Casino Chip of the Day
October 12th, 2012 at 7:35:04 AM
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Quote: DocIt has three wide edge inserts with shapes I'm not sure just how to describe: rounded triangles? UFOs?
Crude circle segments?
They're very nice, whatever they are. The olive has no business there, but the shape's are a nice change in chip design esthetics.
Foxwoods would be one of the nicest casinos I'm never likely to visit. So, are the craps tables craps tables, or some god-awful card/dice hybrid?
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
October 12th, 2012 at 7:57:00 AM
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The best thing about Foxwoods is getting there. You're wondering where it is, then, suddenly, like Dorothy turning the corner and finding Emerald City, there it is.Quote: NareedFoxwoods would be one of the nicest casinos I'm never likely to visit.
Once you're there, you're better off at Mohegan Sun.
They are traditional craps tables.Quote: NareedSo, are the craps tables craps tables, or some god-awful card/dice hybrid?
Ditto for Mohegan Sun. In fact, Mohegan Sun is where I first saw the Fire Bet.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
October 12th, 2012 at 9:02:42 AM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearThe best thing about Foxwoods is getting there. You're wondering where it is, then, suddenly, like Dorothy turning the corner and finding Emerald City, there it is.
I've heard that before :)
The thing is I can't imagine any reason why I'd be around that area. And I wouldn't go there just to visit a casino. Vegas being a lot cheaper to get to, stay, eat and so on...
Quote:They are traditional craps tables.
That's a point in their favor.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
October 12th, 2012 at 9:07:57 AM
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Hey Doc or DJ, did either of you get to the Nautilus / Submarine Force Museum in nearby Groton, CT?
Really an awesome place to visit if you're in the area, (closed Tuesdays and from Nov. 5-16, 2012)
Really an awesome place to visit if you're in the area, (closed Tuesdays and from Nov. 5-16, 2012)
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief.
- Proverb.
October 12th, 2012 at 10:11:00 AM
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Sorry. Didn't mean to neglect that thread; I just remembered that JB had done a recent review of Foxwoods.Quote: DJTeddyBearFor a full discussion of the two casinos, refer to my Mohegan Sun vs Foxwoods comparisons thread.
Never been there. I think there might be several things in the area that would interest me, but on the few occasions I have been in Connecticut, I'm always on my way to somewhere else. I have never spent the night in the state.Quote: WongBoHey Doc or DJ, did either of you get to the Nautilus / Submarine Force Museum in nearby Groton, CT?
Really an awesome place to visit if you're in the area, (closed Tuesdays and from Nov. 5-16, 2012)
When I visited Foxwoods in September 2010, I spent a Sunday night in New Jersey followed by Monday night in Maine, just stopping off in Connecticut long enough to visit the casinos and have lunch. It seems as if every trip is like that.
October 12th, 2012 at 1:39:28 PM
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Doc, you are right about the meaning of MPGE. For sure.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
October 12th, 2012 at 1:48:59 PM
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Thanks. I didn't find that full expression anywhere on their web site, so it was just a guess.
October 13th, 2012 at 6:39:04 AM
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State: Connecticut
City: Ledyard
Casino: MGM Grand at Foxwoods
In November 2005 construction began on a $700 million expansion at Foxwoods. On April 25, 2006, Foxwoods announced that they would lease the MGM Grand brand name for the new building, and that MGM Mirage would be a partner in the expansion project. The expansion, entitled The MGM Grand at Foxwoods, opened on May 17, 2008.
OK, so maybe some people would disagree with my posting this casino as a separate entity from yesterday's. However, while Foxwoods has half a dozen named casinos in the place, the MGM Grand is in a "separate" building (connected by a moving sidewalk, I think) and has chips that say MGM Grand, interchangeable of course.
OK then, I'll admit just a little bit more. This is the exact same chip design that I posted yesterday, just the other side of the chip. I collected two of them, and I'm dang well claiming that they are from two casinos in the same complex. How else was I supposed to come up with three casinos in Connecticut? So there. (At least I didn't wait to post this one as my very last chip posting before heading out of town for three weeks -- if you don't like my methods, I'm still here for another day to catch the flack.)
This design of dual-casino chips was issued in a variety of colors/denominations from the $1 chip shown to $5, $25, $100, $500, $1000, and $5000. In addition to the expected white, red, green, and black, the other three are pinkish purple (or purplish pink), orange, and gray. They also have different patterns for the edge inserts. I only know about all that because they are all shown in the MOGH catalog.
City: Ledyard
Casino: MGM Grand at Foxwoods
In November 2005 construction began on a $700 million expansion at Foxwoods. On April 25, 2006, Foxwoods announced that they would lease the MGM Grand brand name for the new building, and that MGM Mirage would be a partner in the expansion project. The expansion, entitled The MGM Grand at Foxwoods, opened on May 17, 2008.
OK, so maybe some people would disagree with my posting this casino as a separate entity from yesterday's. However, while Foxwoods has half a dozen named casinos in the place, the MGM Grand is in a "separate" building (connected by a moving sidewalk, I think) and has chips that say MGM Grand, interchangeable of course.
OK then, I'll admit just a little bit more. This is the exact same chip design that I posted yesterday, just the other side of the chip. I collected two of them, and I'm dang well claiming that they are from two casinos in the same complex. How else was I supposed to come up with three casinos in Connecticut? So there. (At least I didn't wait to post this one as my very last chip posting before heading out of town for three weeks -- if you don't like my methods, I'm still here for another day to catch the flack.)
