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Sahara Las Vegas, located on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip, is preparing to close its seven-table poker room on November 16, with plans to replace it with a new slot machine area debuting in mid-December. This decision reflects an ongoing trend in Las Vegas, where smaller poker rooms have struggled to maintain profitability and adapt post-pandemic, often leading casino operators to repurpose spaces for more lucrative slot machines.
According to a statement from Sahara’s General Manager, Paul Hobson, cited by Las Vegas Review-Journal, the new space will introduce “dedicated slot banks where players can be some of the first in Las Vegas to play the newest test games from top gaming content providers.” This pivot away from poker to a slot-focused environment echoes similar moves by other casinos in Las Vegas. Many venues have reallocated their space to feature high-demand slot machines, capitalizing on their appeal to a broader range of players.
A Fun Atmosphere Lost as Poker Makes Way for Slots
The poker room at Sahara has been a lively hub, featuring seven tables, five TVs, and a welcoming vibe. With regular tournaments, including the unique weekly Crazy Pineapple game, and frequent cash games with accessible buy-ins as low as $50, the room attracted a loyal player base. However, as Sahara adjusts its offerings to align with shifting market trends, these activities will come to an end.
This closure also fits into a broader pattern across Las Vegas, as poker rooms, especially those in smaller or mid-sized casinos, have found it challenging to thrive in recent years. The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, resulting in permanent closures at several locations, including Planet Hollywood and the Mirage. Although some casinos have maintained poker offerings, the operational costs and limited revenue potential of poker make it less favorable for casinos that can allocate space to more profitable gaming options like slots.
The Caesars Palace poker room shuttered in August to temporarily make way for high-limit slots as the casino renovates that section of its property. While Caesars intends to reopen its poker room at a later date, other Las Vegas venues have closed their poker operations permanently. In addition to Mirage and Planet Hollywood, the Excalibur, Flamingo, and Cannery have all ceased their poker offerings in recent years.
Sahara Las Vegas, located on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip, is preparing to close its seven-table poker room on November 16, with plans to replace it with a new slot machine area debuting in mid-December. This decision reflects an ongoing trend in Las Vegas, where smaller poker rooms have struggled to maintain profitability and adapt post-pandemic, often leading casino operators to repurpose spaces for more lucrative slot machines.
According to a statement from Sahara’s General Manager, Paul Hobson, cited by Las Vegas Review-Journal, the new space will introduce “dedicated slot banks where players can be some of the first in Las Vegas to play the newest test games from top gaming content providers.” This pivot away from poker to a slot-focused environment echoes similar moves by other casinos in Las Vegas. Many venues have reallocated their space to feature high-demand slot machines, capitalizing on their appeal to a broader range of players.
A Fun Atmosphere Lost as Poker Makes Way for Slots
The poker room at Sahara has been a lively hub, featuring seven tables, five TVs, and a welcoming vibe. With regular tournaments, including the unique weekly Crazy Pineapple game, and frequent cash games with accessible buy-ins as low as $50, the room attracted a loyal player base. However, as Sahara adjusts its offerings to align with shifting market trends, these activities will come to an end.
This closure also fits into a broader pattern across Las Vegas, as poker rooms, especially those in smaller or mid-sized casinos, have found it challenging to thrive in recent years. The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, resulting in permanent closures at several locations, including Planet Hollywood and the Mirage. Although some casinos have maintained poker offerings, the operational costs and limited revenue potential of poker make it less favorable for casinos that can allocate space to more profitable gaming options like slots.
The Caesars Palace poker room shuttered in August to temporarily make way for high-limit slots as the casino renovates that section of its property. While Caesars intends to reopen its poker room at a later date, other Las Vegas venues have closed their poker operations permanently. In addition to Mirage and Planet Hollywood, the Excalibur, Flamingo, and Cannery have all ceased their poker offerings in recent years.
