Sustainable Poker: Eco-Friendly Practices for Live Tournaments
May 14, 2025Poker tournaments—glitzy, high-energy, and often wasteful. The flashing lights, the plastic cards, the disposable cups… it adds up. But what if the poker world could go green without losing its edge? Turns out, it’s not just possible—it’s happening. Let’s break down how live poker can shuffle up and deal sustainably.
The Problem: Poker’s Carbon Footprint
Think about a typical tournament: hundreds of players, days of play, endless single-use items. The waste is staggering. Plastic cards? Tossed after a few hours. Paper scorecards? Discarded by the stack. Even the energy to power those massive venues isn’t exactly clean. But here’s the thing—small changes can make a big difference.
Eco-Friendly Swaps: Simple Fixes with Big Impact
1. Ditch the Plastic Cards
Most poker cards are plastic-coated and replaced constantly. Opt for biodegradable or recycled paper cards instead. Sure, they might wear faster, but companies like Cartamundi are making durable, eco-friendly options. And honestly? Players won’t notice the difference.
2. Reusable (or Compostable) Chips
Clay chips are classic, but their production isn’t exactly green. Some tournaments are testing bamboo or recycled composite chips. Even better—encourage players to return chips for reuse instead of letting them collect dust in drawers.
3. Cut the Single-Use Plastics
Water bottles, food containers, cocktail stirrers—tournaments are drowning in plastic. Simple fixes:
- Provide water stations with compostable cups.
- Use bamboo or metal stirrers.
- Partner with caterers who use biodegradable packaging.
Energy & Venue: Greening the Game
Poker rooms are energy hogs. The lights, the screens, the AC—it’s a lot. Here’s how to lighten the load:
| Change | Impact |
| LED lighting | Cuts energy use by up to 75% |
| Solar-powered venues | Renewable energy for the win |
| Smart thermostats | Reduces HVAC waste |
Some casinos, like MGM Resorts, already run on solar. Why not poker tournaments?
Waste Not: Recycling & Beyond
Recycling bins are a start, but they’re not enough. Tournaments need systems for:
- Composting: Food waste, napkins, even some cards can break down naturally.
- E-waste: Dead batteries, old screens—don’t let them landfill.
- Donations: Leftover food? Give it to shelters. Used chips? Donate to schools.
The Player’s Role: Small Actions, Big Ripples
Players can push for change too. Here’s how:
- Bring a reusable bottle. Skip the plastic cups.
- Opt for digital scoring. No paper, no waste.
- Support green tournaments. Vote with your buy-ins.
Fun fact: The World Series of Poker once used enough paper to stretch from Vegas to… well, let’s just say it was a lot. Digital alternatives exist—let’s use them.
The Bottom Line: A New Deal for Poker
Sustainability isn’t about sacrificing the game—it’s about evolving it. From biodegradable cards to solar-powered venues, the solutions are here. The question is: Will the poker world ante up for the planet?
