On The Play Gaming - Santa Maria, California

BJ Yebisu

On the Play is one of my favorite card shops to visit across all of California. Arguably the best prices on TCG product around, great service, and Luis is very responsive if you contact him via Instagram DM.

You can tell that Luis cares about the community and is always running events for a variety of card games (which I still have yet to attend lol)

The hours can be kind of weird but it's always worth a visit when they're open.

Chay Comas

This is a staple in the local gaming community, with lots of open tables and is very inviting to tabletop gamers of all types.

Time and time again the owner has personally supported community events and youth programs in the Santa Maria Valley. And, I have endless appreciation for On The Play Gaming and all of the good it's done for the community.

Because of this shop we were able to start a Battletech club in town, when we couldn't find a space to host us anywhere else. Thank you!

Marcus Reynolds

Just recently moved to SM. After several attempts to come check this place out for the first time (every time I showed up, they were closed) I finally made it in to see what it's about.

First off, even with GPS on, it's a nightmare to find this place. It's tucked away in the back of a building with very poor lighting. You walk in the shop and it's split to your left and right. Cool lay out honestly. Got to meet the owner, he was OK. Kinda seemed like he had better things to do than tend to customers at counter, which is understandable as an owner I guess.

Selection of sealed product was Meh. Not a whole lot to pick from other than recent sets. I play and collect Pokemon, Magic, Yugioh, One Piece, and Digimon. I also collect sports. So I was hoping to walk into the only TCG store in Santa Maria and being overwhelmed with Selection. I wasn't.

Prices were meh. Typical LGS upcharge. For being an OTS store, there is absolutely no yugioh support in the form of older sets, singles, etc.

Very little Selection to tcg singles when it came to anything other than magic, and even then, it was very limited still.

Oh. And the bathrooms ?

Overall, it's a dark shop with limited selection, and prices are not the greatest on sealed items. Raw prices did seem fair. Was definitely let down as I'd hope a town this bug would have a real nice shop.

Oh well. Back to spell table / discord to play.

angelisironman “angelisironman”

On the Play Gaming is THE place for your competitive gaming needs. The shop owner is a friend who has gone from competitive local hero to professional, supporting business owner in our gaming community. If you’re starting or improving in one of the shop’s supported games, the shop owner will sit with you, teach you, give you advice, build a deck, and test with you. He will go the extra mile to look for that missing card you need for your deck right before the next tournament. I appreciate all this because he knows what competitive players want and how to best support them. The shop’s gaming community is welcoming to new people, and feels more like a second home at times. The shop runs Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokemon, and occasional other games. It has been a treat seeing newer players start their competitive gaming journey all the way to dominating weekly Friday Night Magic events and the seasonal RCQs. If competition is not for you, the casual Commander Tuesday nights are a nice way to try new decks and ideas. The monthly Pokemon Trade nights are like a miniature card convention and it’s how I personally returned to collecting Pokemon. These Trade Nights have led to restoring the local Pokemon gaming community, which is open for all ages. The shop is a terrific place, has a lot of support, and heartily recommend.

Jordan M

On The Play is a place I am always very excited to walk into. From buying/opening Pokémon cards to attending safe and responsible smash tournaments, it’s always a great time for me and everyone around. The owner Luis is a very nice and personable guy. Prices are also lower than the other shops that mark up alot on price. I would highly recommend my friends and family to spend their money at On The Play, and recommend that you do the same 🙂

Richard Price

It's honestly great to know that there is a place that is available for all aspects of gaming. The owner is the only employee and handles everything and makes sure it's always a good time for the people that come through. Ive been a supporter and regular for years. Thank you for always having stuff in stock and available for us. My daughter loves going to "Pokemon store" because of the hospitality and good vibes. Keep it up Luis!

Boukun MTG

Owned and ran by Luis, if he doesnt have it in stock will always find it from other patrons or order with his next shipment. Always feel taken care of by the tcg plug himself. The shop itself is large with plenty of table space and is a regular hang out spot for tcg players of all varieties.

Teena Ortega

Just moved to a new location,
(Within the same shopping plaza) and there is so much more space than the last store front. The store has plenty of playing space with multiple tables and play mates already set up. Luis, the store owner, is always helpful and always there to answer questions and give advice. The store is mostly geared towards Magic: the gathering. MTG events are held throughout the week. However, Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh and Dragon ball are also carried with events every week. There's a calender set up in the store to let customers what night's are dedicated to what format. This is my go-to card store in the area. Luis is always giving fair deals and unmatched customer service.