The Venetian Adopts Slide Dealing for Poker Games
The resort will debut the new card-handling method during the World Poker Tour on November 5, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Casino
Live Poll
Do you support casinos implementing slower card-dealing methods to increase game security?
Poker players at The Venetian will soon see a change in how cards are dealt as the property adopts slide dealing to improve game integrity. This technique, which involves keeping cards pressed against the felt to prevent them from being glimpsed, is now moving beyond the South Point into one of the Strip’s major poker rooms.
Why it matters
Slide dealing is designed to better protect the game by ensuring cards remain hidden from opponents during the deal. As major properties move toward these standards, players should be prepared for potential adjustments to dealing speeds during the transition period.
The Venetian joins South Point in moving to slide dealing, a change necessitated by the installation of specialized speed felts. The impact on deal speed remains unknown until the method is fully stress-tested during competitive play.
The players
The Venetian
A major resort property that recently adopted slide dealing for its poker room operations.
South Point
A local casino property that previously adopted the slide dealing method for its poker games.
MGM Resorts
A major hospitality company currently exploring the enterprise-wide adoption of slide dealing across its properties.
The details
The Venetian has retrofitted its poker room with speed felts to accommodate the sliding technique, which requires dealers to push cards firmly across the green surface rather than lifting them. The move follows similar implementations at South Point and is aimed at closing off visibility angles that could expose player hands. MGM Resorts is currently evaluating whether to roll out this practice across its own portfolio of poker rooms.
Timeline
November 5, 2026: The World Poker Tour will test the slide dealing method at The Venetian.
Beyond the Strip
This transition marks a notable shift from the industry-standard overhead dealing practice that has defined casino poker for decades. By moving to slide dealing, The Venetian follows the precedent set by South Point in prioritizing card security over traditional dealer motion.
Local poker players should expect a temporary adjustment period as dealers become accustomed to the new speed-felt surface. If you frequent the room, be prepared for potentially slower game speeds in the immediate weeks following the November 5 implementation.
The takeaway
Players should watch for how dealing speeds evolve following the transition, as this method is intended to prevent card exposure. If you plan on participating in the November 5 World Poker Tour event, be ready for the change in dealer technique.
What happens next
The World Poker Tour will provide a practical test for the new dealing speed and flow on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the latest changes across the valley's gaming floors, visit our Casino section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GamblingNews.
Live Poll
Do you support casinos implementing slower card-dealing methods to increase game security?
