The scene is set with a little strategy, a lot of conversation, and depending on the table, wine, cocktails, or a prize on the line. These local gatherings make it easy to learn mahjong and meet people who won’t mind explaining it again … and again.
The Mahjong Social at The Space
Kozmoe Alonzo, DJ E-Rock, and The Space co-owner Cheryl Daro grew up in families where mahjong appeared at every gathering. Their monthly social turns those traditions into an all-ages afternoon of Hong Kong-style instruction, open play, music, giveaways, and tournaments. Admission is $25 and the proceeds support local charities. Organizers volunteer their time, The Space donates the venue, and Mission: Mahjong! helps teach and run the games.
- Know Before You Go: The next social begins at 3 p.m. July 26 at 3460 Cavaretta Court. Lessons come first, followed by open play and tournament rounds at 4 p.m. Sets are provided. Tickets are available online.
Vegas Mahjong Lessons
Jessica Gitlin teaches American mahjong to players ranging from teenagers to octogenarians, including her 17-year-old daughter and 82-year-old mother-in-law. Her private 2.5-hour lessons cover the tiles and everything you need to know: the Charleston, joker swaps, pungs, kongs, and beginner strategy. She brings lessons and open play to Ada’s Wine Bar in the Arts District on Aug. 27. Open play costs $50; the beginner class costs $75. Both include sommelier-selected wines, beer, and mocktails.
- Know Before You Go: The event runs 6-8 p.m. Beginners should book one of eight instructional seats; 32 open-play seats are available for experienced players. Reservations are required and sets are provided.
Free Community Mahjong
Mission: Mahjong! partners with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District to offer free Sunday play and instruction. The group primarily teaches Vegas Mahjong, its variation on Hong Kong-style play, but American, Filipino, and Japanese riichi players are also welcome to join. August sessions include Whitney Library on Aug. 2, Clark County Library on Aug. 9, Rainbow Library on Aug. 16, and Enterprise Library on Aug. 23. Sets are provided.
- Know Before You Go: Beginner instruction starts 15 minutes after each session begins, so arrive early. No registration is required—just walk in.
Vegas Dragons Mahjong Club
The fastest-growing version of mahjong in Las Vegas is Japanese riichi. The Vegas Dragons Mahjong Club is a gathering place for riichi players, hosting meetups and welcoming newcomers interested in the strategy-heavy style that has exploded in popularity thanks to anime, online gaming, and international competition.
- Know Before You Go: The Dragons host the first-ever Riichi Mahjong invitational in Las Vegas September 5-6, 2026. Log in to gamer friendly platform Discord for all the behind the scenes action on this community.
