Golden Gate Casino in Las Vegas Transitions to Fully Electronic Table Games
Golden Gate Casino Embraces Electronic Gaming
The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, known as the oldest hotel in Las Vegas still in operation, has announced a major transformation in its gaming offerings. The casino plans to remove all live dealer table games and replace them entirely with electronic versions. Derek Stevens, the owner and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about this shift, highlighting the potential for more engaging, high-energy gaming experiences with the new electronic options.
Downtown Vegas Casinos Move Toward Electronic Tables
This development marks a first for a downtown Las Vegas casino, as it fully commits to electronic table games. Derek Stevens, also CEO of Circa Hospitality Group which operates Golden Gate, Circa Resort & Casino, and The D, emphasized that it’s time for the historic property to modernize. He believes the revamped gaming floor will offer guests a novel and dynamic way to enjoy their favorite table games.
“We are reinventing our casino floor with an exciting electronic table games area unlike anything seen downtown before. Players can expect faster gameplay, more thrills, and the newest gaming machines.”
Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Hospitality Group
The presence of live dealer games at Golden Gate has been decreasing over time, so this full electronic transition is not unexpected. Stevens also shared that dealers and table game staff affected by the change will have opportunities to transfer to other properties within the Circa group or explore roles in other departments.
This move aligns with a broader industry trend where casinos are adopting electronic gaming solutions. Unlike live tables, electronic games reduce the need for dealers, supervisors, and extensive support staff, cutting costs related to personnel, security, and licensing. They also enable quicker, self-directed play and simplify regulatory compliance. However, some players feel that these changes reduce the traditional social element of live dealer gaming.
Live Table Games Continue to Be Popular Despite Changes
While live table games are becoming less common in Nevada, they remain popular overall. Recently, the Poker Palace Casino, a notable venue that opened in the mid-1970s, announced it will close on October 1, 2025, citing shifting economic conditions that challenge its business model.
Although there is a shift toward electronic gaming, table games in general continue to perform well. Data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board showed a 2.4% increase in non-baccarat table game revenue in May, reaching $222.6 million. This growth is particularly significant since casinos on the Las Vegas Strip experienced a 3.9% decline in revenue year over year.
For Golden Gate, the transition to fully electronic tables represents the closing of a historic chapter in its 118-year legacy. While the change may disappoint those who value the camaraderie of live dealers, embracing digital technology might be essential for sustained competitiveness. With economic pressures mounting, especially for Strip casinos, adapting in this way could be crucial to avoid the fate of other longstanding venues.
