If you’re a poker enthusiast living in Wisconsin, you may be wondering if any of the state’s poker rooms are currently open. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many businesses and entertainment venues to close their doors, leaving people across the country with limited options for socializing and leisure activities.
In Wisconsin, the answer to whether or not poker rooms are open is somewhat complicated. While some casinos and card rooms have reopened with limited capacity and safety protocols in place, others remain closed.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect if you’re looking to play poker in Wisconsin:
Open Poker Rooms
Some casinos and card rooms have reopened their doors with new safety measures in place to protect players from COVID-19. These measures may include mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks upon entry, social distancing guidelines for table games, and frequent cleaning of gaming equipment.
Among the casinos that have reopened their poker rooms are Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, Oneida Casino (which includes locations in Green Bay and Wausau), Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee, and Menominee Casino Resort in Keshena.
Closed Poker Rooms
On the other hand, some poker rooms remain closed due to concerns about the ongoing pandemic. This includes most of the state’s tribal casinos (such as St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake and Lake of the Torches Resort Casino), which have yet to announce a timeline for reopening their gaming facilities.
Additionally, some non-tribal card rooms such as North Star Mohican Casino Resort in Bowler and Majestic Pines Bingo & Casino in Black River Falls remain closed as well.
What You Can Do
If your preferred poker room is currently closed or operating at a reduced capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are still ways to scratch that itch for live poker action. Online poker sites like PokerStars or WSOP.com offer a wide range of games and tournaments that can be played from the comfort of your own home.
Alternatively, you may want to consider organizing a home game with a small group of friends or family members whom you trust to adhere to social distancing and other safety guidelines.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not poker rooms are open in Wisconsin depends on where you’re located and which specific venues you’re interested in. While some casinos have reopened their poker rooms with new safety measures in place, others remain closed for the time being.
If you’re looking to play live poker but can’t find an open venue near you, online poker sites or home games may be your best bet. Whatever option you choose, remember to prioritize your health and safety above all else.
