Casino News Article of the Month: The Poker Dome is Live at the Neonopolis

In Las Vegas, all eyes are on the Neonopolis Plaza and the new Poker Dome, which was unveiled in the last week of July.  The Poker Dome, which was supposed to be finished several months ago, will be home to the televised FOX Sports Net poker show (which has hitherto been filming at the Tropicana Casino), is essentially the last hope for the ailing Neonopolis, which has been needing a jumpstart for some time now.  The Poker Dome is estimated to cost over $6.5 million, and has been described by some as an ultra-modern TV set with bright and colorful studio lights and sound effects.  Even Mayor Oscar Goodman showed up to pay his respects at the grand opening, saying that the Poker Dome serves as a rebirth for Las Vegas (downtown), and that the Neonopolis is going to end up being a success story after all.  Before getting the Poker Dome, the Neonopolis (located in downtown Las Vegas at Fremont Street), was comprised of a movie theatre, ice cream shop and the restaurant/bar/bowling alley/arcade called Jillian's. Now, the downtown scene has a little more to show for, which will hopefully bring in more visitors from The Strip. As for the television show, there is mixed review on whether that will be a success story.  Although the atmosphere is exciting (a live audience can watch the taped action through a soundproof, glass wall and see players cards on giant television monitors), there has been some concern the players are not to par with the professional scene.  Considering each winner only receives $25,000 and a seat to the semifinals (chump change for professional players), that viewpoint may be warranted.  However, the activity is exciting - especially for tourists, and the Poker Dome is now on the map in downtown Las Vegas.