Las Vegas is the world’s gambling capital, but many other countries have active poker cultures. Find out more.
Believe it or not, the game of poker can be traced all the way back to 10th century China. Obviously, Online Poker arrived quite sometime after that, but this is an interesting fact to note because nowadays, whenever anybody thinks about poker, they’re surely picturing Las Vegas at night with a few suit-wearing suave gentlemen, or Phil Ivey in Paradise, Nevada. Who can deny the image of a cool poker player?
It’s no secret that Las Vegas has become the would-be gambling capital of the world, but there are actually quite a few other countries today that have a thriving poker-playing culture. Here are the top ten such countries.
United States
It would be wrong to write an article about top poker countries and not begin with the US, even if it’s obvious. It’s home to some of the world’s best and most famous casinos and players and boasts a wealth of options for casual and serious players alike. Even though there are nine other countries on this list, there’s no doubt that the United States will continue to hold on to the first place in most people’s minds.
Brazil
The game of poker is a popular one in Brazil, believe it or not. The country has hosted a number of renowned poker tournaments over the years and also has many consistent representatives on any online poker site at any given time. The most famous player out of Brazil, other than football star Neymar, has got to be Alexandre Gomes, who holds a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet.
Canada
Canadians in the Great White North don’t only play ice hockey, it seems. The country is just as keen on the famous card game as its neighbors and even boasts a six-time WSOP bracelet winner in Daniel Negreanu. It’s safe to say that should the poker pickings get slim in the US; Canada will be right there to take over.
United Kingdom
The British are never far from popular action. One of the most significant and influential cultural capitals of the world, the UK is home to some of the most famous people, companies, and sports teams. It’s also home to one of the best poker players in the world, Kent-born Stephen Chidwick. You can never count the British out when it comes to performers on the world stage.
Macau
Macau isn’t technically a country, but rather an autonomous region in China, much like Hong Kong. It’s often been touted as the “Vegas of Asia” with its vast array of casinos to choose from. The region was a Portuguese colony until 1999, which is why it’s somewhat of a cultural mixing pot of various influences throughout. This list wouldn’t be complete without the addition of the Asian Vegas because it’s widely believed that the first form of the game of poker was played in China. That’s a big deal!
Malaysia
While there is only one casino in Malaysia that offers live poker, the country’s population has one of the biggest online poker engagements in the entire world.
Italy
If you’ve ever heard of San Remo, you’ve probably heard of Italy’s poker subculture. The beautiful coastal city has been a popular tourist destination for years, boasting stunning architecture and an incredible music scene. Another one of the Italian city’s boasts is its casinos. There are plenty of options to choose from, more than your typical coastal city, and it’s the reason that Italy is on this list. If you’re looking to have fun and play poker, San Remo in Italy is your best bet.
Germany
Another European country enters the fray with Germany producing some great poker players over the years. Most notably, their current superstars are Fedor Holz, who holds two WSOP bracelets, and Christoph Vogelsang, who is definitely a future WSOP bracelet holder.
Indonesia
It should be noted as impressive when a country like Indonesia makes this list. Its online casinos and poker rooms have grown into behemoths and are some of the most popular around the world, with many Indonesians playing their hand. They also boast a five-time WSOP bracelet holder in John Juanda.
France
Boasting a number of professionals online and live, including Arthur Conan, who last year won his first WSOP bracelet, the game of poker is truly alive and kicking in France. There’s a lot of poker history in France, which makes it a candidate for this list.
Conclusion
Poker is fast-growing, and as you can see above, it’s not only in America but all over the world. There are plenty of other countries not on this list where poker is popular. Las Vegas is the global hub, of course. However, there are many up-and-coming poker locations and countries that want to create their own Vegas. Watch this space!
