The Poker Palace Casino in North Las Vegas is getting a second chance at life. In August, the casino announced its closure, with plans to shut down operations in October. However, the property has been bought by Truckee Gaming, a Reno-based gaming company, which plans to revamp the casino and reopen it in 2026.
“We believe we can put ourselves in position to draw more clientele with just a better strategy and capital reinvestment,” said Pete McHugh, Chief Operating Officer of Truckee Gaming, speaking to the Nevada Gaming Control Board last week.
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Truckee Gaming’s Vision for Poker Palace
Poker Palace has been a staple in the Las Vegas gaming scene since its opening in 1974, but it has struggled to maintain its relevance in the highly competitive market. Truckee Gaming is hoping to breathe new life into the casino with a comprehensive overhaul of the property.
Truckee’s plans include significant changes to both the interior and exterior of the casino. McHugh emphasized the importance of reinvestment in bringing in more customers.
“With the right approach and capital infusion, we can create a more appealing environment that will attract a fresh customer base,” he explained.
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Renovations: A Complete Overhaul of Poker Palace
The renovations will be extensive, starting with the addition of new gaming systems, including a more modern and diverse selection of slot machines. Truckee also plans to redesign the casino’s bar and expand the restaurant and kitchen. The renovation will also include updated restrooms and a refreshed exterior to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the property.
Poker Palace has been a low-key operation over the years, but the new owners aim to elevate the experience and make it more competitive in the Las Vegas market. “We want to ensure that this is a place where both locals and tourists alike can come to enjoy a high-quality gaming experience,” McHugh said.
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Employee Retention and Future Job Prospects
As part of the transition, Truckee Gaming has assured that key salaried employees, security officers, and management staff will be retained on the payroll during the renovation phase. Managers will continue working out of Truckee’s other property, Club Fortune in Henderson, until the Poker Palace renovations are completed.
The fate of the remaining 126 employees who worked at Poker Palace before its closure remains uncertain. While Truckee has not specified if all positions will be retained, the company has shown a commitment to supporting its current staff through this transition.
“We’re going to be looking at the most efficient way to rebuild and make sure we keep as many jobs as possible during this period,” said McHugh. “Our goal is to ensure that the workforce is intact when we reopen.”
Poker Room Future: Will It Stay Open?
While the details about the Poker Palace’s poker room are still unclear, many believe it will remain a central feature of the casino.
“The name Poker Palace says it all,” McHugh said. “We’re very likely to continue offering poker in some capacity, as it’s an integral part of what the casino is known for.”
Interestingly, the trend of closing poker rooms in casinos has recently begun to reverse. High-profile establishments like Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood have reintroduced poker rooms, signaling a growing demand for poker gaming in Las Vegas. Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut also opened a new poker room just last week, adding to the momentum of poker’s resurgence in the industry.
Truckee Gaming’s Track Record and Industry Plans
Truckee Gaming is not new to the casino industry. The company operates 10 casinos, primarily in northern Nevada, and has a strong track record of managing gaming properties. They also own and operate Club Fortune in Henderson, which will serve as the temporary headquarters for the Poker Palace management team during the renovations.
“We are confident that the expertise we have gained from our other properties will help us successfully revitalize Poker Palace,” said McHugh. “With a focused investment in the property, we expect to see the casino flourish once again.”
The Future of Poker Palace
The decision to invest in Poker Palace’s revival underscores Truckee Gaming’s belief in the property’s potential. The renovation plans and the focus on modernization are expected to bring the casino up to current standards while retaining its classic charm. As the company moves forward with the renovation, many local residents and visitors will be eagerly awaiting the grand reopening in 2026.
“We are excited about this project and the opportunity to bring a fresh, new experience to both regular visitors and newcomers to the Las Vegas area,” McHugh concluded.
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FAQs About the Poker Palace Renovation
- When will Poker Palace reopen?
- Poker Palace is expected to reopen in 2026 after undergoing extensive renovations.
- What renovations are planned for the casino?
- Plans include new gaming systems, a redesigned bar, expanded restaurant and kitchen, updated restrooms, and an overall overhaul of the casino’s interior and exterior.
- Will the poker room stay open?
- While not officially confirmed, it is likely that the poker room will remain a feature of the casino, considering its name and the growing demand for poker in Las Vegas.
- What will happen to the employees of Poker Palace?
- Key salaried employees, security officers, and management will be retained during the renovation. The fate of the remaining staff is yet to be confirmed.
- Who owns Poker Palace now?
- The casino has been acquired by Truckee Gaming, a Reno-based company that operates several other casinos in Nevada.
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