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Poker Across America: The Cards, the Culture, and the Quirks
The U.S. is the birthplace of poker, with Las Vegas reigning as its gambling capital. From the East Coast grit of New York and New Jersey to the West Coast flair of California and the high-stakes tables of Texas, each state brings a unique poker culture. But what truly makes a state a poker powerhouse?
Is it the number of poker rooms? The winnings of its top players? Or is it the influence of local culture? We’ve crunched the data to reveal the states that dominate the game—and the surprising ways they shape poker’s evolution.
Key Insights
- California dominates poker earnings with 261 players who have won over $1 million in live tournaments—100+ more than second-place Nevada (160).
- Texas leads in poker rooms with 50 active locations, followed by; California (36), Florida (28) and Nevada (28)
- Nevada is not #1 in total poker winnings—California and New York outperform it despite Las Vegas being the gambling epicenter.
- New York is a powerhouse without the infrastructure—despite 147 poker millionaires, the state has only five legal poker rooms, fueling an underground poker scene.
- Poker "ghost states" like Montana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Arkansas, and Vermont barely register in the game’s ecosystem.
- South Carolina has just three poker millionaires and only $5.6M in total winnings, with zero legal poker rooms.
- Pennsylvania is the breakout state in online poker, with legalization fueling 113,400 poker-related searches in 2024.
- The Keystone State is growing fast, boasting 57 poker millionaires, $203.9M in winnings, and 9 poker rooms, signaling a major surge in interest.
Poker State Profiles: The Top 10 Poker States and Their Cultures
Breaking down the biggest poker states reveals the true character of the game across the U.S. A state’s poker rooms, player profile, and infrastructure all contribute to the distinct experience of playing there. Whether it’s the high-stakes underground battles of New York, the celebrity-filled cash games of California, every state offers something different. Let's see which states rank in our top 10:
1. California – "Hollywood Glamor"
📊 Score: 93.00
- Poker Millionaires: 261 (#1 in the U.S.)
- Total Winnings: $742.9M (#1 in the U.S.)
- Poker Rooms: b
- Annual Poker Searches: 478,600 (#1 in the U.S.)
California is ranked first in both players earnings and the number of millionaires in any state. With 36 poker rooms, California generates the most interest online, with the highest poker-related search volume (478,600) across the whole country. The home of stars such as Phil Hellmuth and Phil Ivey, The Golden State is the richest of them all.
🎭 The Culture
California is the poker capital of America, combining high stakes, Hollywood prestige, and diverse playing styles. With some of the biggest poker rooms in the world, the state draws celebrities, business moguls, and world-class grinders. The Golden State’s poker scene is defined by fearless creativity, aggressive betting, and deep bankrolls. Whether it’s a high-stakes game in L.A. or a major tournament in San Jose, California poker is always big, bold, and glamorous.
2. Texas – "Cowboys & BBQs"
📊 Score: 57.87
- Poker Millionaires: 91
- Total Winnings: $261.1M
- Poker Rooms: 50 (Most in the U.S.)
- Annual Poker Searches: 295,800
Texas is ranked #2 on the list of 50 states. With an incredible 91 poker millionaires, Texas has total winnings of over $261 million and is the location from which many of poker’s most pioneering players came from, such as Doyle ‘Texas Dolly’ Brunson, Amarillo Slim, and Johnny Moss, a.k.a. The Grand Old Man of Poker. With 50 poker rooms, Texas offers more places to play than any other state—and its poker scene is still expanding. Notable venues like The Lodge Card Club in Austin, co-owned by Doug Polk, Brad Owen, and Andrew Neeme, host daily tournaments and round-the-clock cash games, making it a hub for serious players.
🤠 The Culture
Texas is the birthplace of No-Limit Texas Hold’em, and poker here is played with unapologetic aggression. The state’s poker culture mirrors its cowboy roots, where players aren’t afraid to go all-in and put their opponents to the test. Poker nights often blend with barbecue gatherings and social events, making it a community-driven experience.
3. Florida – "Retirees and Beaches"
📊 Score: 54.31
- Poker Millionaires: 141
- Total Winnings: $443.2M
- Poker Rooms: 28
- Annual Poker Searches: 229,500
Florida is the third-highest rated state and features 141 players with over a million in live ranking tournament earnings. That’s $443,202,474 in collected Floridian winnings. With 28 poker rooms in the state, Florida is the home of some of poker’s finest players, including legendary six-time WSOP bracelet winner Jason Mercier.
🌴 The Culture
Florida’s poker scene combines beachside relaxation with fierce competition, making it a hotbed for tournaments and cash games. The state’s large retiree population adds deep experience to the tables, blending tight, methodical play with fearless aggression. Many late-starting pros have emerged from Florida, including Sean Winter, Sam Soverel, and Michael ‘Grinder’ Mizrachi, while its high-stakes action has produced tournament stars like Jonathan Little and John Racener.