This design of dual-casino chips was issued in a variety of colors/denominations from the $1 chip shown to $5, $25, $100, $500, $1000, and $5000. In addition to the expected white, red, green, and black, the other three are pinkish purple (or purplish pink), orange, and gray. They also have different patterns for the edge inserts. I only know about all that because they are all shown in the MOGH catalog.
October 13th, 2012 at 7:17:32 AM
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I was about to be the first to cry "FOUL!"
But then I thought about it.
There was a time when the Foxwoods casinos craps tables had the FireBet and MGM did not. Later on there were differences in the rules, such as, at one, you could buy into the FireBet after the shooter's initial roll, as long as he hasn't established a point yet.
So maybe you got a point.
For the record, when I talked yesterday about the size of the place, and how far the furthest two points were, I was including MGM.
But then I thought about it.
There was a time when the Foxwoods casinos craps tables had the FireBet and MGM did not. Later on there were differences in the rules, such as, at one, you could buy into the FireBet after the shooter's initial roll, as long as he hasn't established a point yet.
So maybe you got a point.
For the record, when I talked yesterday about the size of the place, and how far the furthest two points were, I was including MGM.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
October 13th, 2012 at 8:44:13 AM
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The logos on the chips are different, too. And if the Wynn and Encore and the Venetian and Palazzo are different casinos, then the FW and the MGMFW are different casinos as well. (And do I get a prize for using "and" five times in one sentence?)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
October 13th, 2012 at 8:53:38 AM
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Thanks.Quote: DJTeddyBearSo maybe you got a point.
I think I am treating Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods much the way I treated Bally's and Paris in Las Vegas. In each case, it is two casinos operating under the same license/compact, where you can walk indoors from one casino to the other, using chips with the names of the two casinos on opposite sides, and having separate hotels for which you can book rooms at the same web site.
Other good examples, so thanks to you, too. I'm not sure whether Venetian and Palazzo have ever used identical chips.Quote: Nareed...Wynn and Encore and the Venetian and Palazzo....
October 13th, 2012 at 10:06:38 AM
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Quote: DocOther good examples, so thanks to you, too. I'm not sure whether Venetian and Palazzo have ever used identical chips.
You're welcome.
The only problem is that there doesn't seem to be a euphonious combination name for the Foxwoods and MGM, like there is for the Wynncore and Venazzo.... I mean, Grandwoods or Foxgrand just don't have a ring to them.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
October 13th, 2012 at 10:12:42 AM
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Quote: AyecarumbaIt's a nice, little place with a fairly good sized proportion of the floor space walled off (but not completely sealed off) as a non-smoking section. They were really promoting their "lobster buffet". Not surprisingly, it isn't an all you can eat affair.
What? Of course it is all you can eat. It's a buffet. They will only give you one lobster tail at a time but you can go back for as many as you would like. They are the nation's second largest purchaser of lobster after Red Lobster.
Vote for Nobody 2020!
October 14th, 2012 at 5:51:39 AM
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State: Connecticut
City: Uncasville
Casino: Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun is the other mega-casino in Connecticut, with 300,000 sq. ft. of gaming space in three casinos named for the Earth, Sky, and Wind, a 1,200-room hotel, three entertainment venues, a 10,000 sq. ft. indoor pool, a 20,000 sq. ft. spa, and a 55 ft. indoor waterfall. It has been described by some in this forum as a slightly smaller behemoth yet nicer than the one described the past couple of days. The Mohegan Sun is owned and operated by the Mohegan Tribe, not to be confused with the Mohican (or Mahican) tribe.
The casino opened on October 12, 1996. This weekend they have been celebrating their 16th birthday, calling the event "Mohegan Sun's Sweet (And Not So Sweet) 16," with freebies, giveaways, and entertainment.
I have visited Mohegan Sun just one time, with my wife and sister-in-law on that same September 2010 day that we visited both ends of Foxwoods. I played craps, coming out $90 to the positive side, and had lunch at Big Bubba's BBQ, upstairs between the Casino of the Earth and the Casino of the Sky.
The Mohegan Tribe also operates Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania (chip to be posted in early February, I suspect), and they have hopes for a Mohegan Sun - Palmer, planned for Western Massachusetts.
The chip shown below is a white Paulson RHC hat and cane design with four narrow edge inserts, two in burgundy, one blue, and one green. The two sides have different, large center inlays. The obverse (first image) includes the greeting Wigwomun, which means "Welcome" in the Mohegan language. The reverse/tails side shows a small tail along with a minor pun suitable for a $1 chip.
UV light reveals the hidden Paulson hat and cane logo and the fact that the blue edge insert fluoresces while the other three do not.
According to the MOGH catalog, there are three varieties of UV images for this chip, but I don't know what they are. I think the catalog fails to show the UV images because they already have front and back images of the chip and only two columns in their layout for chip images.
This Casino Chip of the Day concludes my collection of Connecticut chips and also suspends my daily posting of chips for a while. Later this morning I will be boarding a plane for the three-week trip that I have described before. Tomorrow, it will be rdw4potus's turn to take over the lead for the thread. I wish him and all of the rest of you well in my absence.
City: Uncasville
Casino: Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun is the other mega-casino in Connecticut, with 300,000 sq. ft. of gaming space in three casinos named for the Earth, Sky, and Wind, a 1,200-room hotel, three entertainment venues, a 10,000 sq. ft. indoor pool, a 20,000 sq. ft. spa, and a 55 ft. indoor waterfall. It has been described by some in this forum as a slightly smaller behemoth yet nicer than the one described the past couple of days. The Mohegan Sun is owned and operated by the Mohegan Tribe, not to be confused with the Mohican (or Mahican) tribe.
