to eat or a drink.

#2 Caesars Palace

Opened in 1966, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is a historic venue that has been a part of the city’s gaming scene for over five decades. The poker room at Caesars, occupying a space of approximately 4,500 square feet, is a key feature of this iconic establishment.

Within this Nevada live poker space, you’ll find 16 poker tables. These tables cater to a variety of games, providing an array of options for both novice and experienced players. Texas Hold’em is a popular choice, but other games such as Omaha and Seven Card Stud are also available.

The poker room at Caesars Palace is renowned for its cash games, which operate 24/7. Regardless of the time, you can find a game that suits your preferences and skill level.

In addition to these cash games, the poker room also hosts several tournaments and poker events throughout the year. These include the annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit event, which attracts players from all over the world. The poker room also runs its own WSOP warm-up series, which offers additional rewards and incentives for frequent players.

caesars palace las vegas

For those interested in quicker games, Sit ‘n Gos are also available at Caesars. These single-table tournaments start as soon as the table is full, providing a fast-paced and exciting gaming experience.

Caesars Palace values its loyal customers and offers a comprehensive loyalty scheme. The Caesars Rewards card allows you to earn points for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for a variety of perks and benefits.

In terms of capacity, the poker room can accommodate a significant number of cash players. The exact number can vary depending on the specific games and events taking place, but rest assured that the room is designed to comfortably cater to a lot of participants.

#3 Aria Resort & Casino

The Aria opened its doors in 2009, one of a breed of slick new Vegas hotel-casinos. The casino wasted no time in making its poker rooms one of the best in the city. There’s even a high roller room for the biggest players in town.

Covering a substantial 24,000 square feet gaming floor, it’s an environment designed with the poker enthusiast in mind. The Aria poker room boasts 24 high-quality tables, offering a range of games to suit all levels of play.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, there’s a game for you. Cash games are a staple here, operating around the clock for those who prefer continuous play.

aria resort casino

For the competitive player, the Aria is known for hosting major tournaments and poker events. It’s home to the High Roller Bowl and the Super High Roller Bowl, both of which are prestigious events in the poker calendar. These tournaments attract top players from around the globe and games are live-streamed in partnership with PokerGO, allowing fans worldwide to tune in.

The Aria poker room also offers Sit ‘n Gos for those who prefer faster-paced games. Additionally, bounty tournaments are a regular feature, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.

As for accommodating players, the room can comfortably fit a large number of cash players. This ensures a dynamic and lively atmosphere, making for an engaging poker experience.

Loyalty is highly valued at the Aria. The casino offers rewards cards and loyalty schemes, allowing regular players to earn points and benefits. One of the highlights is the summer series, a period filled with special events and promotions.

#4 Peppermill Casino

Peppermill Casino, a renowned establishment in Reno, opened its doors to the public in 1971. This casino has stood the test of time, offering an expansive gaming floor of over 82,500 square feet, providing ample space for avid gamblers. It’s the perfect getaway if you want a change from the Nevada live poker options on the Strip.

When it comes to a Nevada poker room, Peppermill Casino offers a variety of options. It houses 19 poker tables, each catering to different levels of play and offering a mix of games. Cash games are a significant part of the poker room, allowing players to join and leave at their convenience.

peppermill casino

Peppermill Casino is also known for hosting grand poker events. The $750,000 Peppermill Poker Palooza is a prime example, featuring 32 tournaments, including a $300,000-guaranteed main event. This poker extravaganza draws in poker enthusiasts from all over, contributing to the casino’s reputation as a hub for high-stakes action.

Bounty tournaments and Sit ‘n Gos are also part of the casino’s offerings, adding variety to the gaming experience. The casino can accommodate a substantial number of cash players, although the exact figure is not specified.

Loyalty schemes are a significant part of the Peppermill Casino experience. The casino offers a rewards card program, allowing players to earn points as they play. These points can be redeemed for a variety of benefits, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

#5 Horseshoe Las Vegas

In the heart of Las Vegas, the Horseshoe Casino, formerly known as Bally’s, has become a significant landmark since its rebranding in 2022. The casino, now home to the World Series of Poker (WSOP), has undergone considerable transformations, making it a top destination for poker enthusiasts worldwide.

The Horseshoe Casino boasts an expansive gaming floor spanning over 100,000 square feet. The newly designed poker room is an impressive addition, featuring 30 poker tables to accommodate a wide range of players.

