Poker legend Chris Moneymaker proved once again that he’s far more than a one-hit wonder, capturing the title in the $1,100 buy-in Moneymaker Tour Main Event at Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The event drew 424 entries and generated a prize pool of $411,280, crushing the $250,000 guarantee.

Moneymaker earned $83,042 for the win, along with 720 POY points, as he outlasted a tough final table to secure his second title on the tour that bears his name.

Moneymaker Tour Main Event Draws

Poker Hall of Famer Chris Moneymaker added another impressive title to his resume by winning the $1,100 Moneymaker Tour Main Event at Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The event drew a strong field of 424 entries, generating a total prize pool of $411,280, far surpassing its $250,000 guarantee.

Moneymaker topped the field and earned $83,042, along with 720 POY points, in what marked his second title on the growing Moneymaker Tour.

Moneymaker’s Legacy Continues With Another Moneymaker Tour Title

Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 WSOP Main Event victory turned him into a poker icon and helped launch the modern poker boom. That win, which came from an $86 online satellite, earned him $2.5 million and forever changed the game.

Now more than two decades later, the ACR Poker ambassador continues to crush on the felt. With this latest Moneymaker Tour Main Event win, his career live earnings exceed $8.1 million.

Earlier this month, he also took down a $300 mixed Omaha event at the same venue, adding $5,195 to his record.

Final Table Highlights – Moneymaker Tour Main Event

The final table of the Moneymaker Tour Main Event featured several seasoned players. Loni Hui, a two-time WSOP bracelet winner, ran ace-jack into the ace-king of Chad Summers and finished fourth for $25,253.

Summers earned $37,463 for his third-place finish, but his A-J couldn’t hold against Moneymaker’s K-6 in a blind-versus-blind clash.

Heads-Up Battle Ends With Preflop Cooler

In the final hand of the Moneymaker Tour Main Event, Moneymaker held a 5:2 chip lead over Jason Wandley. The two got it all in preflop—Moneymaker with K♠K♣, and Wandley with J♥J♣.

The board ran out Q♣6♠3♣5♣6♥, and the kings held strong to secure the title. Wandley took home $58,245 as the runner-up.

Watch the Moneymaker Tour Main Event Final Table Replay

A full replay of the Moneymaker Tour Main Event final table is available for fans to relive the action and key hands that led to Moneymaker’s victory.

IT professional and online poker grinder Aleksandr Shevliakov made headlines by taking down the prestigious 2025 European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo €5,300 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event, turning a €530 online satellite on PokerStars into a massive €1,000,000 ($1,130,000) payday.

The 37-year-old Russian player not only claimed the EPT Monte Carlo title, but also more than doubled his previous career-best score of $541,206, earned as runner-up in a €10,000 event at the 2023 EPT Paris festival.

“I won. It’s a dream come true. This is it,” Shevliakov said after his breakthrough win.

Massive Turnout in Monte Carlo

This year’s main event attracted 1,195 entries at the Sporting Monte-Carlo, making it the second-largest EPT Monte Carlo field ever, just shy of the 1,208-entry record set in 2024. The total prize pool hit $6,751,750, with 175 players making the money.

Among the top finishers were notable names such as:

• Ari Engel (34th) – Four-time WSOP bracelet winner

• Jose ‘Nacho’ Barbero (31st) – Latin American poker icon

• Juan Pardo (19th) – Spanish high-stakes regular

• Alexandros Kolonias (15th) – 2019 WSOP Europe Main Event champion

Final Table Action: Shevliakov Dominates

Day 6 began with six players, led by Boris Angelov, who was making an impressive back-to-back final table run after finishing runner-up here in 2024.

The first elimination came when Canada’s Jamil Wakil pushed Q-J suited into Shevliakov’s A-K suited. A king-high board sealed Wakil’s fate in sixth place for $225,718. Wakil appeared frustrated with how the hand unfolded and discussed the situation with both Shevliakov and Angelov before leaving the stage.

Wakil now boasts nearly $2.9 million in live tournament cashes.

Shortly after, Shevliakov knocked out Mariusz Golinski (5th – $293,687) in a cooler with A♥K♥ versus A♠9♠. The Q♥J♦10♥ flop gave Shevliakov the nut straight with a royal flush redraw. The 5♥ turn secured a flush, ending Golinski’s run. The Polish pro, who finished fourth in the 2024 WSOP Europe Main Event, now has over $1 million in career earnings.

