Arizona Texas Holdem Card Rooms

Arizona is an excellent state for any Texas holdem poker player. Not only do you have plenty of poker rooms around the state, all of which are based on Native American land, but you’re also near Las Vegas should you ever get the urge to head over the border and take a seat in the Aria or Bellagio.

Because of this proximity, you’ll also find that most of the poker rooms in Arizona are like what they offer in Las Vegas, which is really a good thing as Las Vegas is the gold standard when it comes to running a seamless poker operation.

Most poker rooms offer tournament and cash games, and no limit holdem is still the most popular variant played here. Many casinos offer spread limit tables instead of no limit, however the spread is large enough to make it essentially a no limit game.

The best poker rooms in the state are based in Casino Del Sol, Harrah’s, Fort McDowell, and Talking Stick. Talking Stick is the biggest and best room and this is where you’ll find the most action in the state. Some of the smaller casinos only offer poker as an amenity, so don’t expect anything too special.

List of Arizona Poker Rooms

Here is our compiled list of all the poker rooms you can find in the state of Arizona:

Casino Del Sol

• Location: Tucson, Arizona
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 13
• Games: You’ll find up to two tournaments per day in this room with no limit holdem, limit Omaha 8 or better and limit holdem events. The buy in ranges from some free-rolls up to $120. If you are looking for a cash game you’ll find $1 / $2, $1 / $2, $2 / $5 and $5 / $10 no limit holdem, $1 / $3 pot limit Omaha 8 or better, $2 / $4 and $3 / $6 limit holdem, $4 / $8 mixed, $4 / $8 limit Omaha 8 or better and $4 / $8 limit five card Omaha.
• Ambience: This poker room is only partially separated from the rest of the casino. This means a lot of smoke gets in the room which can be quite overwhelming at times. They have TVs on the walls to keep you entertained between hands and the brown felt tables are clean and fit in well with the beige decor that is so prevalent in Arizona.
• Hospitality: Comps can be earned at a rate of $1 per hour through the Club Sol rewards program. On top of this you’ll be serve cocktails and food at the table. This room also runs a range of promotions including a high hand prize and a cash draw.
• Players: The tables at Casino Del Sol are mostly filled with regulars. They are tough yet welcoming, in general, which is a good thing. The games soften up on weekends. The dealers and staff are welcoming and friendly which makes for a comfortable playing environment.

Apache Gold Casino Resort

• Location: San Carlos, Arizona
• Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm
• Tables: 2
• Games: Only $2 / $50 spread limit holdem cash games are offered in this small poker area.
• Ambience: The poker tables are in the main pit area of the casino which is quite basic with multi colored carpet and green decor. The tables are clean and the chairs comfortable for a decent session. If smoking puts you off, then give this one a miss as you’ll experience a lot of second hand smoke at the table.
• Hospitality: It’s no frills in this poker area with only cocktail and food service being offered to players at the table.
• Players: It’s quite random in respect to the players that you’ll come across in this poker room. You’ll find some decent action in the evenings, but you’ll need to take some time to scope out the players at the table to see what you are up against so you can adapt your play accordingly.

Bucky’s Yavapai Casino

• Location: Prescott, Arizona
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 7
• Games: Up to two no limit holdem tournaments are held in this poker room with the buy in ranging from $15 up to $80. On Sunday’s they only spread cash games. For the cash players, they spread $3 / $6 limit Omaha 8 or better, $3 / $6 limit holdem and $2 / $150 spread limit holdem.
• Ambience: This no smoking poker room features TV’s on the walls and black and red felt tables in a nice decor. It’s a great environment to play poker in with not too much noise and soft lighting.
• Hospitality: Comps can be earned at 50 cents per hour through the Gold Rush Club rewards program. You’ll also be served food and cocktails at the table and they run a series of promotions and jackpots to push your rake dollars further.
• Players: In this room, you’ll come across some tough regulars and weak amateurs trying their hand at poker. The games will soften up on weekends so if you want more of an edge visit during those times. Be prepared to deal with the variance that comes with weaker players though.

Cliff Castle Poker Room

• Location: Camp Verde, Arizona
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days. If all games finish, then they open again at 10am
• Tables: 5
• Games: Tournaments are held every day except Sunday and you’ll find no limit holdem and no limit Omaha events. The buy in will range from $20 up to $50. For the cash players, they run $5 / $150 spread limit holdem, $3 / $6 limit Omaha 8 or better and $3 / $6 limit holdem games.
• Ambience: This non-smoking poker room is relatively new and features modern decor with earthy tones of orange, red and brown with some grey table felt thrown in for good measure. They also have TVs on the walls to keep you entertained while you play.
• Hospitality: You’ll be served with cocktails and food at the table while playing here. They also offer promotions and a bad beat jackpot to keep you coming back. If you are playing cash, you can earn comps at $1 per hour through the Castle Club rewards program.
• Players: You’ll come across a mix of retired regulars, locals and amateur players in this poker room. The play will be tough but fun, with lots of talk between players and dealers to keep things exciting and entertaining. If you bring a solid game and are looking to have some fun, then this will be a great spot for you.

