The Meadows Racetrack & Casino

This past Saturday my boyfriend and I made it out to Pittsburgh and decided to go a bit south to the Meadows. First we considered Rivers, but several online reviews have said that the Rivers is extremely smoky, so we shied away. Also, last time we attempted to go we were stopped by ununiformed people telling us it was a $50 parking charge (on a Sunday morning) because of a sports game. I thought it was unprofessional, and off putting.

So anyways, we went to the Meadows. Parking was fine, didn't valet since I was not yet a member. Went in, smelled of smoke and such but not too bad. Went through the casino, became a member they offered $10 fee slot play. The lady at the desk (servicing high-teir guests) didn't know if I could use it for the VP machines, which I thought was funny. Usually a property knows if VP is considered slots or not. We headed to the bar after that. Walked up and found EDIT: A lucky machine. But the bartender was a little rude to me and failed to get my boyfriends drink order regardless of not being busy and us obviously being together. Played my free play on the VoP machine (9/5? 8/6? It payed double on two pairs, that is all I care about) there which I found to be quite lucky, so I was up another $7.00. :) (That's lucky for me).

So we searched out some good tables. There's a non-smoking section right next to the smoking area (and semi-surrounded by smoking slots), but it was slightly less smoky. This was about 4 or 5pm on a Saturday, as I said, all the craps tables were $5, even the non-smoking ones. I think there were three open tables, all with available spots. The blackjack tables were mostly $15-25, with one smoking $5 and a few $10 (smoking as well). They had Pai-Gow Poker $10 with a progressive jackpot greater than $16k. A number of other games (UTH, 3CP, THE, etc) were open and available, generally around $10, but I wasn't really paying attention to those. I didn't see Pai-Gow Tiles, though. Possibly in the High-Limit room which my boyfriend didn't want to go to. We wanted to play blackjack for $5 (of course, who doesn't) but there was no getting a seat, let alone two.

We played $5 craps for a while, apparently there was a 6-point fire right before we arrived (if only I had a dollar for every time a dealer told me that)... The service was good, the patrons not overly friendly even after I had a I 20+roll (no-point) roll, I hit the hard 6 at least 4 times, and people won a lot of money, but we went to play blackjack after that. I believe it was 10x Odds. But don't quote me.

We decided to separate for a bit, so I played $10 Pai-gow poker. I enjoyed it. Usually I play at $25, so I was happy to sit for a while longer than usual. I lost several hands in a row before I got a few three of a kinds. Cashed out about even. We looked for a seat at blackjack together, but we settled for $15 blackjack, my boyfriend got upset when I lost $45 in the first two hands, so we separated and I went to a $10 table. The side-bet was Lucky Ladies, but without the $1000 bonus for King-Queen of Hearts. Very bad bet. Shortly thereafter I saw him doing well at a different $10, a seat opened up and I was able to join him. We played $10 blackjack for a while. It had a side bet called House Money (on WoO, claiming a 2.7% HE, I believe), which pays you on suited A-K, Straight Flush, Pair and Straight. The catch is you can add your sidebet winnings to the original bet. This is a no-brainer for the suited blackjack (pays 9-1, so you can add an extra $10 to your bet before you're paid out 3:2), and adventageous for certain pairs and straights. I could see how this might be be exploited by a counter, since a deck rich in high cards might give more straights, straight flushes, suited blackjacks and pairs. (And it's better to have a big bet on these). We did quite well (and played the side bet occasionally for fun) but we had to leave to see the family before long.

Overall it was a good experience. I'm sick of the Horseshoe Cleveland, the one closest to home, with it's high minimums and general unfriendliness. This casino had a nice feel to it. Down to earth. The drinks were about $5, which kind of rubs me the wrong way, since $2.50-$4 is about the going rate in a similar bar, but whatever. The food court was okay (Pizza, 'Franks'--Burgers/Fries/Dogs, A coffee shop, ice cream and maybe one more), I personally never go to a casino to eat, and we didn't check out the other eating establishments. They also have free coffee and soda kiosks along the walls.

