In order to make room for the incoming blackjack and baccarat tables, the Hard Rock is having to do some shuffling. And not just the cards.
So they've shut down the Park sports cafe, and are converting that into the poker room. Then they'll reconfigure the floor, with blackjack, baccarat and slots and video gaming machines. Whether the poker room will then return is unclear. (FYI, industry experts note that poker is among the least profitable per-square-foot games for casinos. But they have it the same reason they have a buffet: patrons expect it.)
Hard Rock officials point out some advantages to the move:
1.) It's quieter; not as much music blasting and no jingling of slots machines.
2.) Big-screen TVs in place already, put up by the Park.
3.) At-table food service. (As a player, I go after those who order food, on the idea that they're distracted. So, eat away.)
4.) A semi-private room for the $5-$10 no-limit game that carries the biggest players. So that means no more rail-sitting by chickens like me. But I imagine the players really will like it.
The poker operations are expected to move around May 5. Seminole Hard Rock officials have said they're shooting for June for blackjack to start.