A few years ago, LED lights on a poker table were something you only saw in casinos and TV tournaments. Today they are one of the most popular upgrades for a home game room. But are they worth the extra cost? Here is a simple guide to help you decide.
What does an LED poker table do?
An LED poker table has a strip of lights built into the rail, the padded edge where players rest their arms. The light shines around the playing area and gives the room a modern, "main event" look. On most tables you can change the color and brightness with a remote, and some models also offer Wi-Fi control from your phone.
Some tables use bright, colorful lights for a casino feel. Others, like the BBO Miya, use a softer, warm light that looks more like high-end furniture lighting.
Do the lights need an outlet?
Yes. Most LED poker tables plug into a standard wall outlet. Before you buy, check where the table will sit and plan a clean path for the cord, especially if the table will be in the middle of the room. A flat cord cover on the floor is an easy fix.
The benefits
- Atmosphere: the lights make every game night feel like an event, and they look great in photos.
- Better view of the table: the soft light around the rail helps players see cards and chips in a dim room.
- Flexible mood: you can turn the lights down for a relaxed game, or turn them off when the table is used for dinner.
Things to consider
- Price: LED models usually cost more than the same table without lights.
- Brightness: some players find bright LEDs distracting. A table with a dimmer or warm light option solves this.
- Electronics: LED parts usually have a shorter warranty than the table frame. For example, BBO covers the table structure for life and electronics for 2 years.
LED table or dining combo?
If your poker table will also be your dining table, look for a model with a matching dining top. With the top on and the lights off, it looks like a regular dining table until game night. The BBO Ginza is a good choice for smaller rooms: it is 55 inches round and seats up to 8 players, with an optional dining top.
How much room do you need?
Plan for about 3 feet of space behind each chair so players can sit down and get up comfortably. For a 92 to 96-inch oval table that seats 10, a room of about 15 x 11 feet works well. For more help with sizes, read our guide How to Choose a Poker Table for Your Home.
Our take
If you host often and want your game room to feel special, an LED poker table is worth it. If you only play a few times a year, a quality folding table like the BBO Aces Pro may be the smarter choice.
See all our poker tables, with free shipping to the lower 48 states. Questions? Call or text us at (774) 268-8868, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm ET.