A recent blog that appeared by poker legend Doyle Brunson revealed for the world to see that the poker stage show dubbed “The Real Deal” had officially closed its run in Las Vegas. The program’s final show took place at The Venetian on December 19th, 2008. This year, the casino debuts comedian David Spade.
On Tuesday, October 21st, 2008, The Real Deal began its abbreviated run at The Venetian. The show pitted two rotating poker celebrities against audience members using handheld devices. A sellout crowd of 750 people turned out for the opening night spectacle, which featured Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth, two of the most recognizable members of the poker industry. A chance to win $1 million was the largest lure offered by the show, which was hosted by comedian Vinnie Favorito.
Poker players who were slated to be a part of the festivities before The Real Deal’s abrupt closure included Doyle Brunson, Gus Hansen, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari, Jennifer Harman, Phil “The Unabomber” Laak, Todd Brunson, and 2008 World Series of Poker HORSE Championship victor Scotty Nguyen. Many of poker’s elite make their homes in Las Vegas, which allowed show organizers access to the world’s top players.
The show’s website, www.therealdeallv.com, no longer exists and no official mention of the closure can be found on The Venetian’s website. Las Vegas has seen an extraordinary downswing in gambling revenue. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, revenue from Las Vegas Strip casinos, which includes The Venetian, dove by 16.02% in November of 2008 in comparison to November of 2007. Statewide, gambling revenue, or “win” as it’s called by the Board, fell for the 11th straight month. Statewide revenues sank by 22.33% in October year over year, the largest monthly drop of 2008. That precipitous slide came during just the second month of The Real Deal’s run in Las Vegas.
In his most recent blog, which appears on the website of Doyle’s Room, Brunson recalled watching the first 10 seasons of the television show “Dallas,” which he purchased on DVD. “Dallas” was produced by Merv Adelson’s Lorimar Television. Brunson commented, “Merv was [also] the producer of the recently closed ‘Real Deal,’ which featured the local poker pros.” Poker News Daily had also learned that The Venetian was in discussions with U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps to appear on The Real Deal. Back in October, Phelps was slated to appear at the show’s opening night, but instead played in the Caesars Classic Poker Tournament. The record-setting gold medalist has been enticed by many of the live poker tours to play, but has not yet participated in a major live event. He has wined and dined with Brunson, leading some in the industry to believe that he may ultimately join Doyle’s Room.
Upcoming at The Venetian is the casino’s 2009 Deep Stack Extravaganza Series, which kicks off on February 2nd and runs for a total of 24 days. One week prior to the close of The Real Deal, The Venetian distributed a press release stating that former “Saturday Night Live” comedian David Spade would appear during the 2009 calendar year and January 1st through 3rd marked his first engagement. The Venetian also offers its guests the Las Vegas installment of Phantom of the Opera, Blue Man Group, and comedian Wayne Brady.
The Deep Stack Extravaganza culminates in a $2,500 buy-in No Limit Hold’em tournament. Each player begins with 15,000 chips. An additional 5,000 chips can be purchased for $10, which funds a “staff bonus.” In addition to Texas Hold’em tournaments, the event series also includes Omaha High-Low, HORSE, and Pot Limit Omaha.
