Best Poker Tournaments in Las Vegas to Play

You’ve got the airfare booked and have reservations at your favourite casino resort. After some nice wins online, you’ve decided to play some poker in Las Vegas and are ready to go. Whether a low roller or a high roller, Sin City has numerous tournaments all over town for every level of player.

With that in mind, 888poker has your complete guide to tournaments all across the city as well as some entertainment options and great food selections. Grab your bankroll and lucky card protector, and, hopefully, you’ll be bringing home a nice score – if you play your cards right.

Best poker tournaments to play in Las Vegas are:

1. Aria Resort and Casino
2. Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3. Bellagio as Vegas Bellagio
4. Binion’s Gambling Hall
5. Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
6. Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas Excalibur
7. Golden Nugget
8. Harrah’s Las Vegas
9. Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
10. The Mirage Las Vegas
11. The Orleans Hotel & Casino
12. Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino
13. Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa
14. South Point Hotel Casino and Spa
15. Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower
16. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Venetian
17. WYNN Las Vegas & ENCORE Resort

ARIA Resort and Casino

This Strip casino is another highly popular poker destination with a great 24-table room in a calm, relaxing atmosphere. The casino is one of the hottest poker locations in Las Vegas and easily accessible. The Aria stays busy and offers numerous options for players in both cash games and tournaments.

The location serves as a host for many significant events including the World Poker Tour and regular high roller events streamed in the PokerGO Studio, which is also located onsite. The Aria also hosts the Super High Roller Bowl with poker superstars like Daniel Negreanu and Justin Bonomo battling it out at the tables.

  Tournament Times: 1 p.m., 7 p.m. (Mon-Th); 11 a.m., 7 p.m. (Fri– Sun)

   Buy-in: $140 (Mon-Thurs); $240 (Fri-Sun)

   Average Turnout: 65-70

   Food: Great options like Jean Georges Steakhouse, Carbone for Italian      cuisine, and CATCH for Asian-influenced sushi, seafood, and steak.

 Entertainment/Shows: Hit Jewel Nightclub for some fun with friends or     check out the Game Room or fine art collection. The amazing pool scene  is also a must-visit.

BALLY’S Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Located right on the Strip, Bally’s offers several tournaments option, and cash games for low rollers and higher rollers alike. The 14-table room has a lively atmosphere and the regular tournaments keep players coming in the doors.

Bally’s offers a pleasant room with plenty of fun for players – and frequent cocktail service. A stay at Bally’s – and the poker – can also be a bargain compared to other high-end Strip casinos.

  Tournament Times: Daily – $500 Guaranteed (9 a.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 11  p.m.); $1,000 Guaranteed (noon); $2,000 Guaranteed (8 p.m.)

   Buy-in: $60 ($500 Guaranteed); $75 ($1,000 Guaranteed); $100 ($2,000   Guaranteed)

  Average Turnout: 20-30

  Food: BLT Steak offers a twist on the steakhouse, Tequila Taqueria for         great tacos and Mexican beer, and Nosh Deli for bagel and croissants for           breakfast along with sandwiches, hot dogs, and desserts.

 Entertainment/Shows: For some laughs, check out Tony n’ Tina’s     Wedding. Nitro Circus is a unique live action sports show with amazing    feats and stunts.

BELLAGIO Las Vegas

This high-end Strip casino is one of the best spots in Sin City for playing some cards, both tournaments and cash games, and features 40 tables and two high-limit areas. The casino is easily accessible by bus, taxi, or walking from other nearby casinos. There is always a good crowd and the casino hosts plenty of major events throughout the year. Among the regulars in the cash games are Doyle Brunson and Eli Elezra.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 2 p.m.

  Buy-in: $130

  Average Turnout: 40-50

  Food: Numerous options including Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, Prime Steakhouse, and Yellowtail     Japanese Restaurant & Lounge.

 Entertainment/Shows: “O” by Cirque du Soleil is a favourite as well as the fine art gallery, free fountain shows, and Hyde, a nightclub overlooking the fountains.

BINION’S Gambling Hall

In the birthplace of the World Series of Poker, players take a trip back into card-playing history when they head to this property. With an old-school, downtown ambience, Binion’s is still popular with many players and has several tournaments.

Players will want to check out the Million Dollar Wall and the pictures of past WSOP champions like Doyle Brunson and Stu Ungar. The room features six tables and is located next to the sports book, making it easy to place a wager on a game while playing.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 1 p.m. 8 p.m.

