The biggest poker room on the Vegas Strip has just opened to stellar reviews, with big players and stakeholders alike calling it "pretty awesome." The Poker Room at the Venetian features bathrooms, a drink station, and all the other bells and whistles one would expect from the grandest poker room, and it has 49 tables that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip has once again set a new standard for luxury gaming with the grand opening of its expansive new poker room, fittingly named The Poker Room. The ultramodern facility, which was introduced on Thursday, spans 14,000 sq. feet, marking it the largest poker room on the Las Vegas Strip. The Venetian's latest addition promises to enrich the gameplay for poker aficionados, offering an unmatched gaming experience with an emphasis on luxury, convenience, and innovation.

An all-new gaming experience for poker enthusiasts

The Poker Room, set on the Grand Canal Shoppes' second floor, is a space designed with the poker player in mind. The room features 50 tables, with each table equipped with modern amenities such as USB charging ports. These tables cater to a variety of poker games, including mixed games, low- and mid-stakes no-limit hold 'em, along with pot-limit Omaha, ensuring that players of all skill levels find a game that suits their preferences.

In addition to the core offerings, The Poker Room boasts a range of amenities designed to enhance the overall experience. For instance, there is a self-service beverage station and kiosks for the casino's loyalty card program, which are just a few of the conveniences that players can enjoy. The space is designed to offer not just a game but an entire experience, one that combines luxury with practicality.

Tommy LaRosa, The Venetian's Director of Poker Operations, stressed that each new element of the poker room was designed to meet the needs of players. "We want to create a destination that every poker player must play at and everybody in Las Vegas is going to want to play on a daily basis," stated LaRosa at the unveiling.

A star-studded grand opening

The grand opening of The Poker Room was a lavish affair, attended by executives from The Venetian and celebrities alike. The event featured a ceremonial 'first hand of poker,' played by magician Shin Lim (who is all set to start his residency this coming October at The Palazzo Theatre) and Grammy-winning rapper Nelly. They were joined at the poker table by Venetian Chief Executive Officer and president Patrick Nichols and Chief Financial Officer Rob Brimmer, as well as poker professionals Scott Blumstein (the 2017 World Series of Poker winner), Joey Ingram, Farah Galfond, Jamie Kerstetter, and Matt Berkey.

This high-profile launch highlights The Venetian's commitment to maintaining its reputation as a premier poker destination in Sin City. The new room, now located between the Palazzo and Venetian casino floors, offers a more accessible and central position, making it easier for both professional and recreational players to enjoy all that it has to offer.

A luxurious gaming experience like no other

While The Poker Room's overall design draws inspiration from other top poker venues, such as the Wynn poker room, which is located nearby, it introduces some distinctive features that set it apart as well. The aesthetics of the room features a blue and white color scheme for the tables, completed by carpeting that enhances its luxurious feel. One notable feature that has been reintroduced is the soda machine and coffee station, which are self-service and a player favorite (particularly with renowned players like Allen Kessler).

The Venetian's new poker room was publicized in February and was designed to be the biggest and grandest in Vegas. With 49 tables offering a comprehensive range of games, it caters to all types of players, from casual participants to seasoned professionals. The poker room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and even has complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, further enhancing the luxurious feel. Additionally, players can earn about $3 per hour while playing games using cash, providing an extra incentive to enjoy the new space.

One of the most anticipated features of The Poker Room is the live streaming room, expected to be operational by the year's end. This addition will allow players to broadcast their games, adding a new layer of excitement and engagement to the poker experience at The Venetian.

Poker pros are awed by The Poker Room

The response from the poker community to The Poker Room's opening has been tremendously positive. On opening day, players were eager to experience the state-of-the-art facility. One of the notable players was Maria Konnikova, the ambassador of PokerStars, who was impressed with the modern facilities, noting, "The room is absolutely beautiful." She even shared a light-hearted comment about being the first player to make use of the new restrooms, highlighting the attention to detail in every aspect of the room's design.

Jon Friedberg, Chief Executive Officer of PokerAtlas, also praised The Poker Room, as he stated, "I think they did a great job on this room. It's got all the bells and whistles that a poker room can have - bathrooms in here, the drink station, self-serve drinks, beautiful room, livestream studio. I'm impressed."

A new era of poker rooms

The Venetian has acquired a reputation as a top destination for Las Vegas poker play, and the opening of The Poker Room further strengthens its status as a premier location for poker enthusiasts. With its luxurious design, innovative features, and focus on giving a truly unique player experience, The Poker Room is set to become a must-visit destination for anyone serious about poker.