Could poker players soon return to the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas? The buzz is building after Treasure Island Hotel & Casino announced plans to reopen on May 15th, sparking cautious optimism that live poker in Vegas might not be too far off.
According to the property’s official website, reservations are being accepted for arrivals starting May 15th—though the reopening date remains subject to change pending further developments in the fight against COVID-19.
Why Poker Players Care About Treasure Island
While Treasure Island isn’t a go-to for poker action, it holds a special place in the poker community thanks to its affordable rates and prime location. During the World Series of Poker (WSOP), many players opt to stay there due to its proximity to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, where the series is typically held.
Should Treasure Island follow through with its reopening, it could set the stage for larger poker venues like Bellagio, Aria, and Wynn to also gear up for welcoming back players to their legendary poker rooms.
What Does the State Say?
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak previously ordered all nonessential businesses—including casinos—to remain closed through April 30th. While he hasn’t extended the shutdown as of this writing, state health officials stress that two weeks of declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations must occur before any phased reopening can begin.
Governor Sisolak has consistently emphasized public health and safety over a quick economic reboot, stating that reopening too soon could erase hard-won progress in the fight against the pandemic.
Controversial Push from Las Vegas Mayor
Meanwhile, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman has stirred national controversy with her calls to reopen the Strip. In a recent CNN interview with Anderson Cooper, she even suggested that Las Vegas workers could serve as a “control group” to test the effectiveness of social distancing. The remark drew swift backlash, with critics pointing to the potential human cost of such an “experiment.”
