It’s the end of an era for North Las Vegas. Poker Palace Casino — a longstanding neighbourhood haunt for half a century — will officially shut down operations on October 1. The closure will impact 126 employees, many of whom have spent decades with the property.
Once known as Bunny’s Bar back in the early ‘50s, the casino evolved over generations, weathering boom times and recessions, quietly tucked along North Las Vegas Boulevard near Nellis Air Force Base. But this October, the lights will flicker off for good.
A Long History, Quietly Lived
The Poker Palace wasn’t flashy. It didn’t try to compete with the glamour of the Strip or the sleekness of downtown. It didn’t have to.
It first opened its doors in 1974, carving out a niche as a locals-first casino with cheap eats, loyal staff, and a card room that once buzzed around the clock.
Locals knew it for its ribeye steak deals and bingo nights, not for big-name shows or $25 cocktails. Families would pass it on their way to work or base personnel might swing by after a shift.
You’d walk in and know the faces behind the bar. That’s what made it feel different.
Staff Given Notice; Community Shocked
The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation confirmed receiving closure notifications from the casino’s operators, along with formal filings sent to the Gaming Control Board and Gaming Commission. For the staff, it’s a blow that came quietly, but sharply.
Some had been working at the Poker Palace for decades — one floor manager said she’d been there since 1991.
“It’s not just a job to us,” she said. “It was a second home.”
Others found out through internal briefings earlier in the week, and now the countdown begins. Employees will be laid off as of October 1.
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126 workers are expected to be impacted
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No public comment has been issued by Poker Palace management
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The property has not shared plans for potential redevelopment
Why Now? Industry Shifts, Rising Costs, and Silent Struggles
The casino industry has been morphing for years — and the pandemic only sped things up.
Small casinos like Poker Palace have been squeezed from both ends. Rising operational costs, lower footfall, and increasing competition from more modernised venues mean it’s harder to stay afloat.
North Las Vegas has also seen sweeping redevelopment. Newer projects closer to downtown or the Strip — like Durango Resort or the revamped Sahara — pull away the weekend crowd. Add in higher wages, regulatory overhead, and even utility costs, and the balance sheet starts to look heavy.
Then there’s the technology piece. Cashless gaming, mobile sports betting, and AI-powered slots have reshaped consumer expectations. Poker Palace, with its old-school floor and retro signage, just never caught up.
One industry analyst said, “It’s like trying to run a VHS store in a Netflix world.”
Local Economy Will Feel the Ripples
Beyond nostalgia and neon, there are real financial stakes for the community. North Las Vegas already faces higher unemployment rates than neighbouring areas — and losing 126 jobs overnight won’t help.
Most affected employees work in service roles:
| Job Title | Estimated Positions Lost |
|---|---|
| Floor Staff | 40 |
| Food & Beverage | 35 |
| Security & Surveillance | 15 |
| Gaming & Tables | 22 |
| Management/Admin | 14 |
That means fewer paycheques going into rent, groceries, and school supplies. For families living paycheque to paycheque, even a short gap in income can be destabilising.
One employee, speaking anonymously, said they were “terrified” of starting over at their age. “I don’t know how to fill out online applications,” she said, quietly.
From Bunny’s Bar to the End of the Road
Before it became a casino, the building was known as Bunny’s Bar — opened in 1951. You could say it grew up alongside Las Vegas.
Those early years saw it evolve from a dusty roadside bar into a small gaming spot, then finally a full-service casino in the mid-70s. Poker Palace added slots, table games, and even a player rewards club long before it became standard.
It wasn’t fancy. But it was consistent.
Locals remember it fondly, describing it as “gritty but kind,” or “where my dad played blackjack every Sunday after church.” For older residents, it was simply part of the landscape.
Now, with its closure, another piece of old Vegas history will fade away.
What Happens Next?
So far, no official plans have been shared for what will become of the Poker Palace site. Located at 2757 N. Las Vegas Blvd., it occupies a sizeable corner near the entrance to Nellis Air Force Base.
Real estate interest in the area has increased in recent years, particularly from logistics and industrial firms — not casinos.
There’s speculation the site could be cleared for something entirely different. A few local investors are reportedly exploring options, but no permits have been filed with the city as of yet.
The city of North Las Vegas hasn’t commented publicly.
