The city of New Orleans is historically known as one of the first places in the United States to have poker games played in it. Dating back to the early 1800’s, the game was originally played with just 20 cards (10 – A). Just years later, with the popularity of poker increasing, the game moved to 52 cards and added the flush and the draw. As the continued to grow even more it made its way up Mississippi River following the Civil War. With connecting flights daily and some of the best hospitality in the country – New Orleans is one of the top destinations in the United States for a quick weekend stay, and some quality poker.
Popular Casinos
Harrah’s Casino is New Orleans most popular places. Harrah’s is at the foot of Canal Street, just minutes from the Mississippi River. The Casino boasts over 2,700 slot machines, 90 table games and has a fantastic poker room.
Boomtown Casino has a poker room in which players can choose from Texas Hold’em, Omaha or Seven Card stud, as the room opens everyday at 11:00am. Seven Card Stud is played from $1- $5, while they have all sorts of different hold’em tables.
Professional Players
Paul “Eskimo” Clark is one of the best known poker players from the city of New Orleans. Clark, who served in the Vietnam War, finished in the money of the 1988 World Series of Poker. As of 2008, Clark had won over $2.6 million, including over $600,000 via the WSOP.
James Van Alstyne is a professional poker player that was born and raised in New Orleans. As of 2010, Van Alstyne has amassed over $3.4 million in earnings from professional poker. He has finished in the money 13 times via the World Series of Poker.