The casino opened on October 12, 1996. This weekend they have been celebrating their 16th birthday, calling the event "Mohegan Sun's Sweet (And Not So Sweet) 16," with freebies, giveaways, and entertainment.
I have visited Mohegan Sun just one time, with my wife and sister-in-law on that same September 2010 day that we visited both ends of Foxwoods. I played craps, coming out $90 to the positive side, and had lunch at Big Bubba's BBQ, upstairs between the Casino of the Earth and the Casino of the Sky.
The Mohegan Tribe also operates Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania (chip to be posted in early February, I suspect), and they have hopes for a Mohegan Sun - Palmer, planned for Western Massachusetts.
The chip shown below is a white Paulson RHC hat and cane design with four narrow edge inserts, two in burgundy, one blue, and one green. The two sides have different, large center inlays. The obverse (first image) includes the greeting Wigwomun, which means "Welcome" in the Mohegan language. The reverse/tails side shows a small tail along with a minor pun suitable for a $1 chip.
UV light reveals the hidden Paulson hat and cane logo and the fact that the blue edge insert fluoresces while the other three do not.
According to the MOGH catalog, there are three varieties of UV images for this chip, but I don't know what they are. I think the catalog fails to show the UV images because they already have front and back images of the chip and only two columns in their layout for chip images.
This Casino Chip of the Day concludes my collection of Connecticut chips and also suspends my daily posting of chips for a while. Later this morning I will be boarding a plane for the three-week trip that I have described before. Tomorrow, it will be rdw4potus's turn to take over the lead for the thread. I wish him and all of the rest of you well in my absence.
October 14th, 2012 at 9:43:43 AM
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I don't think I have a picture of the reverse of my Foxwoods chip, which I believe is the face with the MGM info on it. I'm never sure what to do in that scenario, and I haven't been too consistent with it. I have two Wynncore chips (one for Wynn, one for Encore), but only one Foxwoods chip. I guess I'll have to return to Connecticut.
As Doc mentioned, I'll be taking over this thread in his absence. My plan is to return to Nevada and run through the casinos that I've visited but Doc hasn't. I think that will fit almost perfectly with the time that he plans to be away.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 14th, 2012 at 11:20:25 AM
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Excellent, rdw! Glad to see you are back on the thread and ready to take over.
Our flight just landed in Atlanta, and we have a short layover before our flight to Rome. I suspect this will be my last post, because this phone won't work in Europe.
Our flight just landed in Atlanta, and we have a short layover before our flight to Rome. I suspect this will be my last post, because this phone won't work in Europe.
October 15th, 2012 at 10:16:47 AM
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State: Nevada
City: Sparks
Casino: Alamo Casino and Petro Stopping Center
Today brings us back to Nevada, and back to the beginning of the alphabet. Casino City says that the Alamo Casino in Sparks has 7 table and poker games – and then lists 8 tables in their itemized list. The casino, which opened in 1997, is pretty much what the name implies: It’s a truck stop with a little casino in it. 180 slots, 7 (or 8) tables, restaurant, gas station, and weird little hotel. I assume the hotel is for licensing reasons…
My chip is a Paulson RHC, and is from the 1997 set of chips. I believe that is the only set that has thus far been issued at the casino.
Fun fact: I’m not sure how they managed to do it, but the casino’s website is www.thealamo.com. I would have assumed that someone associated with, well, the Alamo would have snatched that one up.
City: Sparks
Casino: Alamo Casino and Petro Stopping Center
Today brings us back to Nevada, and back to the beginning of the alphabet. Casino City says that the Alamo Casino in Sparks has 7 table and poker games – and then lists 8 tables in their itemized list. The casino, which opened in 1997, is pretty much what the name implies: It’s a truck stop with a little casino in it. 180 slots, 7 (or 8) tables, restaurant, gas station, and weird little hotel. I assume the hotel is for licensing reasons…
My chip is a Paulson RHC, and is from the 1997 set of chips. I believe that is the only set that has thus far been issued at the casino.
Fun fact: I’m not sure how they managed to do it, but the casino’s website is www.thealamo.com. I would have assumed that someone associated with, well, the Alamo would have snatched that one up.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 15th, 2012 at 10:32:19 AM
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Alamo has a great little poker room that we go over and mess around in, haha.
P.S.- All your collectible chips are $5 RDW...damn man, that must be like straight $1000 in chips!
P.S.- All your collectible chips are $5 RDW...damn man, that must be like straight $1000 in chips!
Gambling calls to me...like this ~> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nap37mNSmQ
October 15th, 2012 at 10:33:55 AM
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Quote: rdw4potusState: Nevada
City: Sparks
Casino: Alamo Casino and Petro Stopping Center
Fun fact: I’m not sure how they managed to do it, but the casino’s website is www.thealamo.com. I would have assumed that someone associated with, well, the Alamo would have snatched that one up.
That is pretty amazing...for a tiny joint like that, you'd think they would be able to sell the domain name for a tidy sum to the actual Alamo, or even may the car rental company.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
October 15th, 2012 at 11:27:10 AM
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Maybe. Maybe not. Lots of truck stops have little hotels attached. Sometimes a long-haul trucker wants to sleep in a bed and use the shower...Quote: rdw4potusI assume the hotel is for licensing reasons…
But getting that website? Back in the early days of the internet, there were lots of people/companies that didn't see the future need, while others were willing to spend a measley $15 per year to get and reserve a specific domain name even if they didn't build a website right away.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
October 15th, 2012 at 3:57:15 PM
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That is a sweet chip. Nice graphics for what is basically a sawdust joint.
