Poker in Malta: where to play live poker in 2026
Malta's four casinos compared for poker, from Portomaso's four poker areas to the WSOP Circuit and Battle of Malta at Casino Malta.
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Malta is one of Europe's busiest places for live poker. The island has hosted international festivals for years, and all four of its casinos run poker tournaments and cash games. This guide shows where to play, what each poker room offers and which big events are coming up.
The poker rooms at a glance
| Casino | Poker offer | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Portomaso Casino | 4 poker areas, weekly schedule, cash games, festivals | Serious players and festivals |
| Casino Malta | Poker club with monthly tournaments, WSOP Circuit, Battle of Malta | Big international events |
| Dragonara Casino | Daily tournaments, evening cash games, Pot Limit Omaha | Regular games with a sea view |
| Oracle Casino | Tournaments and cash games | A relaxed game in Qawra |
Portomaso Casino: Malta's poker house
Portomaso hosted its first international poker tournament in October 2008 and has been one of Europe's main poker venues since then. The casino covers 4,000 m² under the Portomaso Business Tower and has four separate poker areas. Operators such as PokerStars, Unibet and Betsson have held events here.
Portomaso publishes a weekly poker schedule and runs a cash game leaderboard. The free underground car park with 1,500 spaces is a real advantage in St Julian's.
Casino Malta: home of the big festivals
Casino Malta is the largest casino in Malta and hosts the island's biggest poker festivals. In 2026 it welcomes the WSOP Circuit Malta (25 September to 5 October) and the Battle of Malta (23 October to 4 November) with a guaranteed prize pool of €2,000,000. Outside the festivals, the poker club runs monthly tournaments.
Dragonara Casino: poker with a view
The Dragonara poker room sits in the historic Dragonara Palace and looks out over the sea. It runs Hold'em tournaments every day and cash games in the evening, with Pot Limit Omaha games for a change.
Oracle Casino: a quieter game in the north
The Oracle Casino in Qawra runs poker tournaments and cash games in a relaxed setting on the seafront. Its schedule changes daily, so check the casino's Facebook page or website before you go. It is a good choice if you stay in Qawra, Bugibba or St Paul's Bay.
Tips for your first poker session in Malta
- Register first. You need a passport or ID card at the reception on your first visit.
- Check the schedule on the day. Tournament times and buy-ins change often.
- Arrive early for festivals. Big events fill up, and registration queues get long.
- Know the table games too. Casino versions such as Ultimate Texas Hold'em or Heads Up Hold'em are played against the dealer, not against other players.
For opening hours, dress codes and photos of every casino, see our full casino ranking.
Casinos in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Which casino in Malta has the best poker room?
Portomaso Casino has four separate poker areas and has hosted international festivals since 2008. Casino Malta hosts the biggest events, such as the WSOP Circuit and the Battle of Malta.
When is the Battle of Malta 2026?
The Battle of Malta 2026 runs from 23 October to 4 November at Casino Malta, with a guaranteed prize pool of €2,000,000.
Are there daily poker tournaments in Malta?
Yes. Dragonara Casino runs tournaments every day, apart from planned breaks, and Portomaso publishes a weekly schedule. The Oracle also holds tournaments.
Opening hours, minimum bets, prices and games can change at any time. Please check with the casino before you visit. All information is provided without guarantee.
