Local Residents of North Las Vegas Express Grief Over Impending Shutdown of Poker Palace Casino, Which Operates for Over Half a Century
In the heart of North Las Vegas, a local institution is set to close its doors, leaving a gaping hole in the gaming landscape. The Poker Palace Casino, a fixture since 1974 with roots tracing back to 1951, will cease operations on October 1, 2025.
Originally known as Bunny's Bar, the casino has been a small, suburban favourite, catering to local patrons with amenities such as penny slots and prime rib. However, after more than five decades of service, the casino will shut down, resulting in the loss of 126 jobs. The first layoffs are scheduled for September 30, 2025.
The Poker Palace Casino's gaming floor spans 25,900 square feet, offering slot machines, table games, a sportsbook, bingo, and seven poker tables. Despite this, the casino does not feature a poker room or 3/2 blackjack with minimum bets less than $5, a rarity in the area once it closes.
The closure of the Poker Palace Casino marks the end of an era for a casino that has served the North Las Vegas community for over half a century. While the casino industry on the Las Vegas Strip remains robust, with major players like MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment optimistic about growth, smaller locals casinos like Poker Palace face different economic pressures. Recent reports suggest a challenging environment for smaller operators or those outside the main Strip corridor.
As for the future of the property, details about its sale have not been disclosed. It remains unclear who will acquire the land or what will replace the casino. However, the closure will undoubtedly impact the local gaming landscape, reducing the number of neighbourhood casinos offering traditional locals gaming and services near Nellis Air Force Base.
In summary, the Poker Palace Casino in North Las Vegas, a fixture since 1974 with roots to 1951, is closing in October 2025, ending over five decades of operation. Its shutdown signals shifts in the local gaming market and job losses, even as the broader Las Vegas Strip market remains optimistic about future growth. The future use of the now-vacant property has not been announced publicly.
- The Poker Palace Casino, a revelry hub since 1974 with origins tracing back to 1951, will cease its operation of classic casino-games such as blackjack, poker, and casino-games like bingo and slot machines, on October 1, 2025.
- Set in the core of North Las Vegas, the casino's imminent closure, coupled with the loss of 126 jobs from September 30, 2025, will significantly alter the casino-culture and gaming landscape in the region, mourned by those who frequented the suburban favourite.
- Despite its layout hosting sportsbook, slots, table games, and seven poker tables, the Poker Palace Casino lacked a dedicated poker room and 3/2 blackjack games with low minimum bets, a rarity and distinctive feature in nearby local casinos upon its closure.