Cash games are a significant component of the casino’s offerings too. The cardroom provides flexible options for players to join and leave games at their convenience.

In terms of tournaments, the Horseshoe Casino is a hub for high-stakes action. The WSOP Circuit is a notable event hosted by the casino, attracting players from all over the globe. Look out for mega-satellites when the WSOP comes around, in addition to big-money guarantees throughout the year.

Furthermore, the newly inaugurated Hall of Fame Poker room is specifically designed to host WSOP tournaments, marking a significant milestone in the casino’s history.

horseshoe casino

Bounty tournaments and Sit ‘n Gos are also part of the casino’s poker offerings, providing a variety of gaming experiences to its patrons. As for the number of cash players the casino can accommodate, it’s estimated to be in the hundreds, given the size and capacity of the gaming floor and poker rooms.

The Horseshoe Casino values its customers’ loyalty and offers a comprehensive rewards program. The casino’s rewards card allows players to earn points on every game they play, which can be redeemed for a variety of perks, including dining, entertainment, and room discounts.

Additionally, the casino offers enticing happy hour deals, providing an excellent opportunity for patrons to enjoy their favorite games while benefiting from discounted rates.

Top 20 Nevada Poker Rooms

Live poker in Nevada is concentrated around the iconic Strip on Las Vegas Blvd, but cardrooms can also be found in the Downtown area and further afield in cities like Reno.

Cardroom NameAddressCityPhone Number
The Venetian3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-702-414-1000
Bellagio3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-888-987-6667
Caesars Palace3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-866-227-5938
ARIA Resort & Casino3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158Las Vegas1-866-359-7757
Paris Las Vegas4960 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-877-796-2096
Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino4949 N. Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89130Las Vegas1-702-658-4900
MGM Grand3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-877-880-0880
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino3700 W. Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103Las Vegas1-866-746-7671
Horseshoe Las Vegas3645 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-877-603-4390
Golden Nugget129 E. Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101Las Vegas1-702-385-7111
Binion’s Gambling Hall128 E. Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101Las Vegas1-702-382-1600
Wynn/Encore3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-702-770-7000
The Orleans Hotel & Casino4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103Las Vegas1-702-365-7111
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa11011 W. Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135Las Vegas1-702-797-7777
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino2707 S. Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502Reno1-866-821-9996
Resorts World3000 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-702-676-7000
Mandalay Bay3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119Las Vegas1-702-632-4760
Luxor3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119Las Vegas1-877-386-4658
Planet Hollywood3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-866-919-7472
Excalibur3850 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-877-750-5464
Mirage3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109Las Vegas1-702-791-7111

Biggest Live Poker Rooms in Nevada

Here are some of the biggest cardrooms for live poker options in NV. During large events, however, conference rooms may be converted to accommodate hundreds, or thousands, of players.

Cardroom NameGames HighlightsNumber of TablesMajor Events
Caesars PalaceDaily $100/$150 NLHE tournaments16+Summer Warm-Up Series
The Venetian/Palazzo$1/$3 NLHE cash, deep-stack tournaments35+Venetian DeepStack, DeepStack Showdown
ARIAMixed games, high roller series25+Poker Masters, Aria Fall High Rollers, Super High Roller Bowl, Summer Aria High Roller Series, US Poker Open
BellagioTwo high-roller rooms, cash games40+Bellagio Kickoff Classic, WPT
MGM GrandDaily $100 re-buy tournament, $1/$2 NLHE cash, $5/$10 NLHE, Omaha 8-or-Better, 7-Card Stud, $4–$8 Draw Games13+$80,000 Invitational Series
Wynn/Encore$150k-GTD tournaments, Turbo $10k-GTD,28+WPT World Championship
Golden Nugget$1/$2 NLHE cash, high-hand bonus13+Grand Poker Series
Orleans$1/$3 to $4/$8 NLHE cash, $8/$16 Omaha Hi-Lo cash,35n/a
Red RockLimit Hold’em, Mixed Games,20+n/a
South PointOmaha Hi-Lo tournaments, weekly $150 NLHE tourneys, seasonal freerolls30+$300,000 Freeroll
Resorts WorldDaily $5,000-GTD NLHE,30+n/a
Horseshoe CasinoSatellites, $500k-GTD freezeouts25+World Series of Poker, WSOP-C

Live Nevada Poker Rooms with Hotels

Most casinos with live poker in Nevada are attached to hotels. Deals are plentiful, especially if you book well in advance. Plus, you can claim comps and reduced rates if you rack up enough time when you play poker.

