Wheeling Island Casino... based on a trip on 07/23

I thought I would give some updated information on Wheeling Island for those who live in the WV market.

First of all, it's obvious that neighboring casinos that have recently added table games have taken its toll on this casino. In two years, when Columbus, OH (2 hours away) gets casinos, it is very likely that Wheeling Island will be a low-roller joint only.

That being said, I arrived last night around 8pm. I decided to play craps, and was shocked to see a $2 table. They also had 2 $5 tables. Odds, 3-4-5. Commission is paid out on the buy bet prior to making the number. The field is a stingy double on 2 and 12.

HOWEVER, I find it very interesting that their BJ game got amazingly better. They feature a DD game, where dealer S17. RSA not allowed, but they just added late surrender (or according to one pit boss, early surrender if you are playing heads up.) Double after split allowed and double on any two cards. Penetration is nearly 75% and the cards are dealt face up from a shoe! However, all of the dealers said that all of the BJ tables at WI will be H17 very soon, once they change the layouts. (Table mins: $15 and $25... mid-shoe entry allowed)

A side note about the casino: It's interesting that they eliminated ALL of the BJ side bets in order to make room for a new "party pit" with 8-deck games that have the exact same rules as above. I noted to one of the dealers that it's very odd to see casinos actually making better games for the players, and obviously, once H17 goes into effect it won't be QUITE as good, but it's still a great game.

I didn't see any BJ games this good in Vegas in February. I hope to get out there a few more times before they change the rules.

Wow! A $2 table! Sorry to see they have changed the odds though. Used to be 10X on all points. Thanks for the report.

I think they have a lot of new dealers. It seemed as the most of the dealers on that table moved very slowly and the box had to instruct on payouts. Granted I didn't play on the table, I just observed it for a bit. I will say that the $2 table didn't change until 10pm on a FRIDAY NIGHT!

Quote: Tiltpoul

I think they have a lot of new dealers. It seemed as the most of the dealers on that table moved very slowly and the box had to instruct on payouts. Granted I didn't play on the table, I just observed it for a bit. I will say that the $2 table didn't change until 10pm on a FRIDAY NIGHT!

I might need to go down there. As to loads of new dealers, that is no suprise. About 2 years ago there was an article stating abouyt 1/3 of the dealers there commuted from PA. Now I keep hearing about how many dealers at Meadows are from Wheeling. Add in that some dealers probably took supervisor positions in PA and no suprise they have many newbies.

At $2/hand I can bring a bankroll to try my moified iron-cross with attempted dice influence, to see if it might actually work at least for me. Any word if Mountaineer lowered limits also? They are closer to me for after-work by quite a bit.

Quote: Tiltpoul

it's obvious that neighboring casinos that have recently added table games have taken its toll on this casino.
I decided to play craps, and was shocked to see a $2 table. They also had 2 $5 tables. Odds, 3-4-5. Commission is paid out on the buy bet prior to making the number. The field is a stingy double on 2 and 12.
HOWEVER, their BJ game got amazingly better.
I didn't see any BJ games this good in Vegas.

Okay, maybe they accept that their fate is to be a low roller joint but atleast they are doing well at it. Friday night and the table is at 2.00? Atleast they are being nice to those low rollers.

I'd say that if you are able, you should reward the casino with your presence often. I guess you could lose an amount roughly equivalent to your air fare to Vegas and you would be able to say you were actually "even".

Quote: FleaStiff

Okay, maybe they accept that their fate is to be a low roller joint but atleast they are doing well at it. Friday night and the table is at 2.00? Atleast they are being nice to those low rollers.

I'd say that if you are able, you should reward the casino with your presence often. I guess you could lose an amount roughly equivalent to your air fare to Vegas and you would be able to say you were actually "even".

It is my intention to do that. I get a lot of options that are the same drive from Columbus, OH. Before, I only really played poker there, and they do rape the pot before the flop (That is they take Bad Beat money and the rake before the flop if it gets over $10 and there was at least one caller somewhere). I've never really received any offers from them yet, but I would expect to get some after my play this weekend. Since I have to drive, free room offers are as good as cash for me.

Does AZ Duffman know that www.azduffman.com doesnt do anything?

They've had that DD game for a while. When I first heard about it, I predicted it would be burned down by counters, but no such thing has happened. Both times I've played it, nobody was spreading or counting. (Then again, it's pretty tough to spread at a $25 minimum table). I wanted to ask the dealer if they've ever had to boot someone, but I forgot. It's a great game. They've had the $2 craps before also, off and on.

Did you get any food comps for your play?

Edit: We seem to have a few people here from the OH/PA area. Anybody want to do a meetup in Wheeling for some rudimentary card counting on the DD game and some cheap craps? I'm about two hours west of there.

Bumping for my last edit. (See above).

I'm up for it, but it'll have to be very soon since I am leaving the area (new job) at the end of next week. Let me know what date and time you had in mind.

I'm up for this weekend. (I'm also leaving the area soon -- at the end of August). Could probably do any combination of Saturday and/or Sunday. Weekdays aren't ideal since I'm working a 9-5 job and a four hour drive is tough in one day.

Edit: That sounds good. I'll put a thread up for it.

This Saturday at ~1PM sound good?