I forgot to mention the blackjack rules. They're uniform in PA. S17, DAS, DOA (except blackjack), surrender. I saw a few CSM, but mostly shoe-games. The Penetration is set at more than a deck and a half with a notch on all the shoes, I think they're all 6 deck games, definitely no 8 decks.

I think we're headed to the Shoe in Cleveland tomorrow, see what they have for us diamond members. Last time I went there things were slightly more reasonable. Still $15 craps tables, but I did see a few $10 blackjack tables and one $5 table. They have terrible rules and worse penetration, although I did have a dealer make a mistake and the pitboss gave us all our money back, that's a first anywhere I've been. If anyone has an questions about the shoe let me know. I'll try to get them answered.

Is the Shoe a nice casino? What kind of people
play there. At the Horseshoe near Chicago the
clientele is lower class, bordering on gang members.

Quote: EvenBob

What are the minimums at HorseShoe Cleveland?

$15 craps, maybe $10 before 11am on the weekends. If it's a game day/weekend it will be $25. At $15 most of the time the tables they have open will be filled. I was there Thursday, 12/26, and they had three crowded tables open, opened a fourth and I still couldn't get in on it at first.

Blackjack, as I said, during the week will be $10-$15, then $25 in the fancier area and starting at $50/hand in high limit room. The only time I have seen $5 blackjack was the one table, last Thursday, no getting a seat as it was 2 people deep waiting. I have been there enough days at 5-8am (used to go before work), to know that a $5 bj table is new. The rules are terrible. No surrender, 8deck, deep penetration (and not in the good way), DOA, DAS, One hit on split aces, H17 (except in HL room).

Carnival games are $10 minimum (LIR is $5/each bet = $15). Roulette is generally $15 minimum on the outside and inside separately, and yes they will count and make you bet $1 more if you have $14 out.

VP sucks as it does at all CET properties. I find my payouts to be closer to 50% in the most recent months.
I think that covers it.

The shoe has all types. It's in downtown Cleveland, so there is a mix. Not a lot of young people but some riff-raft I guess. I don't really feel unsafe (smallish young woman, often gamble alone), and there is plenty of police and security guards everywhere. Security will walk you from the cage to your car/hotel if need be. Generally I would say the clientele is working class.

EDIT: One more thing about the shoe, is it is non-smoking in a building that has never allowed smoking, so there is zero smell. It has high ceilings and generally a nice decour. Two main floors and a basement with the buffet and a third floor with a large poker room and the diamond lounge. I think the best food you can get there is the $2.00 hot dog outside the poker room. Just my opinion.

Very nice Review and report, concise, I don't do concise well...lol

I think this is a very accurate depiction of a typical Saturday at Meadows, so can personally vouch for the fact that this is essentially what a player can expect there, except, they don't always have a $5.00 BJ game.

Quote: drussell0208

First we considered Rivers, but several online reviews have said that the Rivers is extremely smoky, so we shied away. Also, last time we attempted to go we were stopped by ununiformed people telling us it was a $50 parking charge (on a Sunday morning) because of a sports game. I thought it was unprofessional, and off putting.

I believe Horseshoe Cleveland always charges for parking, unless you earn x amount of points on your Total Rewards card that day. At least, that was the case my only time there in December of 2012. If I remember the sign correctly, they also have certain special event parking rates. Keep in mind that Rivers is located right next to PNC Park and Heinz Field, so they probably get a bunch of non-casino patrons who want to try to jack them for free parking. Outdoor parking for a Pirates game usually runs at least $5.00, and that's if you don't mind a healthy little stroll.

Really safe area down there, in my opinion, very nice. I wouldn't walk around at night, but I'd walk pretty much anywhere down there in the late evening. If you ever leave from the front of Rivers, go to where you can make a left (there will be an underpass a few blocks down) and then make the left and keep going until you see a 7-11 on the left, make a right onto that road and go about two blocks to Nicky's Thai Restaurant, which will be on the left side of the street. Place is freaking outstanding.