Casino NameNumber of Rooms
The Venetian7,000+
Bellagio3,900+
Caesars Palace4,000+
ARIA Resort & Casino4,000+
Paris Las Vegas3,000+
Orleans1,900+
MGM Grand6,800+
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino2,500+
Horseshoe Las Vegas2,800+
Golden Nugget2,400+

Live Poker Games in Nevada

Most Nevada casinos run live poker games, including tournaments and cash games. Hold’em is very much the popular choice at Nevada poker rooms. However, you can usually find mixed games, SNGs, and satellites at even the smaller casinos.

Always remember to adhere to the rules on gambling age by state. You must be 21 or over to play real money games at a Nevada poker room.

Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em in Nevada, particularly in Las Vegas, is a prominent feature in many live cardrooms. Known as the poker capital of the world, Nevada offers a wide range of games to suit all skill levels.

The most popular are No Limit Texas Hold’em games, which are readily available at various stakes. Many cardrooms also offer Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.

Some establishments, like the Bellagio and the Aria, even host high-stakes “big games” attracting professional players. In addition, daily tournaments are commonplace, providing a competitive platform for players to test their skills.

Omaha

Omaha poker, particularly Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), has gained significant popularity in Nevada’s cardrooms. The game’s high-action nature attracts both recreational and professional players.

Omaha plays a little like Texas Hold’em but you receive four hole cards instead of just two. You must use any two of your hole cards, plus three community cards, to make the best hand.

Many Nevada poker rooms in Las Vegas offer PLO at various limits, accommodating players with different bankrolls. Cash games are prevalent, with blinds ranging from as low as $1/$2 to high-stakes games.

Besides PLO, Omaha Hi/Lo is also popular, offering a unique twist to the traditional Omaha game. Tournaments featuring Omaha are less frequent but are still available in some cardrooms, providing a structured competitive environment for Omaha enthusiasts

Stud

7-Card Stud, once the most popular poker variant, holds a special place in Nevada’s poker scene. While Texas Hold’em and Omaha have gained prominence, many casinos still offer 7-Stud games.

The game is included in the H.O.R.S.E. rotation, a mixed-game format played at various limits. Cash games for 7-Stud are available, though not as widespread as Hold’em or Omaha. The betting limits vary, accommodating a wide range of players.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) held in Las Vegas annually includes 7-Stud events, attracting top players globally and cementing its status in the poker world.

Razz

Razz, a variant of Seven-Card Stud, is a staple in Nevada’s mixed games scene. Unlike most poker games, the objective in Razz is to have the lowest hand possible. It forms part of the H.O.R.S.E. rotation in many Nevada casinos, and its limits cater to a wide range of players.

Cash games for Razz are available at the bigger cardrooms, but they are not as common as Texas Hold’em or Omaha. Despite this, Razz maintains its appeal, especially during the World Series of Poker (WSOP) held in Las Vegas, where it features as a stand-alone event and attracts a mix of seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs.

Mixed Games

Mixed games have carved a niche in Nevada’s poker landscape over the years. The H.O.R.S.E. rotation, consisting of Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven-Card Stud, and Eight or Better, is particularly popular in cash games.

Live cardrooms across the state of Nevada offer this mix, with varying limits to accommodate different bankrolls. Cash games are readily available, providing continuous action for players.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) held annually in Las Vegas features a H.O.R.S.E. event, attracting top professionals and aspiring amateurs alike. These mixed games test a player’s skill in different poker variants, making them a true measure of all-around poker ability.

Other Games

Nevada’s poker rooms offer a rich selection of alternative cash game variants, particularly in the high roller sections. You can use special apps to keep track of available cash games running around the clock.

Variants cover a wide mix of options, including Big O, Mexican Poker, Lowball, 2-7 Triple Draw, and 2-7 Single Draw. Big O, a variant of Omaha, and Mexican Poker, with its unique rules, are particularly intriguing.

Traditional games like Lowball and 2-7 Single Draw are also available. The H.O.R.S.E. rotation remains a staple, featuring different limits for all players. Cash games are abundant, ensuring non-stop poker action.

Live Poker Formats

Every good Nevada poker room runs a mix of cash games and tournaments. You can also find satellites at the larger cardrooms, while summer is the time when the big festivals hit town, offering enormous guaranteed prizepools. Remember to use responsible gambling whenever you play poker in Nevada.

