How to Run a Poker Room

Set Up the Room

1). Position your tables in a logical arrangement based on the size and shape of your room. Make sure to leave enough space between each table for players to easily enter and exit. It might sound like common sense, but many poker rooms fail at giving the player "breathing room" by adding more tables and games. In the short term, the "cram" method might pay off financially, but over time the player will migrate to a poker room that is comfortable.
2). Determine what denomination of checks (chips) will be needed based on the type of poker game and level of game played in the room. Normally, these checks will be withdrawn from a chip bank in the main casino cage. For instance, if you are spreading a half-dollar no-limit game, you should use $2 checks for your primary buy-in. This will minimize the amount of work the dealer must perform to "make change" each hand.
3). Hire dealers with experience, personality and the ability to move the game along. The dealer is your No. 1 marketing tool and your productivity indicator. If you look at poker from a total business standpoint, your livelihood depends on players enjoying themselves and the speed of the games. Because you make a small piece of revenue for each hand that is dealt, you need to maximize the number of hands being played. A fast, funny and friendly dealer is your best tool.

1). Understand the game from a player's perspective. Many poker rooms suffer because the manager fails to give the player a great gaming experience. Because quantity of players and hands played determine your success, it just makes sense to look at your rules and regulations from the player point of view.
2). Establish general rules of play and make sure every player understands them. The main focus of your rules should center around fairness of play. Since you manage within a proper gaming establishment and there will be some kind of commission that governs the play, it's essential to develop clean, clear and precise rules that players understand.
3). Establish room regulations and make sure every player understands them. Regulations are different than rules. Rules define the allowable actions in the game. Regulations define the allowable actions in the room. For instance, is it allowable to use a cell phone during a hand? It is best to establish regulations sparingly. Making a player feel at home and not overwhelming him with picky regulations will result in a happier environment, more players and increased revenue.

1). Display an electronic board that shows the games you spread and the players who have interest in playing each game. Ideally, nine players will arrive at the same time and wish to play the same poker game. In real life, this doesn't happen, so keeping track of players and assembling them on an electronic board will facilitate the start of a new game.
2). Listen to players' comments and understand what they want in a poker room. Even if it's impossible for you to accomplish, giving feedback to the player will keep him happy. Remember, happy customers equal more revenue.
3). Be available, be seen and be a part of the action. If you assume the role of management and hide within your manager cave, you won't be able to guide the flow of the room. Being physically in the poker room to turn the flow and in some cases to go with the flow is an essential part of running the room.