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We're on our fourth new poker room search in eight years following the sequential departure of Monte Carlo April 2017, Mandalay in 2021 or 2022 (now back but persona is quite different), Sahara November 2024.
Life kept us away for 11 months. We did the new search this week, staying at Resort World and playing at Resort World, Red Rock, and Caesar's Palace.
The play at Red Rock and Caesar's were pleasant as to dealers and players, well-priced for the active non-pro player but quite on the small side. The result was payments to 2 or 3 players.
Caesar's was in a temp room (moving to the perm room in 4 days) so maybe the new room will draw more.
Resort World is a great venue given the many restaurants, attractive room rates for 5 star (why we stayed there) and an open, airy casino compared to the congested casino at CP. Not a definitive issue for a dedicated player but likely a point for a family and social player.
One afternoon tourney was called for lack of players after an hour. A bounty tourney that night had two table and an alternate list that would have supported a third.
The players were a good mix of regular locals, out-of-towners of regular players and a number of European players. For the most part good players with good attitudes and little drama.
That night we played a bounty tournament at Resort World. It ran about 6 hours for us. 20 minute rounds (welcome after 12 minute cycles at other rooms) and quite a few experienced dealers to keep the play fresh. One was unhappy but the others were fine. At the end we finished 2nd and 3rd, with my wife grabbing 5 bounties. Entry was $200. I needed two. Pot was for 3 which kept to prizes fair-sized c
A mystery bounty was held the next day, $240. Poor decisions led to 4 entries by me, to no benefit. This game drew more Europeans but i never figured out if they planned the trip for that game or it was kismet.
That evening we had a repeat of the usual bounty format ($50 per bounty). Many of the same players from the prior night. We again finished 2 and 3 but this time I netted 9 bounties. Good play, well-run room with casual, friendly air. Plenty of player accommodation. (Probably not realistic in a 100+ player game.
The cutoff for entry was 3+ hours and a list of alternates. I think having 3 tables would be better for house and players as surely some give up and leave. And as a player it seemed like a whack a mole game in which no matter how many players were knocked out, new entries appeared.
Our home game venue usually has two tables in the day, three at times. Fewer dealers on hand so RW is ahead there.
At this point we think we've found a new go to room for Las Vegas, and hotel for that matter. Note: the Hilton at RW is the closest of the 3 RW property hotels to the Poker Room, but none are distant.
The room is very clean, well-lit, and fairly good beverage service. Never saw any food ordered or eaten. Odd that no tables had drink holders. Chairs were excellent. No restrooms in or very close to the room. Distance to nearest works ok to make it there, do, and return in a break with some focus.
I have no idea why attendance is light. They are hosting the North American next week; maybe that will help.
