Are Private Games Squeezing Out Public High-Stakes Cash Games in Las Vegas?

Private games have long been a staple in the poker world, but their prevalence is now raising concerns about the future of public high-stakes cash games. According to professional poker player Lewis Spencer, the public cash game scene in Las Vegas is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate, with most games above 5/10 expected to be private within the next year.

Matt Berkey, a long-time Las Vegas resident, offers a different perspective. He notes that there has never been a consistent public high-stakes scene in Las Vegas, with public games typically limited to 10/20 or lower. Berkey also highlights the importance of understanding the nature of gambling and zero-sum games, suggesting that players should curate games where the incentives align for both themselves and their competition.

Spencer further complains that the semi-private nature of high-stakes games in recent years has disappeared, making it hard to get invites if you're not bringing a recreational player. Berkey, however, believes that being willing to take risks occasionally can make the game more enjoyable and beneficial for amateur players.