Detroit area casino reviews
March 27th, 2012 at 1:40:27 PM
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Quote: WongBowhy am i not surprised they have a house edge on the currency exchange?
In the casinos' defense, the Province of Ontario sets the base currency exchange rate. The casino can lower the "edge" but not raise it from the Provincial level.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
March 27th, 2012 at 1:43:17 PM
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This is partly correct. You CAN get a better exchange rate by showing your card. But it is by no means correlated to having a Diamond card. It is based on your tier score. I showed them my Diamond card last trip and got squat.Quote: rdw4potusComment: you can skinny the exchange rate at Casears by showing your Diamond card at the cage. They'll convert CAD to USD at a 1:1 ratio. (accurate as of Monday 9/5/11)
I also tried the exchange-with-other-players scheme, and was rebuffed. I even had the Wall Street Journal on me to prove the exchange rate, and they still wouldn't exchange with me. Seems other people are not so interested in making optimal E.V. decisions :(
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
March 27th, 2012 at 1:43:35 PM
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July 17th, 2012 at 3:04:19 PM
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Some updates:
MotorCity upgraded their dining options. In addition to the buffet, pizza store, coffee stand, and cafe, there is now a walk-up deli with deli sandwiches like pastrami, turkey, cheesesteak, etc. It's open every day of the week as well as late-nights. The "burger bar" (for lack of a better term -- real name "Pit Stop") is now on extremely limited hours and is only open Friday and Saturday after 4 P.M., but it is still there. The cafe was remodeled and rebranded as the "Lodge Diner" and is now open 24 hours. Mostly diner fare, with huge portions. The fine dining restaurant "Iridescence" is still there.
Greektown got rid of their buffet. They are replacing it with a food court. There is a new deli on the lower level. Greektown now also has the best blackjack at lower limits: S17, RSA, 8 decks/CSM on all tables on the floor, for a 0.34% house edge. It is easier to get a comp for restaurants at Greektown if you want to go off-property to eat as they have automated kiosks now.
MotorCity now deals "Rabbit Hunter Stud."
Caesars Windsor added some full-pay Pick 'Em Poker machines at the $1-and-up denomination, paying back 99.95% with optimal strategy and max coins bet. However, it takes $80 coin-in to earn one base reward credit on these machines, so the effective cashback is 1/8 the regular video poker rate.
MotorCity upgraded their dining options. In addition to the buffet, pizza store, coffee stand, and cafe, there is now a walk-up deli with deli sandwiches like pastrami, turkey, cheesesteak, etc. It's open every day of the week as well as late-nights. The "burger bar" (for lack of a better term -- real name "Pit Stop") is now on extremely limited hours and is only open Friday and Saturday after 4 P.M., but it is still there. The cafe was remodeled and rebranded as the "Lodge Diner" and is now open 24 hours. Mostly diner fare, with huge portions. The fine dining restaurant "Iridescence" is still there.
Greektown got rid of their buffet. They are replacing it with a food court. There is a new deli on the lower level. Greektown now also has the best blackjack at lower limits: S17, RSA, 8 decks/CSM on all tables on the floor, for a 0.34% house edge. It is easier to get a comp for restaurants at Greektown if you want to go off-property to eat as they have automated kiosks now.
MotorCity now deals "Rabbit Hunter Stud."
Caesars Windsor added some full-pay Pick 'Em Poker machines at the $1-and-up denomination, paying back 99.95% with optimal strategy and max coins bet. However, it takes $80 coin-in to earn one base reward credit on these machines, so the effective cashback is 1/8 the regular video poker rate.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
July 17th, 2012 at 4:56:25 PM
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July 22nd, 2012 at 12:15:39 PM
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Quote: teddysThis is partly correct. You CAN get a better exchange rate by showing your card. But it is by no means correlated to having a Diamond card. It is based on your tier score. I showed them my Diamond card last trip and got squat.
I also tried the exchange-with-other-players scheme, and was rebuffed. I even had the Wall Street Journal on me to prove the exchange rate, and they still wouldn't exchange with me. Seems other people are not so interested in making optimal E.V. decisions :(
www.xe.com
for up to date currency rates ...I believe the rates at the Windsor casino are usually pretty correct
Somebody said they got $176 Canadian for $100US....the best I can ever remember was it around $158 for $100 did they have a 50% bonus deal going on?
