Sahara Shuts Down Poker Room as 45th Iris Poker Open Schedule is Announced

The dynamic world of poker continues to evolve, showcasing both exciting expansions and notable closures. In this latest orbit of poker news, CardsChat reports on the closure of Sahara Las Vegas’s poker room, alongside the highly anticipated expansion of the Irish Poker Open for 2025.

2025 Irish Poker Open Schedule

The excitement surrounding the Irish Poker Open is building as organizers unveil the schedule for its 45th iteration. After achieving record-breaking attendance last year, with the Mini Main Event attracting 5,320 participants and boasting a €1 million guarantee prize pool for a €250 buy-in, the stakes have been raised for 2025.

To capitalize on last year’s momentum, organizers Paul O’Reilly and JP McCann have extended the event by an additional four days. “We are thrilled to announce that the Irish Open will be extended by an additional four days next year,” they proclaimed in a recent press release. “Our goal has always been to expand the event and ensure players have an unforgettable experience in Dublin, both at the tables and beyond.”

The series is set to take place from April 10 to April 21 at the Royal Dublin Society, promising a packed schedule filled with thrilling tournaments. Full details can be found on their official website. The sponsorship from PokerStars and Paddy Power continues to bolster the event’s profile, and feeder satellites for the €1,000 Main Event will commence on Paddy Power starting November 1, with additional opportunities arising on PokerStars across Europe.

Saying Goodbye to Sahara

In stark contrast to the Irish Poker Open’s expansion is the recent closure of the poker room at Sahara Las Vegas, marking yet another notable retreat in the Las Vegas Strip’s poker scene. The casino plans to shut down its seven-table poker room on November 16, opting to replace it with more slot machines, tapping into a lucrative avenue despite the nostalgic loss fellow poker enthusiasts may feel.

The closure of Sahara’s poker room is reminiscent of other well-known venues that have also ceased poker operations since March 2020, including the Excalibur, the Tropicana, Mirage, Harrah’s, Planet Hollywood, and Flamingo. While watching poker rooms shutter can evoke a somber sense of loss for the poker community, casino operators are increasingly focused on adapting to changing market dynamics and maximizing profitability.

The Sahara aims to debut its fresh slot offerings in mid-December, promising dedicated slot banks and new gaming experiences—although players and fans of the poker room may express a collective sigh at this shift in priorities.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Welcomes New Opportunities

Turning our attention to developments on the regulatory front, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recently voted unanimously to initiate the process of joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Act (MSIGA). This development is an exciting step for online poker enthusiasts in Pennsylvania, as it would allow the state to share online poker pools across state lines, an ability currently only leveraged by the WSOP Online in select states like New Jersey, Nevada, and Michigan.

This advancement comes as Governor Josh Shapiro has encouraged the board to pursue MSIGA membership, signaling Pennsylvania’s desire to enhance its online gaming offerings. Given that Delaware and West Virginia are already members—though the latter currently lacks operational online poker rooms—the impending inclusion of Pennsylvania would significantly expand player liquidity and improve competition in the online poker space.

Although the process is set to take several months, the integration of Pennsylvania into the MSIGA is expected to revolutionize online poker in the state, creating a more robust environment for players and operators alike.

As always, the world of poker continues to evolve with both opportunities and challenges on the horizon, making it an exciting time for poker enthusiasts worldwide.