We're also going to be doing a WoV East get together in Pittsburgh (doubt Wizard will be there) at some point in February, so I hope you can make it.

Quote:

Went through the casino, became a member they offered $10 fee slot play. The lady at the desk (servicing high-teir guests) didn't know if I could use it for the VP machines, which I thought was funny. Usually a property knows if VP is considered slots or not.

I don't know if you tried or not, but based on anytime I have ever had Free Play there (not friggin' often) the answer is yes.

Quote:

So we searched out some good tables.

Everything in that paragraph is basically right, even when they are busy, they have a new policy (as I understand it) to make sure there is always at least one $5.00 Craps game and one $5.00 BJ Table. Doesn't mean you'll find a spot/seat, but they claim there is always at least one such table open, now. I seem to recall that they would occasionally not have a $5 Craps game, at all, if they were really busy, but that could be wrong.

You were also right about Craps being 10x Odds there, Wheeling Island (after years at 2x) just moved to 3x-4x-5x, guess they're still behind the competition, but then, they're used to that.

Quote:

We played $5 craps for a while, apparently there was a 6-point fire right before we arrived (if only I had a dollar for every time a dealer told me that)...

What a surprise, the same thing had just happened right before I walked up to the table on one occasion that I played there, how much do you want to bet that it was also the same dealer? LOL

Congratulations on the nice Craps hand, those are always fun, the patrons at Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino, Racetrack (while the casino itself is dingier) will be more in your corner on a good hand than those at Meadows...

Quote:

Overall it was a good experience. I'm sick of the Horseshoe Cleveland, the one closest to home, with it's high minimums and general unfriendliness.

That place blows, but the one host is really nice and I appreciate the free money they were kind enough to give me.

Quote:

This casino had a nice feel to it. Down to earth. The drinks were about $5, which kind of rubs me the wrong way, since $2.50-$4 is about the going rate in a similar bar, but whatever. The food court was okay (Pizza, 'Franks'--Burgers/Fries/Dogs, A coffee shop, ice cream and maybe one more), I personally never go to a casino to eat, and we didn't check out the other eating establishments. They also have free coffee and soda kiosks along the walls.

If you think that's down to Earth, go give Wheeling Island a try....lol

The self-serve beverages are cool, same deal at Wheeling Island and Scioto Downs, can't remember about Rivers, and a big reason why Horseshoe Cleveland absolutely blows!

Quote: EvenBob

Is the Shoe a nice casino? What kind of people
play there. At the Horseshoe near Chicago the
clientele is lower class, bordering on gang members.

Can't be worse than Cleveland.

Rivers does occasionally charge for parking, but the most I was charged was $25, which was returned as $25 free play after earning 250 points. Anyways, it's legit as long as they give you the coupon. I'll often get free parking on my mailer, but at this point I was inactive and just there to see the fourth of July fireworks.

(Sentence Edited out for reasons unrelated to OnNickelMiracle and through no fault of OneNickelMiracle or any other poster-Mission146)

I've never been to the Cleveland Horseshoe, but I hear it's important to park in the proper parking deck. I would probably use the valet if you're Diamond, on the assumption it's an earned benefit. They always charge there no matter the day, but also with some kind of reimbursement with some play.

Quote: drussell0208

Carnival games are $10 minimum (LIR is $5/each bet = $15). Roulette is generally $15 minimum on the outside and inside separately, and yes they will count and make you bet $1 more if you have $14 out.

The rest of the games you mentioned are typical
for casinos in MI. Roulette seems high at Shoe. It's $5
during the week here, and raised to $10 at 8pm. On
Friday and Sat it's $15, with one $25 table.
Soaring Eagle, a giant casino up north, has $5
roulette all the time.

Quote: onenickelmiracle

I've never been to the Cleveland Horseshoe, but I hear it's important to park in the proper parking deck. I would probably use the valet if you're Diamond, on the assumption it's an earned benefit. They always charge there no matter the day, but also with some kind of reimbursement with some play.

