[AllVegasPoker.com]

Stopped by the brand new MGM poker room today (twice actually), and I must say that I am VERY impressed!

I think the MGM may be the best Vegas poker room yet. Of course this is debatable, and it really depends on what you're specifically looking for, but for the average player in Vegas, the MGM is doing a lot of things right. I think this place is headed in the right direction.

The room exceeded my expectations (which were relatively high). It was much more along the lines of what I was hoping the Rio poker room would be when it opened a few months ago.

The MGM room is big, well-lit, very modern, and located in an excellent area of the casino for attracting players (although it is quite a hike from the parking garage).

Today 75% to 80% of the tables were occupied. There were several no limit tables, a stud game, and limit hold'em from 2/4 to 10/20. The $10/20 game looked like it was going the whole day, plus there appeared to be a solid interest list in a $20/40 game. I'm not sure if they ever got it going. This place wants to spread $30/60+ and I think it will happen.

The MGM isn't (yet) the place to go for high stakes action, but I think it *could* be. This room could take over the poker market at the South end of The Strip. It's also nice to have another room in town spreading $6/12.

Also, you guys might be interested in knowing that they're offering $1 per hour in comps on raked games (max of $10 per day). You won't find that at the Bellagio or Mirage.

There were some opening-day issues with the poker room management (they are obviously trying their best to get acquainted with all the new technology), and the dealers didn't appear to be the most experienced in Vegas, but everyone was super friendly, and service overall was excellent.

Of course, there are no tournaments yet. And, there is the 800 pound gorilla quickly approaching (Wynn). But, I gotta say -- overall? Very impressive.