Chicago's Best Poker Room [Updated 2024]

Over the years, I've played in more than a dozen poker rooms around town and I've come to know what makes a great one. In this article, I'll share my top pick for the best poker room in Chicago.

But before we get to that, let's take a lighthearted look at some of the other contenders that didn't quite make the cut. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, you won't want to miss this insider's guide to the Windy City's poker scene.

So grab your chips and let's shuffle up and deal!

Sofia's Slots & Video Poker Cafe

Highlights
Friendly staff
Clean space
Good cookies

First of all, the staff was incredibly friendly, they greeted me as soon as I arrived and made me feel at home. The atmosphere was very welcoming and made me want to stay for a while. The space itself was also very impressive - clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus in my book.

But enough about the ambiance, let's talk about the most important thing: the poker games. While they didn't have a dedicated poker room, Sofia's had several video poker machines that were well-maintained and easy to use. I personally enjoyed playing on their machines and found them to be quite fair.

And if you're looking for a snack while you play, I highly recommend trying one of their good cookies. They were absolutely delicious and definitely hit the spot.

Overall, I had a great experience at Sofia's Slots & Video Poker Cafe. While it may not be the most traditional poker room in Chicago, it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

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US Poker & Casino Parties

Highlights
Fun and Welcoming
Knowledgeable staff
Great for Fundraisers

First and foremost, I have to say that this poker room was one of the most fun and welcoming places I've ever been to. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by friendly staff who made me feel right at home.

The staff was incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the game and were happy to help with any questions or concerns. Their expertise made my time playing there all the more enjoyable.

One thing that really stood out to me was how great US Poker & Casino Parties is for fundraisers. The facility can easily accommodate a large group of players while still maintaining a fun atmosphere. This would be perfect for anyone looking to host a charity event or fundraiser.

Overall, I had an absolutely fantastic time at US Poker & Casino Parties in Chicago. If you're looking for a great place to play poker with a friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, then this is definitely the place for you!

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Ameristar Casino East Chicago

Highlights
Attentive hotel staff
Updated and nice rooms
Evolving gaming floor
Great customer service

First off, I have to give a shoutout to the attentive hotel staff at Ameristar. They were on top of everything and made sure my stay was comfortable. Speaking of comfort, the updated and nice rooms at Ameristar were definitely a plus. After a long day playing poker, it's always nice to come back to a cozy room.

Now let's talk about the poker room itself. While the gaming floor is constantly evolving, I was impressed with the variety of games available. The customer service was also top-notch, with dealers who are knowledgeable and friendly.

One thing that caught my attention was the layout of the room - while it's not as spacious as some other places, it still feels inviting and comfortable. Plus, there are plenty of TVs around for when you need a break from all that intense poker action.

Overall, I had a great time at Ameristar Casino East Chicago. The combination of attentive staff, nice rooms, evolving gaming floor and excellent customer service make this one of the best poker rooms in Chicago. If you're looking for a place to play some cards in style, this is definitely worth checking out!

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Windy City Poker Championship

Highlights
Great experience
Charity events
Turn-key

Let me start by saying that Windy City Poker Championship offers a great experience for poker enthusiasts. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the game and always ready to assist players.

One unique thing I noticed about this poker room is that they have charity events regularly. It's an excellent opportunity for players to enjoy their favorite game while supporting a good cause. Who says you can't have fun and do some good at the same time?

Another thing that sets Windy City Poker Championship apart from other poker rooms is that they provide a turn-key experience. They offer everything from the tables and chairs to the cards and chips, so all you need to bring is yourself and your A-game.

Overall, I had a great time playing at Windy City Poker Championship. It's clear that they care about providing a top-notch experience for their players. So if you're looking for a poker room with great service, charity events, and turn-key convenience, be sure to check out Windy City Poker Championship in Chicago!

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JAK's Place •Slots•Spirits•Food•

Highlights
Attentive staff
Clean and organized atmosphere
Welcoming environment
Fast service
Great specialty drinks

First off, I must say that the staff at JAK's Place are incredibly attentive. They made sure my poker buddies and I were comfortable and had everything we needed to enjoy our games. The atmosphere was also top-notch -- clean and organized with plenty of space for us to spread out.

What really stood out about JAK's Place was how welcoming they were. From the moment we walked in, we felt like part of the family. The other players were friendly too, which made for a great game.

Another thing I loved about this place was the fast service. We never had to wait long for drinks or food, which is a major plus when you're trying to focus on your cards.

Speaking of drinks, JAK's Place has some great specialty drinks! I tried their signature cocktail and it did not disappoint. It was refreshing and just what I needed after a long day at work.

Overall, if you're looking for an all-around great poker room in Chicago, JAK's Place •Slots•Spirits•Food• is definitely worth checking out. With attentive staff, a clean and welcoming environment, fast service, and delicious specialty drinks, it's hard to beat!

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Chicago Casino & Poker Rentals

Highlights
Authentic casino feel
Professional themed event
Variety of game rentals

First off, I have to say that the casino feel of this place is simply authentic. From the moment I walked in, the dim lighting and the clinking of chips made it feel like I was right in the middle of a high-stakes game. But don't worry if you're not an experienced player - they cater to all skill levels!

One thing that sets Chicago Casino & Poker Rentals apart from other poker rooms is their focus on professional themed events. They offer a variety of themes such as James Bond, Monte Carlo and even a Wild West Saloon. It's like playing poker while living out your favorite movie scenes!

Another highlight was the variety of game rentals available. Not only do they have multiple types of poker games, but also blackjack, craps, roulette and more! The dealers were friendly and knowledgeable, making it easy to learn new games.

