After eight weeks running at the Venetian Resort and Casino, “The Real Deal” has officially ended its run in Las Vegas. The show, which made its debut in October, 2008, was hosted comedian Paul Rodriguez and featured two different poker pros every week playing against audience members for a chance to win $1 million.

Poker players who confirmed their participation in the Real Deal included Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Gus Hansen, Phil Hellmuth, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari, Jennifer Harman, Phil “The Unabomber” Laak, Todd Brunson, and 2008 World Series of Poker HORSE Championship victor Scotty Nguyen.

Even when the Venetian hasn’t released any official statements informing the reasons behind the show’s cancellation, it is believed that the lack of interest and the economic downturn have forced the Resort’s officials to cancel the show after its last presentation in December, 2008. Over the last year, the city of Las Vegas has suffered a large reduction in its visitation numbers, a problem that is deeply affecting the hotel and gaming revenue and consequently the entertainment industry. Several shows, including the legendary Follies Bergere at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, have been forced to shut down due the economic crisis. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the gambling revenue on Las Vegas Strip casinos, including The Venetian, decreased more than 20% on the last quarter of 2008 compared with the previous year.

Only a week before the last run of The Real Deal, executives of The Venetian distributed a press release announcing that they were ion conversations with David Spade, a former member of the “Saturday Night Live” staff, to add the comedian to its 2009 show calendar. At this moment, the entertainment options at The Venetian include only three shows: Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular, the Blue Man Group, and “Whose Line is it anyway” star and comedian, Wayne Brady.