I like the Alamo. I went on a tear there in BJ when I passed through. Won 25+ units just flat betting $5. The trucker next to me betting greens I think made enough to buy a new truck.
Also, some of the best blackjack rules in Nevada, and a really soft poker game. (That I'd still be the fish at if I played it.)
I like the Alamo. I went on a tear there in BJ when I passed through. Won 25+ units just flat betting $5. The trucker next to me betting greens I think made enough to buy a new truck.
Also, some of the best blackjack rules in Nevada, and a really soft poker game. (That I'd still be the fish at if I played it.)
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
October 15th, 2012 at 4:49:57 PM
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Quote: DocState: California
City: San Jacinto
Casino: Soboba
The chip shown below is a very plain, white Bud Jones chip, with no markings at all except on the center inlay.
Here's a Soboba update, They are currently using both the Bud Jones pictured, and white Paulson THC chips. Same insert on both. An unfortunate side effect is that the two types don't stack together very well. I don't know if the Paulsons are completely replacing the Bud Jones, but I assume Doc would have mentioned if another manufacturer's product was in use when he was there.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
October 15th, 2012 at 4:54:17 PM
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Edit: This is in reference to the Valley View in California
My mistake. I saw the sign for the pricing, which was in addition to the buffet price, and assumed it was run like the "pick your steak" at the Rio. I may have to go back there now to see how many "bugs" I can put away.
Quote: bigfoot66What? Of course it is all you can eat. It's a buffet. They will only give you one lobster tail at a time but you can go back for as many as you would like. They are the nation's second largest purchaser of lobster after Red Lobster.
My mistake. I saw the sign for the pricing, which was in addition to the buffet price, and assumed it was run like the "pick your steak" at the Rio. I may have to go back there now to see how many "bugs" I can put away.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
October 16th, 2012 at 5:53:02 PM
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Where's the chip o the day?
Vote for Nobody 2020!
October 17th, 2012 at 12:01:31 AM
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Quote: bigfoot66Where's the chip o the day?
So...A funny thing happened on the way to the...ok, on the way to the Central Coast casino in Paso Robles. I was stuck on the I-15 for about 2 hours, while they removed a jack knifed semi from the highway. Kind of threw my whole day off...
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 17th, 2012 at 12:15:53 AM
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State: Nevada
City: Las Vegas
Casino: Alamo casino
Today we take a half-step backwards. Today's chip falls slightly before yesterday's chip alphabetically, but I didn't have this chip yet at the time that I wrote yesterday's post. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I learned that there were tables in the casino in the TA travel center on Dean Martin by the Silverton. It's actually a cute little pit. 2 BJ tables, 1 poker table. Everyone was very friendly. Here's the most embarrassing part - I stopped for gas at this station on my last chip collecting trip, but I never went inside. D'oh!!
I don't think I quite have Doc's level of research skill - Based on the chip design and casino name, I'm assuming that this Alamo and the one in Sparks are siblings. Also, and I may post a second image later, the Vegas chip has an image of what I think is the Sparks casino on the reverse. At least, it matches the image at the top of thealamo.com
I thought I was going to get this post completed while i was in gridlock on the I-15 near the bustling metropolis of Cima, CA this morning. Alas, traffic started moving just at the wrong time. Now "today's" chip of the day is loosely defined as "the chip that RDW posted before he went to sleep," and I'll post another chip tomorrow. (or later today, depending on your perspective)
City: Las Vegas
Casino: Alamo casino
Today we take a half-step backwards. Today's chip falls slightly before yesterday's chip alphabetically, but I didn't have this chip yet at the time that I wrote yesterday's post. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I learned that there were tables in the casino in the TA travel center on Dean Martin by the Silverton. It's actually a cute little pit. 2 BJ tables, 1 poker table. Everyone was very friendly. Here's the most embarrassing part - I stopped for gas at this station on my last chip collecting trip, but I never went inside. D'oh!!
I don't think I quite have Doc's level of research skill - Based on the chip design and casino name, I'm assuming that this Alamo and the one in Sparks are siblings. Also, and I may post a second image later, the Vegas chip has an image of what I think is the Sparks casino on the reverse. At least, it matches the image at the top of thealamo.com
I thought I was going to get this post completed while i was in gridlock on the I-15 near the bustling metropolis of Cima, CA this morning. Alas, traffic started moving just at the wrong time. Now "today's" chip of the day is loosely defined as "the chip that RDW posted before he went to sleep," and I'll post another chip tomorrow. (or later today, depending on your perspective)
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 17th, 2012 at 10:53:59 AM
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State: Nevada
City: Reno
Casino:Bonanza
The Bonanza Casino is located in Reno on Virginia Street (old 395) north of I-80. That's pretty much the middle of nowhere in town. It's not downtown, it's not east of town on I-80, it's not south by the airport. I guess the location made more sense when the casino opened in 1979, before the 395 bypass went into service.
Bonanza is home to 442 slot machines and an indeterminate number of table games. Casino City lists it as a total of 5 tables, comprised of: TCP-1, Craps-1, BJ-5, single-deck BJ-8, other-2, and poker. That's 17 tables, plus the poker room. It's been a year since I visited, but I'm pretty sure that the actual number of tables was in the middle of those two numbers - more like 8-10. At this point, I'm wondering if Casino City would pay for reveiws and/or corrections. I'd be happy to actually pay attention and I'm going to visit all of these casinos anyway...
My chip comes from the 2005 Hot August Nights "limited edition" series, and is a Bud Jones chip. Normally, I avoid limited edition chips, but they were all that was available in this instance.