Overall, my experience at Chicago Casino & Poker Rentals was top-notch. If you're looking for a fun night out with friends or colleagues or want to host a unique event, I highly recommend checking this place out. Remember: what happens at the poker table stays at the poker table!

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Lilly's Wine Bar, Slots, Video Poker

Highlights
Clean atmosphere
Friendly staff
Attentive service
Wide game variety
Accommodating

First of all, I have to say that the atmosphere at Lilly's was impeccable. The place was spotless and had a very clean feel to it. Additionally, the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made me feel right at home.

The service was also top-notch. They were very attentive, making sure that I had everything I needed throughout my visit. And speaking of variety, Lilly's has a wide range of games available - from slots to video poker - so there's something for everyone!

But what really stood out to me about Lilly's was how accommodating they were. As someone who likes to play for hours on end, it was great to see that they had comfortable seating and plenty of refreshments on hand.

Overall, I would highly recommend Lilly's Wine Bar, Slots, Video Poker as one of the best poker rooms in Chicago. From the clean atmosphere to the friendly staff and wide game variety, everything about my experience there was fantastic. So why not give them a try? Who knows - you might even win big!

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World Poker Tour

Highlights
Big payouts
World-class tournaments
Professional atmosphere

First of all, let me tell you that the payouts at World Poker Tour are nothing short of impressive. I mean, who wouldn't want to walk away with a hefty sum after a few rounds of poker? The atmosphere at World Poker Tour is also very professional and sophisticated. You won't find any rowdy players here - just serious poker enthusiasts looking to win big.

In terms of tournaments, World Poker Tour is definitely world-class. There are plenty of options for players with different skill levels, so whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, you'll find something that suits you. The tournaments are well-organized and run smoothly, which really adds to the overall experience.

One thing I particularly enjoyed about World Poker Tour was the attention to detail. From the comfortable seating to the well-maintained tables and cards, everything was top-notch. It's clear that this establishment takes pride in providing a high-quality experience for its patrons.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out World Poker Tour if you're looking for one of the best poker rooms in Chicago. With big payouts, world-class tournaments and a professional atmosphere, it's hard to go wrong here.

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Best Odds Poker

First off, the atmosphere was inviting and the staff were incredibly courteous. The poker tables were well-maintained and comfortable, making it easy to focus on my game. The competition was fierce, but that's what made it all the more exciting.

What really stood out to me at Best Odds Poker was their commitment to customer satisfaction. They went above and beyond to ensure that I had a great experience.

Overall, Best Odds Poker gets two thumbs up from me. If you're looking for a top-notch poker room in Chicago with friendly staff and a great atmosphere, then look no further!

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Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Highlights
No smoking
Friendly staff
Safe environment
$10 free to play
Delicious food

First, I was pleased to find out that the poker room is smoke-free. As a non-smoker, this was a big plus for me. Next, the friendly staff greeted me warmly and answered all my questions about the available games and tournaments.

I felt very comfortable in the casino as it had a safe environment with plenty of security personnel around. Also, I received $10 free to play which was an added bonus.

After playing some poker, I decided to try out some food at one of the on-site restaurants. Let me tell you, the food was absolutely delicious! It definitely exceeded my expectations for a casino restaurant.

Overall, Rivers Casino Des Plaines impressed me with its no smoking policy, friendly staff, safe environment, $10 free play offer, and delicious food. It's no wonder why it's considered one of the best poker rooms in Chicago!

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Horseshoe Hammond

Highlights
New slot machines
Delicious dinner at Jack Binion's Steakhouse
Friendly staff
Best buffet in the opinion of Review 1
Rude behavior from one slot attendant

First off, let me start by saying that the staff at Horseshoe Hammond were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel right at home as soon as I walked through the door.

I decided to try out some of the new slot machines they had recently added to their collection. While I didn't win big, I still had a great time playing them.

For dinner, I went to Jack Binion's Steakhouse and was blown away by how delicious my meal was. The steak was cooked to perfection and the sides were absolutely divine. It was definitely worth every penny.

I also checked out the buffet which Review 1 claims is "the best buffet in Chicago". While I can't say if it's the absolute best, I will admit that it was pretty impressive. There were so many options to choose from that I felt like I needed a second stomach!

Unfortunately, my experience wasn't entirely perfect. One of the slot attendants displayed some rude behavior towards me which definitely put a damper on my visit.

Overall, Horseshoe Hammond is definitely a poker room worth checking out if you're in Chicago. From their friendly staff to their delicious food options, there's something for everyone here. Just be wary of any rude employees!

May's Lounge

Highlights
Upscale slot experience
Free chips, fresh fruit, and soft drinks
Knowledgeable and professional staff
Email coupons for free play

The moment I stepped into May's Lounge, I was impressed by the upscale slot experience that awaited me. The casino floor was spacious and well-lit, with rows of state-of-the-art slots machines that beckoned me to come and play. As a poker player, I was pleased to see that their poker room had plenty of tables and was not overcrowded.

One thing that really stood out to me at May's Lounge were the little extras. They offered complimentary fresh fruit and soft drinks to all their players which made the gaming experience even better. And who doesn't love freebies? They also have a very generous policy of providing free chips for new visitors. This is something you don't see often in other poker rooms.

The knowledgeable and professional staff made my time at May's Lounge even more enjoyable. Whenever I had questions, they were quick to answer them accurately, whether it be about promotions or game rules.

As if all this wasn't enough, May's Lounge also sends email coupons for free play. Who doesn’t love some extra cash to spend on games?

Overall, I highly recommend visiting May's Lounge for an amazing gaming experience with great bonuses and outstanding service from start to finish.