Foxwoods Poker Staff Publicizes Private Game Options

In a noteworthy shift from the traditional allure of high-stakes private poker, Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut is now openly marketing private game options, specifically targeting new players and social gatherings. This initiative, unveiled on July 7, 2026, aims to demystify the game and make it more accessible, presenting a novel approach to cultivating a new generation of poker enthusiasts.

The casino's Director of Poker Operations, Terry Chiaradio, articulated the rationale behind this strategy to *MassLive*, stating, "They come in as a group, so they feel more comfortable, surrounded by friends, and can reserve a table for themselves without the intimidation of other players." This move is designed to cater to bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and other events, offering a private, less daunting environment for learning the ropes of poker.

Crucially, Foxwoods is not just offering private tables; staff members are on hand to observe the play and provide guidance, explaining game mechanics as the action unfolds. This hands-on educational approach underscores the casino's commitment to fostering a welcoming atmosphere, especially for those who might otherwise be hesitant to join a public game. This marketing push follows the opening of a new 33-table poker room in September, a significant development for a venue that once boasted 114 tables in its early 2000s heyday.

While the concept of private games has long been a staple of high-stakes poker, their explicit advertisement by a major casino for lower-stakes play marks a departure from industry norms. Players interested in organizing a private game are encouraged to call ahead, though details regarding the rake structure remain somewhat opaque. Anecdotal reports suggest that the rake in private games might be slightly higher than in public games, potentially making them tougher to beat at lower stakes.

This renewed emphasis on private games, even at the lower end of the spectrum, has not been without its critics within the professional poker community. Many, including six-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Jason Mercier, have expressed concerns. Mercier famously recounted being shut out of a private game at Aria in 2013, labeling the proliferation of such games a "tragedy." Jeremy Ausmus, another prominent pro, echoed these sentiments in 2019, telling *Card Player* that private games "kill the poker dream" by siphoning off recreational players and making mid-stakes games significantly tougher.

Ausmus elaborated on his fears, predicting, "It’s going to kill live poker. The mid-stakes are going to be dead because there’s not going to be any money to be made. Those players are going to go play lower, at like the $5-$10 level, and then those games get way tougher. Someone else is going to start a private game and steal more players." This perspective highlights a fundamental tension between the desire for a comfortable, exclusive playing environment and the broader health of the public poker ecosystem.

Conversely, some pros, like Chad Power, view private games more positively, emphasizing their role in networking and creating a fun, social atmosphere. Power argues that protecting less-experienced players in these settings can ultimately benefit the poker world by fostering a more lively and enjoyable experience. He suggests that the social aspect and networking opportunities can be more valuable than strict game theory optimal play, stating, "It’s actually better to play a worse style and network harder than it is to just try and play perfect poker."

The debate recently resurfaced on social media, with Las Vegas-based pro Steven Touitou criticizing Matt Berkey's suggestion of bringing Jeremy Dan into the private game arena. Touitou, a vocal opponent of private games, believes they contribute to the decline of public poker by continually poaching weaker players, thereby reducing win rates and making a professional living harder to achieve. Berkey, however, defended the private game ecosystem, asserting that "poker has always and will always require a pool of players seeking a thrill while knowingly taking the worst of it," and that private games are a natural evolution.

Dan Cates, known as "Jungleman," offered a nuanced perspective on securing invitations to high-stakes private games in a 2025 podcast. He emphasized that players need to bring more than just their poker skills to the table, highlighting the importance of an engaging personality and social finesse. Cates noted that while some VIPs seek a challenge against top pros, many prioritize a fun, social experience. His advice to pros: "If you win a big pot – shut up. Instead of celebrating, you can make them feel better about losing... Boring is the enemy. You want to do things that will make people feel something in one way or another."

Foxwoods' decision to publicize low-stakes private games represents a significant strategic move, attempting to bridge the gap between casual interest and active participation in poker. While stirring familiar debates among seasoned players, it also signals a potential new direction for casinos looking to broaden poker's appeal beyond its traditional demographic, focusing on comfort, education, and social engagement as key drivers for growth.