March is apparently the new May when it comes to the Las Vegas pool season.

Whereas Memorial Day has always been the unofficial opening of the season, many casinos are taking advantage of warm temperatures to kick off their pools in time to get the spring break business.

Mandalay Bay’s pool complex, the Cosmopolitan’s Marquee, Encore Beach Club and Venetian’s Tao Beach all opened last week. Opening this week are Mirage’s BARE, MGM Grand’s Wet Republic (debuting Phase II of a two-year remodel) and the pool at the Palms. Others will open sporadically leading up to Memorial Day weekend, which will be capped by the debut of Victor Drai’s rooftop beach/nightclub complex at the Cromwell.

Silverton expanding: The Silverton is adding a new hotel tower. The 390-room tower will be built behind the parking garage and is expected to be completed in 2016.

Sandwich shop closes: The high-end sandwich shop ‘wichcraft, in the back hallway at MGM Grand, is no more. New plans for the space have not yet been announced.

Poker room closes: The poker room at the El Cortez has closed, further diminishing downtown’s live poker options. Only Binion’s and the Golden Nugget still have traditional poker rooms (the Plaza offers electronic games).

QUESTION: Are any of the sports books giving away March Madness T-shirts for betting this year?

ANSWER: The D and Golden Gate are giving away T-shirts for earning 100 points on slots ($300 coin-in), buying in for $100 on a table game or betting $100 on live keno at the D. LVH requires a $20 parlay wager on a game for a T-shirt. And Arizona Charlie’s Decatur or Boulder will give ’em away for a $20 parlay or $50 straight bet, while supplies last.

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