All of the live table games and their dealers are being replaced by electronic alternatives at the Golden Gate. This weekend, Casino.org's Vital Vegas blog verified the information on behalf of Circa Hospitality Group, the owner of the casino in downtown Las Vegas.
The Golden Gate is "reimagining our casino floor with a high-energy electronic table games pit unlike anything downtown has seen," according to a statement sent to Vital Vegas via email by Circa Hospitality Group.
Making negative news seem positive is one of the main responsibilities of publicists.
“Expect more excitement, faster gameplay, and all the newest machines,” the statement continued.
The majority of casinos now offer electronic games, but only Casino Royale in Las Vegas is reported to have completely switched out live table games for them.
“As expressed previously, the demand for live table games is declining while the cost of operating table games is rising,” Vital Vegas explained, though he admitted not seeing the Golden Gate news coming.
No Golden Gate table game dealers will lose their employment as a result of the relocation, according to the owners' statement, as everyone would be given "the opportunity to explore new departments within the company" or positions at Circa or the D.
This is a good time to point out that the Golden Gate is the only casino in Las Vegas that has dealers for dancing table games.
"The idea [that] an iconic, old-school casino will be without live table games rejiggers one’s reality and understanding of what casinos are, and what they will be moving forward,” Vital Vegas wrote.
Other onlookers were less amazed and more resentful.
“Golden Gate with live tables feels like Sinatra without the suit,” @CharleneLoveLVV posted on X.
“Sad to hear this,” commented a user beneath Vital Vegas’ post announcing the change. “Hopefully they will not continue to market Golden Gate as ‘old Vegas.’ That would be an insult to all of us.”
Vital Vegas received the following statement from Derek Stevens, who co-owns Circa Hospitality Group with his brother Greg Stevens, outlining the relocation:
"We still get people who ask me if we are going to bring back deep-fried Twinkies,” he wrote. “My response has never changed: we’re thinking about it. Eventually, people move on, particularly if you give them a great product. With what we are doing at Golden Gate, we have the ability to be a leader and create one of the coolest vibes in Vegas.”
Since the Golden Gate isn't actually the oldest casino in Las Vegas, some individuals could find this news even more unsettling.