Traveling the world to play poker has been a common occurrence for as long as laptops have existed.
For many, the digital nomad online poker lifestyle is all about striking a work-life balance and earning a living through more meaningful hobbies or side hustles.
When you really get into this lifestyle, it becomes a part of you and the freedom that playing online poker while traveling the world gives is very addictive.
In this article, we will reveal some of the best countries you can play online poker at.
Before that though, if you are looking to become a Poker nomad, you will need some tips to start with.
Prioritize your goal above everything else
To become a decent online poker player, you must be able to prioritize before you start to play online poker.
The most common barrier to travel is the mistaken perception that it is costly and requires a large sum of money in advance.
Having a large bankroll is undoubtedly advantageous, but traveling full-time is not as pricey as you may assume to play online poker.
In fact, many day-to-day living expenses are likely to be lower when you hit the road.
Therefore sticking to the ambition of playing poker on the road needs to be the top priority.
Online poker players must have another source of income
Seasoned online poker players know that prolonged losing streaks can and will happen, even to the best online gambling enthusiasts.
If you find yourself mired in one of those unfortunate downswings, it is good to know that you have other sources of income you can turn to if necessary, asides online poker.
Even if you did not plan on being a poker nomad, this is very important advice for any and every poker player.
One way to make extra earnings, asides cash games and poker winnings, is by creating poker content online via writing, videos, or teaching.
There is a vast online poker community out there, and there are plenty of ways to use your knowledge if you want to.
Decide on how you want to play poker during your travels
This one will be significant. Things may be a little more pricey if you intend on attending major poker events or via an online tournament across the world while traveling.
But, imagine your strategy is to mostly play online and continue to turn over money when you travel.
Things are going to be a little different in that instance. Of course, the two can also be combined.
If you’re successful, you can spend your time anywhere you choose.
Yet, anyone who has spent time as a digital nomad or with that digital nomad lifestyle will tell you that having affordable choices is beneficial.
Being adaptable is essential for long-term travel; the more you travel, the more versatile you will be.
Playing Poker at high level rooms are crucial
Individuals who intend to play a lot of live poker while traveling should ensure that there is money to be made and that the poker rooms are of excellent quality.
We should also emphasize how crucial it is to understand the legality of poker in the nations you visit.
The last thing you want to do is spend all of your vacation money bribing your way out of a foreign jail.
There are several forums, subreddits, and social media platforms that may assist you in finding excellent quality live poker while on the road.
Exploring co-working spaces may also be a fantastic chance to meet other travelers and potentially create some amazing connections.
Countries you can play Poker at
The United States
Though the United States might not exactly fall under the ‘cheap’ category for a poker player with a nomad lifestyle, it remains one of the best poker destinations for obvious reasons.
For starters, when you think about poker and casinos, the ‘holy grail’ of Las Vegas easily comes to mind. Asides the general dominance of poker in Las Vegas, the city presents an unrivaled variety of tournament poker opportunities each summer. The likes of the World Series of Poker, The Orleans, THE Golden Nugget, The Venetian, and many more rooms also offer incredible tournament series of their own.
Because of the existence of Hollywood as well, California has also been glamorized as the hub for online poker and online poker players.
The Sunshine State and its pleasant environment are a definite way to have a good time, especially with Venice Beach and Rodeo Drive as renowned tourist destinations for every online poker player.
Yet it isn’t all that California is known for.
Away from online gambling and poker sites, anyone seeking a real gambling experience can find it in Los Angeles. No, we’re not referring to the glamor and glam of tuxedos and bow ties.
There are, however, opulent casinos where you may channel your inner Rockefeller in top-tier events and cash games.
Whether you want to sharpen your poker abilities or flaunt off your wealth, Los Angeles has you covered.
Mexico
Mexico has long been a popular destination for US poker players. It even attracted ‘poker expats’ in the early 2010s. The country has a lengthy history with poker, since real money gambling and wagering have been permitted for decades.
They have even even hosted significant international professional events like the World Series of Poker and the Latin American Poker Tour
The tax laws in Mexico largely prevents the residents from playing poker in the country but a visitor like you will be able to play online poker with Mexican online sites.
Thailand
Being a cheap destination, Thailand is a good place to be able to deal with downswings when they happen especially when you are new to the nomadic life. As you grow as a poker player and keep gaining gambling winnings, you will see that you can live the best life in Thailand quicker than you initially thought.
Here is the thing, apart from horse racing and the lottery, all forms of gambling are prohibited by Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935. The fines vary from 500 to 5000 baht (about $15 to $150). Those who are caught gambling are normally punished, depending on the seriousness of the gambling, but keep in mind that it can potentially result in up to three years in prison. Harsher sanctions are often reserved for game organizers.
Even though poker is not allowed in Thailand, there are still several underground casinos that live poker occurs in and the country is filled with poker enthusiasts.
Online Poker in Thailand, on the other hand, rarely has cases where an online poker player has had a problem. Those who do choose to play online poker, however, should exercise extreme caution. Using a Thai credit card is not advisable at all. Entropay,Skrill/Neteller/Bitcoin are suggested payment methods.
Thailand appears to be on the poker sites’ whitelist of legal online poker nations. As a result, all of the main online poker sites operate in Thailand, including PokerStars, PartyPoker, iPoker, America’s Cardroom, and many others. There are also Thai-specific sites, such as PokerThai.net or W88poker, where you may play poker online with Thai residents.
Malaysia
Being a muslim country, gambling in Malaysia is illegal but like Thailand, the popularity of Poker has continued to grow in the country.
The popularity of poker in Malaysia is mostly due to foreigners’ influence, although citizens who found it in Hong Kong, Macau, and the Philippines, where Texas Hold’em and Omaha are prevalent, have also contributed to its expansion.
Famous foreign players contribute to the popularity of poker in Malaysia. Malaysian poker players are well-known for making a name for themselves on the Asian circuit, with names like Richard Yong, Ivan Leow, Paul Phua, and Michael Soyza routinely making headlines.
Online poker sites like 888 Poker, PokerStars and Titan Poker can be accessed while in the country.
Brazil
Poker, believe it or not, is quite popular in Brazil, particularly its playing online version.
If you register an account at an online casino and join a poker room, you will almost certainly notice a large number of poker players from this nation.
Even Neymar, one of the most famous soccer players, is a casual poker player. If that isn’t proof of the popularity of this card game in Brazil, we don’t know what is.
Alexandre Gomes, a WSOP bracelet holder, is one of the most well-known Brazilian poker players. Furthermore, the Land of the Holy Cross hosted numerous renowned poker events, the most important of which being the Latin American Poker Tour.
Because there is no licensing or controlling organization in charge of sports betting in Brazil, its residents have access to a diverse choice of poker rooms.
