Poker Palace to Shut Down as Las Vegas Declining Tourism Hits Local Casinos

Longstanding Poker Palace Casino, located on Las Vegas Boulevard in North Las Vegas, will permanently close on October 1, 2025. The Coleman family, sole owners of the venue located five miles north of the Strip’s edge, announced the shutdown through a July 29 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act filing submitted by law firm Cohen-Johnson.

The closure will terminate all 126 positions at the casino. Affected roles include 17 table game dealers (10 poker, seven blackjack), 10 security personnel, and hospitality staff ranging from cooks to slot attendants. “The first job loss will occur on September 30, 2025,” confirmed attorney Steven Cohen in a state-mandated notification to Nevada employment officials.

End of an Era

Poker Palace Casino, launched in 1974 as a 700-square-foot venue with eight slot machines and two pool tables, evolved into a 25,000-square-foot gaming destination featuring 300 slots, multiple table games, and electronic bingo. The self-proclaimed “Locals’ Casino” built its reputation on $3 blackjack tables and Maddy’s Café—a late-night eatery once hailed as “one of North Las Vegas’ favorite restaurants”.

Clark County records reveal that Madison Coleman Investments LLC, owned by the Coleman family, owns the 4.8-acre property zoned for casino and hotel use. Despite last year’s $25,000+ property tax payment, the venue’s taxable value dropped by 4% to $2.14 million for 2025/26, signaling financial challenges before its closure.

Regional Downturn

Poker Palace is not the only venue that is shutting down with mass layoffs. The current slump in Las Vegas, attributed to rising operational costs, dwindling visitors, and online gambling access, has sparked 650 job losses across 10 businesses since July, according to WARN Act filings. The downturn extends beyond tourist hubs to local establishments like Poker Palace.

The casino owners finalized the sale agreement, with attorney Cohen explaining, “The transaction is expected to close on or about October 1.” No buyer details or reopening plans have been revealed, leaving the casino’s future uncertain.

Worsening Tourism Metrics

Poker Palace’s closure comes at a challenging time for Las Vegas, which financial analysts note is among the first places to be affected by economic downturn due to its dependency on discretionary spending. While some venues catering to locals and budget-minded visitors continue to thrive, others like Poker Palace are struggling, showing a larger tourism decline trend in the city.