City: Reno
Casino:Bonanza
The Bonanza Casino is located in Reno on Virginia Street (old 395) north of I-80. That's pretty much the middle of nowhere in town. It's not downtown, it's not east of town on I-80, it's not south by the airport. I guess the location made more sense when the casino opened in 1979, before the 395 bypass went into service.
Bonanza is home to 442 slot machines and an indeterminate number of table games. Casino City lists it as a total of 5 tables, comprised of: TCP-1, Craps-1, BJ-5, single-deck BJ-8, other-2, and poker. That's 17 tables, plus the poker room. It's been a year since I visited, but I'm pretty sure that the actual number of tables was in the middle of those two numbers - more like 8-10. At this point, I'm wondering if Casino City would pay for reveiws and/or corrections. I'd be happy to actually pay attention and I'm going to visit all of these casinos anyway...
My chip comes from the 2005 Hot August Nights "limited edition" series, and is a Bud Jones chip. Normally, I avoid limited edition chips, but they were all that was available in this instance.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 17th, 2012 at 11:01:58 AM
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I think Bonanza caters somewhat to the UNR crowd. It is the closest casino to campus. I see nothing there that would appeal to college-aged kids, though.
Casino City was at G2E "showing off" some of their products. I was NOT impressed. I mean, really, they should be ashamed of their editorial work. The time is ripe for some competition -- go get it!
Do you remember what the blackjack rules were at the LV Alamo? Are they the same as the Sparks one? I somehow have the urge to go down there and start betting black...
Casino City was at G2E "showing off" some of their products. I was NOT impressed. I mean, really, they should be ashamed of their editorial work. The time is ripe for some competition -- go get it!
Do you remember what the blackjack rules were at the LV Alamo? Are they the same as the Sparks one? I somehow have the urge to go down there and start betting black...
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
October 17th, 2012 at 12:10:01 PM
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Quote: rdw4potusState: Nevada
City: Las Vegas
Casino: Alamo casino
This insert is interesting because of the "3-D" image of the Alamo behind the logo. Reminds me of those 'Magic Eye" pictures that used to give me fits.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
October 17th, 2012 at 12:11:52 PM
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That's a really wordy chip.
I forget, what did you do at the Four Queens? I recall looking through my red chips while playing craps, and every single one had some sort of commemorative design.
Quote: rdw4potusMy chip comes from the 2005 Hot August Nights "limited edition" series, and is a Bud Jones chip. Normally, I avoid limited edition chips, but they were all that was available in this instance.
I forget, what did you do at the Four Queens? I recall looking through my red chips while playing craps, and every single one had some sort of commemorative design.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
October 17th, 2012 at 12:13:30 PM
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Quote: rdw4potusState: Nevada
City: Reno
Casino:Bonanza
The Bonanza Casino is located in Reno on Virginia Street (old 395) north of I-80.
Is the casino in any way associated with the, "Ponderosa" Ranch outside of Virginia City, where scenes from the old TV show, 'Bonanza" were supposedly filmed? I wonder if that trademark is still enforce?
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
October 17th, 2012 at 12:15:16 PM
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Quote: AyecarumbaQuote: rdw4potusState: Nevada
City: Reno
Casino:Bonanza
The Bonanza Casino is located in Reno on Virginia Street (old 395) north of I-80.
Is the casino in any way associated with the, "Ponderosa" Ranch outside of Virginia City, where scenes from the old TV show, 'Bonanza" were supposedly filmed? I wonder if that trademark is still enforce?
It's actually up on 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) and here's a snippet about it:
"The Ponderosa Ranch was a theme park based on the popular 1960s television western Bonanza which housed the affluent land, timber and livestock-rich Cartwright family. The amusement park operated in Incline Village, Nevada, near Lake Tahoe, from 1967 until 2004. Portions of the last five seasons of the TV series and three TV movies were also filmed at that location."
Gambling calls to me...like this ~> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nap37mNSmQ
October 17th, 2012 at 12:19:35 PM
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Quote: TIMSPEEDQuote: AyecarumbaQuote: rdw4potusState: Nevada
City: Reno
Casino:Bonanza
The Bonanza Casino is located in Reno on Virginia Street (old 395) north of I-80.
Is the casino in any way associated with the, "Ponderosa" Ranch outside of Virginia City, where scenes from the old TV show, 'Bonanza" were supposedly filmed? I wonder if that trademark is still enforce?
I doubt it...and that's been closed for a while now...
That's a bummer. I would always see it on the map as I was driving from Reno to Tahoe, but never took the side trip.... It didn't help that my map would burst into flames... (You'd have to have seen the show to get that one...)
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
October 17th, 2012 at 12:42:49 PM
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Quote: AyecarumbaThat's a bummer. I would always see it on the map as I was driving from Reno to Tahoe, but never took the side trip.... It didn't help that my map would burst into flames... (You'd have to have seen the show to get that one...)
LoL, I saw the show and I visited the ranch as a youngster.
Gambling calls to me...like this ~> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nap37mNSmQ
October 17th, 2012 at 3:30:47 PM
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Quote: NareedThat's a really wordy chip.
I forget, what did you do at the Four Queens? I recall looking through my red chips while playing craps, and every single one had some sort of commemorative design.
I had to go twice, but I did eventually find this chip at the Four Queens
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 17th, 2012 at 3:34:25 PM
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Quote: teddys
Do you remember what the blackjack rules were at the LV Alamo? Are they the same as the Sparks one? I somehow have the urge to go down there and start betting black...