  Buy-in: $60, $20 Rebuys, $20 Add-on

  Average Turnout: 35-40

  Food: For vintage Vegas and a great meal, head to the Top of Binion's Steakhouse for a fantastic view   of the Vegas lights. For a great burger or breakfast, head to Binion’s Cafe. For mouth-watering barbecue  head to Benny's Smokin' BBQ & Brews.

  Entertainment/Shows: Check out the property’s Hypnosis Unleashed show or head out to check out     the free concerts downtown, the Fremont Street Experience light show, or the Slotzilla zip line ride.

CAESAR’S PALACE Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

One of the oldest and nicest casinos offers a step back into ancient Rome and an opulent hotel stay – as well as a booming poker scene. From the Forum Shops to famous fountains out front to fine dining and entertainment, Caesars is a great spot for a weekend stay.

The 4,500-square-foot poker room features 16 tables and was recently relocated between The Colosseum and the Race & Sports Book. The room features cash games of all stakes along with regular tournaments. Player seats even feature cell phone charging stations.

  Tournament Times: Daily – $1,000 Guaranteed (midnight); $1,500 Guaranteed (10 a.m. and 6 p.m.);     $2,000 Guaranteed (2 p.m., 9 p.m.)

  Buy-in: $100 ($1,000 Guaranteed); $125 ($1,500 Guaranteed); $150 ($2,000 Guaranteed)

  Average Turnout: 55-60

  Food: No shortage of great dining, but Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen is a popular new addition. Check out Beijing Noodle No. 9 for delicious Northern Chinese cuisine, or chef Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill for fare from the American Southwest and speciality margaritas.

  Entertainment/Shows: Numerous options include Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, and the fantastic Absinthe show.

EXCALIBUR Hotel Las Vegas

You don’t have to be a knight of the round table to get in on the action at this Strip property but can do plenty of jousting in several low-roller tournaments offered in the poker room. The seven-table room generally offers lower-stakes cash games and tournaments and is located in the main section of the casino. The property is located on the southern end of the Strip and offers several promotions in a low-key but fun atmosphere.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.

   Buy-in: $40 (morning tournament); all others $45

   Average Turnout: 25-35

  Food: For quality cuts of beef and fresh seafood head to Camelot Steakhouse. Sample some authentic Italian at Buca Di Beppo, and there are also numerous other fast and casual options including a food  court with Johnny Rockets, Baja Fresh, and fittingly for a royalty-themed property, a Dairy Queen.

  Entertainment/Shows: For live bands and drinks, head to The Lounge. The Australian Bee Gees offers a lovely tribute to the iconic pop group, and no trip to the Excalibur would be complete without taking a seat at the Tournament of Kings’ dinner-and-a-show experience.

GOLDEN NUGGET

This location is one of the nicest casinos downtown and features a poker room that has become a favourite spot for players. The property has been a regular filming location of big games including hosting popular poker shows like High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark in its High Roller Suite. Whether you’re a high roller or not, the 13-table smoke-free room offers a comfortable experience with plush decor and an inviting atmosphere. All tables have phone chargers and games for all level of bankroll.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.; Sunday – 11 a.m.

   Buy-in: $70 (11 a.m., 7 p.m.); $50 (3 p.m., 10 p.m.); Sunday $5,000 Guaranteed ($125)

   Average Turnout: 20-25

  Food: Home to only the second location of Vic & Anthony’s. The Houston location is regularly voted  one of the country’s Top 10 steakhouses. Visit Red Sushi for authentic Japanese cuisine or The Grille for quick bites and a drink.

  Entertainment/Shows: Hosts national touring artists in the showroom, and it’s an excellent spot for the free downtown concerts, Fremont Street Experience light show, and Slotzilla zip line attraction. The indoor/outdoor pool scene is not to be missed including the 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium.

HARRAH’S Las Vegas

This easily-accessible casino right in the heart of the Strip features seven tables in a relaxed environment. Along with Texas Hold’em, this room spreads plenty of mixed games and several limits. Beginners and more experienced players will appreciate the action – and that includes regular tournaments. Seats feature phone charging stations, and a nearby food court make grabbing a meal easy.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.

   Buy-in: $65; $100 (Fri, Sat – 7 p.m.)