Not a reimbursement when I was there, per se, just if you earned 20 or 25 TR points that day, you'd get a Voucher from the self-serve kiosk and it was free.

Quote: Mission146

Can't be worse than Cleveland.

It's far older and attracts a lot of minority gang
member types. It's scary to visit there, let alone
hang out. Far worse than the Detroit casinos.

Quote: Mission146

I believe Horseshoe Cleveland always charges for parking, unless you earn x amount of points on your Total Rewards card that day. At least, that was the case my only time there in December of 2012. If I remember the sign correctly, they also have certain special event parking rates. Keep in mind that Rivers is located right next to PNC Park and Heinz Field, so they probably get a bunch of non-casino patrons who want to try to jack them for free parking. Outdoor parking for a Pirates game usually runs at least $5.00, and that's if you don't mind a healthy little stroll.

Really safe area down there, in my opinion, very nice. I wouldn't walk around at night, but I'd walk pretty much anywhere down there in the late evening. If you ever leave from the front of Rivers, go to where you can make a left (there will be an underpass a few blocks down) and then make the left and keep going until you see a 7-11 on the left, make a right onto that road and go about two blocks to Nicky's Thai Restaurant, which will be on the left side of the street. Place is freaking outstanding.

We're also going to be doing a WoV East get together in Pittsburgh (doubt Wizard will be there) at some point in February, so I hope you can make it.

I understand what you're saying with the parking situation. I didn't like the person hitting us up for $50 was not identified as being with the casino. I like how the Shoe has a ticketing system. You simply have to go into the casino and get a free parking ticket to give to the attendant upon your exit. It's a good system for a down-town casino.

I will try out Nicky's Thai Restuarant (is it right next to another Thai Restuaruant?). If it is like many of the restuarants in Pittsburgh (or just the Thai ones?!) It is BYOB, which I absolutely love in a restaurant. :)

Also, near the Horseshoe Cleveland there is a small sushi place, Sushi 86 which is often not busy, not 'classy', BYOB with GREAT sushi. It's right past E. 4th street on Prospect, about 3 blocks from the casino, 2 from the parking garage. Dinner for two is about $25 if you BYOB, can't beat that!

I will try to make the Feb. meet. That's my birthday month, so maybe I will get a room discount or something. :)

Quote: EvenBob

It's far older and attracts a lot of minority gang
member types. It's scary to visit there, let alone
hang out. Far worse than the Detroit casinos.

Can't be worse than Cleveland.

Quote: EvenBob

The rest of the games you mentioned are typical
for casinos in MI. Roulette seems high at Shoe. It's $5
during the week here, and raised to $10 at 8pm. On
Friday and Sat it's $15, with one $25 table.
Soaring Eagle, a giant casino up north, has $5
roulette all the time.

I will check the Roulette minimums tomorrow, the $15 may be outdated. It's been a long time since I've even stopped to look at most games other than what I play.

Quote: drussell0208

I understand what you're saying with the parking situation. I didn't like the person hitting us up for $50 was not identified as being with the casino. I like how the Shoe has a ticketing system. You simply have to go into the casino and get a free parking ticket to give to the attendant upon your exit. It's a good system for a down-town casino.

That's true, it's much better to be able to take care of it after showing them whatever amount of play, rather than paying and hoping to have it reimbursed in some way later.

Quote:

I will try out Nicky's Thai Restuarant (is it right next to another Thai Restuaruant?). If it is like many of the restuarants in Pittsburgh (or just the Thai ones?!) It is BYOB, which I absolutely love in a restaurant. :)

Maybe for the get-together if Rivers is chosen, (please see new thread) if Rivers is not chosen, then definitely check it out. I don't know if it is BYOB, but I'll be more than happy to call in the next couple of days and ask, they'll probably be busy tomorrow and the next day, so I'll call Thursday.

