Speaking of poker, one much-hyped poker room appears to be off to an exceptionally slow start.

The Venetian tried to open small poker rooms a couple of times before, but quickly closed them. Three weeks ago the property tried again, in a big way.

With 39 tables in 10,000-plus square feet, the room takes aim at the city's top poker rooms.

But early results aren't promising. On a couple of nights last week, the luxurious room barely had any action at all.

Bellagio poker tournament director Jack McClelland said he checked out the room on Thursday night and there was only one table in play, with only five players.

"I guess that's what you call a soft opening," McClelland cracked. "They had 385 open seats." Ouch.

SKIP