   Average Turnout: 10-20

  Food: Food court nearby, but also fine dining, like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Oyster Bar for some  great seafood dishes.

  Entertainment/Shows: Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill features live music, and popular shows  including magician Mc King, the Tenors of rock, and Big Elvis. 

MANDALAY BAY Resort and Casino

Enjoy ten tables of action at the property located on the southern end of the Strip. Catch a cab, bus, or Uber for a quick trip from most casinos. The Mandalay Bay offers ten tables in its room, which provides regular tournaments and mostly low-stakes cash games. The room is located in the main casino not far from the sportsbook, making it easy to place a few wagers on the day’s on-field or court action while playing.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 10 p.m.

   Buy-in: $65 with re-entries

   Average Turnout: 20-30

  Food: Rivea offers delicious French and Italian-influenced dishes, and players will enjoy the entire Irish pub experience at Rí Rá. Border Grill offers excellent Mexican fare.

  Entertainment/Shows: The Events Center and House of Blues host numerous live events from major   recording acts, and the Concerts by the Beach offer great shows by the amazing pool scene. The     Michael Jackson One show and shark reef aquarium are also popular.

The MIRAGE Las Vegas

One of the forerunners to the modern Vegas mega-resort casino and at one time was the centre of the Sin City poker scene. The 12-table room remains popular and still rates highly with players. The stylish venue makes for a nice night of card-playing and offers numerous games and stakes as well as some excellent tournament options. Players will also be guaranteed a pleasant stay in this top-notch property.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m., 11 p.m.

   Buy-in: $65 (Daily); $100 (Wed-Thurs, 2 p.m., Bounty); $120 (Fri, Sat, Sun, 11 a.m.); $100 (Wed, Fri, Sat, 7 p.m., Bounty)

   Average Turnout: 20-30

   Food: Osteria Coast offers delectable coastal Italian cuisine. Visit The Still to watch some sports and  order some great bar food or sample a tasty pie at the California Pizza Kitchen.

  Entertainment/Shows: The free volcano show is always impressive as is Siegfried & Roy's Secret  Garden and Dolphin Habitat. For a night out, check out Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE show or   head to 1 Oak for some club tunes and dancing.

The ORLEANS Hotel & Casino

This off-Strip casino is located just a short taxi or Uber ride away, and the poker room features 35 tables in a spacious, well-lit environment with numerous flat screen TVs to take in some sports action playing at the tables. Beyond Texas Hold’em, the poker room offers Seven-card Stud, Omaha Hi-Lo, and others as well as numerous promos throughout the week. The Orleans also offers various tournaments including a popular summer series. The daily tournaments include PLO, Omaha Hi-Lo, Eight-Game Mix, H.O.R.S.E., and others.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 12:05 p.m., 7:05 p.m.

   Buy-in: $80 (Sun-Sat,12:05; Mon-Tues,Thurs, 7:05); $105 (Wed, Sun, 7:05); $130 (Fri-Sat, 7:05)

   Average Turnout: 35-45 during week; 45-50 on weekends

  Food: For great steaks and drinks, visit Prime Rib Loft or Alder and Birch. Copper Whisk Cafe offers fantastic breakfast dishes, and Ondari Asian Kitchen is known for its Dim Sum selection. There are also   numerous other fast food and casual options.

  Entertainment/Shows: Orleans Arena hosts major music acts and sports, and the casino also  features a movie theatre, video arcade, and bowling alley.

PLANET HOLLYWOOD Las Vegas Resort & Casino

This 11-table poker room has grown in popularity over the last few years including the popular PHamous and Goliath Poker Series. The room is located within the main section of the casino known as The Pleasure Pit, complete with a club vibe as players bet and bluff. The casino hosts daily tournaments and plenty of cash game action, and Planet Hollywood is located right on the Strip.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 10 p.m. ($1,500 Guarantee)

   Buy-in: $80

  Average Turnout: 30-40

  Food: Visit Cafe Hollywood for all things Hollywood and all-day breakfast, sandwiches, pasta, burgers,  and more. Check out Koi for Japanese cuisine with California accents.

  Entertainment/Shows: Concertgoers will love the Zappos Theatre for big musical acts. For some  entertainment, check out magicians Criss Angel and Xavier Mortimer. The casino also hosts Crazy Girls, a topless revue that is a Vegas mainstay.