Back in 2001 I believe Casino Windsor was the most profitable casino in the world..... with 50% bonus to the Americans on their money they flocked to Windsor to play prior to 9/11 that is. And winnings are tax free....but the IRS does expect you to declare those winnings...... and the US Customs does too, remember that you are required to report when entering into the United States if you are bringing in more than $10,000 if you don't and they find that you are expect to forfit that money
July 22nd, 2012 at 2:23:47 PM
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Quote: coilmanwith 50% bonus to the Americans on their money they flocked to Windsor to play
That was great when you got there and sucked
when you cashed out as a winner.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
July 22nd, 2012 at 3:33:13 PM
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Are table minimums any lower now that the Toledo casino has opened?
July 22nd, 2012 at 4:05:27 PM
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No. Everything is still the status quo at all four casinos.Quote: makeshots22Are table minimums any lower now that the Toledo casino has opened?
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
July 22nd, 2012 at 5:40:54 PM
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July 22nd, 2012 at 5:42:20 PM
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Unfortunately, the closest $5 craps table to Detroit (outside of Windsor) is probably Battle Creek.
July 22nd, 2012 at 5:43:18 PM
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Quote: makeshots22Are table minimums any lower now that the Toledo casino has opened?
Stopped at Toledo Casinos the day after they opened, they had 12 tables open and the craps tables were all $15.00 to $25.00. Stopped 2 weeks ago and only 3 craps tables were open, 2 at $10 and 1 at $15.
I found the craps tables long (14-16') and extremely bouncy. I tend to shoot from the first or second postion from the stickman. The dice seemed like it took about 10 minutes to stop boucing around. Had 3 quickl hands of less then 4 tosses. Moved to straight out. Made 1 point, a hard 6 , which I set as a hard 6. I believe that I had around 15 tosses, which included a few hard 6 and hard 8's. I bought in for $300.00. At SL1 and SL2 down a quick $200.00. After going to Straight Out made back the $200 plus another $60.00. Good time to walk.
The real problem is slow (new ) dealers and the majority of players tossing out field, horn and hopping bets. Then complaining about "missing bets" and improper payoffs. Too many arguements. One time when shooting from straight out I set the dice down 3 times while complaints were going on.
Sure is fun getting into a rhythm, or should I say I was trying to get into a rhyrhm.
Very tedious and not worth hanging around. Maybe give it a "whirl" again in a few years....
EagleDice
August 26th, 2012 at 11:18:33 PM
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I've lived fairly close to Detroit for most of my life, yet I've never been to any of the casinos. If I had to choose just one, what would be my best bet? I'm leaning towards Greektown, but MGM appears to have some strong qualities as well.
August 27th, 2012 at 4:51:18 PM
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Greektown is dirty, but they have some good video poker paytables. MGM is superb in most respects but is pricey. MotorCity is a nice middle, and the one I would choose.Quote: FourFiveFaceI've lived fairly close to Detroit for most of my life, yet I've never been to any of the casinos. If I had to choose just one, what would be my best bet? I'm leaning towards Greektown, but MGM appears to have some strong qualities as well.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
August 27th, 2012 at 5:57:44 PM
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I hear that Motor City is in a particularly bad area (no small statement considering the city), or is that overblown?
August 27th, 2012 at 6:02:45 PM
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Quote: FourFiveFaceI hear that Motor City is in a particularly bad area (no small statement considering the city), or is that overblown?
Your in downtown Detroit, there are no 'good' areas.
The key word here is Detroit.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
August 27th, 2012 at 7:40:57 PM
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August 27th, 2012 at 8:49:41 PM
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In 1966 just after I got paroled from USAF , I had a bet with a Vietnam vet about him walking 20 blocks on Park Heights avenue
any Friday or Saturday night. He came to his senses and i let him out of the bet. He was a white guy who had killed too many Vietnamese to count. He was hold a machine gun in open bay of helicopter and mow down villagers friendly to Viet Cong.
Will also take 2 or 3 Cong up in helicopter and start throwing them out on at a time till he got the info he wanted.
This was only 2 years after the riots in Baltimore. Even a stone cold killer knew I had all the best of that bet.
any Friday or Saturday night. He came to his senses and i let him out of the bet. He was a white guy who had killed too many Vietnamese to count. He was hold a machine gun in open bay of helicopter and mow down villagers friendly to Viet Cong.