Cash Games

Nevada poker rooms offer a wide array of cash game variants. From traditional Texas Hold’em and Omaha to more unique games like Big O and Mexican Poker, there’s something for all cash game players.

It’s unusual to find stakes lower than $1/$1, especially at the bigger cardrooms in Nevada. However, summer is a good time to play low-stakes cash games that are populated by tourists.

One popular feature in these rooms is the ‘Kill’ mechanism. A half-kill is when a player wins two pots in a row in a kill game, resulting in the stakes being increased by half for the next hand.

A third-kill game follows the same principle, but the stakes are only increased by one-third. These kill mechanisms add an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the already thrilling cash games.

  • Limit Hold’em
  • Pot Limit Hold’em
  • No Limit Hold’em
  • Mixed Games
  • Omaha / Omaha Hi-Lo
  • H.O.R.S.E.
  • Big O
  • Seven Card Stud

Poker Tournaments

Nevada poker tournaments run daily at all the best cardrooms. Games run mid-morning at the larger casinos and run regularly through the day. Buy-ins on daily tournaments vary, but there is usually a period of unlimited re-buys.

Prizepools are guaranteed by the cardroom too. That means you will be guaranteed a minimum payout, regardless of how many players take part.

Unlike online poker rooms, freerolls are less common, other than for loyal customers. You won’t find much in the way of how-to-play poker sessions, either.

  • $100-Buyin ($1,000 GTE) – Caesars Palace
  • $130-Buyin ($2,000 GTE) – MGM Grand
  • $160-Buyin ($1,600 GTE) – Horseshoe
  • $200-Buyin ($50,000 GTE) – Orleans

Major Poker Tournaments

Las Vegas is home to some of the largest poker tours on the planet. The obvious showpiece is the annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) which has been held in the city since 1970.

The WSOP is now hosted by the Horseshoe Casino and Paris Las Vegas. This has helped bring the championships closer to the Strip and has arguably attracted more players.

Away from the WSOP, many of the large Nevada poker rooms run their own championships during the year. The Venetian DeepStack is one of the most popular series and runs for most of the summer. We recommend you plan your visit before you hit Vegas to take advantage of the best events.

  • World Series of Poker (WSOP)
  • WPT World Championship (World Poker Tour)
  • Venetian DeepStack
  • Caesars Palace WSOP Warm-Up Series
  • Golden Nugget Grand Poker Series

Sit ‘n Gos

Sit & Gos are less common around Las Vegas these days, but used to be part of the furniture at larger casinos like the MGM Grand. Essentially, SNGs are similar to the single-table tournaments you may have played online. These are played with turbo blind structures and prize money is divided among the top 2 or 3 players.

Satellites

Satellites are special tournaments that allow you to qualify for larger buy-in events. The World Series of Poker runs regular satellites and super-satellites into bracelet tournaments. You can also play mega-satellites that guarantee dozens of entries to lucky players.

  • WSOP Main Event Mega-Satellites (Horseshoe Casino)
  • WSOP Circuit satellites (Horseshoe Casino)
  • WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic satellites (Bellagio)

Casino Card Games

Outside the Nevada poker room, casinos run every type of house-banked card game under the sun. You may recognize one or two variants from playing at online casinos.

  • Blackjack
  • Three Card Poker
  • Pai Gow Poker
  • Baccarat
  • Ultimate Texas Hold’em
  • Casino Hold’em

Nevada Live Poker Promotions & Rewards

Like games themselves, poker promotions are regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Nevada poker rooms often have loyalty programs to reward regular players. These programs work on a point-based system where you can earn points for every hour you play.

The more you play, the more points you accumulate. You can redeem points for a variety of comps, such as free meals, hotel stays, and even poker tournament entries.

Some poker rooms even offer tiered programs, where you can reach different levels based on your points, each level offering increasingly attractive rewards. It’s a great way for poker rooms to appreciate their regulars.

Home Poker Games

In Nevada, you’re allowed to host home poker games as long as it’s not operated as a business. This means you, as the host, cannot profit from the game outside of your winnings as a player.

You can’t charge a fee or rake the pot if you host a poker game in NV. Also, everyone in the game must have an equal chance of winning. If you follow these rules, your home poker game can be a fun, legal way to enjoy the game with friends.

Online Poker & Gaming in Nevada

You can read a full rundown of Nevada gambling laws on our special page. Nevada was one of the first US states to legalize online poker, but online casinos remain unregulated.

