It was precisely 16 months ago, on June 4, 2020, that the Las Vegas casinos were finally given the green light to reopen their doors after a long and grueling pandemic closure. Looking back, it's hard to believe how much time has passed since that momentous occasion. Since then, a total of 19 poker rooms in Las Vegas have successfully made their comeback, much to the delight of avid players and enthusiasts. However, there have been a couple of poker rooms that unfortunately experienced a rather short-lived revival, as they were forced to close their doors once again. One notable addition to the poker scene in Las Vegas is the introduction of a poker room at Resorts World, which has quickly gained popularity among both locals and tourists alike. On the other hand, it is with a tinge of sadness that we acknowledge the absence of 10 poker rooms that were once bustling with activity back in March 2020 but have not made a return since then.
It's about time that we bid farewell to the 10 dormant poker rooms in Las Vegas, which curiously never bothered to make an official announcement about their closure. Perhaps, in the future, a couple of these establishments may see the light of day again. However, if that were to occur, I believe it would be akin to the grand opening of brand-new poker rooms, rather than a mere reopening.
At the bottom of this article, you will find the list I have meticulously put together, featuring all the Las Vegas poker rooms that have closed their doors since 2012. A total of 28 establishments were included in this comprehensive compilation, and that's not even counting the additional 10 that shut down just last month in March 2020. Take a look at the list for yourself, and you'll see the changing landscape of poker in Sin City over the years.
The accompanying photos display the poker rooms at Green Valley Ranch, Excalibur, Binion's, Mirage, and Rio, all neatly folded.
Binion’s
It's quite disheartening to see Binion's in its current state. The once vibrant poker room, located near the sportsbook, has now been replaced with electronic table games. The staff, however, remains hopeful and assures us that the poker room will make a comeback in the future. But I can't help but have my doubts. The truth is, even before the pandemic hit, Binion's poker room was already struggling. And now, with the current circumstances, it's hard to envision a reopening anytime soon. This is truly a tragic tale for the poker community, especially considering that Binion's is where the prestigious World Series of Poker originated.
Binion's poker room primarily offered $1/$2 no limit hold'em games and also hosted a series of tournaments during the summer.
Cannery
In the heart of the Cannery, amidst the clinks and buzzes of slot machines, used to beat the pulse of a thriving poker room. Up to three tables hosted a spread limit hold'em game, with stakes ranging from $2 to $6. However, a notable transformation has taken place. The poker room area has vanished, making way for more slot machines and leaving no trace of its existence. It's as if the room never existed, as if it was swallowed whole by the hungry demand for slots.
Club Fortune
Club Fortune, to the best of my knowledge, is the sole poker room that, unfortunately, won't be making a comeback post-pandemic. Sadly, this poker room located at the rear of the casino ceased to exist a couple of years back. Poker enthusiasts shifted their games to the pit area, where they continued to play until March 2020. Towards the end, the poker tables dwindled to just one or two, ultimately leading to its closure.
During my most recent trip to the location, the staff assured me that they have no plans of resuming operations. Typically, they facilitated games of no limit hold'em with stakes of $0.50/$1 or $1/$2.
Excalibur
As the Excalibur poker room underwent a remarkable transformation, it morphed into an exhilarating slot tournament area. The dedicated staff on the premises does not harbor much optimism regarding its eventual revival, yet they affirm that the room remains officially shuttered on a temporary basis. In its heyday, this vibrant space boasted a total of seven tables, where avid players flocked to engage in the thrilling $1/$2 no limit hold'em, which served as its primary game.
The distribution of the jackpot funds took place in the latter part of 2020, encompassing contributions from both the Mandalay Bay and Mirage jackpot pools. Following its closure, the poker room at Mandalay Bay later resumed operations.
