Venetian in Las Vegas introduces a new card dealing technique in poker

The Venetian poker room on the Las Vegas Strip was the first to switch to slide dealing—an innovative way of dealing cards that could change the industry.

Significant changes have taken place at the Venetian poker room, located on the Las Vegas Strip: a card dealing technique called slide dealing is now being used. This is the first poker room on the main street of Las Vegas to officially adopt this method, and according to many experts, it could set a new standard for the entire industry. What is slide dealing and why is it important Slide dealing is a way of dealing cards where the dealer does not pitch the cards toward the players, but instead smoothly slides them across the surface of the table. Unlike the traditional pitch method, which is common in most US poker rooms, slide dealing keeps the cards as concealed as possible from prying eyes. This is especially important for protection against cheaters: with standard dealing, cards are sometimes lifted high enough for others to accidentally or intentionally see part of another player's hole cards. Venetian’s Director of Poker Operations, Tommy LaRosa, explained in detail that the switch to slide dealing was driven by a desire to increase game security. According to him, the new technique "reduces the chance of cards being accidentally exposed during the deal and adds another layer of protection for players." He emphasized that in an era of rapid technological advancement, it’s important to stay one step ahead and implement methods that ensure fairness and comfort for guests. The Venetian’s path to a new standard The Venetian is the second largest poker room in Las Vegas, with 50 tables. Since moving to its new location two years ago, the management has been constantly seeking ways to improve game security. Earlier this year, the team began considering slide dealing as part of a comprehensive program to strengthen anti-cheating measures. The transition was not easy: dealers had to undergo special training and practice to master the new technique. LaRosa noted that the key goal was to make the implementation as seamless as possible for guests and staff, while maintaining the speed and professionalism of dealing that regular Venetian visitors are used to. According to him, despite the adjustment period, feedback from players and staff has been generally positive: "Anything that strengthens the integrity of the game is valued by many players," he emphasized. Reaction from the poker community The introduction of slide dealing sparked widespread discussion among professional players and poker fans. Well-known player Matt Berkey publicly supported Venetian’s decision, mentioning it on his Twitter page. His opinion is shared by other members of the poker community, who believe that such measures benefit the integrity and reputation of the game. A notable opinion was also voiced by Daniel Negreanu, a member of the Poker Hall of Fame. On the PokerNews podcast, he stated that with the switch to slide dealing, "it will be much harder for cheaters to cheat, and they clearly won’t like it." Many other professionals agree, believing that the new dealing standards can significantly reduce the risk of cheating at the tables. Context: the development of slide dealing in Las Vegas and beyond Interestingly, the first poker room in the Las Vegas area to start training dealers in slide dealing was South Point—a room with 30 tables located a few miles south of the Strip. The introduction of the new technique there sparked debate: should other poker rooms in the city follow suit? Now that the Venetian—one of the largest and most well-known rooms in Las Vegas—has officially switched to slide dealing, it’s expected that other venues will start considering this option to improve game security. It’s worth noting that slide dealing is widely used in poker rooms outside the US, where security standards are traditionally higher. The adoption of this method in the largest Las Vegas rooms could mark the beginning of a new era in American poker, where player protection becomes a top priority. The Venetian and its place in the poker industry The Venetian is rightfully considered one of the leading poker rooms in Las Vegas. Major tournaments are regularly held here, including the prestigious WPT Venetian Las Vegas Fall Championship with a $5,000 buy-in, which starts on November 5. The room’s high status and innovative approach to organizing games make the Venetian a benchmark for the entire industry. The introduction of slide dealing is another step toward ensuring maximum fairness and comfort for players at the tables. What this means for PPPoker club players For members of PPPoker clubs, this news is a great reason to think about the security and transparency of online games. Although cards in digital poker are dealt by software rather than by hand, issues of fairness and information protection remain relevant. Players should choose clubs and tables with a good reputation, where modern anti-cheating measures are used and fair play is ensured. The introduction of slide dealing at the Venetian shows that the poker industry is not standing still and is constantly looking for ways to increase trust in the game. For PPPoker players, this is a signal: pay attention to innovations and support those clubs that implement best practices and care about the safety of their members. Finally, the Venetian’s experience can serve as an example for PPPoker club administrators: training dealers (or moderators) in new standards, regular checks, and the introduction of additional security measures—all of this helps create an environment where every player can be confident in the fairness and transparency of the game.