Wynn Las Vegas Poker Room

Last August, I wrote in a column that I had made the decision to go back to work full time at what I believe will be one of the most prominent poker rooms in the world. That same month, I started work at Wynn Las Vegas, and have been busy ever since, getting ready for the April 28 opening.

Over the last few months, I have heard many rumors flying around about the room, including whether there will actually be a poker room, and if so, how many tables it will contain. With the opening of the casino less than one month away, I thought I would take this opportunity to clear up some of the rumors, and also provide an overview of what you can expect at the Wynn Las Vegas poker room.

In keeping with the Wynn tradition, the property will have a poker room, and I am confident that it will be a great place to play poker. The 27-table poker room is located right off the casino floor, not far from the sportsbook, and is centrally located in relation to almost everything in the building. Also, it is located very close to the main parking garage, which will enable poker players to park and walk right to the poker room. Valet parking is also located near the poker room.

The room will have many amenities and features unique to a Las Vegas poker room. All tables will have automatic shufflers, which are becoming commonplace in poker rooms around the country, and I believe they will be the standard instead of the exception very soon.

All of the games lists will be run with a state-of-the-art sign-up system. The lists will be displayed on plasma TVs located strategically throughout the poker room. In addition, hotel guests will be able to see the same lists on their hotel room televisions, allowing them to call the poker room to put their name on a list and then watch as their name moves up the list.

A player who puts his name on a list will be able to check out a beeper and be paged when his name is approaching the top of the list. This will allow a player to enjoy other areas of the casino while he waits to play poker.

All players will be given the opportunity to have their play tracked in the poker room. Hours played will be converted to comp dollars that can be used at any of the 18 restaurants located within the casino.

The room is beautifully decorated and will have 20 plasma TVs located throughout, so that each player will be able to watch his favorite sporting event. In addition, there will be sports tickers to keep players up to date on ongoing sporting events.

As is the case with any new poker room, the limits and games spread will depend on what the players want to play. The poker room staff will spread any game, provided there is room to do so. The opening-day plan is to offer a variety of hold'em games, from $4-$8 to $80-$160, and higher. In addition, there will be many no-limit hold'em games offered at various buy-ins. Omaha eight-or-better, mixed games, and seven-card stud will also be offered.

Wynn Las Vegas has taken a bold step in signing one of the most popular poker players in the world to serve as its poker ambassador. Daniel Negreanu will play exclusively at Wynn Las Vegas when he is in town. Daniel's personality and poker accomplishments make him the most exciting player to watch on TV. In addition, he is known for his accessibility to beginner and recreational poker players. Look for some exciting promotions and events of which Daniel will be a part.

The director of poker for Wynn Las Vegas is Deborah Giardina, formerly of Canterbury Park Card Club in Minnesota. The shift managers include Jesse Hollander, Cathleen McCall, Dave Eglseder, and myself.

The Wynn Las Vegas poker room will be an exciting and enjoyable place to play poker, combining the tradition of Las Vegas poker with a new and refreshing atmosphere.

If you have any questions about the poker room, you may e-mail me at [email protected].