On Sunday, April 22, the Suncoast poker room will be shutting its doors promptly at 10pm. In order to meet this deadline, they have a considerable jackpot pool of around $21,000 that must be distributed to lucky winners. According to players, they have been fortunate enough to receive $170 high hand jackpots on an hourly basis. In fact, some hours have seen multiple winners walking away with their pockets a little heavier.
The Suncoast poker room faced challenges in attracting players, while Red Rock, which opened in 2006 just a few miles away, has consistently offered a more vibrant gaming experience.
At Suncoast, there is a distinct sense of familiarity and camaraderie among the players, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a friendly home game rather than a traditional poker room. Over the years, these individuals have formed tight-knit relationships through countless hours spent playing poker together at Suncoast. In contrast to Red Rock, which leans towards a more upscale resort ambiance, Suncoast caters more towards the local community. The regulars at Suncoast have developed a level of comfort and ease, recognizing one another and engaging in lively banter that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to their poker sessions.
Back in 2012, Suncoast used to be a bustling spot with a total of 12 tables. It was a hotspot for Weekly No Limit Hold'em and Dealer's Choice games, drawing in a steady flow of traffic. But as time went on, things started to change. The number of tables gradually dwindled down to seven, and with it, the energy in the room. The once vibrant atmosphere became dimmer, as the weekday tournaments were completely done away with. It wasn't uncommon to find the room shrouded in darkness by the middle of the evening, a stark contrast to its former glory.
Every morning, around 9am or 10am, the room would become lively with activity, hosting a variety of games to cater to different players' preferences. Among these games, a daily 2-6 Spread Limit Hold'em game would usually be in full swing, attracting those who enjoy the strategic nuances of this particular variation. Additionally, a low limit Omaha Hi/Lo or Stud Hi/Lo game would also be available for those seeking a different challenge. These games, with their unique rules and gameplay, offered a diverse and engaging experience for players, ensuring that there was something for everyone in the bustling room.
At Suncoast, I was part of the group of players who played a significant role in establishing the popular 2-10 Spread Limit Hoggie game, which ultimately introduced Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo to our poker room. The decision to relocate the game from Sam's Town in 2011 was primarily driven by the desire to better cater to our regular players, most of whom resided near Summerlin. It was during this transition that one of the game's founders skillfully negotiated favorable terms, including a maximum rake of $3 and the absence of a jackpot drop. These negotiations played a crucial role in solidifying the game's long-running success and attracting a dedicated following.
At Suncoast, all poker games had a maximum rake of $3, not just the Hoggie game. However, it was common for most other games to also have a jackpot drop.
Las Vegas poker rooms that offer a maximum rake of $3 are becoming increasingly rare, and the recent closure of Suncoast has only further limited options for players seeking this particular value. Now, there are only three remaining poker rooms in Las Vegas that still uphold this affordable rake: The Orleans, Club Fortune, and Skyline. These establishments understand the importance of providing value to their customers and have managed to maintain a competitive edge by offering this lower maximum rake. As poker enthusiasts continue to seek out the best deals and experiences, these three poker rooms stand as beacons of affordability in a city known for its high-stakes gambling.
Suncoast poker room was the initial target of the notorious Bellagio Biker Bandit.
In December 2010, there was quite a stir at Suncoast, even though their poker room wasn't exactly famous. The reason? Anthony Carleo, also known as the daring "Bellagio Biker Bandit," targeted the establishment. But his audacity didn't stop there. A few days later, he pulled off an equally bold heist at a craps table in the Bellagio. What's interesting is that Carleo had insider knowledge about a weekly high-stakes game happening at Suncoast that night. The reports state that he managed to escape with a hefty sum of $18,945. However, his loot from the Bellagio robbery was estimated to be a jaw-dropping $1.5 million worth of chips.
Suncoast becomes the latest addition to the extensive roster of closed poker rooms in Las Vegas.
Since 2012, a total of 24 poker rooms in Las Vegas have shut down, and the latest addition to this list is Suncoast. Interestingly, amidst all the closures, only two casinos, namely Westgate and Skyline Casino, have actually opened new poker rooms. However, even the poker room at Westgate faced closure during this period, but fortunately, it managed to reopen its doors at a later time. The fluctuating nature of the poker room scene in Las Vegas is evident, with closures far outnumbering new openings.
The shutting down of poker rooms in Las Vegas starting from 2012.
- 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
- Westgate: Revamped and ready for business again since August 2017, after being temporarily closed in June 2015.
- Hooters: March 2015
- Texas Station: August 2014
- Sunset Station: May 2014
- Palms: June 2014
- El Cortez: December 2013
- Circus Circus: September 2013
- M Resort: August 2013
- Riviera: June 2013
- Bill's Gamblin' Hall: February 2013
- Jokers Wild: October 2012
- Ellis Island: September 2012
- Tropicana: September 2012
- O’Sheas: April 2012
- Fitzgeralds: January 2012
- Silverton: January 2012