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some gambling online in The Silver State. Check out our links below to get started.

Major Poker Tours in Nevada

The home of US gambling and poker is a haven for large-scale championships and tours. They attract thousands of poker players every year from around the globe.

World Series of Poker

Nevada gave birth to the World Series of Poker, and the event has been held there every summer since 1970. Starting life as a small gathering of road gamblers at Binion’s Horseshoe, the WSOP only featured a handful of tournaments, with the winner being decided by a vote of peers.

Since then, the World Series of Poker has grown to become the biggest series anywhere on the planet. The host venue has changed over the years, but the World Series of Poker has found a new home back on the Strip.

Since 2023, the WSOP has been split between the Horseshoe Las Vegas (formerly Bally’s) and Paris Las Vegas. The most recent WSOP featured over 110 bracelet events, with buy-ins as low as $300.

The showpiece main event carries a buy-in of $10,000, the same entry used since the tournament launched in the early 1970s. 2023 broke the record for attendance, with 10,043 players competing for a first prize worth $12.1m.

In addition to the summer WSOP, the WSOP Circuit is held in cardrooms around Las Vegas throughout the year. These are smaller events that award rings instead of bracelets. Outlying Nevada cardrooms, such as Harveys Lake Tahoe, get an opportunity to host tournaments on the circuit.  

World Poker Tour (WPT)

The WPT was set up in 2001 as the world’s first major televised poker tour. It made household names of poker legends like Daniel Negreanu and Antonio Esfandiari, and the showpiece is the $10,000 WPT World Championship.

Las Vegas has been the traditional home of the World Championship (apart from a few season finales being hosted in Atlantic City), and the annual event is held at Wynn Las Vegas each December. The prizepool for the WPT World Championship is a cool $40m.

Local Championships

Keen to cash in on the popularity of the World Series of Poker, other Nevada cardrooms now host annual events of their own. Championships can last weeks and usually cover a lot of the same types of tournaments that you’ll find in the World Series of Poker.

The DeepStack Extravaganza Poker Series at The Venetian offers some of the biggest tourney prizepools in Las Vegas. It began in 2007 with a focus on deeper chip stacks, in sharp contrast to some of the WSOP’s turbo events. The DeepStack Extravaganza now regularly pays out over $2m in guaranteed prize money.

Elsewhere, Caesars Palace now holds a warm-up series in May in the run-up to the WSOP. Disciplines covered include Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Big O.

Downtown, casinos like the Golden Nugget provide excellent alternatives to the WSOP each summer. The Golden Nugget Grand Poker Series covers over 80 tournaments and guarantees $3m+ in prize cash. Events include Hold’em, H.O.R.S.E., and 2–7 Lowball.

  • Venetian DeepStack Extravaganza
  • Caesars Summer Warm-Up Series
  • Wynn Signature Series
  • Peppermill Poker Palooza (Reno)
  • Aria High Roller Series
  • Aria Poker Classic
  • Golden Nugget Grand Poker Series

Closed Cardrooms in Nevada

  • Bally’s Las Vegas (rebranded Horseshoe Casino)
  • Bill’s Gambling Hall
  • Sands Casino
  • Dunes Hotel & Casino
  • Stardust Resort & Casino
  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
  • Queen of Hearts
  • Riviera

Famous Poker Players from Nevada

Many of the biggest names in poker came to Nevada decades ago and never left. Some traveled the roads from Texas, finding Hold’em games as they went. Some – like Doyle Brunson – stayed in Las Vegas and helped form the early poker championships that would become the WSOP.

  • Doyle Brunson (Career earnings: $6m+)
  • Billy Baxter (Career earnings: $1.5m)
  • Erik Seidel (Career earnings: $40m)
  • Phil Ivey (Career earnings: $30m)

Gambling Tax on Poker in Nevada

As a gambler in Nevada, you are required by law to report all your winnings to the IRS, including those from poker. Any time you win $600 or more at a casino, you should receive a Form W-2G, which details the amount won and the taxes withheld.

Even if you don’t receive this form, it’s your responsibility to report these winnings on your tax return. It’s crucial to keep accurate records of your gambling activities, including dates, locations, and amounts won or lost. Misreporting your gambling income can lead to penalties, so make sure to handle your taxes correctly.

In general, a cut of 24% will be taken from your poker winnings when you play live poker in Nevada. You can sometimes claim back the tax if you report gambling losses on your yearly tax return. Just make sure you keep detailed receipts of all gaming transactions when you play poker in Nevada.

