Poker Palace
Poker Palace was a locals casino in North Las Vegas, Nevada, serving customers near Nellis Air Force Base from 1980 until its closure for a planned redevelopment and rebranding in 2025.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Poker Palace was a small locals-oriented casino at 2757 North Las Vegas Boulevard in North Las Vegas, Nevada, close to Nellis Air Force Base. The property developed from a neighborhood bar into a casino operated by Marvin E. Coleman and Laura Coleman, and became known for serving nearby residents, military personnel, and casino regulars rather than tourists seeking the large resort experience associated with the Las Vegas Strip. The site was constructed in 1951 and initially operated as the Jet Bar. In 1955, it was renamed Bunny's Bar after owner Bernard "Bunny" Karshen. The bar attracted employees from nearby Nellis Air Force Base. Marvin E. Coleman, also known as Mickey Coleman, and his wife Laura acquired approximately 0.48 acres containing the bar in April 1974. They added a small casino that year with one blackjack table, two pool tables, and eight slot machines. The operation was known as Bunny's Casino in 1978 and later that year became Mickey's Casino. After the Colemans acquired an adjoining parcel in June 1979, the property adopted the Poker Palace name on September 19, 1980. Over time, Poker Palace expanded beyond its original small gaming room. By 2016, the casino covered approximately 25,900 square feet and included about 280 slot machines, seven table games, eight poker tables, a 5,000-square-foot bingo hall, and a 1,800-square-foot sportsbook. The property also hosted food and beverage outlets, including Laura's Vineyard, an upscale restaurant opened in 1998, and Maddy's Paddy Cafe, named after the Colemans' grandson. The casino experimented with services and gaming-related initiatives that reflected its neighborhood focus. In 1994, it became the first casino in the Las Vegas Valley to offer an on-site tax service, a concept later adopted by other local casinos. In 1997, it was among Las Vegas-area casinos offering SportXction, an interactive sports-betting system, and it was one of only two local casinos providing customer sign-up services for the system before its suspension in 2000. The property also pursued an expansion in 2000 that included a senior-citizen bingo hall and additional employee parking. Poker Palace's history also included regulatory scrutiny. In the late 2000s, an investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board found that three employees had participated in illegal race-book activities after unusual racing-wager activity appeared in sportsbook audits. In May 2009, the casino received a $250,000 fine, while Marvin Coleman was cited for inadequate supervision of the casino and its employees. The property continued operating afterward, maintaining its identity as a low-limit neighborhood casino. The brand marked its thirtieth anniversary with a $30,000 promotional giveaway in 2004 and celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2014 with a customer event offering complimentary cake and champagne. In January 2015, the casino's large exterior sign caught fire while work was being performed on it; firefighters extinguished the blaze in approximately ten minutes, but the sign was destroyed. Poker Palace closed on September 30, 2025, in connection with its sale to Truckee Gaming, which took ownership on October 1. The property was placed into renovation and was expected to reopen in 2026 under the name Club Fortune North. Accordingly, Poker Palace is treated as a defunct or retired casino brand, while the physical site may continue under a different identity.
