Sahara Las Vegas to Close Poker Room, Shifting Focus to Slots

Sahara Las Vegas, situated on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip, is set to close its seven-table poker room on November 16. The decision comes as the casino prepares to replace the poker area with a new slot machine section, slated to debut in mid-December. This transition reflects a broader trend in Las Vegas, where smaller poker rooms have struggled to maintain profitability, prompting operators to pivot toward more lucrative gaming options.

According to Sahara’s General Manager, Paul Hobson, the new slot area will feature “dedicated slot banks,” offering players an opportunity to engage with the latest test games from prominent gaming providers. This move to enhance the slot machine experience echoes similar changes across Las Vegas, where many casinos have reallocated space to accommodate high-demand slot machines, appealing to a wider range of customers.

Here are the key points:

The closure of the poker room marks the end of a vibrant hub known for its lively atmosphere, featuring regular tournaments, including the popular weekly Crazy Pineapple game, and cash games with accessible buy-ins. However, as the casino adapts to evolving market demands, these offerings will be discontinued.

The challenges facing poker rooms, particularly in smaller or mid-sized casinos, have been significantly exacerbated in recent years, especially in the wake of the pandemic. This period has witnessed a notable decline in the popularity and profitability of poker, leading several well-known venues, such as Planet Hollywood and the Mirage, to permanently shutter their poker operations. Others, like Caesars Palace, have chosen to temporarily close their poker rooms, reallocating that space to accommodate high-limit slot areas that promise better returns.

Industry experts have increasingly noted that poker is often regarded as a “loss leader” by casinos, meaning it does not generate sufficient profit compared to the more lucrative slot machines and other gaming attractions. As such, many casinos are pivoting their focus to enhance their slot offerings. The Sahara's forthcoming slot area is anticipated to draw in players eager to explore the latest gaming innovations, indicating a significant shift in the overall gaming landscape in Las Vegas.

Poker has increasingly been regarded as a ‘loss leader’ by many casinos, unable to match the profitability of slots and other gaming attractions.

The Future of Sahara Las Vegas

While the closure of Sahara’s poker room underscores a broader decline in live poker options along the Strip, there are potential new developments that could revitalize the poker scene in the city. Bally’s is expected to incorporate a dedicated poker room into its future casino project associated with the new Oakland A’s stadium, which may attract a fresh wave of players. Additionally, the Seminole Tribe's ambitious plans to transform the Mirage into a Hard Rock property could include the introduction of new poker facilities, leveraging their established presence in the poker market in Florida.

As Sahara Las Vegas transitions away from poker, this shift exemplifies the ongoing evolution of the gaming industry on the Strip. It highlights the delicate balance casinos must maintain between offering traditional gaming options and adapting to the growing demand for more profitable ventures, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.