The Las Vegas Strip continues to experience shifts in its gaming landscape, with Resorts World becoming the latest casino to shutter its poker room. The closure, slated for March 29, 2026, marks the second poker room to close on the Strip this year, signaling a broader trend impacting the city’s once-thriving poker scene. Resorts World, which opened its doors in 2021 with 29 poker tables, previously hosted the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT), but declining attendance figures ultimately led to this decision.
The decline in poker room presence mirrors a larger downturn in Las Vegas tourism. In 2025, the city saw an over 8% decrease in visitors compared to the previous year, a trend that appears to be directly affecting the local poker industry. Planet Hollywood’s poker room, which had briefly reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic, closed at the end of January 2026, foreshadowing the current situation at Resorts World. Despite these closures, Las Vegas remains a poker hub, currently boasting 18 poker rooms in operation, eight of which are located on the Strip – more than any other city in the United States.
A Changing Landscape for Las Vegas Poker
The decision to close the Resorts World poker room wasn’t sudden. Rumors began circulating during the 2025 NAPT, fueled by a noticeable drop in participation. Attendance at the 2025 NAPT was significantly lower than in 2024, with the Main Event experiencing a decline from 895 entries to 738, according to reports. This downturn in tournament attendance, coupled with the broader decline in Las Vegas tourism, ultimately sealed the fate of the poker room.
The current situation represents a significant change from a decade ago. The Las Vegas Strip once featured a much more extensive network of poker rooms, including those at The Strat (formerly Stratosphere), Harrah’s, Mirage, Monte Carlo (now Park MGM), Luxor, Excalibur, Treasure Island, Flamingo, and even smaller offerings at Circus Circus and Riviera. The pandemic and the subsequent decline in tourism have dramatically reshaped the city’s gaming offerings, leading to these closures.
However, the story isn’t entirely bleak. Despite the closures, the Las Vegas poker scene remains active. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) continues to draw record crowds annually, and events like the Wynn Millions, currently underway in March 2026, attract large fields of players. High-stakes cash games also continue to thrive at prominent casinos like the Aria, Bellagio, Wynn, and Venetian. The poker community remains resilient, finding opportunities even amidst these changes.
Tourism Decline and the Impact on Gaming
The 8% drop in Las Vegas tourism in 2025, as reported by industry analysts, is a key factor contributing to the challenges faced by poker rooms. A decrease in visitor numbers directly translates to fewer potential players, impacting revenue and ultimately leading to difficult decisions like the closure of Resorts World’s poker room. This decline is attributed to a variety of factors, including shifting travel patterns and increased competition from other gaming destinations.
The closure of Planet Hollywood’s poker room earlier this year further underscored the vulnerability of these establishments. Despite reopening after a pandemic-related hiatus, the room struggled to regain its footing and ultimately closed after just eight months. This demonstrates the challenges of re-establishing a poker presence in a changing market. The combined impact of these closures leaves Las Vegas with 18 operational poker rooms, a number that, while still significant, represents a continued decline from its peak.
The Future of Poker on the Strip
While the recent closures are concerning, industry experts suggest that poker is not “dead” in Las Vegas. The continued success of major tournaments like the WSOP and Wynn Millions, along with the thriving cash game scene, indicate a sustained demand for poker. However, the landscape is evolving, and casinos are adapting to changing player preferences and economic conditions.
The remaining poker rooms on the Strip are likely to focus on attracting a core group of dedicated players and offering a premium experience. This may involve investing in improved amenities, hosting larger tournaments, and catering to high-stakes players. The future of poker in Las Vegas will likely be characterized by a smaller, more focused, and potentially more profitable poker ecosystem.
The situation at Resorts World serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the Las Vegas gaming industry. Casinos must constantly adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences to remain competitive. The decline in poker room numbers is a symptom of broader trends impacting the city’s tourism and gaming sectors.
Looking ahead, the industry will be closely watching the performance of the remaining poker rooms on the Strip and the overall recovery of Las Vegas tourism. The next major event to watch is the 2026 World Series of Poker, which will provide a valuable indicator of the health of the poker community and the overall gaming market. Readers interested in staying updated on the latest developments in the Las Vegas gaming industry are encouraged to follow industry news sources and casino announcements.
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