Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, Nevada has officially reopened its poker room, restoring a live poker option that had been absent from the property since the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening marks a notable milestone for both the resort and the surrounding community, bringing poker back to a venue that had long served local players before its closure in March 2020.
A Rebuilt Space Designed for Continuous Play
The poker room returned to its original location on the casino floor and now operates around the clock. The refreshed space includes 15 tables, upgraded audio and visual systems, and newly installed furnishings. Management timed the reopening to coincide with the resort’s 24th anniversary, as Green Valley Ranch first opened its doors on December 18, 2001.
Resort executives formally marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Vice President and General Manager Ken Janssen and Director of Table Games Briant Stanton welcomed hundreds of guests who lined up outside for the chance to be among the first to play in the reopened room.
The redesigned poker room features leather rail tables, updated seating with built-in charging ports, and stone and steel side tables. The room offers a bright, open atmosphere with a layout intended to support extended sessions and high traffic. The decision to keep the room open 24/7 reflects an effort to meet demand from both local players and visitors.
Game selection covers a broad range of stakes and formats. Cash games include 4/8 and 8/16 Limit Hold’em, 1/2, 2/3, and 3/5 No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo at 4/8, 6/12, and 8/16 limits. The room also spreads timed rake Hold’em games, with additional formats expected to be added in the future.
As reported by CDC Gaming, to celebrate the return of poker, the resort launched a 24/7 Mystery High Hand Promotion running through January 1. During the promotion, players can win between $50 and $500 every 30 minutes. All high-hand winners also receive entries into a $5,000 drawing scheduled for noon on January 1.
Closure, Delay, and a Long-Awaited Return
Green Valley Ranch closed its poker room in March 2020 when casino operations across Nevada shut down due to the pandemic. While the property reopened a few months later, social distancing requirements kept the poker room closed. Even after those restrictions were lifted, poker did not immediately return, leaving Henderson without a live room at the resort for several years.
Before the shutdown, the poker room was known as a popular off-Strip option, attracting both residents and tourists. With the relaunch, the casino aims to recapture that audience by offering a larger and more modern space. One account notes that the new room nearly doubles the number of tables available prior to the closure.
Janssen acknowledged player input in bringing poker back to the property, stating, “Poker’s home in Henderson is back at Green Valley Ranch. We took our guests’ feedback loud and clear and are pleased to announce the return of poker, among the many exciting upgrades happening at the property.”
Part of a Broader Renovation Strategy
The poker room reopening forms part of a $200 million renovation project underway at Green Valley Ranch. The multi-year initiative includes refreshed hotel rooms and suites, new high-limit gaming areas, upgraded dining options, and broader improvements across the casino floor and public spaces.
As part of that effort, the resort has been reworking its lobbies and accommodations. Janssen described the redesign approach by saying, “Every room and suite has been completely reimagined with bespoke finishes. Refined design and thoughtful touches that cater to the discerning modern traveler.” The renovation project began this year and is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2026.
The reopening also aligns with a wider trend of poker room growth across the United States in 2025. Several major properties have introduced new poker venues in recent months. Planet Hollywood and Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip both opened new rooms within the past seven months. Elsewhere, FireKeepers Casino in Michigan launched a 21-table poker room in May, Hard Rock Casino in Bristol, Virginia opened a 14-table room in February, and Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut debuted a 33-table poker room in September.
With Green Valley Ranch back in operation, the Las Vegas area now counts 21 full-time active poker rooms. The return of live poker to Henderson adds another option for players seeking a dedicated room outside the Strip while reinforcing the resort’s broader investment in its gaming offerings.
