The Best Poker Spots in the Deep South

The United States offers a plethora of options when it comes to locations for poker but, outside of the usual spots (such as Las Vegas), where else is worth a visit? Well, with its old-world charm, accessibility and rich variety of activities, we think the Deep South offers some pretty great poker spots. Some of them are pretty novel, too.

So, pack your best clothes, some spending money and brush up on poker hand rankings, before you head off to …

Georgia

Emerald Princess Casino, Brunswick

Those in the know will know that there is no legalized casino gambling in the state of Georgia and, therefore, there are no land-based casinos. However, you might not know that there is a casino boat—the Emerald Princess Casino—which sails three miles out into international waters (where casino gambling is permitted) and offers everything you’d expect, including:

• Roulette
• Slots
• Blackjack
• Texas Hold ‘Em
• “Triple Time” Poker (exclusive to the Emerald Princess)
• Craps

Players (or spectators) aboard the Emerald Princess can also take advantage of the bistro deck.

South Carolina

Big ‘M’ Casino, Little River

South Carolina does not have any land-based casinos offering table games such as poker or BlackJack. The answer? Another boat, of course.

Like the Emerald Princess, the Big ‘M’ boat casino has to sail three miles into international waters before gambling can take place but, once it’s there, it offers a variety of game options to its passengers, like:

• BlackJack
• Craps
• Roulette
• Three Card Poker
• Slots

Cruises last five hours and the boat takes around 45 minutes to reach international waters, meaning patrons can enjoy approximately three and a half hours of poker action on a single trip.

Mississippi

Unlike the above states, Mississippi offers a number of spots at which to enjoy live poker, and enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. Here are just a few:

Ameristar Casino, Vicksburg

The Ameristar Casino boasts the biggest poker room in town on its first floor and offers patrons the choice of four, in-house venues to wine, dine and unwind.

Poker variants on offer include Cajun Stud, Heads Up Hold ‘Em, Flop Poker and High Card Flush.

Golden Nugget, Biloxi

Boasting the friendliest dealers in Biloxi, the Golden Nugget offers a variety of poker games, including Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud Progressive, Pai Gow Poker Progressive and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em Progressive.

The Golden Nugget poker room offers players tournaments seven days a week, and players can choose from Limit and No Limit Hold ‘Em, Omaha Hi and Omaha Hi-Lo.

When the weather’s right you can enjoy poolside gaming and, if you’ve had enough of poker, take a dip in the pool.

Hollywood Casino, Bay St Louis

Players at Hollywood Casino’s Poker Room are offered nonstop action at five tables (note that these tables are smoke-free). Patrons can enjoy daily promotions and events every day of the week and can even earn points toward a free buffet. What’s not to love?

Louisiana

L’Auberge Casino & Hotel, Baton Rouge

The L’Auberge Casino & Hotel offers its patrons an “elegant and non-smoking poker room dressed in vibrant reds.” This poker room boats 1,500 square feet of poker, including Limit Hold ‘Em, No-Limit Hold ‘Em, Limit Omaha High/Low and Pot-Limit Omaha.

Visitors to L’Auberge Casino needn’t leave the building. With luxury rooms, entertainment and dining all on-site, why would you need to go anywhere else?

Harrah’s, New Orleans

Harrah’s New Orleans offers 20 poker tables in its World Series of Poker Room and games “suited to the recreational poker player as well as the seasoned veteran of the game.”

Harrah’s also offers three (climate-controlled) outdoor gaming patios where patrons can play, smoke, socialize and relax.