The new poker room at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada, should truly make it to every poker enthusiast’s bucket list. “It is arguably the most elegant poker room around,” says Poker Room Manager Mike Gainey. “Not a single expense was spared when it came to the design and construction of this room. Crews worked literally around the clock for eight weeks straight to bring the vision to reality, and it’s even more stunning in real life than in concept.”

Nineteen custom-designed nine-handed poker tables fill the room, accompanied by height and lumbar adjustable butter-soft leather chairs that, says Mike, are so comfortable you may want to use them at your home or in your office, but no can do – they aren’t for sale. The poker tables are a narrower kidney-bean shape that allow for improved sight lines and more room, equating to better comfort and more time in the game.

And when it comes to getting in the game, this poker room delivers major payout opportunities. From bonus hands, progressive straight and royal flushes and hourly high hands that roll over to a bad beat jackpot, $15,000 freerolls and a poker league, the stakes are impressive. “We’ve paid out over $750,000 in bonus and progressive hands so far this year,” says an enthusiastic Gainey. “And the staff that makes it all happen is second to none. I couldn’t ask for more.”

The amenities in this room rival those found in the most high-end card clubs on the circuit. Thirty-six hi-def LCD screens are strategically placed throughout the room, so you can view your favorite sporting event from any seat. Dominating the back wall is a ten-foot showcase screen ensuring you will not miss any sporting action. A glass wall separates a high-limit area, which hosts games as large as $50-$100 no-limit hold’em some weekends.

Relax on leather sofas in the plush lounge while you wait for a seat, or take a break from the action at the adjoining poker bar. The state-of-the-art Genesis Bravo electronic waiting list and player tracking system makes sign-up a breeze, and keeps the action flowing at every table. Complimentary soup, sandwiches and beverages are available at your whim and the room even boasts its own dedicated restrooms and a convenient entrance just steps from parking.

While the grandeur of rich woods and antique gold marry with smooth onyx counters and elegant lighting to command your attention the minute you walk in, the lingering scent of cigarette and pipe smoke does not, thanks to an innovative fresh-air intake system that impressively does the job.

“Although it is directly accessible from the casino floor, we wanted the poker room to have an environment all its own,” says Gainey.

The Poker Room is also home to some very exciting tournaments, including: Deep Stack, Mike Gainey’s Chop Pot Classic and Heartland Poker Tour. In fact, the room made its debut this May hosting the Nevada State Poker Championship in conjunction with HPT and Jennifer Harman’s Throw Down Charity Poker Tournament, with televised action of the main event.

Late this November, Peppermill and HPT will partner again to put on Season 7 Last Call, wrapping up the HPT tour for 2011.

Adds Gainey, “It promises to be another great tournament with some big names. It’s a great way to wrap up a great year.”