Montana tops list as America’s most poker-mad state

Montana has been crowned the most poker-obsessed state in the United States, as per a new report from Gambling.com, coinciding with the 2025 World Series of Poker's conclusion this week. Despite Nevada’s reputation as the global hub of poker, it was Montana that claimed the top spot when rankings were adjusted for population.

The Treasure State emerged as the nation’s poker hotspot with 2.11 poker rooms per 100,000 residents. The state’s 24 poker venues cater to a population of just over 1.1 million, giving it a per capita advantage that pushed it well ahead of other contenders.

Nevada, home to Las Vegas and Reno and often synonymous with high-stakes poker, placed second on the list. With 37 poker rooms serving approximately 3.2 million residents, Nevada logged 1.13 poker rooms per 100,000 people.

New Hampshire secured third place with 0.99 poker rooms per 100,000 residents. The Granite State hosts 14 poker rooms across communities like Hampton, Salem, and Rochester, offering ample opportunities for locals and visitors alike to take a seat at the tables.

Wyoming followed in fourth place despite having only three poker rooms statewide. Thanks to its small population, this still equated to 0.51 poker rooms per 100,000 residents. Rounding out the top five was Washington, registering 0.48 poker rooms per 100,000.

The analysis by Gambling.com considered both the total number of poker rooms in each state and its population, calculating a per capita figure that highlights how densely poker establishments are spread relative to residents.

The exercise revealed some insights. Texas, for instance, has the highest absolute count with 84 poker rooms, but its large population of over 31 million meant it ranked just ninth on the per capita list.

Meanwhile, larger states with urban centers, like California and New York, did not fare as well. California tied for 15th despite hosting 60 poker rooms, the second-most nationwide. New York, with only five poker venues and a population exceeding 19 million, fell to a tie for 36th place.

Poker’s journey in the United States stretches back to the early 1800s, evolving from European card games and gaining popularity along the Mississippi River before becoming a fixture in saloons and eventually regulated casinos.