Desert Diamond Casino

• Location: Tucson, Arizona
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 8
• Games: You’ll find no limit holdem tournaments from Monday to Thursday with a buy in of $35. They also spread $3 / $6, $4 / $8, $8 / $16 and $15 / $30 limit holdem, $2 / $500 spread limit holdem and $4 / $8 limit Omaha 8 or better cash games.
• Ambience: This poker room features TVs that are viewable from most seats in a completely non-smoking environment. The purple, green and grey carpets match well with the earthy colors and beige tones that are used throughout the casino.
• Hospitality: When you are playing cash here you’ll get a 50% discount on food. This can be ordered and consumed at the table and they also offer cocktail service frequently. Finally, the room also has a bad beat jackpot and some other daily promotions to keep you coming back for more.
• Players: You’ll come across a good mix of players here with regulars, visitors and local amateurs taking to the felt. This will allow you to mix up your play nicely and to adapt when needed to exploit the villain who is in the hand with you. Take your time in getting to know the players at the table before you start making big moves.

Fort McDowell Casino

• Location: Ft. McDowell, Arizona
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 10
• Games: Tournaments are held here every day with up to two on some days of the week. Both no limit holdem and Omaha high low events are offered with the buy in ranging from $5 up to $60. They also spread $20 / $40 mixed, $2 / $250 spread limit holdem, $3 / $6, $4 / $8 and $6 / $12 limit holdem and $4 / $8 limit Omaha 8 or better.
• Ambience: This basic poker room features green felt tables with comfortable chairs against a beige decor. The chairs are comfortable for longer sessions and the have TVs across the room so you can keep across all your sports bets while you play, if that’s your thing.
• Hospitality: Comps can be earned at a rate of $1 per hour through the Fortune Club rewards program while playing cash. You’ll also be provided with food and cocktail service at the table and they have a high hand prize, aces cracked prize and some other promotions to keep you coming back for more.
• Players: You’ll find a lot of older regulars here who are looking to pass the time and have fun while doing so. This means that it’s always a good time at the table with a lot of good natured talk and exciting poker action. The dealers are friendly and helpful here which is a great thing.

Gila River Casino Vee Quiva

• Location: Laveen, Arizona
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 16
• Games: No limit holdem tournaments are held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. The buy in is $40, $50 and $30 respectively. If you are looking for a cash game you’ll find $2 / $3, $3 / $6, $4 / $8, $5 / $10, $6 / $12 and $8 / $16 limit holdem and $3 / $6 and $4 / $8 limit Omaha 8 or better tables.
• Ambience: This poker room features 9 flat screen TVs in a non-smoking environment to make playing here more enjoyable. The light green felts tables and chairs are well maintained and comfortable, and sit amongst a nice decor with great lighting.
• Hospitality: Food and cocktail service is provided for players at the table in this poker room. You’ll also receive 50% off the poker menu while you are playing. On top of this they also offer $1 in comps per hour played in both cash and tournaments, which is very generous. Finally, they also run a bad beat jackpot to jeep you coming back for more.
• Players: You’ll come across some decent players in this poker room and the atmosphere is fun and welcoming. The dealers and management go out of their way to make newcomers feel welcome which is mirrored by the regulars. This makes for a great poker experience and it’s well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Gila River Casino Wild Horse Pass

• Location: Chandler, Arizona
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 25
• Games: No limit holdem tournaments are held from Sunday to Thursday with a buy in ranging from $30 to $50. On top of this they spread $3 / $6, $4 / $8 and $8 / $16 limit holdem, $4 / $8 limit Omaha 8 or better and $2 / $100 spread limit holdem cash games.
• Ambience: This poker room is large and spacious with over 30 TVs including 8 large screens for your viewing pleasure, all within a non-smoking environment that is separated by glass from the rest of the casino. Tables and chairs are well maintained and clean and set amongst a modern decor with soft lighting.
• Hospitality: A high hand prize is offered here as well as a bad beat jackpot and several other daily promotions. You’ll also receive cocktail and food service at the table, with the latter being 50% off while you are playing. Comps wise you can earn $1 per hour played in both tournaments and cash games.
• Players: This poker room is mostly filled with regulars, some of which are tough and some are much weaker. So, try to assess the table you are on and adapt your style accordingly. The dealers are knowledgeable and helpful which is always a good thing.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin

