California Grand Casino isn't just the best poker room in the East Bay — it's one of the most significant card rooms in North America. Operating continuously since 1854, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating poker room in the world. That's not a marketing claim. It's history.

The room sits at the intersection of I-680 and Highway 4, making it easily accessible from Walnut Creek, Concord, Martinez, and most of the East Bay. The location alone makes it a draw for players coming from a wide radius.

The Room

California Grand runs 19 tables across a clean, smoke-free floor. The layout is comfortable without being cavernous — you can hear your table clearly, and the staff manages flow efficiently. Parking is free with valet available.

The atmosphere threads a needle that's hard to pull off: it feels like a serious poker room without being intimidating to recreational players. Regulars know each other, but newcomers aren't made to feel like outsiders.

Games Spread

The flagship game is Texas Hold'em in both limit and no-limit formats. The room typically spreads:

• No-Limit Texas Hold'em (multiple stakes)
• Limit Texas Hold'em (phone-in list for high-limit, capped at 8-max)
• Pai Gow Poker (with Fortune Bonus)
• Face Up Pai Gow (with Fortune Bonus)
• Hot Action Blackjack
• Three Card Poker
• EZ Baccarat

The no-limit Hold'em games are the primary draw, with action running around the clock at multiple stake levels. The high-limit Hold'em games maintain an 8-max cap, which keeps the games tighter and more focused than the typical California room.

Promotions & Jackpots

The promotions calendar at Cal Grand is among the most active in the Bay Area:

• Bad Beat Jackpot: Doubled daily from 2–4 AM and 8–10 AM
• $100 High Hand Bonus: Paid out every 4 hours
• Sunday High Hands: $1,000 total payout distributed from 8 AM–8 PM
• New Player Welcome Bonus: $50 in chips on your first $20 buy-in
• Morning Game Starters Bonus: Extra chips for players who start early morning games

The bad beat jackpot double windows are worth knowing if you're a grinder — being at the table during the 8–10 AM window is a legitimate reason to extend a session.

Awards & Recognition

California Grand Casino won the East Bay Times Star Award for Best Local Casino — a recognition that reflects its consistent quality and community standing. In a region that includes several strong competitors, that distinction means something.

The casino has also been nominated for California's Best Casino in international casino awards.

Food & Amenities

The Grand Cafe serves players 24 hours a day — an important detail for anyone planning a long session. The full bar operates around the clock as well. The room is entirely smoke-free, which has become a genuine differentiator in the market: more players are seeking out non-smoking rooms, and Cal Grand's policy is a draw.

Free valet parking and 24/7 security round out the amenities.

The Verdict

California Grand Casino earns its reputation. The combination of historical significance, clean modern operation, strong promotions, 24/7 hours, and smoke-free environment puts it in a class of its own for East Bay poker.

If you're new to NorCal card rooms, start here. If you're a regular somewhere else, this room is worth the drive.

Must be 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID to enter.