The new Venetian Poker Room has opened its doors, and the grand opening was a huge success. The room is located on the Palazzo side in the second-floor shops.  The highly anticipated opening was made special, as the staff made extra efforts to ensure that all players felt warmly welcomed. Even before stepping inside, I was impressed by the personalized touch as I texted to secure my spot on the MUG list and received a personal message from the renowned Tommy LaRosa, the esteemed Director of Operations for Poker at The Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino. With an impressive 25-year tenure at The Venetian, Tommy’s dedication has played a crucial role in transforming the room into the exceptional space it is today, and his contributions are truly outstanding.

Upon my arrival, I opted to park in the Palazzo garage due to the room’s proximity to the Palazzo side, despite its Venetian name. To improve navigation, I recommend the addition of more signs as the current ones are temporary. After a quick search, I located the room and was welcomed by a well-lit and inviting atmosphere filled with the buzz of enthusiastic players. The game selection was extensive, and the board displaying options was clear and easy to read. The knowledgeable staff at the front podium greeted me warmly, setting a positive tone for the evening. Tommy graciously escorted me to my table, where I joined the $1/3 Hold’em Game and lucked out with my seat draw as it was next to the rotating elite Poker Ambassadors, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

To my delight, a set of Venetian-branded playing cards awaited me on the table, and the staff promptly served up delectable hors d’oeuvres and drinks garnished with special poker-themed stir sticks. Throughout the evening, there were thrilling prize drawings, offering everything from show tickets to buy-ins, enhancing the excitement and engagement of the event.

       

The room’s layout is meticulously designed for convenience, with 50 spacious tables spread across 14,000 square feet. The chairs, padded for comfort, and the tables, equipped with charging ports, ensure a seamless gaming experience. The blue branded felt on the tables matches the cocktail waitress uniform, and the luxurious white leather top adds a touch of elegance. The cage, conveniently located within the room and staffed with friendly faces, makes cashing out a breeze. The thoughtful layout and the lively banter with the staff contribute to the overall enjoyable experience, making you feel comfortable and at ease. In the back of the room sits the highly anticipated streaming room. This exciting technical element to the poker room promises new opportunities for live streams, vlogging, and podcasting in the future. It is slated to be finished by the end of the year.

In addition to the room’s ambiance and exceptional staff, they have gone above and beyond by offering unbelievable player perks. From August 1 to December 31, 2024, all cash players will earn $3 in hourly poker rewards for any game type. They have also updated their promo-eligible games to include $4/$8 Limit, $8/$16 Limit, $1/$3 NLH, and $2/$3 NLM. The $3/$5 NLM is no longer part of the promo-eligible games, but it will only take a 10% rake up to a maximum of $5.

As a player and industry professional, I am thrilled by the new Venetian Poker Room and its potential to advance poker in Las Vegas. The room’s player-centric approach and high standards have impressed me, and I am eagerly looking forward to returning and experiencing all it has to offer. The Venetian Poker Room has set the bar high and has quickly become a must-play destination.