• Location: Maricopa, Arizona
• Hours: Open daily from 9am
• Tables: 9
• Games: Tournaments are held on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday in this room with no limit holdem, no limit pineapple and limit holdem variants available. The buy in fluctuates from $25 to $40. Cash players will find $1 / $2 no limit holdem, $3 / $6 mixed and $3 / $6 limit holdem games running.
• Ambience: This poker room features TV’s on the walls and is non-smoking for your comfort. The brown and beige felt tables are clean and the black chairs comfortable for long sessions. The wood and brick decor is nice on the eye and clashes spectacularly against the colorful carpets. The room is softly lit which is good on the eyes.
• Hospitality: You can get food and cocktails at the table here and earn comps through the Total Rewards program at $1 per hour. They also run a range of promotions at certain times including an aces cracked prize and a high hand contest.
• Players: The general vibe in this poker room is good with dealers and management knowing the game well and ensuring that everyone feels welcomed. You’ll come across some tough regulars but there should be enough weaker players on most tables for you to be able to do well. Just pick your spots and opponents wisely.

Hon-Dah Casino

• Location: Pinetop, Arizona
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 4pm, Saturday and Sunday from 2pm
• Tables: 4
• Games: Tournaments are held here from Tuesday to Sunday with no limit holdem, limit Omaha 8 or better and no limit crazy pineapple events. The buy in fluctuates from $15 to $40, so call ahead or visit their website for more precise information. For the cash players, they spread $2 / $4, $3 / $6 and $4 / $8 limit holdem, $3 / $6 and $4 / $8 limit Omaha 8 or better and $1 / $2 spread limit holdem.
• Ambience: This non-smoking poker room features TVs on the walls to keep you entertained while you play and gold and red felt tables that are clean and comfortable. The chairs are also good for a long session.
• Hospitality: Food and cocktail service is provided for players at the table and they also have a self-service beverage station just outside of the poker room. You can earn comps while you play through the Hon-Dah Players Club and they also run some jackpots and promote to keep you coming back for more.
• Players: You’ll come across the usual mix of regulars, tourists and amateurs in this poker room meaning you’ll need to change up your game on the fly to do well. The dealers are OK here, although there have been some poor reports which is a shame. In any case, it’s a nice place to play with lots of fun to be had.

Mazatzal Casino

• Location: Payson, Arizona
• Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am until 1am
• Tables: 2
• Games: No limit holdem tournaments are held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with a buy in of $25. For the cash specialists, they spread $3 / $6 limit holdem and $3 / $6 limit Omaha 8 or better.
• Ambience: This small poker area is no smoking and features TVs around the tables so you can stay tuned in to sports scores during the game. It’s just some basic poker tables and chairs in the main gaming pit of the casino.
• Hospitality: You’ll be served cocktails and food at the table while you play here, and they also offer a range of jackpots and promotions to keep you coming back for more. Cash players can also earn $1 per hour in comps through the Players Club.
• Players: You’ll find mostly amateurs and retired regulars at these poker tables. The play will be passive and slow, so bring your patience with you.

Talking Stick Resort

• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 47
• Games: This large poker room offers up to two no limit holdem tournaments each day with the buy in fluctuating between $125 and $200. For the cash players, they spread $3 / $6, $4 / $8, $8 / $16 and $20 / $40 limit holdem, $3 / $100, $5 / $500 and $5 / $1000 spread limit holdem, $5 / $2500 spread limit Omaha high and $40 / $80 mixed games.
• Ambience: This is the largest poker room in the state and it features green felt tables with brown trim in a large and open room which is known as the Arena Poker Room. They have plenty of TVs around the walls and a central TV station, much like you would find in the middle of an NBA or NHL game. The beige and brown decor adds to the charm of this awesome poker room. It’s also fully non-smoking for your comfort.
• Hospitality: You can earn comps at a rate of $1 per hour through the Players Reward Club program while you play in this casino. On top of this they offer players cocktails and food at the table and run bad beat jackpot in both Omaha and holdem.
• Players: Due to the size of this poker room you’ll come across all sorts of players. On weekend evenings, you’ll find softer tables, but also plenty of tough regulars trying to exploit this. So, you need to keep your wits about you and scope out each table in the first few orbits to see who are the sharks, and who are the fish. Generally, the dealers and management are very good here and fair, plus they go out of their way to be welcoming to players which is excellent. This is hands down the best place to play poker in Arizona, by a long way.

Conclusion

Arizona is one of the best states to travel to or live in if you’re a Texas holdem player. You’ll find plenty of action at the poker rooms listed above or you can skip over the state line to visit Las Vegas if you need a change of pace or more selection.