When you walk into a casino and sit down at a poker table, you don’t typically have the luxury of knowing just who you’re sitting with. But what if you could? And what if you could have your pick of anybody to join your table — including famous celebrities?
We wanted to know what the dream poker table looks like around the U.S. We surveyed the nation and asked them to pick icons that they’d love to go all in with, including athletes, musicians, famous couples, and even celebrities with a gambling history. We also asked questions around people’s personal networks and who they’d prioritize in their poker circle. Keep reading to see who your state would love to play poker with.
The Perfect Poker Table Guest List, According to Every U.S. State
With limitless options, it’s no surprise that many states have differing opinions on the perfect poker table group.
Starting with musicians, top picks include the likes of Lady Gaga, Eminem, and Elton John, dominating a combined 34 U.S. states. While these big names would certainly be a blast to play with, other states prefer hometown heroes. For example, Billie Eilish is the top pick in California, her home state, where her rise to fame began. Similarly, Hawaii residents would play with Bruno Mars, a local legend whose roots in the islands have made him a beloved figure.
For deceased celebrities, iconic figures like Betty White and Princess Diana remain popular across many states. Californians honor their connection to Elvis Presley, whose ties to the entertainment industry make him a natural pick. Meanwhile, states like Alabama and Arkansas favor Betty White, whose widespread appeal is enhanced by her Southern charm, resonating well with the local population.
Athletes are another category where state pride comes into play. Louisiana sticks close to home with Shaquille O’Neal, who, despite being born in Newark, will always have a tie to the Pelican state as an LSU alum. Caitlin Clark is the pick for Iowa, which is no surprise given her unforgettable career at the University of Iowa. Gymnast and 11-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles is also a popular selection in states like Delaware, Illinois, and New York.
When it comes to celebrity couples, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds dominate as the top choice across half the nation. Meanwhile, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are popular in states like Nevada and Kentucky, while Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift capture Kansas, reflecting the impact of the Chiefs fandom.
As for celebrity gamblers, Michael Jordan tops the list in North Carolina, where his legacy as a former UNC Tar Heel and NBA legend makes him an ideal poker companion. In Kentucky, George Clooney is a favorite, with his local roots adding a touch of pride to the poker table. Other top picks in this category include Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Paris Hilton.
Playing Poker With American Icons
Zooming out, we next wanted to dive into the national trends of poker circles. Policies aside, Barack Obama is the fan-favorite politician, with 61.5% of respondents eager to include him in their dream poker lineup. If the 2024 election were decided by how much people wanted to gamble with them, 32.5% would opt for Donald Trump, while 14.7% would choose to play with Kamala Harris.
Age undoubtedly plays a role in poker circle makeup. Trendy singer-songwriter Billie Eilish is the top pick for Gen Z, while the star of the 2010s, Eminem, resonates most with Millennials. Meanwhile, Gen X and Baby Boomers prefer the timeless classic, Elton John.
Gender also plays a significant role — men generally prefer a table filled with fellow male icons like Eminem, John Lennon, Michael Jordan, and Brad Pitt. In contrast, women lean towards female figures, with Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Simone Biles, and Paris Hilton making frequent appearances.
Interestingly, 30.1% of respondents would rather bring their dog or cat to the poker table than a grandparent, and while we’re not underestimating your pets, we think your elderlies might be more talented at poker than credited!
Closing Thoughts
Our survey reveals that the ideal poker table is shaped by a mix of personal connections, cultural influences, and even generational divides. Whether it’s pop culture legends like Billie Eilish or sorely missed icons like Betty White or Elvis Presley, who we would choose to play with says a lot about who we admire and relate to.
At BetMGM, we know the best poker games are those that bring people together, creating moments worth remembering. You may not be able to play poker with Michael Jackson, but you can play BetMGM Poker online without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. There are also plenty of online casino games such as slots and blackjack, if that’s more your style.
Methodology
Our analysis is based on an anonymous survey of over 2,200 participants. We asked participants to identify their dream poker table participants within the following categories: Musician, Athlete, Politician, Couple, Deceased, and Celebrity Gambler. For each category, respondents were given 10 – 20 answer choices and allowed to select multiple responses.
This data was collected and analyzed in July of 2024. Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming were omitted from our research due to insufficient sample sizes.
