Modesto’s only large-scale card room is forced to identify itself locally (and as) the Empire Sportsmen’s Association, making no mention of the (totally legal) games of chance and skill that are offered within their doors. That’s due to municipal legislation ed in the 1960s banning the advertising of legal wagers. Still, word gets out, and thanks to nearly $1 million in renovations and upgrades, Modesto Poker Room & Casino is one of the best-known head-to-head poker spots in the Golden State.

Games 721b71

A few very specific games are allowed inside the Modesto Poker Room. As the name implies, the most popular game at the venue is head-to-head poker, hosted by the venue but played live between people at the same table. The poker room area features enough space to run two dozen games at the same time, and variants depend on a regular rotating schedule as well as the desires of the players at any given spread.

A separate area holds games like pai gow and other casino-style poker contests found in casinos around the world. The number of games and tables available fluctuates depending on traffic onto the gaming floor.

The total area of the gaming floor is over 7,000 square feet, fairly large for an otherwise traditional California card room.

The venue offers free coffee and hot dogs to all players. Visitors who want a bigger bite to eat can order food from the Tex-Mex restaurant adjacent to the Modesto Poker Room and have it delivered right to their seat.

Map 4v723i