Green Valley Ranch
At last check, the converted sports viewing area at Green Valley Ranch was bustling with activity, serving as a spacious and vibrant space for poker enthusiasts. Offering a remarkable collection of games, the poker room at Green Valley Ranch stands out as the largest among the establishments mentioned on this list. Whether you prefer the thrill of no limit hold'em, the strategic nuances of fixed limit hold'em, or the excitement of mixed games, this poker room caters to a wide range of preferences. With its impressive 22 tables, Green Valley Ranch guarantees an exhilarating and diverse poker experience for all players.
Harrah’s
In the wake of the June 2020 reopening, the Harrah's poker room, once a bustling seven-table haven for poker enthusiasts, was disassembled and wiped off the casino floor. As if to add salt to the wound, the jackpot funds, once a source of excitement and anticipation, were distributed among the fortunate few. According to a spokesperson from the company, this change is merely transient, suggesting that the fate of the room hangs in the balance, uncertain and unpredictable. However, beneath the thin veil of uncertainty, a transformation has occurred. The former Harrah's poker room, once drenched in the smoky haze of intense card battles, has now morphed into a pristine and refreshing slot area, free of the lingering scent of tobacco. Gone are the days of the main Harrah's game, where poker players would gather around the $1/$2 no limit hold'em tables, engaging in strategic maneuvers and adrenaline-fueled showdowns. Change, it seems, has swept through the confines of the casino, leaving behind a void that awaits its next metamorphosis.
Mirage
Late in 2020, the Mirage poker room, which boasts a whopping 12 tables, became a refreshing sanctuary for slot enthusiasts who prefer a nonsmoking environment. Moreover, it is worth noting that the Mirage jackpot funds were distributed alongside the pool of Mandalay Bay and Excalibur, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for lucky winners.
Palace Station
When the casinos reopened, the closure of the nine-table Palace Station poker room became inevitable. As part of the property's pandemic protocol, the area in front of it was utilized to screen guests for any signs of fever. Although that practice ceased months ago, the poker room remains closed. Fixed and spread limit hold'em were the primary games dealt in the Palace Station poker room.
Rio
In September 2021, Rio made a generous gesture by distributing its poker jackpot pool to lucky winners. When I last visited the poker room, I noticed that the tables and chairs were being stored, albeit in a somewhat disorganized manner. It seemed difficult to discern any specific arrangement. The poker games predominantly revolved around $1/$3 and $2/$3 no limit hold'em, providing players with a range of betting options. The poker room boasted a total of 14 tables, offering ample space for enthusiasts to test their skills and luck.
Sam’s Town
The poker room at Sam's Town, with its 11 tables, remains a prominent feature on the bustling casino floor. According to the staff, the official stance is that the poker room will make a comeback in the future, ensuring the excitement of the game lives on. In its heyday, the room offered a variety of poker options, including both no limit and fixed limit hold'em, along with fixed limit Omaha hi/lo, catering to the preferences of avid poker enthusiasts.
Additional poker establishments that have ceased operations after 2012
In the realm of Las Vegas poker, an additional 28 poker rooms have ceased operations since 2012, expanding upon the 10 closures previously mentioned.
- Silver Sevens: August 2021
- Planet Hollywood: July 2021
- The Strat: October 2019
- Arizona Charlie’s Decatur: August of the year 2018.
- Treasure Island: August 2018
- Suncoast: April 2018
- Luxor: June 2017
- Monte Carlo: April 2017
- Hard Rock: March 2017
- The Linq: August 2016
- Eastside Cannery: April 2016
- Plaza: March 2016
- Aliante Casino: March 2016
- Hooters: March 2015
- Texas Station: August 2014
- Palms: June 2014
- Sunset Station: May 2014
- El Cortez: December 2013
- Circus Circus: September 2013
- M Resort: August 2013
- Riviera: June 2013
- Bill's Gamblin' Hall: The month of February in the year 2013.
- Jokers Wild: October 2012
- Ellis Island: September 2012
- Tropicana: September 2012
- O’Sheas: April 2012
- Fitzgeralds: January 2012
- Silverton: January 2012
