The rising interest in poker has translated into big money for casinos. They make their money from taking a small percentage from each pot. According to the Nevada gaming board in 2005 Nevada casinos earned 140 million from this alone.
With the number of poker players growing at an alarming rate the Venetian hotel and casino is making a 3rd attempt to operate a poker room for large tournaments. They are hoping the 3rd time is the charm it sure is the most expensive.
The casino joins a long line of other casinos trying to cash in on the poker craze
With the unveiling of an 11,000 square foot poker room near the racing and sportsbook area.
When the Venetian casino opened its doors 7 years ago they tried a small poker room that had to close because of lack of interest. Several years latter again they tried and once again they failed.
But with the recent rise in pokers popularity, so much to the point of having no less then 6 television shows centered on poker tournaments they have decided it is worth another try.
"It's something our customers have been asking for," said Kenneth Davenport, The Venetian's vice president of casino operations. "Right now, with the interest in poker and the demand for the game, it makes sense to bring a room back. But we wanted to do it in a way that appeals to all players."
The Casino has spent over 2.5 million dollars re-doing a section of the casino removing hundreds of slot machines to replace them with 39 poker tables.