It’s all about poker and punk rock for Andy Rich, director of poker operations for the Golden Nugget.
During his college years, Rich started his own record label signing hardcore punk and indie bands. He ran his label for a dozen years before he switched careers to his other passion, poker.
An avid poker player himself, Rich moved to Las Vegas in 2005 to pursue a career in cards. During his tenure in dealing, floor supervising and management, he’s worked in poker rooms all over the Strip, including Harrah’s, Flamingo, Caesars Palace and Rio, where he earned the title of director of operations for the World Series of Poker. By 2014, Rich brought all his knowledge to the Golden Nugget poker room.
“I run the day-to-day operations of the poker room,” says Rich. He also has a major role in the property’s Grand Poker Series, now in its 16th year (beginning May 30 and running through July 3). In his first year running the tournament there were about 7,000 entries, but now with Rich’s contributions to expanding the series, entries have boomed to around 30,000 participants from around the world. “I’m a gambler, too; I love to play poker,” he says. “I love that I get to be around it and have an influence on a major tournament.”
And what about punk rock? He’s passed his passion down to his kids who love the music—his son plays drums and his daughter plays guitar. “I’ve had two distinctly different careers,” Rich says. “One in the music business and one in the casino business. I love them both.”
Libation: Espresso Martini
Before hitting the poker room, get a rush of caffeine by stopping by Golden Nugget’s chic lobby bar, Ice Bar. At this bright and modern-designed space, guests can enjoy a variety of specialty libations like the espresso martini. This one will give you a delicious kick with Ketel One vodka and freshly brewed espresso.
Benefit: Don’t miss out on The Grand Poker Series, with tournament buy-ins as low as $130 and as high as $1,100.
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