Will also take 2 or 3 Cong up in helicopter and start throwing them out on at a time till he got the info he wanted.
This was only 2 years after the riots in Baltimore. Even a stone cold killer knew I had all the best of that bet.
August 28th, 2012 at 12:53:48 PM
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Yes. There is not really a neighborhood around it at all. It is I would say 70% abandoned. The casino "island" is a world of its own and if you are driving in, it's no problem. I've walked to it many times in the daytime. Security rides around on Segways.Quote: FourFiveFaceI hear that Motor City is in a particularly bad area (no small statement considering the city), or is that overblown?
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
September 23rd, 2012 at 9:57:19 PM
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So I ended up going to Motor City a couple times over the past couple weeks and I was fairly impressed. Nice vibe, nice atmosphere. You people weren't kidding when you said it was literally right off the expressway. I didn't find parking or safety to be an issue at all (I did go in the middle of the week during the day though). Table limits were reasonable as a lot of the tables started at $5 (except blackjack at $10). Got killed at BJ and 4-card, but did catch a straight flush at 3-card. Didn't get around to any of the dining options or playing in the poker room or at the craps table, but I'll try to get to those next time.
September 24th, 2012 at 7:52:36 AM
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August 19th, 2013 at 11:03:05 AM
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I'm a Detroit area gambler.
I know if you google "Detroit blackjack" this thread comes up pretty quick.
I'd just like to pipe in and say that since the initial review was written a few years back, MGM has changed their standard BJ games from 8 decks to 6. The other rules are the same, H17, DAS, RSA, no surrender.
MotorCity has the same rules but with 8 deck shoes and some CSM tables. However, during slow periods they have a pit of $25 S17 tables that often get reduced to $15 minimums.
Still haven't made it to Greektown cause I inevitably end up going on a Tigers game day and they want $40 for me to park there.
I know if you google "Detroit blackjack" this thread comes up pretty quick.
I'd just like to pipe in and say that since the initial review was written a few years back, MGM has changed their standard BJ games from 8 decks to 6. The other rules are the same, H17, DAS, RSA, no surrender.
MotorCity has the same rules but with 8 deck shoes and some CSM tables. However, during slow periods they have a pit of $25 S17 tables that often get reduced to $15 minimums.
Still haven't made it to Greektown cause I inevitably end up going on a Tigers game day and they want $40 for me to park there.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
August 19th, 2013 at 11:22:16 AM
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August 19th, 2013 at 11:45:56 AM
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August 20th, 2013 at 11:01:18 AM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesGreektown: Main pit, all CSM(4D) except 2 shoe games. Both are 8D, S17, DAS, DOA, RSA, noLS. $10-$15. High limit is $25+, 6D, S17, DAS, DOA, noLS.
Greektown's main pit is S17? I need to finally get around to checking it out there.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
August 20th, 2013 at 11:25:06 AM
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August 20th, 2013 at 3:43:06 PM
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Quote: rdw4potusQuestion: Can you get a passport card now without getting a passport as well? When i got mine, it was an add-on to the passport for an extra fee.
Yes, I believe you can now get the passport card separately. You will pay the $25 execution fee twice if you upgrade to a full passport at a later time. A card is $30+$25 fee, a passport is $110+$25 fee, but both together are $140+$25 fee (you only pay fee one time when getting them together).
The card, as you probably know, is strictly for driving to and from Canada or Mexico. I do not believe it is good for cruises.
It may be a false economy, as they are valid for ten years. If you decide to take a cruise or gamble in Panama on short notice, you will have to wait to secure your passport.
September 16th, 2013 at 12:52:45 PM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesGreektown is ALL S17! But as I noted, only 2 shoe games the rest are 4 deck CSM's.
I've played the shoe game there the past couple of weekends. Can't believe I'd never been there before when I go to the MGM like every weekend! D'oh!
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
September 18th, 2013 at 1:30:41 PM
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September 18th, 2013 at 2:12:37 PM
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In every poker room I have been in, 7 card stud starts out with 4 or 5 playerS who actually play the game, but rapidly grows into a rock pile before dying.
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
September 18th, 2013 at 3:58:34 PM
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great thread, lots of good info but there is one recurring mistake thru it all.......you do not need an enhanced anything or passport to get INTO canada, you need it to get back into the u.s.a.
get second you pig
September 18th, 2013 at 4:18:23 PM
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I think you need something to get into Canada.You think they will let you in without any type of passport?