Italy’s Enrico Coppola exited in fourth for a personal-best $381,827, losing a preflop all-in with J♦3♦ against Shevliakov’s pocket sixes.

Angelov’s remarkable run came to an end in third place, earning $496,296. With this cash and his $670,140 runner-up finish in 2024, Angelov has now amassed over $1.1 million at this event alone, and nearly $5.2 million in lifetime earnings. He fell when his A♣8♥ couldn’t outrun Khossein Kokhestani’s T♣6♠ on a 9♣7♣2♦10♠3♠ board.

Shevliakov Seals the Deal

Heads-up play began with Kokhestani, the 2024 Eureka Poker Tour Hamburg champion from Ukraine, holding a slim lead. Over several hours, including a dinner break and multiple lead changes, Shevliakov gradually gained the upper hand.

The final blow came after Shevliakov won a massive pot with sixes full against Kokhestani’s fives full on a double-paired board. On the final hand, Kokhestani limped the button with A♠6♣, and Shevliakov shoved with K♣2♥. The board ran out 9♦7♠2♣Q♥8♣, giving Shevliakov the winning pair of deuces.

Kokhestani took home $694,950 for his runner-up finish, bringing his career earnings to over $816,000.

Why 1/3 NLH Poker is the Sweet Spot for NYC Poker

In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, private poker games are thriving — and $1/3 NLH Poker is by far the most popular format. With buy-ins typically ranging from $100 to $1,000, this level attracts a mix of casual players and serious grinders. The action is real, but it’s still accessible.

Where to Find 1/3 NLH Poker in Midtown NYC

Unlike public casinos, private poker clubs like My Social Poker offer:

• ️ Discreet, secure locations (Midtown-based)

• Soft rake and high payouts

• ‍‍ A friendly, respectful community

• Easy access via invitation

We host nightly 1/3 NLH Poker with deep stacks, fast dealers, and optional rebuys. Players get a 10% bonus (up to $20) on their first buy-in — just for trying us out.

How to Join the $1/3 NLH Poker Game

Here’s what to do:

1. DM us on Instagram @mysocialpoker or visit our contact page

2. Tell us your preferred night and budget

3. Receive your invitation + address

4. Show up, shuffle up, and deal

You’ll be welcomed by our friendly host and seated quickly — no long waits or list drama.

Pro Tips for 1/3 NLH Poker in NYC

• Bring cash — many games don’t accept Venmo/PayPal for buy-ins.

• Watch your image — small communities = long-term reads.

• Respect the room — private games depend on trust and etiquette.

• Ask about promotions — new player bonuses, splash pots, or referral perks.

Ready to Play $1/3 NLH Poker?

The next $1/3 NLH Poker game in Midtown NYC is already filling up. Want in?

➡️ Join Now or shoot us a message to reserve your seat.

The PokerStars Open Monte Carlo 2025 Main Event shattered records with 2,387 entries, becoming the largest field in the tournament’s history. Formerly known as the France Poker Series Main Event, this year marked the first edition under the PokerStars Open brand—part of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo festival.

Hosted at the iconic Sporting Monte-Carlo, the €1,100 buy-in event generated a total prize pool of nearly $2.6 million USD, with payouts awarded to the top 358 finishers. The tournament ran from April 30 to May 4, featuring four starting flights and three days of combined-field action.

Jon Kyte Crowned Champion in Record Field

Jon Kyte, a professional poker player from Norway, emerged victorious, earning the title and a first-place prize of $384,200. This marks the second-largest live tournament score of Kyte’s career, following his $694,440 runner-up finish at the 2023 EPT Prague Main Event. With this latest win, Kyte’s total live tournament earnings now exceed $3 million, including ten career titles.

In addition to the payout, Kyte earned 1,080 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points, bringing his 2025 total to 1,696 points. He currently sits just outside the top 50 in the global POY leaderboard.

Final Table Action and Results

The final table of the PokerStars Open Monte Carlo Main Event began with six players, with Kyte holding the chip lead. Gilles Cadignan of France, who started the day second in chips, finished as the runner-up, claiming a personal-best prize of $241,899.

The final hand saw Cadignan’s K♠7♦ go up against Kyte’s K♣Q♦. The board ran out K♥10♣8♥3♥3♠, giving both players top pair, but Kyte’s queen kicker secured the win and ended the event.

