Must-Visit Spots in Las Vegas for Poker Enthusiasts

As one of the most visited cities in the United States, Las Vegas has diverse attractions catering to just about any type of traveler. Thus, it comes as no surprise that tourism is among the city’s key drivers for economic growth, welcoming about 41.7 million visitors in 2024. Aside from spending their money on lodging and dining, Las Vegas’s leisure travelers are also shelling out an average of $820 on gambling, recording a significant increase from $591 in 2019.

The Convention and Visitors Authority also reports that repeat business among Las Vegas’s guests mainly comes from casino and gaming venues, making the Sin City especially attractive among poker enthusiasts. To start, Las Vegas hosts the annual World Series of Poker, a prestigious poker tournament that not only offers the highest buy-ins and grand prizes but is also attended by world-class poker pros, including Chris Moneymaker.

Years after making history by qualifying at an online satellite and winning the 2003 WSOP Main Event, Moneymaker promoted the 54th WSOP at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas on the Strip as an ambassador.

The WSOP champion also continues to push US poker into the mainstream by working with the online poker platform ACR Poker as the headliner of the ACR Pros, a team of elite poker players. Through these partnerships with poker organizations, Moneymaker supports the legalization of both land-based and online poker across US states, including Nevada.

As such, Las Vegas is also home to the biggest casinos with the most luxurious poker rooms, making it a worthwhile destination for beginner and experienced poker players alike. In this light, here are the must-visit Las Vegas spots for poker enthusiasts, whether you’re looking to maximize the thrill of the traditional card game or find other adventures beyond the gaming tables.

Bellagio Fountain

On the famous Las Vegas Strip, you can’t miss the grandeur of Bellagio, a luxury hotel, resort, and casino inspired by European villages. Once you’re done playing at the Bellagio Poker Room, known for its high-limit poker with over 40 tables and daily tournaments, it’s time to set your sights on the iconic Fountains of Bellagio. The Fountains are one of the most photographed places in the US and have appeared in numerous Hollywood films, including Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and The Hangover Part III (2013).

The $40 million worth attraction, one of the most expensive fountains in the world, spans more than 1,000 feet and is enhanced by music and lights. Visitors can watch the uniquely choreographed fountain display for free, with the full schedule found on Bellagio’s official website.

Fremont Street Experience

Strolling along downtown Las Vegas wouldn’t be complete without the Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian-only entertainment district that occupies five blocks of Fremont Street. Located in the birthplace of the casino, poker enthusiasts like you can immerse themselves in streets lined with retro casinos and gaming venues, including the historic Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, where it all started.

The attraction also includes nightly events, from free concerts and shows like the Viva Vision video screen to paid adventures like the SlotZilla Zipline. Of course, you’d never get hungry exploring the Fremont Street Experience, as you can also find the best downtown Vegas restaurants around this area. These include Eureka!, where you can enjoy classic American pub food and local craft beers before making the most of the Fremont Street nightlife, and The Laundry Room, a speakeasy that offers more laid-back, lounge-style entertainment.

Cirque du Soleil

Credit: Cirque du Soleil on YouTube

If you’re looking for a different type of entertainment away from the poker rooms and gaming tables, you can find it at a Cirque du Soleil performance, with productions spread across top Las Vegas hotels and venues. Cirque du Soleil, co-founded by businessman and poker player Guy Laliberté, is a group of ragtag street performers who started in Quebec before venturing out of Canada to develop more elaborate shows that blend acrobatics, cabaret, and magic.

Cirque du Soleil first dominated Las Vegas in the 1990s and continues to offer highly-acclaimed performances, such as the longest-running Mystère, which features an international cast of high-energy acrobats and dancers at Treasure Island. Meanwhile, the Bellagio offers the water-centric O production, paying homage to the beauty of both street theater and opera through a team of world-class acrobats, artistic swimmers, and divers.

The Mob Museum‍

While the previously mentioned attractions allow you to dive deeper into the Vegas nightlife, the city also has its fair share of destinations you can visit during the day. A notable example is The Mob Museum, which explores Vegas's complex history and struggle between organized crime and law enforcement. Through vivid storytelling, curated artifacts, and interactive exhibits, the national museum introduces you to the more intriguing and infamous side of Vegas—one that continues to impact its gaming and tourism sector and the broader American society.

In Las Vegas, poker enthusiasts can do more than just relive the magic of poker through casinos and gaming venues. The attractions mentioned above allow them to enjoy other gaming-related landmarks and ultimately have a fulfilling trip in the beloved Neon City. Explore the GiftYa website for more blog posts and travel guides for Las Vegas and other US cities.