North Las Vegas Casino Sold for $20 Million, Major Renovations Planned

The Poker Palace Casino in North Las Vegas has been sold for a total of $20 million, as confirmed by Clark County records. This price encompasses both the land and the building, excluding the current gaming operations. The buyer, Truckee Gaming LLC, based in Reno, announced plans to undertake comprehensive renovations at the property, with a reopening date targeted for early 2026.

The new owners officially closed the deal in early October and are investing substantially in the transformation of Poker Palace. Renovation plans include a complete interior and exterior remodel, the installation of new slot machines and gaming systems, a redesigned bar, expanded restaurant and kitchen facilities, updated restrooms, and a revitalized poker room. Originally opened in 1974, Poker Palace has been a fixture on Las Vegas Boulevard North.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas Earns Michelin Recognition

In other news regarding notable gaming establishments, the recently opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas has achieved the prestigious One-Key distinction in the 2025 Michelin Guide. This award makes it the only gaming resort in Nevada to receive this recognition. The resort, celebrated for its sophisticated design and luxury accommodations, was opened in December 2023.

The Michelin Key, which is modeled after the Michelin Star system for restaurants, evaluates properties based on five criteria: excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, distinct personality and character, value for price, and meaningful contributions to the surrounding community. Fontainebleau features 3,644 rooms and suites, approximately 150,000 square feet of gaming space, along with extensive meeting and convention facilities, restaurants, retail outlets, pools, nightlife venues, and a full-service spa.

Legal Developments in Gaming Industry

In legal news, Light & Wonder Inc. will be required to provide some of its math models related to hold-and-spin games released since 2021 to Aristocrat Technologies Inc.. U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro granted Aristocrat’s renewed motion for discovery in a copyright infringement lawsuit against Light & Wonder. The court had previously denied a similar request.

Light & Wonder expressed disappointment over the ruling but remains confident that no Aristocrat math has been used in any commercially released games aside from two specific titles: Dragon Train and Jewel of the Dragon. Aristocrat filed its original lawsuit in February 2024, alleging trade secret misappropriation, copyright infringement, and other violations. The litigation continues, with fact discovery set to conclude on December 15 and expert discovery set to close on March 16.

Missouri Prepares for Sports Betting Launch

Additionally, the Missouri Gaming Commission has announced that sports betting will officially commence on December 1. Eight licensed sportsbooks are expected to begin operations at midnight on that day. This rollout follows a state constitutional amendment approved by voters in November, which allows for up to 21 legal sportsbooks in Missouri.

The commission started issuing temporary licenses on October 1, with several expected licensees having ties to Nevada, including BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, and Circa Sports. Other companies anticipated to participate include DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Fanatics, and ESPN Bet. As part of the state’s plan, consumers can sign up for online wagering accounts starting on November 17. Notably, two of the mobile sportsbook licenses are classified as “untethered,” meaning they will not need to partner with a licensed casino: DraftKings and Circa. In contrast, BetMGM will collaborate with Century Casinos, while Caesars will affiliate with Harrah’s Kansas City and Horseshoe St. Louis.

These developments reflect significant changes in the gaming landscape, showcasing the ongoing evolution and growth of the industry across various regions.