Las Vegas's iconic poker scene is rapidly shrinking. Resorts World recently confirmed that its poker room will close on March 30, 2026. By then, only 8 poker rooms will remain on the Las Vegas Strip, down from 31 before the pandemic. Simply put, young people no longer enjoy offline poker, forcing casinos to make room for more profitable businesses.
Wave of Closures: Poker rooms plummet from 31 to 8 post-pandemic
Since its opening in 2021, the poker room at Resorts World has been a key venue for poker events, but the number of participants in the main event of the North American Poker Tour has dropped from 895 to 738 by 2025. Although poker still has its loyal fans, it is no longer the main source of revenue for casinos—data from the UNLV Center for Gaming Research shows that in 2024, poker revenue accounted for less than 2% of the annual average revenue of the Strip's casinos. In January this year, the poker room at Planet Hollywood had already closed ahead of schedule. Data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board shows that in January 2026, the statewide gaming revenue fell by 11%.
Generational Shift: Young people move online, diminishing demand for physical poker tables
Conservative activists point out that nearly all gamblers under 40 are betting online, with few making the trip to Las Vegas solely for the traditional casino experience. The rise of online poker and gaming platforms further weakens the demand for physical poker rooms. Nonetheless, top-tier events like the World Series of Poker still attract a large number of participants, and events like the Wynn Millions continue to break records in terms of participant numbers and prize pools.
Transformation Pain: Resorts World to introduce new gaming opportunities
A spokesperson for Resorts World stated that the closure of the poker room is to introduce new gaming opportunities, with details yet to be announced. As poker culture contracts, Las Vegas is attracting a new generation of visitors with a richer entertainment experience. Want to stay updated on the latest trends in the Las Vegas gaming industry? PASA official website keeps you informed.
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