The Commerce Casino is the largest poker room in the world with more than 240 total gaming tables, over 160 of which are oriented toward poker.  The card room is located directly off the 5 freeway in the City of Commerce, roughly 8-10 miles southeast of downtown LA.  The facility  initially opened in 1983 and has since expanded several times including adding a hotel in 2001.  The Commerce now rivals a mid-size Las Vegas casino in size and amenities including multiple dining options.  The Crowne Plaza hotel, attached directly to the casino, is an award-winning property featuring 200 deluxe rooms, a spa, pool, entertainment and more. 

The Commerce offers all games allowed in California including pai gow poker and tiles, pan, blackjack and baccarat variations and, of course, poker.  Poker variants offered include NL and limit hold'em, 7-card stud, Omaha, lowball, Mexican poker, pineapple and mixed games.  The Commerce also hosts daily tournaments and several major tournament series including the LA Poker Classic (a WPT event), the WPT Celebrity Invitational, the California State Poker Championship and the Heavenly Hold'em series.

The casino is divided into several areas, all of which are cavernous.  Players used to smaller (<40 table rooms) may be overwhelmed by the size and have difficulty finding the game for which they're looking.  If it's poker-related, the Commerce probably spreads it; simply ask any floor person where to look.

With multiple tables at most limits, wait times are minimal for many games.  Wait lists are managed by hand (unusual for a room of this size) but the staff is very efficient and seats players quickly.  The tables (9-handed) and chairs (fixed leg) are modern and comfortable and all cash game tables have auto-shufflers to maximize the hands per hour.  Note:  unlike other rooms, the Commerce continually upgrades its facilities and gaming equipment; the tables, felt and chairs are always in first-rate condition. 

Dealers are friendly and efficient, although given the size and volume of the room, it lacks the floor-dealer-player intimacy you'll find at smaller rooms.  Food and beverage service is available table-side thoughout the facility and responsive at all but peak times.  Note:  at 15/30 limit and $400 NL and above, food is free.

Click here for a video clip of the Commerce Casino, picked Best Poker Room in Los Angeles by a local TV station.

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