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The Best Day & Time to Play Poker at a Casino

The Best Day & Time to Play Poker at a Casino

There are times when it's much easier to win at online poker tables.

Knowing when and where to play is the easiest way to turn from a fish to a shark and win much more money than you otherwise would.

I'll show you which are the best times to play online poker based on my 10+ years of experience - and I'll tell you about my favorite casinos to play poker online.

When is the Best Time to Play Poker Online?

The best time to play poker is from 4 pm to 11 pm EST. This is when online poker rooms are more frequently visited by beginners and thus your chances of winning increase, given that it's when the casual players are active the most. Let's take a look at the best overall dates or points of the week when it's better to play poker online.

1. During and After the World Series of Poker

Whenever you see a major poker event on TV (namely, the WSOP), chances are that a ton of enthusiasts will start playing in online casinos, looking to follow the path that many others have walked before them. Unfortunately, though, the majority of players who make their way towards online casinos after watching the WSOP are not experienced and will, most likely, lose their money.

online poker rooms
New players will likely begin their poker journey in Betsson rooms after the WSOP

It’s unfortunate for them, though, but you can take full advantage of it! If there’s a major poker event on TV, be sure to visit one of the world’s best poker casinos and test your luck in the low-stakes tables. You’ll encounter plenty of people who aren’t sure of how to play (also known as “easy targets) as they think they may be able to become one of the richest poker players after watching the WSOP. Take advantage of it!

2. On Any Worldwide Holiday

Whenever there’s a major holiday across the world, people suddenly have a lot of time on their hands. As such, casual poker players often get down to business and deposit a few euros in their favorite poker casinos. This opens up the opportunity for you to play against them, which probably means that you’ll be making a profit if you’re even just slightly competent at poker.

best time to play poker online
A lot of casuals play poker with crypto, too. If you have some to spare, try your luck!

3. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day if You're Available

Arguably the most important time of the year to take advantage of rookie poker players, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are two days where everyone is both at home and, in most cases, with some extra cash to spare. That means that people who are not good at poker will be joining the world’s most popular casinos and poker tables to try out their luck – and it’s up to you to join, too, and take full advantage of these rookies that aren’t good at the game. Beat them and see how much cash you can win!

4. At any Point During the Weekends

Even though some people might advise you to play during the week, at night, the best time of the week in which you can play poker is on the weekends. This is the time where the biggest number of casual players spend their money at poker tables, and it’s the time in which you can take full advantage of it to make a good profit for yourself. Just be sure to have a strong grasp of the game and weekends might help you load your pockets with cash!

best time to play poker online
Profiting during the weekend is easier than during the week, as more casuals are playing

5. Whenever You Want... If You Play Video Poker

Playing video poker, or any virtual poker game where you don't face other players, means that you can play at any point of the day and not have to worry about the quality of other players or if you're going to be at a disadvantage. Games like Casino  Hold'em or Caribbean Stud have relatively high return rates, while Jacks or Better video poker is one of the highest-paying games in the casino industry.

best times to play poker at a casino

Best Times to Play Poker Cash Games

The best time to play poker cash games is in the weekend evenings after 8 PM.  We've found that it's the best time to see casual players entering a poker room. Some of the fishes among them start to drink, which leads to poorer play and more action.

The best time to play poker cash games is in the weekend evenings after 8 PM. 

Best Times to Play Tournaments

Before you sign up for a poker tournament, it's important to know a couple of tips that may help you increase your chances of winning. They won't matter as much when you become a more experienced player, but they'll do wonders for the first part of your competitive poker journey.

These are the best times to sign up for poker MTTs:

  • Whenever a tournament is hosted during either of the aforementioned points of the week or year. If an event goes on at these points of the day, it's far more likely for amateurs to sign up;
  • When poker casinos host low-stakes games. Amateurs are not likely to play with a lot of money, so it's always a good idea to play in low-roller tournaments. The main prize is usually worth it - and you'll have a much better shot at winning it;

What Does the Science Say?

Most of what I told you is based on my own experience, but there's data to prove my point as well. According to a poker data study done by the good people of Towards Data Science, it's safe to say that:

  • Traffic in poker tables spikes near the end of the year;
  • Some places are more visited during the busiest hours of the week than during weekends, although this was surprising for me - I've found tables to be packed on Saturdays;
  • Although this may not come as a surprise, you'll play more as you win more, as you won't want to quit. This is also the case for other players, explaning why you'll find some people with larger budgets than the buy in in many online poker rooms.

When Not to Play Online Poker: The Worst Times

You know when to play, but you should also be aware of when not to play - and that is often not related to certain times of the day but more related to the state of mind in which you are. The thrill of playing poker is one of the reasons why it's better to play poker over blackjack, and you'll want to make the best of this fact as well. Based on my experience, these are some crucial tips that'll help you determine when not to play, so you don't make the same mistakes I once did:

  • Always avoid playing poker if you're feeling tired. It will make you less focused and more prone to making mistakes;
  • Have you been drinking? Avoid playing poker if you've been consuming alcohol and you're feeling tipsy. It may relax you, but it'll also make you prone to mistakes (perhaps even more than tiredness) -  you'll notice that most players agree with this;
  • Avoid playing poker during the early hours of the day - especially if you're going to a land-based casino. I've found some experienced players who play by then.

Always avoid playing poker if you're feeling tired or if you've been consuming alcohol and you're feeling tipsy

Best Poker Casinos to Play Online

Check out these online casinos and claim the best no deposit poker bonus, or the best welcome bonus, to begin playing for free:

1 7Bit Casino
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2 BitStarz Casino
9.8
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3 Cloudbet Casino
8.9
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Head to the Best Casinos and Win Today!

You now know when to play as well as where to play. It’s time for you to put your big boy pants on and put these tips into practice. The world of online casino poker and Bitcoin poker awaits and the not-so-savvy players are waiting for you to take away some of their money by beating them at a game in which they don’t master.

Make the best of your time playing at the best online casinos and ensure that you claim any bonuses available. You might be able to beat others without even spending much of your own cash, to begin with, but you do need to take full advantage of any bonuses that appear. Test your luck and win the biggest of rewards today!

Last updated  February 29, 2024

Frequently asked questions

Playing poker on the weekends -and particularly during Saturdays- is a good way to ensure you'll face off against the most newbies or inexperienced players.

People visit casinos the most on Friday evenings and Saturdays. That's when you'll find the most players to face off against at poker tables.

Online poker makes it harder to read an opponent, but it takes off a lot of the pressure that comes with being in an actual location playing against others. It's why many people find it easier to win in online poker lobbies.

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About the author

Klaas

Klaas

Co-founder The Casino Wizard

Klaas

Co-founder The Casino Wizard

Klaas is a co-founder of The Casino Wizard and has the biggest gambling experience out of every member of the team. His passion for poker is evident, having visited Las Vegas on numerous occasions, in addition to being a regular attendee at iGaming conferences across the globe. Drawing from his rich hands-on experience, he currently devotes his efforts to curating the finest online casinos and bonuses for The Casino Wizard's visitors.

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