Going back to Vegas this summer? What to expect as live poker returns to the scene

With the world’s entertainment capital already running at full capacity, it’s only a matter of time until we see the full-fledged crowd back in Las Vegas’ doors. Since its economy reopened, tourism rates across Nevada have recorded a surge in visitors, with numbers expected to continue increasing as summer arrives. The anticipation remains high as interstate travelers look for that much needed vacation after a year of being confined in their homes.

In recent months, the city of Las Vegas has strived to get the majority of its population vaccinated, especially those employed in the casino industry which has made it entirely possible for table games as well as live poker to resume its normal operations. For those looking to jump into some felt action, players can expect the following developments in America’s gaming capital as highlighted below.

The city’s latest offering: Resorts World Las Vegas

A new luxury casino is coming to town as the awaited Resorts World Las Vegas officially opens this Thursday, June 24, 2021. Situated at the north end of The Strip, the $4.3 billion project is a sight to behold with the property appearing to have anything to do with entertainment available all in one roof.

Having been in development since 2013, the outstanding complex is almost ready to welcome guests to its massive property featuring a 117,000 square feet gaming area, 5.5-acre pool complex, an extensive array of retailers, over 40 food and beverage options, a 5,000-seat theater and of course, not one but two impressive clubs. Aside from this, travelers looking to stay in the complex are free to choose among its three Hilton hotels: Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts which all together houses a total of over 3,500 guestrooms and suites.

“After years of planning and constructing this monumental property with some of the most innovative partners in the industry, Resorts World Las Vegas will redefine the hospitality standard in Las Vegas with unmatched dining and entertainment, more variety of hotel accommodations than anywhere else on the Strip, and the city’s most progressive technology,” said Scott Sibella, President of Resorts World Las Vegas.

“We are filled with gratitude and excitement as we approach our opening this June and hope to play a role in Las Vegas’s rebound after what has been an incredibly challenging year for the destination and greater hospitality industry.”

The newly constructed Resorts World resort will likewise have its own signature poker room with further details on the newest addition yet to be revealed. However, from what we can see, the room appears to follow the same luxurious design with at least a dozen tables available for its upcoming games.

Live tournaments, eight/ nine-handed action and no plexiglass in most poker rooms

Live poker is reportedly making a great comeback in Sin City after a months-long hiatus with most if not all of its poker rooms now having returned to pre-pandemic standards. Plexiglass dividers, which were firstly removed by Wynn in the beginning of May, are now seen to have been removed across neighboring rooms including the Venetian, Bellagio, Aria, MGM and Sahara Poker Rooms among others. Closer to normal, eight and nine-handed games are also once again back in action as eager players flock to their favored venues for some live poker entertainment.

Looks like @PokerGO caught my bust out hand… damn this plexiglass is flimsy!

Oops. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/sgq6Cvz2h5

— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) May 30, 2021

Daniel Negreanu removing plexiglass

While online poker mostly compensated for last year’s lack of live events, this summer is about to get pumped with action as great value tournaments fill up the schedule for the next couple of weeks. Players planning for a visit can look forward to the $10 million GTD Wynn Millions happening this June 25th through July 3rd best of all.

The action doesn’t stop there as the WPT $5,000, $3 million GTD Main Event follows next at The Venetian from July 2-7. Players looking for a more modest option can instead head into Wynn’s Summer Classic $1,600 buy-in, $1.5 million GTD Mystery Bounty Event running simultaneously from July 2-6. Shortly after, circuit grinders can continue on to Wynn’s following $3,500 buy-in, $1 million GTD No Limit Hold’em Event running from July 7-9.

Closing in the busy three week schedule is WPTDeepStacks’ $2,400 buy-in, $2 million GTD event at the Venetian. The exciting multi-day tournament will feature three starting flights beginning on July 9 with the final day scheduled to play on the 13th.

Given the impressive current line up of events, a visit to the city will surely guarantee a huge adventure and exciting break from everyone’s regular hustle and bustle.

Fremont Street more alive than ever

With Vegas more than just The Strip, Fremont Street is similarly booming with life as crowds and live music make a return in the downtown entertainment district.

MONDAY night. Fremont Street. Anyone who is saying that Vegas isn’t back is lying to you. @VitalVegas pic.twitter.com/vpPNh0bx9y

— Jarvis (@JarvisPaulson) June 15, 2021

Last year’s 15-month break given the global health situation put a huge damper on the street’s 25th year celebration. Once the moment came and festivities were allowed, the Fremont Street Experience launched its free concert (better wear earplugs) conseries entitled “Downtown Rocks”.

“We expect this year to be better than any year in our history,” said Fremont Street Experience CEO, Andrew Simon. “I mean, the crowds we were starting to see immediately on June 1st and the activity and the liveliness and the people that are coming — it’s as good as it’s ever been out here.”

Coming soon: Cannabis consumption lounges

Adding to the fun tourists search for when visiting Vegas, cannabis consumption lounges are soon to be Sin City’s newest attraction. Just this week, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed a bill directed to license and regulate these up and coming establishments. A big move for the entertainment capital, visitors looking to get high can now do so without having to find a private location to do their business.

Expectedly, these lounges should be available to the public by October, with initially only 20 standalone lounges allowed and 10 of these licenses going to social equity applicants. For now, further details and restrictions are still being finalized in preparation for its opening later this fall. It has been decided, however, that a proper ventilation and exhaust system must be outfitted as well as proper training of staff.