Want to know more? Check out our online gambling tax guide.

Poker Laws in Nevada

In Nevada, the regulation of poker is governed by the state Gaming Control Board. The main law overseeing poker is the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the Nevada Gaming Commission Regulations, introduced in 1959.

For years, online poker games were effectively outlawed by UIGEA (Unlawful Gaming Enforcement Act). However, sensing a gray area, many leading poker sites continued to supply Nevadans with online cash games and tournaments.

When the DOJ took a new stance on the Federal Wire Wager Act, Nevada decided to forge ahead with regulated online poker. Online poker was legalized in Nevada in 2013 under AB114 law, making The Silver State the first in the union to legalize and regulate Internet poker.

The law stipulates that players must be physically located within the state’s borders to participate in online poker games, regardless of their residency status. The minimum age to play poker, both in physical casinos and online, is 21.

Want to find out more? Check our guide to US gambling laws by state.

FAQ

Is live poker legal in Nevada?

Live poker is legal in Nevada. The state is well-known for its thriving poker scene, with Las Vegas being a global hub for the game. Numerous casinos offer live poker games, and tournaments are held regularly. The minimum age to participate is 21 years.

How many B&M cardrooms are there in Nevada?

As of 2024, there are over 60 poker rooms across the state. The majority of these are in Las Vegas, which hosts some of the world’s most famous poker venues.

What was the first cardroom to open in Nevada?

The first cardroom to open in Nevada was the Golden Nugget Casino. Opened in 1946 in Las Vegas, it was one of the earliest establishments to offer poker games in the state. The Golden Nugget has remained a popular venue for poker players over the decades.

Can I play poker online in Nevada?

Absolutely. Online poker was legalized in Nevada in 2013. The selection of regulated poker sites is tiny compared to other US states like New Jersey, however. You can also play cash games and tournaments at reliable offshore poker sites.

How old must I be to play poker in Nevada?

Under Nevada gambling law, you must be 21 or over to play poker in the state. You may be asked to provide a form of photo ID when you enter a tournament or enter a Nevada casino building.

Is there a dress code at cardrooms in Nevada?

Nevada cardrooms have a relaxed dress code for the most part. You can wear shorts and a vest at the majority of casinos, though some high roller rooms may be stricter on what you can wear.

Are Nevada poker rooms open 24/7?

Absolutely. You can rock up and play tournaments from early morning to midnight, while cash games often run 24/7 at most NV cardrooms.

Can I play the World Series of Poker in Nevada?

Of course. Las Vegas, NV, is the home of the World Series of Poker. It is held from May through July at the Horseshoe Casino and Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. There are over 80 bracelet events, culminating in the $10,000 Main Event.

Can I play home poker games in Nevada?

Yes. Under state gaming laws, you can host home games as long as you don’t take a rake or make a profit. Peer-to-peer cash games and tournaments are permitted.

Do I have to pay tax on poker winnings in Nevada?

You may be eligible to pay income tax if your poker winnings exceed the $600 limit. Your win will be reported to the IRS by the cardroom, and you will have to include the winnings on your annual tax return.

Can I get help with problem gambling in NV?

Of course. The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling is one of the largest non-profit charities helping to support gamblers in The Silver State. The State of Nevada also supports various treatment and prevention programs, as well as free phone helplines.

What famous poker players are there from Nevada?

Many of the biggest names in poker have relocated to Nevada to pursue their careers. Doyle Brunson was one of the most iconic Las Vegas-based poker players and was the first man to win back-to-back World Series of Poker main events.

What is poker rake?

Rake is a charge imposed by the cardroom on eligible cash game pots and tournaments. You must pay rake every time you sit down in a real-money game at a Nevada cardroom.

Do NV poker rooms offer freerolls?

Freerolls are uncommon at Nevada cardrooms and casinos. However, VIP gamblers are sometimes invited to freerolls if they qualify through sufficient gameplay. You can also find freerolls at the best NV poker sites.

Can I earn loyalty points playing live poker in Nevada?

Of course. Most Nevada poker rooms issue loyalty cards that record your activity on cash games and tournaments. You can accrue loyalty points every time you play poker, then cash them in for various comps and free entries.

Are any new cardrooms coming to Nevada?

Fontainebleau Casino Las Vegas opened in 2023. In addition to a giant casino and cardroom, Fontainebleau will feature a rooftop pool and over 3,500 hotel rooms and suites.  

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