I'm sorry to say that I don't remember. Nothing special came up in my 10 minutes of play, so I didn't really test anything outlandish. I think I split 6s once, but didn't even get to try to double after I split. But there are worse things in the world than ending up at the Silverton if things are unfavorable at Alamo. And, FWIW, I'm pretty sure there were no black chips. So you'd be betting stacks of green (just an expression, I know:-) )
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 17th, 2012 at 3:36:21 PM
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Quote: rdw4potusI had to go twice, but I did eventually find this chip at the Four Queens
That might be a one-of-a-kind chip ;)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
October 18th, 2012 at 10:26:20 PM
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State: Nevada
City: Verdi
Casino: Boomtown
The Boomtown casino in Verdi is located just off of I-80, and is the farthest west of the Reno-area casinos. Presumably, they're angling to be a first - and only - stop for gamblers visiting from California. The casino opened in 1967. The early ownership situation is difficult to determine. However, the property was sold this summer by Pinnacle Gaming to a holding company called M1 Gaming. I think that means that this is no longer a sister property to the other Boomtowns around the country and I wonder if a name change is coming for the property.
Wikipedia says that the property began as a truck stop and evolved into a full casino over time. If that's the case, they did a remarkable job at achieving a sense of cohesion. Boomtown is home to 600 gaming machines and 14 table games. The property also has a pretty awesome black-light mini-golf course and a smattering of other family-oriented activities. There have been only 4 non-commemorative $5 chip series since the casino opened, and my chip is from the 1989 series. It's a Paulson chip, but not a top hat and cane design (there is a H&C chip from 1996). My chip - indeed, all Boomtown chips - has a significant amount of edge wear. Personally, I enjoy that since I find that it makes them slightly easier to shuffle that way.
City: Verdi
Casino: Boomtown
The Boomtown casino in Verdi is located just off of I-80, and is the farthest west of the Reno-area casinos. Presumably, they're angling to be a first - and only - stop for gamblers visiting from California. The casino opened in 1967. The early ownership situation is difficult to determine. However, the property was sold this summer by Pinnacle Gaming to a holding company called M1 Gaming. I think that means that this is no longer a sister property to the other Boomtowns around the country and I wonder if a name change is coming for the property.
Wikipedia says that the property began as a truck stop and evolved into a full casino over time. If that's the case, they did a remarkable job at achieving a sense of cohesion. Boomtown is home to 600 gaming machines and 14 table games. The property also has a pretty awesome black-light mini-golf course and a smattering of other family-oriented activities. There have been only 4 non-commemorative $5 chip series since the casino opened, and my chip is from the 1989 series. It's a Paulson chip, but not a top hat and cane design (there is a H&C chip from 1996). My chip - indeed, all Boomtown chips - has a significant amount of edge wear. Personally, I enjoy that since I find that it makes them slightly easier to shuffle that way.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 19th, 2012 at 3:15:28 PM
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Quote: rdw4potusState: Nevada
City: Verdi
Casino: Boomtown
My chip - indeed, all Boomtown chips - has a significant amount of edge wear. Personally, I enjoy that since I find that it makes them slightly easier to shuffle that way.
Interesting that the inset image doesn't include a, "town". Was there a stagecoach in the joint?
I know that Doc has mentioned in the past that he considers a casino's name molded into the chip as a sign of presige. But I wonder about the prestigious mold living in the nooks and crannies when I come across this style of production... Bring out the hand sanitizer!
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
October 19th, 2012 at 3:53:59 PM
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Quote: Ayecarumba
Interesting that the inset image doesn't include a, "town". Was there a stagecoach in the joint?
I know that Doc has mentioned in the past that he considers a casino's name molded into the chip as a sign of presige. But I wonder about the prestigious mold living in the nooks and crannies when I come across this style of production... Bring out the hand sanitizer!
It was actually kind of difficult for me to figure out which Boomtown chip went with which Boomtown casino. I wound up using the MOGH guide to sort it out when I photographed the chips.
This is picture is from after i washed the chip. Not saying I spent a lot of time on that, but it was worse before. It's interesting to think about - This chip is older than some members of this forum...
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 19th, 2012 at 10:17:29 PM
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State: Nevada
City: Jackpot
Casino: Cactus Pete's
Cactus Pete's is located in Jackpot, NV. The casino opened in 1956 and is home to 667 electronic games and 27 table games. I'm not sure that I'd put any weight at all behind casino city's game breakdown, and I won't list it here. Cactus Pete's is an Ameristar property. The casino got it's start when Idaho banned all forms of gambling in 1954. After the ban, "Cactus" Pete Piersanti moved his casino from southern Idaho to a plot of land just on the Nevada side of the border along US 93. This action is considered the founding of the town of Jackpot. Wikipedia says that Cactus Pete's is one of the largest employers in the area, which easy to believe given that there's nothing else in the area at all...
I was very surprised by both the size of Cactus Pete's pit and the variety of games offered. Also surprising is the fact that Jackpot (and only jackpot) is in the Mountain time zone - Idaho is in the Mountain time zone, and Jackpot follows Idaho's time conventions. That made it a little confusing upon entering town from the south.
Updated to show the image of my chip, which is from the 1980 series.
City: Jackpot
Casino: Cactus Pete's
Cactus Pete's is located in Jackpot, NV. The casino opened in 1956 and is home to 667 electronic games and 27 table games. I'm not sure that I'd put any weight at all behind casino city's game breakdown, and I won't list it here. Cactus Pete's is an Ameristar property. The casino got it's start when Idaho banned all forms of gambling in 1954. After the ban, "Cactus" Pete Piersanti moved his casino from southern Idaho to a plot of land just on the Nevada side of the border along US 93. This action is considered the founding of the town of Jackpot. Wikipedia says that Cactus Pete's is one of the largest employers in the area, which easy to believe given that there's nothing else in the area at all...
