In another sign of the changing landscape of Las Vegas’ iconic poker scene, Resorts World has confirmed the closure of its poker room by March 30, 2026. This move adds to a growing trend on the Strip, where poker offerings have dwindled, partly due to declining tourism and shifting consumer preferences.

A Shift in Las Vegas’ Gaming Landscape

The closure, which will leave only eight poker rooms operating on the Las Vegas Strip, follows a broader downturn in tourism. In February, the city’s tourism was down by 7.5% from the previous year, marking a sharp contrast to the peak figures seen before the pandemic. Resorts World’s poker room had been a significant part of the property’s offerings since its opening in 2021, but despite hosting high-profile events like the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT), the room saw a decline in attendance at the 2025 NAPT, with the Main Event dropping from 895 entries in 2024 to 738.

A spokesperson for Resorts World explained that the decision was made as part of the casino’s efforts to bring in new gaming opportunities, although specific details regarding what will replace tthe poker room remain undisclosed. “We look forward to introducing new offerings that reflect our continued commitment to dynamic, high-quality experiences,” the spokesperson stated.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Las Vegas boasted a robust poker scene, with numerous rooms spread across the city. However, the pandemic and its aftermath have reshaped the city’s gaming environment. For example, the Planet Hollywood poker room, which had recently reopened after its COVID-related closure, shut down in January 2026. With Resorts World’s departure, only eight poker rooms will remain on the Strip, a far cry from the 31 rooms that existed before the pandemic.

The shift is partly driven by the changing dynamics of the gaming industry. While poker still enjoys a loyal fan base, it is no longer a major revenue driver for casinos. According to data from the UNLV Center for Gaming Research, poker accounted for less than 2% of annual revenue at “average” Strip casinos in 2024. This lack of profitability has led to the closure of several poker rooms, even as other gaming segments, like slots and table games, continue to thrive.

Challenges Faced by Las Vegas Poker

One of the factors contributing to the decline in poker rooms is the evolving nature of gambling preferences. As more young gamblers turn to online gaming, in-person poker has become less appealing, particularly to younger demographics. As reported by Fox News, Conservative activist Robby Starbuck, host of “The Robby Starbuck Show,” suggested that online gambling has become a preferred choice for nearly everyone under 40. “Now nearly everyone under 40 who bets seems to do it online,” Starbuck said, noting that few individuals in this age group frequent Las Vegas for traditional casino gambling.

Additionally, poker’s status as a niche offering, coupled with the rise of newer gambling options, has exacerbated its decline. The increasing popularity of online poker and betting platforms has further eroded the need for physical poker rooms. In fact, the entire Las Vegas gaming revenue for January 2026, as reported by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, showed an 11% drop compared to the previous year.

Despite these challenges, Las Vegas’ reputation as a global gaming hub remains intact. Major events such as the World Series of Poker (WSOP) continue to attract massive attendance, and the city remains home to some of the most prestigious poker tournaments worldwide. The Wynn Millions series, for example, continues to set records for attendance and prize pools.

Moreover, the ongoing redevelopment projects, including Resorts World’s investment in new entertainment offerings and facilities, signal a potential shift in how Las Vegas will appeal to future generations. While poker’s presence on the Strip may be shrinking, the broader gaming landscape is adapting, with a stronger emphasis on entertainment experiences that cater to both tourists and locals.

As for the poker community, while these closures are disappointing, they are unlikely to signal the end of poker in Las Vegas entirely. As long as iconic tournaments like the WSOP continue to draw poker enthusiasts, and with new offerings on the horizon, the city may still remain an integral destination for serious poker players.