Exciting developments continue to unfold in the world of poker, from significant changes on the Las Vegas Strip to major expansions in Irish poker tournaments. In this edition of our poker news roundup, we explore the closing of a prominent Las Vegas poker room, details regarding the upcoming Irish Poker Open, and the latest on poker legislation in Pennsylvania.
2025 Irish Poker Open Schedule
The Irish Poker Open has established itself as one of the premier events on the poker calendar, and the 2025 edition promises to elevate that status even further. The organizers have announced an expanded schedule for the 45th version of this prestigious tournament, aiming to exceed the remarkable turnout of 2024.
With a staggering 5,320 participants entering last year’s Mini Main event, which featured a €1 million guarantee for a modest €250 buy-in, the Irish Poker Open has solidified its place in history as the largest poker event ever held in Ireland. Fueled by last year’s success, the 2025 edition will introduce an additional four days to the schedule, offering players more opportunities to engage in thrilling poker action.
“We are thrilled to announce that the Irish Open will be extended by an additional four days next year,” said organizers Paul O’Reilly and JP McCann. “Our goal has always been to expand the event and ensure players have an unforgettable experience in Dublin, both at the tables and beyond. We are also delighted to continue our strong partnership with PokerStars and Paddy Power as our event sponsors, whose support helps us deliver a world-class poker experience.”
Scheduled to run from April 10 to 21, the event will take place at the Royal Dublin Society. Interested players can find the full schedule of tournaments here. Moreover, satellites for the €1,000 Main Event will commence on Paddy Power starting November 1, with additional feeder events launching on PokerStars in Europe shortly thereafter.
Saying Goodbye to Sahara Poker Room
In a move that has become increasingly common across the Las Vegas Strip, Sahara Las Vegas has announced the closure of its seven-table poker room. This decision, motivated by a desire to allocate space for more lucrative slot machines, marks the seventh poker room to shut its doors since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the pandemic did indeed leave a lasting impact on the gaming industry, this latest closure indicates a shift in priorities within the casino. Sahara aims to tap into the growing market for slots, as mentioned by casino representatives who confirmed that the newly designed gaming area would feature dedicated slot banks, introducing players to innovative gaming options.
“When it debuts in mid-December, the enhanced offerings will include dedicated slot banks where players can be some of the first in Las Vegas to play the newest test games from top gaming content providers,” said a Sahara spokesperson. The poker room is set to close on November 16, contributing to an ongoing trend of poker room closures in iconic Las Vegas establishments, including the Excalibur, Tropicana, Mirage, Harrah’s, Planet Hollywood, and the Flamingo.
Pennsylvania’s Steps Toward Online Poker Expansion
In a significant development for online poker enthusiasts, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has voted unanimously to begin the process of joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Act (MSIGA). This legislative move promises to create a larger online poker pool across state lines, enhancing the competitive landscape for players.
The board’s decision came after Governor Josh Shapiro urged the body to pursue MSIGA membership in a letter detailing the potential benefits. If approved, this inclusion would allow Pennsylvania’s online poker rooms to collaborate and share player liquidity with other member states, similar to what the WSOP Online has successfully leveraged with players from New Jersey, Nevada, and Michigan.
Current MSIGA members include Delaware and West Virginia, although the latter has yet to reintroduce its online poker offerings following the closure of its previous room. While the exact timeline for Pennsylvania’s entry into MSIGA remains uncertain, the state is poised to become part of a larger online poker ecosystem that is evolving across the United States.
As we continue to witness transformative changes in the poker landscape, players can anticipate vibrant tournaments in Ireland, new gaming opportunities in Las Vegas, and the unfolding of more expansive online poker options across states. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the world of poker!