Happy days are here again
September 18th, 2013 at 4:19:49 PM
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September 25th, 2013 at 2:07:03 PM
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I'm getting ready to head to MotorCity here in a bit to play some poker. Any tips or suggestion, also do they have lot parking instead of garage parking or both?
September 25th, 2013 at 3:21:48 PM
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September 25th, 2013 at 4:36:07 PM
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Waiting on tourney to start:( not enough so far played ultimate x won 260 while waiting
September 25th, 2013 at 10:46:58 PM
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September 26th, 2013 at 10:45:07 AM
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I think I got fourth or fifth. It was ok had some tough breaks, but that's the nature of the game. Didn't win any money, then I gave some back on the quick hits. All told I walked out even or up a little bit. The thing that crippled my stack was one of the tougher ways to lose. The guy had been playing junk hands I was big stack I raise, he pushes all in. I have pocket fours, if he would have had a monster hand he would have raised or pushed before sending action to me. We show cards just as I suspected high mid, it was unsuited A8. Flop qqk. Turn 7 and the river was another 7, we both thought I won. Then I realized nope I sure didn't due to his Ace. Another thing I don't like is people acting like they knew they had me all along and that their hand was a better hand. Also, there was an annoying guy who sat next to me, the whole time he complained that he needed Rolaids, one I don't care, and two none of us can help he asked 4 times if we had any. Then he complained for a solid 30 min about how he should have called me because he had an ace too and that we would have split the pot because our kickers didn't play. This was done after every hand like he was trying to get under my skin. The very quiet gentleman who sat too my left was noticeably annoyed too. I wish people would leave the talking to how many chips they have and who wins. I don't care if you almost called. If you want to talk lets talk about the bears lions game. You know just shooting the breeze and have a good time. End rant.
September 26th, 2013 at 10:50:51 AM
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September 26th, 2013 at 11:10:02 AM
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"Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens." State Dept.Quote: ontariodealeryou do not need an enhanced anything or passport to get INTO canada
September 26th, 2013 at 11:49:46 AM
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I don't get up to Detroit area much, in fact it's my first time. Heading back home, was just on a business trip. My home "base" would be StL even though it is 2 hours away, after that probably Tunica. I used to go up to Mt. Pleasant a bunch when I was 18-21, even though that is a 400 mile journey, but we loved it. Tunica is also 400 miles but free rooms booze and food trumps nostalgia and liking the Soaring Eagle. We named our softball team after that casino, the Soarin' Beagles, kinda an inside joke long story. I enjoy michigan, much better casinos than Illinois or Indiana, IMO.
September 28th, 2013 at 10:58:21 PM
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November 17th, 2013 at 8:27:40 AM
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November 19th, 2013 at 9:37:49 AM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesJust an update. These tables, which are in the pit with the 4 mini-bac tables have been reduced from S17 to H17 and they added the Perfect Pairs (25/12/6) side bet.
Yeah I saw that when I was there a couple weekends ago. Sad face.
I've been playing mainly at Greektown ever since I learned they're all S17 on here. Still can't believe I never checked them out before then.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
November 19th, 2013 at 9:56:21 AM
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Does anyone know if Caesars Windsor still has a S17 Spanish 21 game?
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
November 19th, 2013 at 11:33:31 AM
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November 19th, 2013 at 2:36:01 PM
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I dunno, they used to. I am overdue for a visit. That used to be my spot. I'll let you know next time I make it there.Quote: ams288Does anyone know if Caesars Windsor still has a S17 Spanish 21 game?
(They just sent me a direct bet for $5. Woohoo! That makes up for the gas, tolls, and getting a veritable anal probe from CBP on the way back!)
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
November 23rd, 2013 at 8:42:14 AM
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Finally popped my Royal Flush cherry last night at MotorCity. I was beginning to think I was cursed and was never gonna get one.
Also made a couple hundred at the blackjack tables. Their limits were definitely lower than the other two casinos for a Friday night.
Also made a couple hundred at the blackjack tables. Their limits were definitely lower than the other two casinos for a Friday night.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
November 23rd, 2013 at 8:48:48 AM
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December 4th, 2013 at 8:23:08 PM
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