Costs Associated With Playing Live Poker Tournaments

So you want to play live tournament poker. You have been playing online for a while and have had some reasonable scores and think that you are ready for the big time. Before you jump head first into playing live events, there are a few things that you need to consider in addition to the expense of playing the tournament.

Getting There

First, where are you playing your tournament? If you are fortunate enough to live in an area near your casino, then the most your travel may cost you is the cost of a tank of gas. However, if you are like many people, you are looking at an extensive trip to go play. If you go by airplane, you need to factor that cost into the money you are sitting aside for the tournament. The same goes for those that like to drive long distances.

Hotel Expenses

Are you going somewhere for an extended period of time? Then you will need to factor in the cost of a hotel. Even if you stay in a cheapo hotel such as Super 8 or the Days Inn, you are looking at a minimum of $40 or more a night.

Food

Of course, you have to eat, and you will need to figure in the cost of three meals a day plus any snacks and drinks you may consume. Figure $30 a day at least for these expenses, and that’s eating cheap. With many casinos, you are lucky to get a decent meal for less than $20.

Tips

Don’t forget your tip money. You typically tip for the following services in casinos: Parking, Valet, Cocktail delivery, food delivery, winning a hand in a cash game at a poker table, and housekeeping for hotel rooms. Depending on how you tip, this could prove to be fairly expensive. Even if you give $1 tips for your drinks and in your games, this can add up over time.

Spouse or Significant Other

One expense many don’t think about ahead of time is the fact that many expenses will be doubled if they take a spouse or significant other with them. Hotel expenses may not be doubled, but just about everything else will be, especially if that person plays poker. Actually, you better hope that they play poker and not slot machines or blackjack. If they play those, then figure you will be putting forth a lot of money for that.

Cash Bankroll

Many poker players will also play in the side action games. Some do so to make their money to play tournaments, while others do so to pass time. You need to have this money separate and in addition to your tournament buy-ins. There is nothing worse than spending your buy-in at the cash tables and then have to miss your tournament.

Many players don’t factor in the other expenses that go hand in hand with playing tournament poker. The expenses coupled with the buy-in is the main reason that many live tournament players that travel the circuit do not make a profit in their endeavors. The next time you are thinking about going out to play in live events, sit and make a plan about how much money it will cost to play. You may come to find out that the $500 event you want to play may end up costing double what you had planned.

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