Palms Casino Resort Sets August 2026 Date for New Enclosed Non-Smoking Gaming Area

Gisela Werner · Aug 18, 2026

Palms Casino Resort Sets August 2026 Date for New Enclosed Non-Smoking Gaming Area

Rendering of the planned 7300 square foot enclosed non-smoking casino area at Palms Casino Resort with rows of slot machines and a full service bar

The Palms Casino Resort has scheduled the opening of a dedicated 7,300-square-foot enclosed non-smoking casino section for August 24, 2026, and this addition will house 224 slot machines sourced from nearly a dozen different manufacturers along with its own full-service bar plus extra gaming stations positioned close to the existing William Hill Sportsbook; the project stems directly from repeated guest requests for expanded smoke-free play options inside the property.

Key Features of the New Space

Construction crews will enclose the entire area to maintain a consistent non-smoking environment while the 224 machines will span multiple game types and themes, and the full-service bar will operate during all casino hours to serve guests who prefer to remain in the smoke-free zone rather than step outside for refreshments. Additional gaming options near the William Hill Sportsbook will include table games and electronic options that complement the sportsbook activities already in place.

Those who have reviewed the plans note that the layout keeps the new section fully separate from the main casino floor yet still connected through clear walkways that allow easy access for players who want to move between smoking and non-smoking areas during a single visit.

Timeline and Grand Opening Events

The resort will open the new section to the public on August 24, 2026, after which a formal grand opening celebration is set for September 1, 2026, and this event will feature a celebrity charity slot challenge that directs proceeds to ten local nonprofits in the Las Vegas area. Organizers have confirmed that the challenge will invite well-known personalities to compete on selected machines while spectators can participate through side games and viewing areas.

Between the soft opening and the September celebration, staff will conduct final testing of the ventilation systems and machine configurations to ensure everything meets operational standards before the larger public event draws crowds.

View of slot machines and bar area inside a modern enclosed non-smoking casino section similar to the Palms expansion

Background on Guest Feedback

Resort management collected input from visitors over multiple quarters showing consistent demand for more smoke-free gaming environments, and this data prompted the decision to create a self-contained space rather than simply expanding existing non-smoking sections. The 7,300 square feet allocated to the project will allow room for the 224 machines plus circulation space and the bar without crowding the adjacent sportsbook area.

Industry observers point out that the placement next to the William Hill Sportsbook creates a convenient hub for guests interested in both sports wagering and slot play while staying in a smoke-free setting throughout their session.

Operational Details

Each of the 224 slot machines will connect to the resort's central player tracking system, and the full-service bar will stock a range of beverages and light snacks that match offerings elsewhere on the property. The enclosed design incorporates dedicated air handling equipment that keeps the space isolated from the rest of the casino floor, and security personnel will monitor entry points to maintain the non-smoking rule.

According to the World Casino Directory report on the project, the resort has coordinated with equipment suppliers to ensure the machine mix reflects current player preferences across different denominations and game styles.

Conclusion

The August 24, 2026 opening date marks teh start of operations for the new non-smoking area, while the September 1 celebrity charity slot challenge will highlight the resort's commitment to local nonprofits through the proceeds generated during the event. Guests who have requested more smoke-free options will gain access to 224 machines, a dedicated bar, and proximity to the William Hill Sportsbook all within the 7,300-square-foot enclosed space.