The Bike is a public poker room in Los Angeles with cash games and tournaments

The Bike — formally the Bicycle Hotel & Casino — is a poker room in Bell Gardens, California, about 15 minutes southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It runs cash games (where you buy in for any amount and play until you leave) and tournament poker (where you pay a fixed entry fee and play until you finish in a certain position). The room is open to the public, and you do not need to be a hotel guest to play poker there.

The Bike is one of the largest public poker rooms in California. It operates under a California gambling license and is regulated by the state. The room runs games at different stakes — from very low buy-in tables where beginners can play for small amounts, to high-stakes games. Most players come for the cash games rather than tournaments, though both run regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bike is located in Bell Gardens, California, and is open to anyone 18 or older with a valid ID.
  • Cash games let you buy in for any amount and leave whenever you want; tournaments charge a fixed entry fee and run on a set schedule.
  • The room takes a cut from each pot (called the rake) in cash games, and charges tournament entry fees; these are how the room makes money.
  • You can find current game schedules and stakes on The Bike's website or by calling the room directly.

How cash games work at The Bike

In a cash game, you walk up to the poker room, tell the staff what game and stakes you want to play, and they seat you at a table when a spot opens. You bring money (cash or chips you buy from the cashier) and play against other players at that table. You can leave at any time — there is no commitment to stay for a certain number of hands or hours.

The Bike takes a percentage of each pot you win, called the rake. The rake amount depends on the game and stakes; higher-stakes games usually have a lower rake percentage. The room also charges a time fee at some tables instead of rake — you pay an hourly or half-hourly rate to sit, and the house does not take money from pots. Ask the staff which structure applies to the game you want to play.

Cash games at The Bike run around the clock. Common games include Texas Hold'em and Omaha at stakes ranging from $1/$2 (the smallest) to much higher limits. The specific games and stakes available change based on demand, so the room may not have every game running at every hour.

How tournaments work at The Bike

Tournaments at The Bike charge a fixed entry fee — for example, $100 to enter. You pay that fee, receive a stack of chips, and play until you are eliminated or win the tournament. All players start with the same chip count, and blinds (forced bets) increase at set intervals to speed up play. The tournament ends when one player has all the chips.

Prize money is split among the players who finish in the top positions. The exact payouts depend on how many people entered. The Bike publishes a tournament schedule on its website showing the day, time, game type, and entry fee for each tournament. Tournaments typically run daily, with some special events on weekends.

To enter a tournament, you go to the poker room, tell the staff which tournament you want to play, pay the entry fee at the cage, and they seat you when the tournament starts. You do not need to pre-register, though some tournaments may fill up if they are popular.

What to bring and how to get seated

You must be at least 18 years old and bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The Bike will check your ID before you play. Bring cash or a debit card — you can buy chips at the cage with either. Some players bring their own chips, but The Bike provides chips for all games.

When you arrive, go to the poker room desk and tell them what game you want to play. They will put you on a list for that game and table. Seating is first-come, first-served within each game. Wait times vary depending on how busy the room is and how many seats are open. During peak hours (evenings and weekends), you may wait 30 minutes to an hour for a popular game. During slow times, you might be seated when ready.

For tournaments, show up before the start time listed on the schedule. Pay your entry fee, and staff will seat you when the tournament begins. Arriving late to a tournament usually means you miss the first few hands, so it is better to arrive early.

The Bike's location, hours, and amenities

The Bike is located at 10300 South Eastern Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA 90706. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is free parking in a lot adjacent to the building. The room is inside the Bicycle Hotel & Casino, which also has a hotel, restaurants, and a sportsbook, though you do not need to use any of those to play poker.

The poker room itself has dozens of tables spread across a large floor. There are restrooms, a snack bar, and seating areas where players can watch other games. The room is climate-controlled and well-lit. During busy times, the atmosphere can be loud and crowded; during slow times, it is quieter.

You can call The Bike's poker room directly at their main number to ask about current games, wait times, or tournament schedules. Their website also lists upcoming tournaments and sometimes shows which games are running in real time.

Rake, fees, and what it costs to play

The cost of playing at The Bike depends on whether you play cash or tournaments. In cash games, you only pay the rake — money taken from pots you win. The rake is usually between 5% and 10% of the pot, with a cap (a maximum amount taken per hand). For example, a $1/$2 game might take 10% up to $4 per hand. Higher-stakes games have lower rake percentages.

Some tables charge time instead of rake. A time fee might be $10 per hour or $6 per half-hour, depending on the stakes. You pay this to the dealer or staff member, not from your chips. Time games are sometimes better for players who win small pots frequently, because they do not lose money to rake on every hand.

Tournament entry fees range widely depending on the tournament. A small daily tournament might cost $50 to $100 to enter. Larger tournaments or special events can cost several hundred dollars. The entry fee is separate from any rake — it goes into the prize pool, not to the house.

Rules and player conduct

The Bike follows standard poker rules, which are posted in the room and enforced by floor staff. If you are new to poker or unsure about a rule, ask a staff member before or during play. Common rules include: you must act in turn, you cannot show your cards to other players during a hand, and you cannot use a phone at the table during play.

The room has a strict conduct policy. Disruptive behavior, cheating, or abuse toward other players or staff can result in being asked to leave or banned from the room. Players are expected to treat each other and staff with respect. If you have a dispute with another player or staff member, raise your hand and ask for a floor person to resolve it.

Chips and money are your responsibility. The Bike is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Do not leave your chips unattended at the table. If you step away, ask the dealer to hold your seat or cash out your chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a hotel guest to play poker at The Bike?

No. The poker room is open to the public. You do not need a hotel room to play. Just bring a valid ID and money, and you can play in any game that has an open seat.

What is the smallest game I can play at The Bike?

The smallest cash games are typically $1/$2 (meaning the small blind is $1 and the big blind is $2). This is considered a beginner-friendly game. Some tournaments have lower entry fees if you want to play tournament poker on a smaller budget. Check The Bike's website or call for current options.

How long does a tournament usually take?

Tournament length depends on the structure and how many players enter. A small daily tournament might last 3 to 5 hours. Larger tournaments can run 8 to 12 hours or more. The Bike publishes estimated finish times on the tournament schedule, though actual times vary.

Can I cash out my chips and leave whenever I want in a cash game?

Yes. Cash games have no time commitment. You can leave after one hand or after 10 hours. Go to the cage, exchange your chips for cash, and you are done. In tournaments, you must play until you are eliminated or win.

What games does The Bike spread?

The most common games are Texas Hold'em and Omaha in various stakes. The room may also spread other games depending on demand. Call or check the website to see what is running on the day you plan to visit.