Key Highlights:

• Event: PokerStars Open Monte Carlo 2025 Main Event

• Buy-In: €1,100

• Entries: 2,387 (Record Field)

• Prize Pool: ~$2.6 Million

• Champion: Jon Kyte (Norway) – $384,200

• Runner-Up: Gilles Cadignan (France) – $241,899

• Dates: April 30 – May 4, 2025

• Location: Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Where to Play Private Poker Games in NYC (2025 Guide)

Looking for the best private poker action in New York City? Whether you’re a seasoned grinder or a weekend warrior, NYC’s underground poker scene has something for you.

My Social Poker hosts daily No-Limit Hold’em games in a discreet, secure, and professionally run environment. Buy-ins range from $100 to $1,000, and every new player gets a 10% bonus up to $20 on their first buy-in.

Why choose us?

• Professionally hosted games

• Safe and secure Midtown location

• Instant cash-outs

• ‍‍ Friendly, skilled player pool

We’re more than just a game — we’re a community. Join us for a night of cards, camaraderie, and competition.

➡️ Ready to play? Contact us now or DM us on Instagram to reserve your seat.

$160M Rebrand Transforms Harveys Into a Roman-Inspired Luxury Casino Resort

Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe is set to redefine luxury in the Sierra Nevada as Caesars Entertainment invests $160 million to transform the iconic Harveys Lake Tahoe. A longtime host of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit, the property is undergoing a full-scale rebrand and renovation through 2026.

This marks the second property to adopt the “Republic” brand, following the opening of Caesars Republic Scottsdale in 2024.

A Historic Casino Reimagined

Originally opened in 1944, Harveys Lake Tahoe has been a staple of the Lake Tahoe casino scene for decades. The current renovation blends historical charm with contemporary elegance.

Renovation highlights include:

• A fully redesigned hotel lobby, casino floor, and guest rooms

• Upgraded interiors: carpeting, lighting, tables, chairs, and digital displays

• Two towers renamed Romulus and Remus, inspired by Roman mythology

Luxury Upgrades and Roman-Inspired Flair

The transformation into Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe introduces upscale features aimed at modern travelers and gamers:

• New high-limit gaming room

• State-of-the-art slot machines

• Revamped WSOP poker room

• Chic coffee shop and lounge bar

A major phase of the renovation will launch this summer, with additional updates continuing into fall and final completion expected by summer 2026.

“This transformation honors the storied history of Harveys while introducing modern amenities and elevated experiences that will redefine luxury in Lake Tahoe,” said Karie Hall, Senior Vice President of Harrah’s and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe.

Poker Players Welcome

Poker remains a key focus of the revamped resort. Harveys has hosted WSOP Circuit events since 2007, and a brand-new poker room is now in development.

The latest tournament in October 2024 saw Evan Sandberg claim the $1,700 Main Event title and a prize of $133,837.

“Lake Tahoe is my favorite place to play poker. Winning here makes it extra special,” Sandberg said.

Expanding the Lake Tahoe Experience

Across the street, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe is also getting upgrades, including a new restaurant and interior enhancements. A convenient underground connector links both resorts, offering guests an elevated, seamless experience.

“Lake Tahoe is a stunning destination, and we’re thrilled to bring a world-class resort experience worthy of its natural beauty,” said Caesars President and COO Anthony Carano. “This marks a new era of luxury for the region.”

PokerStars has officially announced the return of its flagship online tournament series, the Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP), for 2025. Set to run from May 5 to May 28, this year’s SCOOP boasts a massive $60 million in guaranteed prize pools, offering players of all levels a chance to compete for prestigious titles and life-changing payouts.

2025 PokerStars SCOOP Schedule

The 2025 SCOOP will feature a diverse range of tournaments across various poker formats, including:​

• No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE)

• Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)

• Mixed Games

Each event is structured with three buy-in tiers—Low, Medium, and High—ensuring accessibility for players with different bankrolls. The series will culminate in the highly anticipated Main Events on May 26, offering substantial guarantees across all tiers.​

SCOOP League Returns

Building on the success of last year, PokerStars is bringing back the SCOOP League, a leaderboard-based competition where players earn points for participating in and winning SCOOP events. The 2025 edition offers even bigger prizes, with multiple leaderboards across buy-in levels, and exclusive rewards for the top performers.

Players can also earn their way into the leaderboard simply by registering and playing—no separate opt-in is required—making it an inclusive opportunity for all SCOOP participants.

