The Wynn Resort in Las Vegas has a new director of poker operations. Donna Harris, the director of poker operations at the Mirage since 1998, is the new lady at the Wynn. She was responsible for shaping and structuring a terrific poker room as well as the Mirage Poker Showdown and the Heads Up Challenge.
I was a bit disappointed when the Wynn first opened its doors in 2005. Don't get me wrong, the property will knock your socks off, and it's a genuine Five Diamond (AAA Guide) property with all the bells and whistles, but I hate being bumped every time a cocktail waitress walks by the table or a player gets up to cash out.
I thought it was a bit crowded at the time and didn't go back for several months. When I returned, Daniel Negreanu was the Wynn's poker spokesman and was playing one of his heads-up, freeze-out matches for $500,000. This time I counted 26 tables and it was still a bit too crowded. Maybe it's just me.
The Wynn caters to an upscale crowd, but the hotel rooms are currently discounted to $129 Sunday through Thursday for poker players. Of course that's a big bite for many players. And, while the staff in the poker room is pleasant and accommodating, the room really isn't set up for beginners.
If you are new to poker, there are smaller casinos in town with hotels that offer lower rates and games that are friendlier. For instance, the Orleans has a very nice poker room with 35 tables and plenty of space to move about. And, the hotel rooms are clean, spacious, and run less than $50 most Sundays through Thursdays in November and December!
Enjoy your stay in Las Vegas, and if you make it to the Wynn, check out the poker room. If you don't see games that fit your comfort level, remember there are rooms in many of the casinos, and each has its own ambiance. Play where you are comfortable and you'll have a great time.
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