RED ROCK Casino Resort & Spa

This casino is located west of Las Vegas in the Summerlin area and is about a 20-minute cab or Uber ride from the Strip. The poker room features regular cash games and numerous daily tournaments. The casino offers a pleasant stay for those who may be looking for something away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip and downtown.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 12:05 p.m., 6:35 p.m.

   Buy-in: $60 (Mon-Fri, 12:05; Sun, 6:35); $100 (Mon, Thurs, Sat, 6:35); $90 (Tues-Wed, 6:35); $150 (Fri, 6:35); $125 (Sun, 12:05)

   Average Turnout: 25-30 during the week with more on weekends

  Food: Masso Osteria offers authentic Italian cuisine, and the Tard House offers fusion cuisine and  plenty of beers on tap. There are also numerous other fast and casual options.

  Entertainment/Shows: Rocks Lounge offers live music nightly, and outdoors enthusiasts will enjoy   some hiking at the nearby Red Rock Canyon. The casino also features a movie theatre and bowling     centre.

SOUTH POINT Hotel Casino and Spa

This property is located at the far southern end of the Strip and can be a nice getaway after about 15-minute cab or Uber ride. The 22-table room offers plenty of room and spreads several games and stakes. That includes regular tournaments and promotions. Another great thing about the South Point is the free parking, not available at many Vegas properties.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m.

   Buy-in: $60 (Sun-Mon, 10 a.m.; Mon-Fri, Sun, 2 p.m.); $130 (Sat, 2 p.m.); $80 (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 6 p.m.); $125 (Wed, Sun, 6 p.m.)

   Average Turnout: 30-40

  Food: Michael's Gourmet Room will please any appetite – from lobster to rack of lamb. Zenshin serves up unique Asian fare, and there are numerous other options – even a Steak n’ Shake and other quick   bites.

  Entertainment/Shows: The Showroom offers shows from regular touring acts and stand-up     comedians, and there is also a movie theatre and bowling centre. The arena features regular rodeo   events. Sports betting fans will want to check out the Vegas Information and Sports Network (VSiN) studios, which broadcasts right in the middle of the casino and not far from the sportsbook.

STRATOSPHERE Casino, Hotel & Tower

This north Strip property is hard to miss and features the tallest freestanding observation tower in the U.S. with incredible 360-degree views of Las Vegas and the surrounding countryside. The 10-table poker room offers a friendly, spacious area for playing and regular cash games and tournaments. Complimentary pizzas are a regular for tournament players, and the casino provides numerous other promotions. The recently-remodelled room is separated from the casino floor, which is not always an option in Vegas.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 7 p.m.

   Buy-in: $75

   Average Turnout: 20-40 with higher numbers on weekends

  Food: Head to the Top of the World for great steaks and drinks and a view like none other. For excellent comfort food, stop by McCall’s or Fellini’s for great Italian dishes. In the poker room, tableside     dining from Roxy’s Diner is also available.

  Entertainment/Shows: Obviously, a trip to the observatory is a must, but there are also some big   thrills at the tower including Skyjump, an 829-foot decelerating bungee-style jump from the top of the tower to the ground. The Big Shot, Insanity, and Scream are also the highest thrill rides in the U.S. There are also regular live music acts including MJ Live, a regular Michael Jackson tribute show.

The VENETIAN Resort Las Vegas

One of the more unique Sin City properties, the Venetian takes visitors to Venice, Italy, right on the Strip and complete with canals and gondola rides – all with a Vegas twist. The poker scene at the property is well-regarded by many, and the casino hosts the regular DeepStack Extravaganza tournament events, which five series throughout the year. For players, there are numerous games and stakes in a high-class environment with 37 tables. The Venetian offers a fantastic stay for players and plenty to do away from the tables.

  Tournament Times: Daily – 12:10 p.m., 6:10 p.m. (Guarantees of $4,000 to $20,000)

   Buy-in: $150, $125 (Mon, Wed, Thurs); $150, $200 (Tues); $200, $200 (Fri); $340, $125 (Sat); $200,           $125 (Sun)

   Average Turnout: 100-110 but varies depending on tournament and time of year.

  Food: Visit Lavo for delicious Italian dishes, Chica for Latin fare, or Black Tap for craft burgers and beer. Tableside food service is also available 24/7 provided from the Grand Lux Cafe.