Over $500,000 in SCOOP Tickets to Be Won

In addition to the guaranteed prize pools, PokerStars is adding over $500,000 worth of SCOOP tickets through promotions, satellites, and challenges in the run-up to the series. These include:

• SCOOP Ticket Machine – Random giveaways for active players.

• Depositor Freerolls – Entry for those who make a qualifying deposit before the series.

• Special Spin & Go tournaments – Starting at just $0.50, giving players a chance to win Main Event entries.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a recreational grinder, the 2025 SCOOP offers something for everyone. With generous guarantees, exciting promotions, and the return of the beloved SCOOP League, PokerStars is once again proving why it remains the home of online tournament poker.

Get Ready for the 2025 SCOOP!

The 2025 SCOOP is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling poker series of the year. With $60 million guaranteed, the return of the SCOOP League, and over $500,000 in free tickets, PokerStars continues to lead the way in delivering unforgettable online poker experiences.

Will you be the next SCOOP Champion?
The action starts May 5 – don’t miss it!

Visit PokerStars SCOOP 2025 for full details and the complete schedule.

The 2025 Irish Poker Open Main Event has etched its name into the record books with an unprecedented 4,562 entries, obliterating its €2.5 million guarantee by nearly €2 million. The €1,150 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament, which dates back to 1980, saw a staggering 41.1% increase in participation compared to last year’s turnout, making it the biggest edition in the history of Europe’s longest-running no-limit hold’em event.

After five starting flights and three grueling days of play at the Royal Dublin Society, it was Ireland’s Simon Wilson who emerged victorious, capturing a career-best payday of €600,000 (approximately $684,000 USD).

“This is something we all dream about, but never really expect to happen,” said Wilson during the PokerStars live stream. “The prize is incredible, but more than that, it’s the memory of winning this tournament. It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

Hailing from Ashbourne near Dublin, Wilson added to his growing résumé, pushing his total live earnings beyond $1.2 million. His prior top score was a $251,073 ninth-place finish in the 2023 WSOP Online Main Event. Earlier in this same festival, he also final-tabled a €10,000 high roller event, banking $48,792 for fifth place.

Wilson also claimed 1,320 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points for his win, propelling him into 76th place in the 2025 POY standings.

Final Table Highlights from the Irish Poker Open Main Event

Out of the 4,562 entries, 671 players earned a share of the $5,119,590 prize pool. Several well-known names ran deep, including WPT champ Soheb Porbandarwala (25th), bracelet winner Carl Shaw (21st), former Irish Open champ Ian Simpson (20th), and poker media personality Terrance Reid (11th).

The final day began with 19 contenders, with Italy’s Umberto Ruggeri leading the pack. Wilson started the day in 11th place but steadily built momentum. By the time the final table began, Michael Karim had taken over as chip leader.

• 9th place: Joe O’Donaill (€52,212) – lost pocket nines to pocket kings

• 8th: Robert Fluereci (€67,294) – lost with sevens vs. A-9

• 7th: Panteleimon Pontos (€88,350) – lost with A-3 vs. A-K

• 6th: Brandon Harris (€114,000) – outkicked with J-10 vs. A-10

• 5th: Michael Karim (€148,200) – busted with Q♠6♣ against 7♥7♦

• 4th: Georgios Skarparis (€193,800) – knocked out by Wilson’s A♥6♦

• 3rd: Ignotas Kirsis (€256,500) – fell in a blind battle with 5♠5♥ vs. K♦9♠

Heads-Up Brilliance

Wilson entered heads-up play with a dominant stack of 168.5 million chips against Ruggeri’s 53.5 million. On the final hand, Ruggeri min-raised with A♥10♣, and Wilson shoved with 6♦5♦. Ruggeri called for his tournament life. The board ran out 7♠6♣3♥K♣2♠, giving Wilson a pair of sixes and the Irish Poker Open Main Event title.

Ruggeri took home €360,240 for his runner-up finish—his third-largest career score behind his EPT Prague podium in 2023 ($495,979) and his 2025 Merit Poker Western Series win ($377,500). With four final tables and $812K in 2025 earnings so far, he currently ranks seventh in the POY standings with 2,828 points.

In a dramatic poker climax worthy of a sports highlight reel, Shannon Shorr clinched the 2025 U.S. Poker Open Series Championship by winning the $25,000 No-Limit Hold’em finale on Thursday night. The Alabama native emerged victorious from a stacked 73-entry field, defeating Jose “Nacho” Barbero heads-up to claim $529,250, two prestigious trophies, and the overall series title.

