Finding Poker in Mexico

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  1. Caliente Casino, Tijuana
  2. Dubai Palace Casino, Cancún
  3. Ocean Riviera Paradise, Playa del Carmen
  4. San Nicolas Hotel Casino, Ensenada
  5. Viva Mexico Casino, Monterrey

Just over a year ago the World Series of Poker descended on Monterrey to much fanfare and interest. The fervour that the event was greeted with may have come as a surprise to people outside of Mexico, but it was testament to the country’s great love of poker.

Tourists to Mexico will find a thriving poker scene with many great places to play all around the country. If you’re thinking of visiting Mexico and want to know where to play your favourite poker games, read on find out the top 5 poker venues in the country.

  1. Caliente Casino, Tijuana

Caliente is a chain of casinos operating mainly in Baja California with venues in Tijuana, Rosarito, Nogales, Sonora and many more locations. The jewel in the crown of the chain is the Tijuana casino which caters for almost every gambling preference imaginable.

The venue has more than 1,100 electronic slot machines, sports betting facilities, traditional table games and even its own greyhound racing track. Poker is where Caliente Casino Tijuana comes into its own though with a seemingly endless amount of poker games for guests to participate in.

You’ll find a tournament or a simple buy-in table to cater for every budget and all skill brackets, so no player is ever left out. If you’re traveling from afar there are a number of great accommodation options to choose from, all of which are listed on the casino’s official website.

Take a peek behind the scenes of Mexico’s largest casino

  • Dubai Palace Casino, Cancún

Situated on the north-eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula, Cancún is one of Mexico’s most famous cities. Fifty years ago, Cancún was somewhat of a backwater before the Federal government backed a development fund to turn the area into an international tourism hotspot.

Away from Cancún’s gorgeous white beaches and dazzling blue sea water are a number of great casinos where you can play poker. Dubai Palace is perhaps the best on offer, providing a relaxed and chilled vibe for patrons.

Before you take to the table fill up your belly with some of the best local food and finest drinks from the venue’s 24-hour restaurant. Then take your pick from a range of great poker variants before retiring back to your hotel to count your winnings or lick your wounds.

  • Ocean Riviera Paradise, Playa del Carmen

If the idea of pristine beaches and crystal-clear beaches appeals to you but the hectic, party-animal vibe of Cancún is somewhat of a put-off head south down the Yucatan peninsula to either Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

Both towns have a much more relaxed vibe than the bustling Cancún and can be the perfect places to relax and recharge. The Ocean Riviera Paradise in Playa del Carmen is a quaint, rural casino where you can take it easy and play at your own pace.

There are regular tournaments that tend to attract card sharks from all over Quintana Roo, but the venue’s regular poker tables tend to be more laid-back and chilled.

The casino also has on-site accommodation that looks out straight onto the beachfront making it a great place to not only play poker but to take stock and recharge your batteries.

A look at the idyllic accommodation at Ocean Riviera Paradise along with the great food, drink and casino facilities

  • San Nicolas Hotel Casino, Ensenada

On the opposite side of the country, not far from the American border you’ll find the gorgeous coastal city of Ensenada. The city is a popular destination for tourists from north of the border and as such San Nicolas Hotel Casino has all the trappings that you would come to expect from a Las Vegas casino.

The club has over four decades of experience in catering for all types of clientele, whether that be slots enthusiasts, poker fans or simply sun lovers looking to avail of the great pool facilities. If you fancy yourself as an aspiring poker pro, San Nicolas could be a great place to win some serious money.

The majority of tables tend to be made up of novices or relatively low-skilled players, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to cash-in. Aside from the poker, San Nicolas is a great place to stay whether you’re with friends or the family.

  • Viva Mexico Casino, Monterrey

Unfortunately, the 2019 World Series of Poker was held in the Cintermex convention centre, so you won’t be able to play on the same tables that your heroes did. Viva Mexico Casino is a good consolation prize though.

Situated on Plaza Centrika, Viva Mexico is one of the biggest and best casinos in Monterrey, offering a great and unique gambling experience from all visitors. Whilst many of Mexico’s casinos take inspiration from their American counterparts, Viva Mexico pays homage to the country’s cultures and traditions.

The excellent range of poker tables and regular tournaments will captivate poker pros and novices alike, but it’s the décor and excellent in-house restaurant that will really complete your trip to Monterrey’s premier casino.

Gorge yourself on a range of succulent and tasty foods from the Viva Mexico Casino restaurant!

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