Never is poker more exciting than when it is played in a stunning casino on some exotic far-off shore.Modern poker tournaments take place all over the world, from the islands of the Caribbean to the neon strips of Las Vegas.If you’re looking to inject some glamour into your days at the card table, here’s a rundown of the best exotic destinations for poker games, tournaments, and events. But don’t despair, in case you can only dream of exotic holidays, relax on the couch and find the best online poker sites to develop your skills and someday take your place next to the poker greats in the Bellagio or the Monte Carlo Casino!
Monte Carlo
The veritable home of high-class, luxury casino experiences and what is widely considered to be the most glamorous location on the planet! A visit to Monte Carlo, Monaco, is simply a must for any poker enthusiast, amateur, or pro. Monaco’s glorious climate, friendly atmosphere and breathtaking scenery have to be seen to be believed, and a trip to the Casino de Montecarlo is like visiting the birthplace of the luxury high-stakes casino experience made famous by Ian Fleming’s James Bond.The casino is one of the best places for poker, being home to the annual European Poker Tour’s Grand Finale. It also offers a vast array of poker tables to suit all budgets as well as being a full-scale entertainment complex. In addition to housing the casino, its gorgeously designed walls are the home of the Theatre de Monte Carlo and Jean-Christophe Maillot’s renowned ballet company Les Ballets de Monte Carlo!
Costa Rica
A true adventure is to be had if you take a poker vacation to Costa Rica. Gaming is completely legalized in this Central American country, so much so that the beach town of San Jose became a top destination for the so-called ‘Poker Refugees’ of the US following the events of Black Friday.There are all sorts of casinos and tournaments to choose from in the 30+ casinos located in the country, including the Costa Rica Classic held at the Corobici Hotel. Enthusiasts can choose from an array of low buy-in daily games at the smaller casinos and there are also plenty of slot machines to play if that’s your thing too. What makes Costa Rica so special is that its home to a very friendly poker community of ex-pat players, and what could be better than kicking back on the beach after a hard day at the tables?
Paradise Island, The Bahamas
It doesn’t get more luxurious than The Bahamas, and Paradise Island situated in the New Providence is the ultimate destination for an exotic poker vacation. Home to the world-famous Atlantis Casino, which is the host venue of the renowned annual pro tournament the Caribbean Adventure, Paradise Island is one of the most beautiful places on earth.Within the casino you’ll find three different forms of poker games: Five Card, Three Card Progressive and the old favorite Texas hold ‘em. Within the resort are various waterparks, evening entertainments and golden sands with crystal clear shores on the famous beaches. If you’re looking for a vacation combining sun, sand, and poker, a trip to Paradise Island has everything you will need!
Tunica
A bit of a wildcard entry on our list, Tunica is a quaint little city in the great Southern state of Mississippi. Rich in typical southern American history and atmosphere, Tunica is also home to the Gold Strike Hotel Casino & Resort, and offers some of the best casino experiences in the US outside of Vegas.It may be an unusual choice, but those in the know rate the Gold Strike as a place to find a wide range of low buy-in, high payout daily tournaments. The casino runs 16 tables of No Limit Poker, making it a popular place with amateurs and pros alike and it’s been the home for World Poker Open so it is worth a visit for any poker enthusiast.
Macau
The bustling streets of Macau, a province on the coast of mainland China, are the places to visit if you want a truly exciting and unique poker vacation. Considered by many to be the next Las Vegas, Macau is one of the host cities on the popular professional tournament, the Asian Pacific Poker Tour.With a vast array of casinos and poker rooms to visit, Macau has something for poker players of every skill level. The Venetian is the most famous casino in the city, but the Casino Babylon, and the floating Casino Macau Palace (which was the setting for some thrilling scenes in the Bond movie ‘Skyfall’), offer a wide range of limits and tables.