Quote:

Also, near the Horseshoe Cleveland there is a small sushi place, Sushi 86 which is often not busy, not 'classy', BYOB with GREAT sushi. It's right past E. 4th street on Prospect, about 3 blocks from the casino, 2 from the parking garage. Dinner for two is about $25 if you BYOB, can't beat that!

I will try to make the Feb. meet. That's my birthday month, so maybe I will get a room discount or something. :)

Cool!

The probability of me going to Horseshoe Cleveland again is the same as the probability of them giving me $250 Free Play for absolutely no good reason again, probably very close to zero! LOL

Quote: Mission146

Can't be worse than Cleveland.

I also wonder when the last time bob went there. The casino was redone in 2008 or so. I think it's a really nice property. And don't see gangstas usually, but I usually go during the day though.

Quote: tringlomane

I also wonder when the last time bob went there. The casino was redone in 2008 or so. I think it's a really nice property. And don't see gangstas usually, but I usually go during the day though.

Haven't been there since 2005. I don't go to
any of the IN casinos anymore.

edited

Quote: drussell0208

This past Saturday my boyfriend and I made it out to Pittsburgh and decided to go a bit south to the Meadows. First we considered Rivers, but several online reviews have said that the Rivers is extremely smoky, so we shied away. Also, last time we attempted to go we were stopped by ununiformed people telling us it was a $50 parking charge (on a Sunday morning) because of a sports game. I thought it was unprofessional, and off putting.

As others said, Rivers is right across the street from Heinz Field and they would get killed by people parking there for games. They seem to have set the price high enough to say they don't want to be a satellite lot, they want players to park there and play at the casino. The charge starts about 6 hours before the game and ends 20-30 minutes after kickoff. I find this no big deal given how good the location is for other things.

There is no charge for Pirate games, just Steelers and Pitt.

True.

I hope you didn't mind me assuming I could add you to the list, AZ, pursuant to our discussions. The Pirates were just the Pirates then, though. I obviously don't know for sure, but threw out the Pirates because there may be a charge during the Playoffs in the event they make the Playoffs.

Quote: AZDuffman

As others said, Rivers is right across the street from Heinz Field and they would get killed by people parking there for games. They seem to have set the price high enough to say they don't want to be a satellite lot, they want players to park there and play at the casino. The charge starts about 6 hours before the game and ends 20-30 minutes after kickoff. I find this no big deal given how good the location is for other things.

There is no charge for Pirate games, just Steelers and Pitt.

Not true about the Pirates. They charge when the Pirates have fireworks. At the end of last season when it was sold out they charged on most Friday and Saturday nights. I think it was only $20 or $25.

I can always park for free in the Horseshoe Cleveland garage, no matter the event -- Indians, Cavs, concert, alien invasion, etc. It's a great deal with the Diamond (now Seven Stars -- weee!) card since parking is $35 normally. When I worked downtown I also parked there. Even having to earn the 15 tier credits is only a couple bucks expected loss on video poker.

Quote: GWAE

Not true about the Pirates. They charge when the Pirates have fireworks. At the end of last season when it was sold out they charged on most Friday and Saturday nights. I think it was only $20 or $25.

Agreed. One other point for others, you must be 21 to even be in their parking garage or any where else at the Rivers. It causes a problem sometimes because people suddenly stop letting kids out right before going inside the deck.

Quote: teddys

I can always park for free in the Horseshoe Cleveland garage, no matter the event -- Indians, Cavs, concert, alien invasion, etc. It's a great deal with the Diamond (now Seven Stars -- weee!) card since parking is $35 normally. When I worked downtown I also parked there. Even having to earn the 15 tier credits is only a couple bucks expected loss on video poker.

That is a good deal, except for the having to go to Horseshoe Cleveland part...j/k

Quote: Mission146

That is a good deal, except for the having to go to Horseshoe Cleveland part...j/k

It's nice. For a shitty city like Cleveland it's a suprisingly good casino. They have some really nice Christmas decorations up now. Their promotions department is top-notch, and the employees are great. I can't find anything to complain about other than the fact that it's in Cleveland :)