Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip is closing its poker room for a renovation expected to last two to three months. According to a company memo emailed to employees and intercepted by Poker News, the 18-table poker room will not re-emerge in its current form. Instead, the space will be transformed into the property’s high-limit slot area.
Temporary High-Limit Slot Room
Casinos often prioritize high-limit slot areas over poker rooms due to the significantly higher revenue generated by slot machines. As a result, the poker room at Caesars Palace will temporarily serve as the high-limit slot room during the remodel.
The poker room is scheduled to deal its last hand on or around July 17. However, the memo indicates that “nothing has been decided or set in stone” regarding the exact date.
July 17 coincides with the final table of the World Series of Poker, currently held at sister Caesars Entertainment properties the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. This timing may reduce the inconvenience for poker players, as their focus will likely be on the WSOP events. Additionally, July 17 marks the last day of operations for The Mirage before it undergoes a three-year transformation into the new Hard Rock Las Vegas.
Search for Temporary Poker Room
The memo also reveals that Caesars Entertainment is searching for a temporary location to open a Caesars Palace poker room during the renovation. However, no suitable place has been found yet, and there is no guarantee that one will be.
The current poker room at Caesars Palace opened 10 years ago near the sportsbook and Mesa Grill, just before the property’s former poker room was repurposed for an expansion of the former Pure nightclub.
Impact on Poker Players
The closure and renovation of the poker room at Caesars Palace may inconvenience regular poker players and visitors who enjoy the casino’s poker offerings. The potential absence of a dedicated poker room during the renovation period could lead players to seek alternative venues on the Strip or participate in WSOP events.
Conclusion
Caesars Palace’s decision to temporarily close its poker room for renovations reflects the casino’s focus on maximizing revenue from high-limit slot areas. While the poker room’s closure may be inconvenient for players, the potential updates and changes to the casino’s layout aim to enhance the overall gaming experience. As Caesars Entertainment continues to explore temporary options for poker enthusiasts, the renovation marks a significant shift in the casino’s strategy to prioritize high-limit gaming spaces.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.