The death rumors of the Excalibur poker room are greatly exaggerated.
Last August, we posted an RIP sendoff to the Castle because they’d exchanged its regular poker tables with PokerTek e-tables and had laid off all its dealers.
The field trial for the e-tables began March 19 by the Nevada Gaming Commission, and if it lasted longer than 4 months, the casino could terminate its agreement.
Which, on June 19, is exactly what Excalibur did. “MGM Mirage officials said they found that players prefer live dealers to automatic tables.”
So… as of July 5, the 12 e-tables will be no more, and on July 10, the Excalibur will return to regular poker tables!
And not only that, but they’re in the process of contacting all the dealers they laid off to offer their jobs back!
Now if the 1-3 and 2-6 spread limit games and the Wheel also come back (and maybe even the small free buffet), we will make a triumphant return to the Excal.
As for the e-tables, they will most likely move to another Strip casino.