4. Nevada – "The Casino & Neon Capital"
📊 Score: 52.37
- Poker Millionaires: 160
- Total Winnings: $602.4M
- Poker Rooms: 28
- Annual Poker Searches: 55,800
Ranked #4 on our leaderboard is Nevada, the gambling capital of the western world and home of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Las Vegas has been the epicenter of poker since 1970, hosting the WSOP Main Event every year. While the city thrives on poker year-round, it truly becomes the heart of the game each summer. With over $602 in total winnings, the thing that stays in Vegas is money, with 28 poker rooms across the state.
🎰 The Culture
Nevada is the heartbeat of poker, home to Las Vegas and the World Series of Poker (WSOP). The state thrives on high-stakes action, massive tournaments, and legendary cash games that have built some of poker’s greatest names. Whether it’s the glitz of the Strip or a late-night grind downtown, Nevada poker is fast, ruthless, and deeply ingrained in the gambling culture.
5. New York – "High Stakes and Broadway"
📊 Score: 51.21
- Poker Millionaires: 147
- Total Winnings: $686.7M
- Poker Rooms: 5
- Annual Poker Searches: 222,100
At number five in our chart is New York. They say you shouldn’t live in California too long or you’ll get soft, but the opposite is true in New York. Poker players from The Big Apple are carved out of stone, with 147 poker millionaires, over $686 million in live winnings and all this with just five legal poker rooms. That’s because a lot of New York’s poker money flows underground. The city has produced some of the game’s greatest tournament crushers, including 10-time WSOP bracelet winner Erik Seidel.
🗽 The Culture
New York’s poker scene is fierce, strategic, and highly competitive, with one of the strongest player pools in the country. Despite having few legal poker rooms, the city’s legendary underground high-stakes games are where some of the world’s best players are forged. New York produces tough, no-nonsense grinders, and its poker community is as fast-paced and cutthroat as the city itself. Think Molly’s Game, but with ruthless players ready to take every chip you have. New York’s private games are known to be some of the most intense and competitive in the world.
6. Pennsylvania – "Blue Collar State"
📊 Score: 22.60
- Poker Millionaires: 57
- Total Winnings: $203.9M
- Poker Rooms: 9
- Annual Poker Searches: 113,400
At number six is Pennsylvania, with its new-found poker notoriety coming courtesy of new regulations allowing players inside its borders to play online. One of less than 10 states to be able to play online, its player pool is mostly restricted to players from The Keystone State, but growth is clear, with nine poker rooms and total live winnings of $203.9 million.
📈 The Culture
Pennsylvania’s poker scene is on the rise, driven by a booming online poker market and a deep-rooted competitive spirit. The state’s legalization of online poker has created a new wave of skilled players, while its blue-collar work ethic translates to gritty, determined gameplay. From home games to major tournaments, Pennsylvania players are hungry to prove themselves on a national stage. With 57 poker millionaires, the state’s online poker boom has fueled a new generation of top competitors.
7. Michigan – "Midwest Grit"
📊 Score: 20.65
- Poker Millionaires: 24
- Total Winnings: $85.5M
- Poker Rooms: 23
- Annual Poker Searches: 79,200
To say that Michigan players have heart and guts in equal measure is an understatement and partly explains how they’re ranked at number seven on our countdown. With 24 high-earning players such as the 2009 and 2013 world champions Joe Cada and Ryan Riess – Cada being the youngest WSOP Main Event winner of all-time – Michigan is home to greats. With over $85.5m in winnings and 23 poker rooms, the live scene in the state is on the up. And with the recent legalization of online poker, their terrific titans of poker are ready to tear into the opposition at the live or virtual felt.
🚗 The Culture
Michigan’s poker scene is built on loyalty, resilience, and deep community ties. The state’s poker rooms are packed with dedicated local players who embrace the game’s strategic complexity. Michigan grinders are tough, disciplined, and always up for a challenge, making them formidable opponents at both live and online tables. Michigan’s poker culture thrives in tight-knit cardrooms, where regulars return daily to compete and improve.
8. New Jersey – "Atlantic City Influence"
📊 Score: 20.21
- Poker Millionaires: 64
- Total Winnings: $224.4M
- Poker Rooms: 3
- Annual Poker Searches: 99,000
At number eight is another recent addition to the list of states in America where you can play online poker, New Jersey. One of the first to return online poker since Black Friday, New Jersey hasn’t let the poker world down and now enjoys cross-state games with other player pools. With total winnings of $224.4m, 64 poker millionaires, the growth of the state is clear. Although they only have 3 live poker rooms, we anticipate New Jersey is going to get bigger and better for poker in the next few years.
