Welcome to
Women and LGBTQ+ people make up a tiny percentage of the poker community. There are many reasons for this imbalance, but a big one is the lack of safe spaces for women to learn how to play and practice their skills.Ladies Poker Night changes that by giving women and LGBTQ+ people an opportunity to learn how to play poker in a judgment-free environment where they can feel comfortable asking questions.When I worked in the poker industry it didn't take me long to realize that working in male-dominated industry can really suck, but the most fulfilling part of my job was introducing new women to the game. That's how Ladies Poker Night was born, and it's easy to participate.Interested in attending or hosting a Ladies Poker Night event? Click below to learn more.
Looking for our networking events? Click here to network.Want to attend but can't host? Click here to sign up.
Ladies Poker Night
How It Works
Ladies Poker Night is a free beginner poker workshop where 6-10 women and LGBTQ+ folks can learn how to play poker. The host will provide a location for the event and invite their friends. Workshops usually last between 2-4 hours. Being a host is easy! All it takes is three simple steps:
HOST
You want to host a Ladies Poker Night event so you reach out to me to arrange a date for the event. All you need is a table that fits between 6-10 people and friends to fill the seats.
INVITE
Once a date has been set, it's time to send invitations out to your friends. You can invite anyone you want as long as they are women or gender non-conforming.
LEARN
On the day of your event, I will come to you and bring playing cards and poker chips. You don't need any special equipment, just show up and have a great time.
Who Am I?
Zuly Bonilla
I started out as a professional poker player and worked in the poker industry for over 8 years. During that time, my biggest joy came from teaching poker classes that introduced women to the game. I no longer work in the poker industry, but I'm still passionate about giving women the opportunity to learn how to play.
Why is it free?
It Makes Me Happy
Everyone has interests outside of their profession and teaching women how to play poker is mine. I genuinely love introducing women to the game and giving them both a new skill and a new activity they can share with their friends. Believe me, I'm having just as much fun as you are and I can't wait to make this an event you'll always remember fondly!
House Rules
The first rule of Ladies Poker Night is...we talk about Ladies Poker Night. That's right, this is a club we want other women to join.Aside from sharing, there are just a few other rules:
No cisgender men. It's called Ladies Poker Night for a reason: it's a safe space for people who don't have lots of other outlets to learn the game. Women or gender non-conforming folks only.
Everyone must be vaccinated AND showing no signs of illness, OR wear a mask. No exceptions.
Hosts cannot charge people to attend the event. (Encouraging people to bring food or drinks to share is okay.)
Why Poker?
Poker Skills = Life Skills
There is so much knowledge and so many life skills that can be extrapolated from poker, and women are missing out on them because they don't get as many opportunities to join the game! Ladies Poker Night events are a fun way to learn a new skill, bond with friends, and host a unique event that people will love.
Learn how to play
Get comfortable at the table
Experience a unique and memorable event
Previous Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend?
Women or gender non-conforming folks can attend.
Why no men?
Men already have lots of chances to learn how to play poker. Virtually all poker spaces are created for and filled with men. Also, this is my organization, I'm not charging, and I can teach whoever I want.
Where do you operate?
I've done Ladies Poker Night events all over the world. I can schedule US-based events at almost any time. For international events, I need at least one month's notice. I live in Las Vegas and I spend lots of time in Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you live elsewhere, please reach out, I might be able to make it to you!
How much does it cost?
NOTHING! Ladies Poker Night events are completely free of charge. I do it for fun, not for profit.
What if I'm uncomfortable not paying you?
You can pay me by:
- Passing the word along and getting other women to host LPN events.
- Taking lots of pictures and sharing them with me.
- Leaving me a review on the Ladies Poker Night LinkedIn page.
- Following me on Instagram: @zulygrams and @ladiespokernight.
- Sending me a tip.
Do you have a different question? Let me know below.
Contact Me
Send a Message
Ready to host an event? Have a question about how it works? Use the form below to send me a message.
"Networking is so awkward."You wouldn't believe how often I've said those words. Meeting new people is HARD. What do you say to break the ice? How do you establish connection with little to no shared context?The best way to deflate the dread balloon is to leave the boring networking mixers and stuffy corporate outings behind.Nothing brings strangers together like a shared activity - especially if you're all learning a brand new skill together.Enter Ladies Poker Night: Networking Edition. Each workshop brings together people from specific groups (Lesbians in Tech, Women Entrepreneurs, Women in Finance, etc.) to help you expand your professional community.These LPN events are small-group networking, with 9-10 attendees so you can form deeper connections. This approach is beneficial for a variety of reasons:
It's a unique activity that creates a core group memory.
You learn a new skill with lots of business applications.
You meet new people in a setting with a built-in conversation topic.
Groups are small enough that connections can be meaningful.
Ladies Poker Night: Networking Edition
How It Works
The actual Ladies Poker Night event is simple: show up and learn how to play poker with a group of 9 other women or gender non-conforming people. Hopefully you'll make some new connections or friends along the way.This is a small-group workshop that is taught with a learn-apply method. We'll discuss poker rules and strategic concepts. then we'll practice by playing. Please note that while you will receive real poker chips to play with, we do not play for real money.You can sign up to be a host or just to attend. There are different benefits for each option.
ATTEND
Responsibilities:
Register
Attend the event
Benefits:
Low barrier to entry: just show up and participate.
HOST
Responsibilities:
Provide a space for the event
Attend the event
Benefits:
Prominent billing as host
My undying appreciation
LPN Swag
Priority access to future events
Common Questions
Who can attend?
Women or gender non-conforming folks can attend as long as they're a part of the professional group the networking event is serving.
What are the responsibilities of a host?
If you agree to host an LPN networking event, the extent of your responsibility is to provide a space for the event to happen. This can be any room with a table big enough to seat 10 people. It could be a meeting room at your workplace or any other similar place that will allow us to use the space for a few hours. Outside of that, just show up and have a good time. I will provide all the materials for the actual workshop.
Where do you operate?
Since I'm traveling on my own dime, for now LPN networking events are only available in the US or Canada. However, if you're interested in hosting one somewhere else, please reach out! We might be able to work something out.
How can I claim a seat?
Complete the interest form to be alerted when an event is happening in your area. A sign up list will be released when dates are settled. Every event has a wait list. People on the wait list can come to the event as observers and take a workshop seat if an attendee does not show up.
What if I'm uncomfortable not paying you?
You can compensate me by:
- Going from attendee to host for a future event.
- Taking pictures and sharing them with me.
- Referring other awesome people to attend an event.
- Leaving a review on the Ladies Poker Night LinkedIn page.
- Following me on Instagram: @zulygrams and @ladiespokernight.
- Liking, commenting, and sharing our posts on social media.
- Sending me a tip.
Do you have a different question? Let me know.
Sign up to Attend
Interested in attending a Ladies Poker Night event but can't commit to hosting? Fill out the form below. We will reach out when we have an event scheduled in your area and within your scope of interests.
Sign up to Host
Interested in hosting one of our networking events? Fill out the form below and select your networking interests. We will reach out to arrange logistics ASAP.
Virtual LPN Games
If you have attended an in-person Ladies Poker Night event and would like to participate in our virtual practice games, please submit your information to opt in and receive instructions for joining our PokerStars play money group.Note that we do not play for real money in these games.This group is reserved for LPN attendees only.