Big Deal Speakeasy Casino's 10th Anniversary Party

The Big Deal Speakeasy Casino (1 E 28th St) marked its 10th anniversary with a glamorous celebration that transported guests straight back to the roaring 1920s. Hidden behind an inconspicuous freight elevator door in NoMad, the venue opened into an opulent speakeasy adorned with velvet seating, casino tables, and the smooth sounds of live jazz setting the tone for the night.

The evening wasn’t just about the ambiance—it was a celebration of the games that have kept New Yorkers coming back for over a decade. Guests crowded around blackjack and craps tables, guided by professional dealers who offered insider tips and tricks. Chips were cashed in, bold bets were made, and cheers erupted at every win, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts exhilarating and sophisticated.

Adding to the immersive experience were craft cocktails courtesy of Broken Shed Vodka and Rosaluna Mezcal. Glasses clinked and conversations flowed as the speakeasy’s signature mix of mystery and elegance carried through every detail of the evening.

At the heart of the celebration was founder Wendy Rubin—a serial entrepreneur, filmmaker, and creator whose vision has redefined interactive entertainment in New York City. In 2015, Rubin opened Big Deal Speakeasy Casino following the success of her pioneering Big Deal Casino Academy, the state’s first and only licensed dealer school. By day, the space serves as a training ground for future casino dealers, preparing them for careers in the industry. By night, it transforms into a glittering Prohibition-style event venue, making it the perfect setting for private parties, milestone celebrations, and unforgettable nights of entertainment.

Ten years on, the Big Deal Speakeasy Casino remains an unmatched destination for high-energy fun. The anniversary party not only honored a decade of unforgettable nights but also reinforced the venue’s place as a one-of-a-kind gem in New York’s nightlife scene.

For more information, follow @bigdealspeakeasycasino or visit bigdeal.nyc.

Summer Poker Tournament at Turning Stone

This summer in New York is going to be all about things coming back and returning to normal. We will see the reopening of the theaters late in the summer. There is already significant live attendance at sporting events, and there are full restaurants and bars. And outdoor festivities new and old are going to be all the rage throughout the next several months.

Another fun option for New Yorkers that isn’t getting quite as much hype or publicity, however, is going to be the return of live poker at some of the state’s casinos — and most notably the Turing Stone Resort in Verona. We have recently learned that some of the major poker tournaments in the U.S. are going to be held again this year after largely being cancelled (or at least significantly altered) in 2020. And while no such events take place in our state, it does appear as if those in charge of smaller events and amateur tournaments are following the larger organizations’ lead. At Turing Stone Casino, in fact, tournament play is already underway, and is scheduled on a near-daily basis throughout the summer.

For anyone who enjoys poker or takes an interest in casino culture in general, these tournaments are well worth keeping in mind for the “comeback” summer. For one thing, they make for great fun to watch if you are spending some time at the resort, even if they are not full-fledged spectator events. For another, they are quite accessible if you want to play — with entry buy-ins in the $125 to $250 range. That alone should make them a draw for people from all around New York (and surrounding states for that matter) through the season.

The other reason we are highlighting the poker tournaments going on at Turning Stone though is that the resort itself also makes for a great, easy summer destination. Whether you live in the city and you are looking forward to a break at some point, or you simply want to have a getaway after not being able to do so for quite some time, Turning Stone can be a breath of fresh air.

Beyond poker tournaments (and other activities in the casino for that matter), there’s plenty to do at the resort. You can play a round of golf or two at a connected course that generally garners excellent reviews. You can soothe yourself after 18 months of stressful living with a spa package. And you can enjoy some of the state’s better restaurants outside of New York City — whether at the decadent TS Steakhouse or at the quirky but elegant fine dining spot, Wildflowers (trust the seasonal menu!). Plus, there is something to be said for the resort’s accommodations. It is simply a nice, comfortable place to spend a few days and nights.

Ultimately, in a summer full of renewed activity, something like regular poker tournaments at a resort upstate will be easy to overlook. For those looking for an escape, an in-state vacation, and a full slate of recreation though, all of this is well worth considering!