On Monday night, the poker room at Treasure Island had its final curtain call. For years, the struggling seven-table poker room grappled with the challenge of attracting players. In an attempt to revitalize its fortunes, it relocated from its original spot near the theater to its current location, directly across from the sportsbook, back in 2012. However, this move did not yield the desired outcome of boosting its traffic and popularity.
On Tuesday, Treasure Island's website underwent an update, resulting in the removal of the poker room information. I received an email response from Treasure Island regarding this change, where they shed some light on the rationale behind it. According to the casino, the poker room was considered a small space and did not pose a significant competitive challenge to larger poker rooms located on the Strip. As a result, they made the decision to remove it. However, the email did not mention any concrete plans for the vacant poker room space or how the funds from the jackpot, previously associated with the poker room, would be redistributed.
Las Vegas boasts a total of 32 operating poker rooms, as reported by Poker Atlas, following the closure of Treasure Island's poker room. It should be noted, however, that two of these rooms exclusively operate on weekend nights, catering to a more specific crowd. In the ever-evolving landscape of the city, poker rooms such as Venetian, Mirage, and MGM Grand have made adjustments in recent times, downsizing their operations.
Treasure Island made various attempts to entice players, employing a range of strategies. One of these was the implementation of a prop program, enabling players to earn up to $10 per hour. Additionally, they rewarded the player who accumulated the highest number of pots won within a specified timeframe, either with cash or a tournament entry. To further attract players, they organized tournaments with relatively modest guaranteed prize pools, aiming to pique interest in the poker room.
I used to frequent Treasure Island's poker room, where the main cash game was 1/3 No Limit Hold'em. This game attracted a diverse group of players, each with their own unique style and strategy. In addition to the main game, there would occasionally be smaller limit games with a maximum rake of $3. These games provided a more relaxed and lower stakes environment for those looking to hone their skills without breaking the bank. Another highlight of Treasure Island's poker room was the weekly mixed game on Sunday nights. This game offered a refreshing change of pace, blending different variations of poker and attracting a crowd of enthusiasts eager to test their versatility. Additionally, during the World Series of Poker, the poker room would host occasional mixed games, adding to the excitement and drawing in even more players. Overall, Treasure Island's poker room provided a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, catering to a range of players and offering a variety of games to suit different preferences.
Las Vegas poker rooms have been shuttered since 2012 in a move that has significantly impacted the local gambling scene.
Here is the complete list of poker rooms that have closed since 2012, with Treasure Island being the 25th to shut down.
- 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
- Westgate: Reopened in August 2017 after being closed since June 2015.
- 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
