Poker in Europe: Varna

First Stop: Varna, Bulgaria

Tucked along the Black Sea coast, Varna is Bulgaria’s “sea capital” and it knows how to live up to the name. With its golden beaches, ancient history, and lively summer vibe, it’s already a hit with tourists— but it’s also carving out a spot on the poker map. Whether you’re grinding cash games or just dropping in for some vacation poker, Varna manages to balance both worlds pretty well.

The city’s main poker room is inside the elegant Cherno More Casino. This is where you’ll find No-Limit Texas Hold’em cash games and tournaments running in a polished, professional setting. There’s also another poker venue at the International Casino in Golden Sands, about 16 km from the centre. That one’s better known for hosting larger festivals, so I’ll cover it in a separate write-up.

As for the legal side, Bulgaria classifies poker as a game of luck, which means cash games can only be held in licensed casinos. Tournaments, on the other hand, are considered games of skill and are much more widely spread. That little legal quirk actually works out well — Varna’s poker scene stays safe, well-regulated, and welcoming to international players.

Things heat up during the summer. Weekends especially are packed, and it’s not unusual to see games running non-stop from Friday night well into Sunday.

Cash Games and Stakes

Cash games typically get going around 5pm. Stakes start at €1/€1 with buy-ins from around €100, but you’ll also see higher-stakes action at €10/€10 for those looking to push the edge a bit more. Most of the games run in local currency, the Bulgarian Lev (or leva), with the exchange rate sitting at roughly 2 leva for 1 euro.

The poker room is up on the first floor of Cherno More Casino. Players enjoy free drinks and can order from a poker-specific menu with reduced prices — something that always makes a long session a little more bearable.

Once you arrive, you’ll need to stop at reception with your ID and get a player card. Easy process, no fuss.

When I played there, the room had a relaxed but lively mix of regulars and tourists — Bulgarians, Israelis, Turks, Romanians, Moldovans, you name it. The 1/3 blind No-Limit game was especially soft, with a lot of visitors just enjoying the experience and splashing around. That night, we had a 2/5 leva table going with eight players visiting from Romania, Israel, and Moldova.

I ended up playing for about six hours and booked a win of 800 leva — around 400 euros. You can switch between euros, dollars, and leva right at the casino cage, which is super convenient.

Tips for Playing Poker in Varna

• Currency & Transactions: Stakes might be in euros, but the official currency is the Bulgarian Lev. Most ATMs will give you leva, so it’s often easier to exchange directly at the casino cashier.
• Dress Code: Smart-casual is the way to go at Cherno More. Avoid beachwear and flip-flops if you don’t want to get turned away at the door.
• Language: English is spoken widely, especially in the casino. Still, knowing a few words of Bulgarian won’t hurt and might even score you a smile or two.
• Getting There: Travel-wise, Varna’s well-connected. You’ve got low-cost airlines flying in from across Europe, and if you’re nearby, it’s only a two-hour drive from Romania or Sofia.
• When to Play: Evening games, especially on the weekends, tend to have the best action. For tournaments, arrive early to lock in your seat.
• Resources: Check PokerListings for up-to-date listings of Varna’s poker events, schedules, and room details.

Beyond the Poker Table

Even if you bust early, Varna has more than enough to keep you entertained. The Roman Thermae — largest ancient baths in the Balkans — are worth a visit, and so is the Aladzha Monastery carved into cliffs just a short drive from Golden Sands. The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral is another stunner, both inside and out.

When it comes to food, Happy Bar and Grill across from the casino dishes out fresh seafood straight from the Black Sea. And if you’re in the mood for nightlife, Senso is a solid spot to keep the night going. For something more low-key, the Sea Garden and nearby beaches are perfect for decompressing between sessions.

Why Varna?

What makes Varna worth it? It’s the mix. You’ve got a professional poker room with soft games, beachside resort vibes, and affordable everything. The Cherno More Poker Club has earned its reputation as one of Bulgaria’s best, and its steady flow of recreational players creates real opportunities for anyone with a solid game.

The Bulgarian gambling market is regulated under the National Revenue Agency, so there’s a level of transparency and security that’s reassuring if you’re not used to playing abroad.

Final Thoughts

Varna might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of poker, but it has all the right ingredients: good games, diverse players, great value, and a seaside backdrop that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re chasing a score or just passing through with a deck in your backpack, Varna delivers.

More destinations coming soon. 🧳🗺️