🃏 The Culture
New Jersey is a poker powerhouse, with Atlantic City’s rich casino history and one of the strongest online poker markets in the U.S. The state is home to iconic casinos like the Borgata, which has hosted some of poker’s biggest tournaments. New Jersey has produced greats like 11-time WSOP champion Phil Ivey, who has won $47.3 million in live tournaments and likely double that in cash games. What’s more, New Jersey was a pioneer in online poker regulation, creating a thriving, interconnected market that continues to grow.
9. Ohio – "Growing Regional Tournaments"
📊 Score: 18.84
- Poker Millionaires: 32
- Total Winnings: $140.8M
- Poker Rooms: 13
- Annual Poker Searches: 89,700
At number nine is Ohio, home to players such as David Peters, Byron Kaverman and Justin Saliba. The Buckeye State has players who just show up and get an amazing job done. Featuring 32 high-earning players, $140,879,494 in winnings, and 13 poker rooms, Ohio is a secure state packed with talent and determination in equal measure.
🏙 The Culture
Ohio’s poker scene is steadily expanding, with regional tournaments gaining. While online poker remains unavailable, Ohio’s growing live poker circuit is setting the stage for future success. Poker rooms across Ohio attract strong competition, and tournament fields continue to grow year after year. If online poker returns, expect the state to rise even further.
10. Illinois – "Deep Dish & Stacks"
📊 Score: 18.23
- Poker Millionaires: 55
- Total Winnings: $148.4M
- Poker Rooms: 4
- Annual Poker Searches: 117,000
Finally, our top 10 concludes with Illinois, with its 55 poker millionaires, $148.4m in winnings, and four poker rooms. The home of players such as Connor Drinan, Mohsin Charania and Jason Wheeler, Illinois boasts players with flair, precision and dedication to their sport.
💨 The Culture
Illinois’ poker scene is defined by strategic play and deep poker knowledge, especially in Chicago, a hub for some of the Midwest’s toughest cash games and tournaments. The state has produced elite poker minds, and its regional events continue to grow in stature. Top strategists like Kevin Rabichow, Brandon Shack-Harris, and Tyler Reiman are teaching and shaping the next generation of Illinois poker players.
Methodology
To determine the top poker states in the U.S., we analyzed data from multiple sources, assessing key metrics that define a state’s poker landscape. Our poker state ranking system considers:
- High-earning players – The number of players with over $1 million in live tournament earnings.
- Poker room availability – The total number of cardrooms operating in each state.
- Search interest – The volume of poker-related online searches by state over the past year.
These factors were combined to create a comprehensive score out of 100, ranking each state’s overall influence in the poker world. The results highlight both the leading poker powerhouses and the states with room to grow.
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of U.S. Poker
Poker culture in the United States is as diverse and dynamic as the players who shape it. If one thing is clear from our findings, it’s that every poker destination has its own personality. In New York, you might find yourself in an underground club, battling sharp, unconventional opponents in high-stakes cash games. In California, the atmosphere is different—players may be more relaxed, but the bankrolls are bigger. Poker’s rich history shapes every state’s approach to the game. Texas remains the birthplace of No-Limit Hold’em legends and Nevada continues to be the epicenter of poker’s biggest moments.
Where you play shapes who you become as a player. It also defines the poker culture of each state—making the game as diverse and dynamic as the people who play it. But with online poker expanding in states like Michigan and New Jersey, who knows how the rankings will shift in 2025? One thing is certain—we’re eager to see how the game continues to evolve.
Want to stay ahead of the action? Follow us on Youtube (@legaluspokersite) and X (@poker_legalus) for the latest poker insights, rankings, and behind-the-scenes moments from the tables.
| Poker Across America Top 10 Poker States: | ||||||
| Place | State | Millionaires | Winnings | Rooms | Searches | Total/100 |
| 1st | California | 261 | $742m | 36 | 478,600 | 93 |
| 2nd | Texas | 91 | $261m | 50 | 295,800 | 57,87 |
| 3rd | Florida | 141 | $443m | 28 | 229,500 | 54.31 |
| 4th | Nevada | 160 | $602m | 28 | 55,800 | 52.37 |
| 5th | New York | 147 | $686m | 5 | 222,100 | 51.21 |
| 6th | Pennsylvania | 57 | $203m | 9 | 113,400 | 22.6 |
| 7th | Michigan | 24 | $85m | 23 | 79,200 | 20.65 |
| 8th | New Jersey | 64 | $224m | 3 | 99,000 | 20.21 |
| 9th | Ohio | € 32 | $140m | 13 | 89,700 | 18.84 |
| 10th | Illinois | 55 | $148m | 4 | 117,000 | 18.23 |
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