Poker is one of the most popular games to play in a casino or online. The game itself has a long and storied history and is so beloved that there are televised tournaments and multiple people have become millionaires thanks to the turn of a few cards.
Poker has roots back in the earliest days of civilisation, with variations of the game being played in Europe as early as the Renaissance – but the game we know came to the US with the immigrants and developed in the early 19th century.
If you haven’t played before, there are several versions of the game – some are based around community cards (that can be used by any player to form a winning hand), while others aren’t. The earliest US games include stud poker, and they were commonly played on Mississippi riverboats.
One of the most popular versions of the game is known as Texas Hold’Em, and this is the game that is most often focused on in online poker and in the biggest cash tournaments – and it is the reason why the World Series of Poker was established back in 1970, alongside other major global and more local competitions.
If you haven’t played poker before, then get a taste and learn how to play online poker, while the rules are straightforward, recognising what makes a good hand, when you should bluff and when you should fold only really comes from practice.
When you’ve got the basics sorted, then you might want to get a taste of play at a live table – and that is when finding a good place to play poker near you. There are plenty of things to do in Brighton, with poker being a popular pastime. There are a few official venues around Brighton that might just be right for you, and below is a description of them so you can choose the best one.
Grosvener Casino Pier Nine Brighton
Situated on Pier Nine, the Grosvener Casino is part of the global Grosvener brand – and you can expect more than just some poker. Set over three floors, this casino offers slots, live gaming tables, a huge screen to watch sporting events, and a restaurant with awe-inspiring views across the water.
On the ground floor – which has the longest opening hours – you will find machine after machine offering some of the best slot games as well as electronic roulette. If you want to play some live poker, then you will be more interested in the gaming tables on the first floor. This is open from 7am until 3pm on Friday and Saturday. Here you will be able to take part in blackjack and roulette games, but also some of the best 3-card poker with well-trained, friendly, and efficient croupiers.
On the top floor is a huge 98” video wall that is made for watching the biggest sporting events (and betting on them, of course) as well as some more live gaming tables – and there are regular cash games and poker tournaments to take part in. You’ll love getting a bite to eat and a drink in the waterside restaurant, too.
Genting Casino
Another well-known casino chain, Genting casinos share the same ethos – a smart casual environment with a friendly atmosphere – and the opportunity to play all your favourite games in one place. You don’t need to be a member to play, and the casino is open from 2pm to 4am.
The expansive and well-appointed games room includes all the usual slot game machines and electronic roulette, and if you want to channel your inner James Bond then by all means put on a tuxedo and get involved in some live American roulette.
When it comes to poker, this is another place where the live games focus on the fast-paced 3-card poker games. While there are few tournaments held here, you can play multiple cash games at a level that suits your personal bankroll.
Rendezvous Casino
Compared to the other two locations on this list, Rendezvous Casino does not feel like a bland conglomerate casino – instead, it feels like the best casinos from the capital. This is because it is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Gaming company who also own 11 other venues in the UK and in Egypt.
Described as the ‘Player’s casino’ in Brighton, there is no loud music to distract your play and there are plenty of gamming tables, slots, and electronic Roulette machines all on the same floor.
The Poker Room is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 6.30pm, and this is where you will find weekly games and cash tournaments. You can buy a Poker Package that includes two hours of tournament play as well as a Learn to Plays session, and there is no membership required.
Rendezvous hosts the Sky Poker Tour, which makes it a particularly important part of the poker landscape in the UK.
