The Venetian adopts slide dealing ahead of November WPT event

The Venetian has adopted slide dealing in its poker room ahead of the World Poker Tour event that begins on 5 November 2026, according to a report. The method involves dealers sliding cards face down across the table rather than pitching them. The report said the practice may initially slow dealing but is intended to keep cards less visible to other players.

South Point previously announced that its dealers would adopt the practice, the report said. It said slide dealing can cause more wear to the cards, while pitch dealing may allow opponents to glimpse cards, which the report described as decisive in games such as Texas Hold'em. The report also said the green felt has been replaced with speed felts that allow cards to slide smoothly from the shoe.

MGM Resorts' Sean McCormack said there is value in adopting the method for its poker rooms, according to the report. A company statement said MGM Resorts has begun initial discussions around slide pitching and is exploring potential enterprise-wide adoption across its poker operations, adding that the conversations are at an early stage and that game integrity and player protection remain priorities.

The report said dealers may be slower at first, which could reduce revenue from the segment, but that properties are not immediately concerned because staff can be trained, even if that requires additional hours. It said the technique will be tested during the World Poker Tour event at The Venetian.