History
The Poker Palace property dates to 1951, when it was built on North Las Vegas Boulevard near what became Nellis Air Force Base. It began as the Jet Bar and was renamed Bunny's Bar in 1955 after proprietor Bernard "Bunny" Karshen. The location developed a customer base among Nellis employees and nearby residents, establishing the neighborhood-oriented identity that later characterized the casino. In April 1974, Marvin E. Coleman, known as Mickey Coleman, and his wife Laura Coleman purchased approximately 0.48 acres that included the bar. The couple added a casino to the existing operation during the same year. The initial gaming area was modest, with approximately 700 square feet containing one blackjack table, two pool tables, and eight slot machines. The business operated as Bunny's Casino in 1978 and was renamed Mickey's Casino later that year. In June 1979, the Colemans acquired an additional 1.38 acres immediately east of the casino. On September 19, 1980, the operation was renamed Poker Palace. The casino gradually expanded its services and physical footprint. In 1994, it introduced an on-site tax-service operation, reportedly becoming the first Las Vegas Valley casino to offer that service. Although some competing locals casinos initially viewed the concept as unusual, Palace Station and Mahoney's Silver Nugget subsequently adopted similar services. Poker Palace also participated in the rollout of SportXction, an interactive betting system introduced in the Las Vegas area in 1997. It was one of nine area casinos offering the system and one of only two providing sign-up services before SportXction was suspended in May 2000. The property added amenities intended to broaden its neighborhood appeal. In November 1998, the Colemans opened Laura's Vineyard, a more upscale restaurant intended in part to support the image of North Las Vegas. A later food outlet, Maddy's Paddy Cafe, was named after the Colemans' grandson. In June 2000, the casino received approval for a 4,750-square-foot expansion that included a senior-citizen bingo hall, along with plans for a 114-space employee parking lot. Poker Palace also experienced criticism and regulatory problems. In 2003, reporting questioned the casino's blackjack-like table game, which was described as offering a substantial advantage to the house. In late 2006, the Nevada Gaming Control Board opened an investigation after sportsbook audits showed unusually high racing-wager handles. An undercover board agent helped investigators determine that three employees had engaged in illegal race-book activity. In May 2009, Poker Palace was fined $250,000, while Marvin Coleman was cited for inadequate supervision. The casino remained open and continued operating as a small, low-limit locals property. The brand's public milestones included a $30,000 giveaway held during its thirtieth-anniversary period in May 2004, followed by an anniversary party in June. In April 2014, Poker Palace commemorated forty years associated with the Coleman family through a customer-appreciation event featuring complimentary cake and champagne. In January 2015, its prominent exterior sign caught fire while work was being conducted on it. The fire was extinguished in about ten minutes, but the sign was destroyed. By 2016, the casino occupied approximately 25,900 square feet and offered 280 slot machines, seven table games, eight poker tables, a 5,000-square-foot bingo hall, and a 1,800-square-foot sportsbook. The property remained principally a local gambling venue rather than a major tourist destination. In 2025, Poker Palace closed on September 30 as part of a sale to Truckee Gaming. Truckee Gaming took ownership on October 1, and the facility entered renovation. It was expected to reopen in 2026 as Club Fortune North, ending the Poker Palace name's operation at the site.
- 2025
Closure and sale to Truckee Gaming
[1]Poker Palace closed on September 30 in connection with its sale to Truckee Gaming, which took ownership on October 1.
- 2015
Exterior sign destroyed by fire
[1]A fire during work on the large exterior sign destroyed the sign.
- 2014
Fortieth-anniversary celebration
[1]The casino held a customer-appreciation celebration with complimentary cake and champagne.
- 2009
Regulatory fine imposed
[1]Nevada gaming authorities fined Poker Palace $250,000 over illegal race-book activities involving three employees.
- 2004
Thirtieth-anniversary promotion
[1]Poker Palace marked its thirtieth anniversary with a $30,000 customer giveaway during May and a planned anniversary party in June.
- 2000
Bingo-hall expansion approved
[1]The casino received approval for an expansion featuring a senior-citizen bingo hall and planned employee parking.
- 1998
Laura's Vineyard opens
[1]The Colemans opened Laura's Vineyard, an upscale restaurant within the casino.
- 1997
SportXction introduced
[1]Poker Palace joined other Las Vegas-area casinos offering the SportXction interactive betting system.
- 1994
On-site tax service launched
[1]Poker Palace became the first Las Vegas Valley casino reported to offer a tax service inside the property.
- 1980
Poker Palace name introduced
[1]The property was renamed Poker Palace on September 19.
Products and positioning
A neighborhood-focused, low-limit locals casino serving North Las Vegas residents and nearby Nellis Air Force Base personnel rather than a destination resort audience.
Casino gaming
Slot machines
Electronic gaming machines formed the largest part of Poker Palace's casino offering. As of 2016, the property was reported to have approximately 280 slot machines, consistent with its role as a small but established locals casino.
Casino gaming · 1974
Table games
Poker Palace offered table gaming, including blackjack and a blackjack-like game documented in local reporting. By 2016, the casino had seven table games.
