By
Jerry Smith
Staff Writer Updated: 08/17/2020
Jerry’s greatest advantage is his extensive experience on the casino floor. His time as a casino manager taught him everything about what makes a player tick. Besides being a skilled poker player, he has deep knowledge of all live table games and gambling regulations in the US.
Las Vegas Live Poker
Following the COVID-19 lockdown, there was a lot of concern over the future of live poker at card rooms and casinos across the United States. Many were concerned because a maximum of four players had been implemented for live poker games in some parts of the country.
In addition, the increased risk of infection from sitting in close proximity meant that many casinos did not open their poker rooms even when they were allowed to open.
However, it now seems that the live poker scene in Las Vegas is starting to see improvements. There were only four poker rooms that were back in action when casinos were reopened in Nevada at the start of June. However, this has now increased to fourteen open poker rooms, leaving around seventeen still closed at present.
While there were initial instructions that only four players would be allowed at poker tables at any one time, the numbers have changed in line with actions that casinos have taken to improve safety and reduce the spread of infection.
The poker room at the Venetian opened in early June, and this came after regulators said that five players per poker table could be accommodated. This would allow for social distancing while still bringing people closer to the poker action they were used to compared to 4-handed play.
However, casino operators have since taken steps to increase the number of players even further. The Venetian has led the way with the installation of plexiglass screens that will now allow eight people to play at poker tables.
The Sahara has used dividers to enable seven people to sit at poker tables at any one time while still being protected from the risk of infection.
When asked whether any further steps would be taken, Steven Pique from the Sahara said:
If there are further safety measures I can take that will allow the [Nevada Gaming Control Board] to ease restrictions quicker, yes.
A number of other Las Vegas casinos have taken steps in order to allow more players at the tables. These include the Aria, Orleans, and MGM Grand, which have taken measures to allow six players at poker tables. For now, casinos including the Golden Nugget and Caesars Palace are offering five-handed poker gaming.
When Station Casinos opened its Nevada properties over recent weeks, it did so without poker rooms. However, earlier this week it reopened three of its poker rooms at the Santa Fe, Boulder Station, and Red Rock. All three of the venues now allow eight-handed poker games.
Station Casinos operates five poker rooms in Las Vegas, and while three have now been opened, the other two still remain closed. These are the poker rooms at Palace Station and Green Valley Ranch, Henderson.
Officials have said that poker gaming in Las Vegas and across Nevada should continue to improve over the coming months. As casinos and card rooms put improved measures into place, the reopening of poker rooms should speed up.
Jane ShawMay 18, 2024Read More
Jane ShawMay 15, 2024Read More
Jane ShawMay 13, 2024Read More
Jane ShawMay 11, 2024Read More