People who use Game2Bet know they’re getting the best odds guaranteed across sportsbook, exchange, and casino, all from the comfort of their device. But some players still crave the buzz of a brick-and-mortar floor: chips clinking, lights flashing, and the thrill of a game played in person. For those visitors, few places carry more history than the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas. Now, this 119-year-old landmark, owned by casino operator Derek Stevens, is making a move that could redefine what “table games” mean in Sin City. By mid-September 2025, the Golden Gate will swap every live table game for electronic versions, following a trend that has already brought big returns at Stevens’ nearby Circa resort.
A New Era Begins: Goodbye Live Dice, Hello Electronic Table Games
At the beginning of August 2025, Golden Gate announced the closure of its final live craps table, a game beloved by many but notoriously expensive to run, thanks to its three-dealer requirement. The reasoning was clear: labor costs were too high to justify keeping it. But what looked like a single change was actually just the first roll of the dice.
Days later, the casino confirmed that it would go further, removing all live table games and replacing them entirely with electronic table games (ETGs). By mid-September, the last of the felt tables will be gone, marking the end of a tradition that has lasted more than a century on Fremont Street.
A Glimpse into History: Legacy of Las Vegas' Oldest Casino
Golden Gate’s legacy is impossible to ignore. Opened in 1906 as the Hotel Nevada, it’s the oldest casino operating in downtown Las Vegas, possibly the entire city. As history goes, the first telephone in Las Vegas rang here; later, the shrimp cocktail made its exuberant debut. The casino has seen prohibition, neon dawns, Rat Pack glamour, record-breaking roulette bets, and more than a century of gaming.
Even after more than 100 years, it retains its old-Vegas charm. In fact, you can still sleep in original rooms dating back over a century. Through all that life and change, Golden Gate has been a consistent thread in Las Vegas’ tapestry.
Why This Radical Change?
The reasons are pragmatic, and revealing. First, labor costs for live table games continue to climb. Meanwhile, demand for traditional dealer-run games is fading, especially among younger visitors, who prefer faster, electronic interaction.
Interestingly, that trend is already playing out at Circa. Its second floor has been live-dealer-free for nearly a year and has “exploded in popularity,” according to Stevens. The costs dropped, excitement rose. Golden Gate aims to replicate that success.
What Golden Gate Is Saying
Golden Gate’s leadership is choosing optimism over apology and their statement reflect their commitment to innovation: “Big changes are coming to the Golden Gate, and we couldn’t be more excited. As the oldest hotel in Las Vegas, we’ve always embraced the future, and now we’re reimagining our casino floor with a high-energy electronic table games pit unlike anything downtown has seen.”
Stevens further assured that rather than laying off staff, he’s offering all table-games team members positions at Circa, The D, or other departments within the company. In short, nobody loses out.
Not Just Golden Gate, It’s a Broader Trend
Golden Gate is not alone in this transition. Downtown casinos like Casino Royale have completely eliminated live table games, while others, such as Silver Sevens, have opted for hybrid floors mixing live, hybrid, and electronic table games.
Across the industry, a mix seems to be the balance between tradition and modern demand.
Pros and Cons: Is This a Win?
This shift brings clear advantages. Electronic table games reduce labor costs since they don’t require multiple dealers, breaks, or benefits like health insurance. Thus, lower staffing costs without sacrificing customer flow. They also appeal to younger, tech-savvy gamblers seeking faster gameplay that keeps the energy levels high, interactive play and instant results. Moreover, electronic games enable casinos to manage space with greater flexibility and potentially increase the pace of bets placed. Last but not least, staff are being redeployed, not discarded.
However, there are drawbacks. Some players miss the social aspect and the atmosphere created by live dealers. The tactile experience of handling cards or dice adds an emotional element that electronic machines can’t fully replicate. Traditionalists might feel alienated and view the changes as a dilution of classic casino culture, especially in a venue as historic as Golden Gate. Furthermore, electronic games may feel less personal and engaging for those who enjoy the human interaction that live dealers provide. Finally, heritage and authenticity take a hit and undoubtedly the casino loses a bit of its Old-Vegas soul.
Rolling Into a New Chapter
This bold step by Golden Gate signals an important moment for downtown Las Vegas gaming, blending rich traditions with a clear-eyed approach to the demands and opportunities of today’s players. Whether or not you’re a fan of live tables, the electronic revolution is here, and it’s worth watching closely.
Golden Gate’s move marks the end of one era and the start of another. It’s a bold gamble but a measured one. After all, with more and more gamers embracing digital speed and convenience, this may align with how we, and the bookmaking world, evolve. With that in mind, if you’re looking to ride the wave of change both on the casino floor and online, be sure to register for your own Game2Bet account. It just might be the smartest seat at the table, electronic or otherwise.