Casino gaming
Poker room
Poker was a core part of the property's identity and was represented by a dedicated poker area. The 2016 description listed eight poker tables.
Casino gaming · 2000
Bingo hall
A senior-oriented bingo facility was included in the expansion approved in 2000. By 2016, the bingo hall occupied approximately 5,000 square feet.
Sports and race wagering
Sportsbook
Poker Palace operated a sportsbook and race-book service. The sportsbook was approximately 1,800 square feet by 2016 and was involved in the regulatory investigation that resulted in the 2009 fine.
Restaurant · 1998
Laura's Vineyard
Laura's Vineyard was an upscale restaurant opened inside Poker Palace in 1998. Its launch was presented as part of an effort to improve perceptions of North Las Vegas and broaden the property's customer experience.
Cafe
Maddy's Paddy Cafe
Maddy's Paddy Cafe was a coffee shop located within the casino. It was named after the Colemans' grandson.
Controversies
2009
Gaming violation fine and supervisory citation
Poker Palace was fined $250,000 for the illegal race-book activities. Marvin Coleman was separately cited for failing to adequately supervise the casino and its employees.
2006
Investigation into illegal race-book activity
The Nevada Gaming Control Board investigated unusual racing-wager activity identified through sportsbook audits. An undercover investigation found that three Poker Palace employees had engaged in illegal race-book practices.
Marketing campaigns
- 2014Fortieth-anniversary customer appreciation event
North Las Vegas
The casino celebrated its fortieth anniversary on April 1 with complimentary cake and champagne for guests.
Outcome. The event reinforced the property’s longstanding local-customer orientation.
- 2004Thirtieth-anniversary giveaway
North Las Vegas
Poker Palace ran a $30,000 giveaway throughout May 2004 and planned an anniversary party for June 5.
Outcome. The promotion marked the casino's thirtieth anniversary.
Brand decisions
2025
Sell the property and retire the Poker Palace identityM&ABackground
After decades under Coleman family ownership, the property changed hands and entered a renovation program.
Action taken
Poker Palace closed on September 30, Truckee Gaming took ownership on October 1, and the site was scheduled to reopen under the Club Fortune North name.
Aftermath
The Poker Palace brand ceased operating at the site, subject to the planned redevelopment and rebranding.
2000
Expand the property with a bingo hallStrategyBackground
Management pursued additional space and amenities for the local customer base, including senior patrons.
Action taken
The casino received approval for a 4,750-square-foot expansion including a senior-citizen bingo hall and planned a 114-space employee parking lot.
Aftermath
The later property included a substantial bingo hall as part of its gaming mix.
1998
Open Laura's Vineyard restaurantStrategyBackground
The Colemans sought to add a more upscale amenity and contribute to efforts to improve North Las Vegas's image.
Action taken
They opened Laura's Vineyard within the Poker Palace property.
Aftermath
The restaurant expanded the property's food-and-beverage offer beyond gaming.
1997
Participate in SportXctionProduct launchBackground
SportXction was introduced as an interactive betting system in the Las Vegas area.
Action taken
Poker Palace became one of the participating casinos and provided customer sign-up services.
Aftermath
The service was suspended in May 2000.
1994
Add an on-site tax serviceStrategyBackground
Poker Palace pursued services that could distinguish a small locals casino from larger gaming properties.
Action taken
It introduced a tax-service operation within the casino.
Aftermath
The concept was later adopted by Palace Station and Mahoney's Silver Nugget.
1980
Adopt the Poker Palace nameStrategyBackground
Following the acquisition of adjoining land and the property's development under the Coleman family, the business needed a new identity.
Action taken
The casino was renamed Poker Palace on September 19, 1980.
Aftermath
The name remained associated with the North Las Vegas property until its 2025 closure.
1974
Convert neighborhood bar into a casinoStrategyBackground
After acquiring the existing bar property, Marvin and Laura Coleman sought to add gaming to the operation.
Action taken
They installed a small casino with a blackjack table, pool tables, and slot machines.
Aftermath
The gaming operation became the foundation for the later Poker Palace brand.
Sources2 sources
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