  Entertainment/Shows: Check out major acts like ZZ Top or Chicago, or for a great show grab tickets   for the Human Nature vocal jukebox experience. Tao nightclub offers for cool tunes and dancing.

WYNN Las Vegas & ENCORE Resort

As the name implies, these luxurious and opulent sister properties on the Strip were the vision of casino impresario Steve Wynn. That luxury carries over to the 28-table poker room and its well-appointed surroundings. With numerous cash games and tournaments, Wynn has become a popular stop for players of all bankrolls and sits right on the Strip.

  Tournament Times: Sun (noon, $10,0000 Guarantee); Mon-Thurs (noon, $5,000 Guarantee); Fri (noon, $10,000 Guarantee); Sat (noon, $30,000 Guarantee)

   Buy-in: Sun ($200); Mon-Thurs ($140); Fri ($200); Sat ($230)

   Average Turnout: 80-100; 150-200 on Saturday

  Food: Lakeside offers fresh seafood and delicious steaks with a brilliant view of the property’s Lake of    Dreams. For something more casual, try Charlie’s Bar + Grill for American fare in the sportsbook –     perfect watching and wagering on a game. Every Wynn restaurant also offers a vegan and vegetarian menu.

  Entertainment/Shows: Le Rêve – The Dream offers amazing music, costumes, and choreography in   a thrilling acrobatic fantasy world. Check out major touring acts like comedian Chris Tucker and   legendary singer Smokey Robinson. The nightly Lake of Dreams show is also a cool multi-sensory experience.

Team888 Recommends Their Favourite Las Vegas Spots

Heading to Vegas for some fun with friends mixed with some poker? A few 888poker Ambassadors offered some recommendations on where to dine, play, and get in a Sin City groove. Grab an Uber and get your game together.

His go-to place in Vegas is Sen of Japan sushi restaurant, located 8480 W. Desert Inn Road, a short ride from the Strip. “It’s one of the best sushi meals I’ve ever had,” he says, “and only a 15-minute drive from my house.” Enjoy!

Anna Marquez

For a bite to eat, Ana heads to Milo’s at the Cosmopolitan for the special lunch menu, Raku (a few blocks west of the Strip) for delectable Japanese tapas, Sage at Aria for a nice dinner, and Nobu (locations in Caesar’s Palace and the Hard Rock) for some more great Japanese cuisine. She offers another couple options: “The juice bars at Aria and Cosmo are expensive but super worth it.”

While not much of a clubgoer, Anna says Drais (located in The Cromwell) is a good mix of hip-hop and electronic music. Her preferred show is definitely the Beatles “LOVE” at the Mirage. When in town and staying for a few days, Anna recommends the Encore and Cosmopolitan.

“Palms Place is probably the best option to stay for a hotel during the WSOP,” she says. “It’s close and has a kitchen. And if you have a kitchen and like to eat healthily, go to Whole Foods – the best healthy food selection anywhere.”

Kara Scott

As a regular in Las Vegas for poker and her ESPN commentary duties, Kara offers a few recommendations. For a hotel, she loves the Vdara. For some great steak and chops, she loves the Golden Steer. Located just north of Circus, the restaurant is the city’s oldest and has been a regular stop for Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, and Mario Andretti. The website features the motto: “The Best Steaks on Earth Since 1958.” Those with an interest in Vegas history should check out the Neon Museum, which houses some of Sin City’s vintage signage.

Vivian Saliba

For some fun PLO action, Vivian takes a seat at the Aria poker room. When she’s up for a night out with friends, Fremont Street offers plenty of fun, or she heads to Zuma (located in the Cosmopolitan) for some fantastic sushi. When it comes to entertainment, head to the Criss Angel magic show at Planet Hollywood.

Dominik Nitsche

This poker shark’s favourite restaurant is Partage for some modern French cuisine and is located a few blocks west of Treasure Island. “I love that place,” he says. “It's a really cool and unique experience. Also, it's open late, so it’s perfect for poker players.”

When it comes to hotels, he loves the Vdara. For some fun and attractions, Dominik notes: “Anything off-Strip is fun. Go check out Chinatown for some authentic off-Strip Vegas life that doesn't feel like you're on the Strip.”

Martin Jacobsen

“My new go-to place in Las Vegas is the up-and-coming Arts District downtown,” he says. “It’s one of the few places in Vegas that serves high-quality coffee and have cool, unpretentious bars and restaurants.”