Traveling is a great opportunity to take a break from one’s routine, explore in new cultures, and enjoy breathtaking destinations. Aside from enjoying local cultures and picturesque locations, travel can also be a great way to explore your favorite hobbies. This is especially true for poker enthusiasts, as several destinations across the world offer opportunities for travelers to play the game in card rooms and big tournaments.
With a CAGR of 13.6%, the poker market is among the most prolific industries in the world today, according to Business Research Insights. In the United States, 60% of Americans have played poker, highlighting the card game’s appeal. This popularity is also reflected in poker’s enhanced visibility in top global destinations where travelers can participate in high-stakes tournaments or simply play for fun. If you’re a poker enthusiast who enjoys traveling for your hobby, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five unique destinations you can enjoy:
Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island is slowly becoming a go-to destination for poker players. This is due in no small part to US poker platform ACR Poker, which offers unique poker experiences in world-class locations through its high-stakes tournaments. This year, ACR Poker opened the High Stakes Adventure in South Korea, where the platform guaranteed two exclusive packages, each valued at $110,000, during its Main Satellite. This allowed poker enthusiasts to compete in the Triton Poker series on Jeju Island from February 26 to March 14, with package winners enjoying travel perks like a five-night luxury accommodation. If you want to explore beyond the poker table, the island is also home to several sights, including the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Barcelona, Spain
This capital city of Catalonia in Spain hosts major poker events, including PokerStars’ European Poker Tour (EPT). In August this year, Casino Barcelona will welcome players worldwide to compete in PokerStars’ EPT Barcelona event. Apart from being a major EPT stop, Barcelona hosts other high-stakes poker tournaments like the Campeonato España de Poker and Catalunya Poker Tour, making it one of the most viable destinations for poker enthusiasts. Beyond the poker table, you can also immerse yourself in history during your Barcelona trip by visiting museums like the Museu Picasso, which houses an extensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s artwork, and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, which has Renaissance art collections.
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Paradise Island in the Bahamas is well-known as a perfect holiday destination for travelers yearning for pristine beaches, but it’s also a good spot for poker enthusiasts. After all, it is home to the world-famous Atlantis Casino, which houses major poker tournaments like PokerStars’ Caribbean Adventure. Casual players can also try their luck in Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em, and Let It Ride Poker in Atlantis Resort’s table games. Outside the card room, you can enjoy the 141-acre Aquaventure water park and explore the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, which houses over 65,000 aquatic animals across 250 marine species.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo has become synonymous with luxury living, as it’s known for housing casinos and Formula 1 Grand Prix events. High rollers and ardent poker enthusiasts can enjoy many activities in this Monaco district, especially since it annually hosts the EPT Grand Finale. This year, PokerStars’ EPT Circuit will take place in Monte Carlo from April 30 to May 10, following the success of the 2024 Super High Roller Event. Aside from the renowned Casino de Monte-Carlo, you can also visit the private antique car collection of H.S.H Prince Rainier III if you’re a car enthusiast and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, home to a massive aquarium with diverse marine life.
Melbourne, Australia
While Melbourne is known for its cultural charms and sporting events, it’s also a haven for poker enthusiasts. The Crown Casino in Melbourne hosts the Australian Poker Championship, while the Melbourne Greyhound Poker Room offers 24/7 poker action. The Poker Times Casino also conducts free poker nights and lessons, making Melbourne a viable destination for amateurs who want to master the card game. Aside from playing in the city’s card rooms, travelers can also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, a center for taxonomic study and plant conservation, and the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, where you can explore a 2.2 million-liter oceanarium.
There are lots of great destinations that offer poker enthusiasts the opportunity to combine their love for traveling and playing. These unique spots offer exciting opportunities to win big and create lasting memories. For more travel articles, subscribe to the Leisure Group Travel newsletter.