I was very surprised by both the size of Cactus Pete's pit and the variety of games offered. Also surprising is the fact that Jackpot (and only jackpot) is in the Mountain time zone - Idaho is in the Mountain time zone, and Jackpot follows Idaho's time conventions. That made it a little confusing upon entering town from the south.
Updated to show the image of my chip, which is from the 1980 series.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 20th, 2012 at 8:01:52 PM
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State: Nevada
City: Jackpot
Casino: Casino 93
Today's chip comes from another casino in Jackpot, NV: Casino 93 (AKA Barton's Club 93 - I'm going with the name as printed on the chip). Casino 93's history seems to be similar to Cactus Pete's. It was opened in 1957, following the abolishion of gambling in Idaho. According to MOGH, it was closed in 1965, and Wikipedia says that the current establishment opened in 1967. I can't find any info about the reason for the closure, or the state of the casino between 1965 and 1967. Casino 93 has 464 gaming machines and 13 table games.
My chip comes from the 1970's era vintage, though it shows very little wear given its age. There exists a number of $5 chips that have an erroneously placed $25 inlay on the reverse - mine is not one of those. I wonder how the casino would handle the redemption of those chips, but I suppose they're worth enough as collectibles that nobody would turn them in for cash.
I mentioned yesterday that Jackpot is in the Mountain time zone. It was at Casino 93 where I found that out, when I arrived at what I thought was 10:50pm only to see the tables closing down (they were open until 12). I had to fight/beg to be allowed to unfreeze a blackjack table and play through the remainder of the shoe.
City: Jackpot
Casino: Casino 93
Today's chip comes from another casino in Jackpot, NV: Casino 93 (AKA Barton's Club 93 - I'm going with the name as printed on the chip). Casino 93's history seems to be similar to Cactus Pete's. It was opened in 1957, following the abolishion of gambling in Idaho. According to MOGH, it was closed in 1965, and Wikipedia says that the current establishment opened in 1967. I can't find any info about the reason for the closure, or the state of the casino between 1965 and 1967. Casino 93 has 464 gaming machines and 13 table games.
My chip comes from the 1970's era vintage, though it shows very little wear given its age. There exists a number of $5 chips that have an erroneously placed $25 inlay on the reverse - mine is not one of those. I wonder how the casino would handle the redemption of those chips, but I suppose they're worth enough as collectibles that nobody would turn them in for cash.
I mentioned yesterday that Jackpot is in the Mountain time zone. It was at Casino 93 where I found that out, when I arrived at what I thought was 10:50pm only to see the tables closing down (they were open until 12). I had to fight/beg to be allowed to unfreeze a blackjack table and play through the remainder of the shoe.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 20th, 2012 at 8:14:54 PM
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Quote: rdw4potusAlso surprising is the fact that Jackpot (and only jackpot) is in the Mountain time zone - Idaho is in the Mountain time zone, and Jackpot follows Idaho's time conventions.
That's not wholly uncommon when there's a big enough trading partner next door. The State of Sonora in Mexico does not change to daylight savings time solely to keep in synch with Arizona.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
October 21st, 2012 at 8:26:44 PM
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State: Nevada
City: Yerington
Casino: Casino West
Casino West is located in lovely Yerington, NV. Yerington is a remote community of 3,000 people located south of Silver Springs on US 95. It's across the Mount Siegel/Artesia Lake area from Carson City, and there is no direct route from one city to the other. Casino West opened in 1974, and boasts 143 slot machines and 2 table games. There has been one chip issuance, made in 1974, and my chip is from that series. I enjoyed my time in Yerington, and thought that Casino West was a cute little hole-in-the-wall place. It's like a less commercial Searchlight Nugget. I played a bit longer than I should have, and had problems later in the night both getting places before closing and staying awake while driving. I wound up giving up on returning to my room at Harveys and stayed in Carson City instead.
I've heard rumblings that Dini's Lucky Club is considering (re?) opening table games, but for now Casino West is the only full casino in Yerington. There are no full casinos in Silver Springs, so right now Casino West is the only casino with tables in about a 30 mile area (northeast to Fallon or west to Minden/Topez Lake).
City: Yerington
Casino: Casino West
Casino West is located in lovely Yerington, NV. Yerington is a remote community of 3,000 people located south of Silver Springs on US 95. It's across the Mount Siegel/Artesia Lake area from Carson City, and there is no direct route from one city to the other. Casino West opened in 1974, and boasts 143 slot machines and 2 table games. There has been one chip issuance, made in 1974, and my chip is from that series. I enjoyed my time in Yerington, and thought that Casino West was a cute little hole-in-the-wall place. It's like a less commercial Searchlight Nugget. I played a bit longer than I should have, and had problems later in the night both getting places before closing and staying awake while driving. I wound up giving up on returning to my room at Harveys and stayed in Carson City instead.
I've heard rumblings that Dini's Lucky Club is considering (re?) opening table games, but for now Casino West is the only full casino in Yerington. There are no full casinos in Silver Springs, so right now Casino West is the only casino with tables in about a 30 mile area (northeast to Fallon or west to Minden/Topez Lake).
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 22nd, 2012 at 7:56:47 AM
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RDW: Keep up the good work. Don't get the lack of response get you down. Doc had the same problems / let down feeling when he posted on weekends...
