Montana Deals Itself Top Hand Ahead of Las Vegas Poker Classic

Gambling.com has crowned Montana the most poker-mad state in the US after analyzing the number of poker rooms relative to population across all states. 

The ranking was based on poker rooms per 100,000 residents, revealing Montana at the top with 2.11 rooms per 100K - well ahead of runner-up Nevada.

Montana’s 24 poker rooms serve just 1.14 million residents, highlighting the state’s enthusiasm for the game. 

Already known for its love of bingo, Montana’s strong poker culture further cements its reputation for community-based gaming.

Poker is deeply rooted in American gaming culture, from iconic Las Vegas card rooms to local spots nationwide. 

Its history traces back to early 19th-century adaptations of European gambling games, flourishing in regions like the Mississippi River Valley.

With the 2025 World Series of Poker concluding in Las Vegas on July 16, Gambling.com launched this state-by-state analysis to uncover where poker passion runs highest.

Nevada: The Poker Capital That Came Up Just Short

Despite its iconic association with poker, Nevada narrowly missed the top spot. 

Home to Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada has long been considered the epicenter of U.S. gambling and poker. 

However, with a population of 3.2 million and 37 poker rooms, its ratio of 1.13 poker rooms per 100,000 residents falls short of Montana’s.

While the Silver State certainly doesn’t lack in poker prestige, its larger population dilutes its per capita count. 

Still, Nevada remains a cornerstone of the global poker scene, especially with the World Series of Poker continuing to draw players from around the globe.

New Hampshire Secures Third Place

Rounding out the podium is New Hampshire, known as the Granite State. With 14 poker rooms and a population of just 1.4 million, New Hampshire secures third place with 0.99 poker rooms per 100,000 residents. 

Cities like Hampton, Salem, and Rochester host vibrant poker venues catering to casual players and seasoned veterans.

This strong showing underscores how poker enthusiasm thrives even in less densely populated and traditionally "gambling-heavy" states.

Hot on the Heels of the Top Three

Coming in fourth is Wyoming, the Cowboy State, with only three poker rooms. 

Yet its small population propels it to 0.51 poker rooms per 100,000 residents, enough to secure a spot in the top five.

Washington follows at No.5 with 0.48, Oregon at No.6 with 0.47, and North Dakota at No.7 with 0.38. Mississippi and Texas are tied for No.8 with 0.27 poker rooms per 100,000 residents. Rounding out the Top 10 is Michigan, posting 0.26.

Texas stands out in particular: with 84 poker rooms, the highest of any state, it seems destined to dominate. 

But its massive population of 31.2 million pulls it down the rankings in terms of per capita presence. It’s a classic case of quantity over concentration.

California & New York Not Poker Fans?

Perhaps most surprising is how poorly California and New York fared in this ranking. Despite having 60 poker rooms (second only to Texas), California is tied for No. 15. Its population size (39 million residents) dramatically lowers its per capita ratio.

Meanwhile, New York falls all the way to No.36 with just five poker rooms serving its population of nearly 20 million. 

This may reflect tighter gaming regulations or less cultural emphasis on poker than in other states.

A New Poker Narrative

The findings from Gambling.com highlight an interesting shift in the poker landscape. 

While traditional gambling giants still play a pivotal role in the poker world, smaller states with strong local poker scenes are claiming their share of the spotlight.

Montana’s emergence as the most poker-mad state in America illustrates how passion for the game transcends big cities and neon lights. 

With poker rooms scattered across its vast landscapes, the Treasure State proves that when it comes to poker, it’s not just about how many rooms you have—it’s about how deeply the game is woven into the fabric of the community.

As the 2025 World Series of Poker climaxes, Montana can confidently say it’s already holding a winning hand.