A Final Day Full of Drama

Entering the last day, Matt Wantman led the series and needed only for neither Shorr nor Barbero to win the final event. But that hope was dashed when Landon Tice bowed out in third, guaranteeing the series title would go to the eventual tournament champion.

Shorr, 39, claimed his second U.S. Poker Open win of the week and third tournament victory in April, having also taken down the $10K NLHE earlier and the WSOP Circuit Main Event at Horseshoe Las Vegas. His April haul totaled an impressive $957,265, pushing his career earnings past $16.4 million.

“I’m Feeling Dialed In”

“To win a tournament, I always say you have to run good, which I did,” Shorr told PokerGO’s Jeff Platt, “but I’m feeling pretty dialed in. I’ve been working really hard on my mental game.”

With 538 points, Shorr edged out Wantman by just 26 points to win the $25,000 PGT Passport and the coveted Golden Eagle trophy.

“This is awesome,” Shannon Shorr added. “I can’t wait to show it to my kids.”

The Road to Victory

The tournament generated a $1.825 million prize pool, paying the top 11. Notables finishing in the money included:

• Eric Blair (11th – $54,750)

• Isaac Haxton (10th – $54,750)

• Masato Yokosawa (9th – $54,750)

• Dylan Weisman (8th – $73,000)

Play resumed on Day 2 with seven contenders. Shorr was third in chips while Barbero held the lead.

Clemen Deng busted first, earning $73,000 and pushing his career earnings past $4.1M. Sam Laskowitz followed in sixth after a cooler against Nick Petrangelo, taking home $91,250.

Momentum Builds

A crucial coin flip saw Shorr’s pocket fours crack Justin Saliba’s ace-ten, sending Saliba out in fifth for $127,750. Shorr then forced Landon Tice off pocket queens with a bold five-bet shove holding A-K, gaining the chip lead.

In a wild hand against Petrangelo, Shorr hit a flush and got a hero call from third pair. Petrangelo exited in fourth, collecting $173,375 and pushing his lifetime earnings above $40.1 million.

Coolers and Comebacks

In three-handed play, a set-over-set saw Barbero’s jacks beat Shorr’s fours, temporarily flipping the leaderboard. But Shorr bounced back, cracking Tice’s aces with pocket fives.

Eventually, Tice was eliminated in third ($246,375) after calling off with second pair against Barbero’s top two.

Heads-Up for Glory

Heads-up play began nearly even in chips. Barbero initially took the lead, but a failed bluff into Shorr’s full house flipped the momentum.

The final hand came quickly:

• Shorr limped with 10♥6♥

• Barbero raised with A♦J♥

• The flop: 10♦6♠2♥ — top two for Shorr

• After multiple streets of betting, Shorr shoved the river

• Barbero tank-called with ace high and was shown the winner

Barbero earned $346,750 as the runner-up and placed third in the series points race. His three cashes totaled $540,150, lifting his lifetime winnings to $23.1 million.

Shannon Shorr on Fire

With this title, Shorr now has five titles and eight final tables in 2025 alone. The 588 Card Player Player of the Year points he earned also vaulted him into the #1 spot in the standings, overtaking Jeremy Ausmus.

At just over a quarter into the year, Shannon Shorr is making a strong case for a career-defining run in 2025.

Final U.S. Poker Open Leaderboard

If you’re grinding cash games at a private poker club in New York—where the action is fast, the stakes are real, and the players range from recreational to serious sharks—then you know that every edge counts. Whether you’re playing $1/$3 or higher, these tips will help you fine-tune your game and boost your win rate.

1. Know Your Opponents

Private clubs offer a unique advantage—you often see the same faces. Use this to your benefit. Pay attention to players’ habits:

• Who bluffs too much?

• Who plays too tight?

• Who can’t fold top pair?

Taking mental notes (or discreet ones on your phone) will let you exploit their tendencies over time.

2. Position is Power

It’s poker 101, but it’s still the most underrated concept. Being in position—especially on loose players—allows you to control pot size, apply pressure, and extract maximum value. In private clubs where players often call light, your positional advantage is even more important.

3. Table Image Matters

In tight-knit poker clubs, word gets around. Your image follows you. If you’re known as wild, you’ll get more calls. If you’re seen as a rock, you’ll get more folds. Learn to adjust your style depending on how you’re perceived—and use it to set traps.