I wonder if Cactus Pete's and Casino 93 have any relationship. The chip styles seem too similar to be coincedence.
Is Casino West's $5 chip really as brown as it looks on the photo?
On an unrelated note, word comes from this post on another board, posted by an Aliente employee, that on 11/1/12 Aliente Station will become Aliente Casino + Hotel. They are no longer part of the Stations family. No word on when or if new chips will be issued.
I wonder if Cactus Pete's and Casino 93 have any relationship. The chip styles seem too similar to be coincedence.
Is Casino West's $5 chip really as brown as it looks on the photo?
On an unrelated note, word comes from this post on another board, posted by an Aliente employee, that on 11/1/12 Aliente Station will become Aliente Casino + Hotel. They are no longer part of the Stations family. No word on when or if new chips will be issued.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
October 22nd, 2012 at 3:43:00 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearRDW: Keep up the good work. Don't get the lack of response get you down. Doc had the same problems / let down feeling when he posted on weekends...
I agree. I enjoy reading this but, honestly, I have nothing to add to your commentary about the casinos in exotic locales like Yerington Nevada. I would enjoy a little bit of local color/flavor, or maybe a little bit more info on your personal experience at these places.
Vote for Nobody 2020!
October 22nd, 2012 at 5:16:47 PM
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Quote: bigfoot66I agree. I enjoy reading this but, honestly, I have nothing to add to your commentary about the casinos in exotic locales like Yerington Nevada. I would enjoy a little bit of local color/flavor, or maybe a little bit more info on your personal experience at these places.
The problem, you see, is that after a day of visiting casinos that are NOT in Yerington, NV, I'm not capable of remembering much about my experience in Yerington:-)
Seriously, though. I think this is the last one I have for a while that isn't in a place that's at least on a major road that someone else might have actually traveled. And I do have a couple embarrassing stories that we'll get to before Doc returns and resumes control of the thread.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 22nd, 2012 at 8:54:21 PM
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State: Nevada
City: Reno
Casino: Diamond's
Today's casino is Diamond's in Reno. Diamond's is the casino at the Ramada (formerly the Holiday Inn) in Reno. The casino opened in 1995, and contains 250(ish) slots and 4 table games. Diamond's reminds me a lot of the casino at the Clarion in Vegas, only with 4 table games included. It's just a smallish, secondary space. It's open to the public and everything, but I got the strong sense that almost all of the clientele were hotel guests. A BIG exception is that there seems to be some sort of affiliation with motorcyclists and the casino. I played at Diamond's for about 45 minutes. 44 minutes were great. Then someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "you are going to want to leave now." I was a little confused, then I saw that a big (HUGE) verbal fight had broken out among the bikers across the casino. Across the casino here means about 150 feet away. This was one of the first times that I was trying to seriously count cards, and the count was pretty good. I was in a zone, apparently. By the time that I finished my hand and collected my chips, things had pretty much died down. From what the cashier told me, one guy had loaned another money to play with. There was a win, and the original stake was returned. The loaner apparently felt that a vig was in order, and the fight ensued. Despite the return to order, I decided to take my leave of Diamond's.
There are two $5 chip variants. One is a 1995 production run with horses on the reverse side, while the other is from new years 1996, and features a bucking bronco on the reverse. My chip is from the 1995 series. I thought I had a picture of the reverse (it's the horse reverse), but photobucket is overruling me on that one. If I can find the second picture, I'll add it to this post.
City: Reno
Casino: Diamond's
Today's casino is Diamond's in Reno. Diamond's is the casino at the Ramada (formerly the Holiday Inn) in Reno. The casino opened in 1995, and contains 250(ish) slots and 4 table games. Diamond's reminds me a lot of the casino at the Clarion in Vegas, only with 4 table games included. It's just a smallish, secondary space. It's open to the public and everything, but I got the strong sense that almost all of the clientele were hotel guests. A BIG exception is that there seems to be some sort of affiliation with motorcyclists and the casino. I played at Diamond's for about 45 minutes. 44 minutes were great. Then someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "you are going to want to leave now." I was a little confused, then I saw that a big (HUGE) verbal fight had broken out among the bikers across the casino. Across the casino here means about 150 feet away. This was one of the first times that I was trying to seriously count cards, and the count was pretty good. I was in a zone, apparently. By the time that I finished my hand and collected my chips, things had pretty much died down. From what the cashier told me, one guy had loaned another money to play with. There was a win, and the original stake was returned. The loaner apparently felt that a vig was in order, and the fight ensued. Despite the return to order, I decided to take my leave of Diamond's.
There are two $5 chip variants. One is a 1995 production run with horses on the reverse side, while the other is from new years 1996, and features a bucking bronco on the reverse. My chip is from the 1995 series. I thought I had a picture of the reverse (it's the horse reverse), but photobucket is overruling me on that one. If I can find the second picture, I'll add it to this post.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
October 22nd, 2012 at 8:58:58 PM
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RDW,
we've always referred to Diamonds as "The Hooker Hotel", not someplace you want to be at late on a Saturday night, haha.
we've always referred to Diamonds as "The Hooker Hotel", not someplace you want to be at late on a Saturday night, haha.
Gambling calls to me...like this ~> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nap37mNSmQ
October 22nd, 2012 at 9:53:13 PM
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Quote: TIMSPEEDRDW,
we've always referred to Diamonds as "The Hooker Hotel", not someplace you want to be at late on a Saturday night, haha.
LOL! How does that work in Washoe county? It's legal, right? Is it a problem at other casinos as well?
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
