Texas is one of the best places to visit for gamers in the U.S. It offers everything from esports tournaments and gaming expos to arcades, poker rooms, and even retro game events. It has a healthy gaming industry that supports the local economy. According to the Entertainment Software Association, the Texas gaming industry supports over 22,000 jobs and brings in over $6.5 billion to the economy each year. Big gaming events that happen in the state also attract thousands of visitors every year, which also supports local businesses. So, whether you’re into video games, card games, or old-school arcades, there are a lot of fun things for gamers to do across Texas.
1. Try Your Luck at Poker Rooms and Card Clubs
Texas is a great place for people who love poker. Since the state doesn’t allow regular casinos, many players go to private poker rooms instead, which is legal. These places feel just like casinos but follow Texas rules by using a membership system. That means you pay a fee to play, instead of the house taking a share from the pot. One great example is the Champions Club Texas in Houston. It hosted the 2025 PGT Texas Poker Open and is known for its luxury setup and pro-level games.
Over in Austin, the Lodge Card Club has more than 60 tables and is open all day and night. It’s very popular with poker vloggers and fans. Some players also mix in games from online casino platforms to practice and improve their skills. If you’re looking for the best online casino Texas has to offer, you may have to look further beyond the state, as most of them are based offshore. One major thing that makes them attractive is that they allow players to earn real money from games. They also offer generous welcome bonuses for first-timers and have a wide selection of games. Given their location, many accept crypto payments, making it easy to carry out cross-border transactions.
2. Visit Gaming Cafes and PC Lounges
If you don’t have a gaming setup at home or want to play with others, gaming cafes are a great choice for you. Spots like Reload Gaming Lounge and Black Ants Gaming Lab in Houston have fast computers, consoles, and comfy setups. You can play by yourself or with friends, and get snacks and drinks as you play. These lounges are also good for group gaming. They’re perfect for people who want to enjoy gaming in a social space without getting their own equipment.
3. Attend Gaming Conventions and Esports Events
Gaming events in Texas are getting bigger every year. One of the top events is DreamHack Dallas, which brought in over 55,000 people in 2024. That’s more than any other DreamHack event in the world. It’s not just esports; it includes live music, cosplay, indie games, and tournaments for different skill levels. Another huge event coming up is the BLAST.tv Austin Major, a world-level Counter-Strike tournament happening in June 2025. It’s expected to bring in around 50,000 fans and add about $40 million to the Austin economy, according to the city’s event bureau. These kinds of festivals are also a big part of why Texas is becoming one of the top states for gaming in the U.S.
4. Visit Gaming Stores and Retro Shops
Texas has many cool stores where gamers can buy new and old games. You can explore places like Game Over Videogames and Recycled Records in Austin to buy modern consoles and old games from years ago. Some people come to find rare games they loved as kids, while others just want to try something different. These shops also host small tournaments and events for the local gaming community. So, if you’re a collector or a casual player, these stores are fun to visit and explore.
5. Attend Family-Friendly Game Festivals
Texas also has gaming events for all ages. Festivals like GrapeFest in Grapevine and the Texas Renaissance Festival are perfect for casual gamers. You can try new games, play board games, meet other fans, and buy gaming items and art. These events focus more on fun and creativity than competition.
6. Explore Arcade Gaming Centers
If you enjoy fun, casual gaming, Texas has a lot of arcades and game centers that you will enjoy visiting. One of the best is Cidercade, with locations in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. You can play more than 150 arcade games all day for just $12. They also serve drinks, pizzas, and snacks, which makes it great for hangouts. Another favorite is Pinballz Arcade in Austin, which is known for its mix of old-school pinball machines and modern games. Arcades are surprisingly still very popular even in these modern times. According to the latest reports, the game generated over $19 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $21.2 billion by 2023.
7. Explore VR and Immersive Gaming Experiences
Virtual reality (VR) is getting more popular in places like Texas. VR spots like Zero Latency VR in Houston help you move freely in a virtual world. These centers offer fun group games and adventures that are very different from the regular games. Though VR is still expensive for many people to own, these places give everyone a chance to try it.
8. Tour the National Videogame Museum in Frisco
If you love gaming history, the National Videogame Museum in Frisco is a must-visit. This museum has old games you can check out, and it’s hands-on and very fun. You can even play classic games and see exhibits like the “Head to Head Wall.” You can also try out a giant version of Pong. The museum shows you how video games started and how they changed over time. There’s something in this museum for every type of gamer to enjoy and learn from.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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