Change in Poker Environment

[oscar]

I've noticed a dramatic shift in the Reno 3-6 hold'em poker environment over the past year. The number of games is decreasing - Cal Neva from 2 games to almost zero games | Circus Circus removed half of the poker tables for a TV lounge for sports betting - and the players have changed. There used to be a lot of drinkers and sport bettors. At least half the table were drinking alcoholic beverages, now perhaps one or two. Almost everyone watched the football games, now most players concentrate on the poker game. The players seem to be older.

Is this related to a bad economy? Are more people playing in California? Are the casinos closing or reducing the size of poker rooms? The blinds in Reno are still relatively small - $2/$1. I think that the blinds in the California cardrooms are relatively high $3/$2/$3, with the house taking $5 from the pot.

Has anyone else noticed these changes? What does this mean for hold'em strategy? How can I adapt to the new environment?
Thanks,

Oscar:
It sounds as if the Reno Poker environment is becoming tighter and possibly less aggressive. As players get older, they tend to become more like "rocks". You should read Schoonmaker's book on the psychology of poker - tight passive player.