4. Exploit the Home-Game Vibe

Many private games feel more casual and social. That means:

• Players overvalue suited hands.

• Chasing draws is common.

• Bluffing is less effective on calling stations.

So tighten up, bet for value more often, and don’t try to bluff someone who came to “have fun.”

5. Game Selection is a Hidden Skill

Not all $1/$3 games are created equal. Some are loose-passive gold mines, others are aggressive and tough. Choose wisely. If a table is full of regulars who know what they’re doing, it might be smarter to wait for a softer one. The best players don’t just play better—they play better games.

6. Manage Your Bankroll Like a Pro

Even in a casual setting, you need discipline. Stick to your limits and don’t chase losses. A typical winning player is playing within their comfort zone, not dipping into rent money for a rebuy.

7. Stay Mentally Sharp

Late-night sessions and drink offers can be tempting, but a clear mind wins money. Stay hydrated, take short breaks, and keep your focus sharp—especially when others are losing theirs.

8. Track Your Results

Use an app or a notebook to track your sessions. Knowing your hourly rate, win/loss trends, and variance will help you make better decisions long-term—and separate emotional swings from actual leaks in your game.

Final Thought:

Private poker clubs in New York can be a goldmine for disciplined, observant, and adaptable players. Master the social dynamics, sharpen your technical skills, and stay one step ahead of the competition. Remember—it’s not just about playing more hands. It’s about playing smarter ones.

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For poker lovers in and around the Big Apple, the hunt for thrilling and accessible poker action can feel like a quest. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious grinder, knowing where to find the closest poker room to New York City is key. While New York itself is filled with underground and private games, legal and regulated poker rooms are generally found just outside the city limits. Let’s dive into the best poker rooms near NYC and explore your options for playing poker in NYC.

Is There Legal Poker in NYC?

The answer is complicated. As of now, poker in NYC operates in a gray area. While live poker rooms within city limits are not officially sanctioned, private clubs and underground poker games continue to thrive. These games are often invitation-only, spread through word of mouth or social media, and offer everything from Texas Hold’em to Omaha with a wide range of stakes.

For players who prefer regulated venues, you’ll need to travel just a bit outside the five boroughs. Luckily, there are a few notable poker rooms near New York City that are worth the trip.

Closest Poker Rooms to New York City

1. Resorts World Catskills (Monticello, NY)

Located about two hours from Manhattan, Resorts World Catskills features a full-service casino with a dedicated poker room. This spot is often considered the closest poker room to New York City with a professional setup. The poker room has multiple tables spreading No Limit Hold’em and other popular formats, as well as regular tournaments.

2. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (Atlantic City, NJ)

Though it’s a longer drive (around 2.5 hours), Borgata remains one of the most prestigious poker rooms near NYC. Known for its high-quality games, daily tournaments, and major events like the Borgata Poker Open, it’s a go-to for serious players in the region.

3. Empire City Casino (Yonkers, NY) – Video Poker Only

It’s worth mentioning that Empire City Casino, just 30 minutes from Manhattan, only offers video poker. It doesn’t have live poker games, but it’s one of the closest gaming facilities to NYC.

4. Parx Casino (Bensalem, PA)

Located just outside Philadelphia, Parx Casino is another popular destination for New York players. With one of the largest poker rooms in the area, players can find a wide variety of games and stakes. It’s about a 2-hour drive from NYC.

Underground & Private Poker Games in New York

While regulated rooms require a trip, many New Yorkers choose to stay local with private poker clubs. These venues host poker games in New York that operate under the radar. Some offer plush environments, food and drink service, and even cash-back or loyalty bonuses. However, since these games are unofficial, players must be cautious and rely on trusted referrals.

Private clubs often run $1/2 or $1/3 NLH games with deep buy-ins and are popular among both recreational and semi-pro players. Many also offer PLO and mixed games.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for the closest poker room to New York City or seeking more intimate poker games in New York, the options are plentiful if you know where to look. Regulated casinos just outside the city offer security and structure, while private NYC poker clubs provide convenience and community.

If you’re new to the scene, start by visiting well-known poker rooms like Resorts World Catskills or Borgata. If you’re more experienced and have trusted contacts, explore private clubs for more flexibility and local action.

No matter your preference, poker in NYC continues to thrive — you just need to find the right table.