As a long-time poker player who has been loyal to The Venetian for years, I’m incredibly disappointed by how the casino has treated me, leading to an unfair and deeply unjust ban. Over the years, I’ve chosen The Venetian for its quality poker room and welcoming environment, but my recent experience with the management team has left me questioning the values of this establishment.
A year ago, my troubles began when an assistant manager developed an inexplicable vendetta against me, targeting me in ways that felt both personal and discriminatory. This started one day as a friend and I were cashing out. My friend, who was playing in the VIP room, cashed out there, while I went to the regular cashier. The manager followed us and repeatedly made unnecessary remarks, saying things like, “Easy money, huh?” and “I don’t know where he’s winning all that money from,” which created an uncomfortable atmosphere. This hostility grew worse over time.
During a separate incident, I was having friendly banter with a dealer, and while talking, I tapped her on the back. The same assistant manager witnessed this interaction, and although the dealer herself had no issue, the manager immediately reported it as if I had hit the dealer. Despite knowing the context, the manager escalated the situation and got me temporarily banned from the casino. They assured me then it was a short-term measure and that I could return later. Since then, each time i’ve tried to go back, i’ve been turned away.
Two weeks ago, I decided to try to go back again, and they let me in without any issues. My name was no longer on the banned list, and they advised me to check in with a poker manager named Tommy to ensure everything was cleared for me to play again. I waited patiently to speak to Tommy, but after a very long wait, I was told he had already left for the day – despite knowing I was there waiting to speak with him. Suddenly, six security guards appeared and escorted me out of the casino, as if I were some kind of threat.
This has become nothing short of a personal vendetta. Other players who have engaged in actual disruptive behavior, such as yelling and even violence, were given short, three-week bans. Yet, my minor interaction was exaggerated and punished severely, leaving me banned indefinitely. This situation reeks of discrimination and reflects poorly on The Venetian, a casino I once held in high regard.
The management’s actions toward me have been deeply disappointing, and I urge The Venetian to revisit their policies and ensure that personal bias is not allowed to influence how players are treated. What happened to me is a stain on an otherwise reputable establishment, and I hope no other player has to endure the kind of targeted mistreatment I’ve faced.
