Monday, June 23, 2008

Hard Rock to unveil “poker lounge”

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will introduce a new concept to live poker, opening a “poker lounge” this August.

The lounge plans to change the dynamic of a poker room, trying to give it the same edge and style that typifies Hard Rock endeavors while making the game a more laid-back experience, according to a story at cardplayer.com:

“It’s going to be half poker, half nightclub, and I don’t think that has ever been done before — not on a scale as big as this,” said Steve Cyr, Poker Lounge marketing manager.

In the Poker Lounge, which will be located across from the famous Mexican restaurant the Pink Taco, the clatter of chips will be muffled by loud party music to set the mood for fun, and instead of sidestepping between crowded tables, players will be able to easily navigate the 18-table room that’s spread out over a 7,000-square-foot area.

“The Hard Rock Poker Lounge philosophy is that we welcome any action,” said Poker Lounge Manager Houston Waldie. “We will spread any game our players want, and we will have knowledgeable staff to be able to do that.”

Tournaments will feature more than just cash prizes — bar tabs tickets to concerts and the like will often be offered, according to Hard Rock.

There will also be five private tables that can be reserved, in addition to bathrooms and bars inside the lounge.

The poker lounge is part of a $1.4 billion expansion/renovation at Hard Rock.

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