sunrise089
sunrise089
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February 15th, 2011 at 10:37:15 AM permalink
Hi all,

My apologies that I could have probably found this info by doing more searches, but I'm pressed for time this week and hope you will indulge me.

Quick question - what's the better casino to visit, the Rivers or the Meadows?

Constraints:

1) Coming from either Uniontown in the south or Champion (7 Springs ski mountain) in the southeast, so distance/access/parking matters.

2) Coming after dark and with women so neighborhood/safety matters.

3) Coming with non-gamblers to atmosphere/interesting things to see matters.

If the above results in a tie then the tiebreakers are lower limits and better rules.

Thanks!
pacomartin
pacomartin
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February 15th, 2011 at 10:46:42 AM permalink
I've never been there, but I was told by someone that they prefer Meadows Casino because it is so easy to get there. Rivers is only slightly closer.
teddys
teddys
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February 15th, 2011 at 4:37:16 PM permalink
Meadows, no question. Wins decisively on one and two, and only slightly loses on three.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
OneAngryDwarf
OneAngryDwarf
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February 15th, 2011 at 5:11:56 PM permalink
It comes down to personal preference on a lot of things, since the gambling at both places is pretty much the same--same BJ rules, craps odds, and horrible video poker at both. But for me personally, the Rivers has a slight edge over the Meadows.

Location: Meadows would indeed be closer coming from Uniontown, or anywhere south of Pittsburgh. Make sure to park in the garage though, or you'll probably have a very long walk from the outer lots.

Safety: Rivers is on the North Side of Pittsburgh, surrounded by warehouses and Heinz Field. The neighborhood is a little sketchy after dark, but then there's really no reason to wander around outside anyway, and the casino has excellent security inside, as does the parking garage. (It gets better in the summer when the Riverwalk is open and you can walk down to PNC Park.) Meadows is in the suburbs and probably feels "safer" for that reason, although there's still not much of interest within walking distance.

Other attractions: Meadows has live harness racing (though only during the daytime, and not every day) and a bowling alley, plus a large outlet shopping center <5 mins. drive away. Rivers doesn't have many attractions of its own beyond the casino, but it's very close to downtown Pittsburgh, the North Side, and Oakland, all of which have lots of interesting architecture and museums (which, admittedly, are all best enjoyed during the day).

Dining: Rivers is VASTLY superior to Meadows in this area, IMHO. A buffet, steakhouse, casual dining place, and 2 cafes at Rivers, versus a steakhouse, no buffet, an extremely crowded casual restaurant, and an overpriced, crowded and very mediocre food court at Meadows.

So I guess I'm contradicting myself...but Meadows is probably the best choice for you, given your location and desire for other attractions at night. Rivers has its charms, but is probably best suited for people who just want to gamble and not much else.
"I believe I've passed the age/of consciousness and righteous rage/I've found that just surviving was a noble fight... I once believed in causes too/I had my pointless point of view/And life went on no matter who was wrong or right..." --Billy Joel
wrongway
wrongway
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February 15th, 2011 at 5:30:25 PM permalink
The Meadows would be the right choice if it were me. I have found the limits to be lower most of the time and I've had more luck on the slots at the Meadows. There is a bowling alley in the casino for the non-gamers and the steak house is good. ( try the crab bisque) Not impressed with the other resturant and the food court is just your run of the mill food court. If the garage is full, and it probably will be, park in the valet. It's only $3 with a players card. If you don't get there to late there are outlet stores across the street for the non-gamers. There is no buffet. Go to the Rivers if that is important.
AZDuffman
AZDuffman
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February 15th, 2011 at 5:54:14 PM permalink
Quote: sunrise089

Hi all,

1) Coming from either Uniontown in the south or Champion (7 Springs ski mountain) in the southeast, so distance/access/parking matters.

2) Coming after dark and with women so neighborhood/safety matters.

3) Coming with non-gamblers to atmosphere/interesting things to see matters.

If the above results in a tie then the tiebreakers are lower limits and better rules.

Thanks!



Distance-wise you will be about the same but Meadows is right off of I-79 while for Rivers you need to drive right into the heart of Pittsburgh. Some people don't care about that and some people I know are practically scared to death of "city driving." Your call there.

Safety-wise Meadows is sort of an island unto itself, while as other said Rivers is iffy after dark if (but only if) you leave the casino. How soon after dark and what time of year will matter. When the weather breaks up until 9-10:00 you should be fine on the riverwalk up to PNC Park. This time of year it will be a little more secluded-feeling. But as a guy I don't worry as much. Still, if you are in a group during nice weather the riverwalk will be fine before 10:00, after that will empty out.

As to part 3, it is Rivers, not contest. Meadows is a big casino and nothing you can walk to see, if there was something worth seeing around it in the first place. It is just another interstate interchange. Rivers has the aforementioned river walk, nice in nice weather. A science-center next door that is a little kid-driven but still fun. PNC Park up the river just a few minute walk. A few bars by PNC but not worth seeing as the bars at the casino are at least as nice. If you want to drive a bit there are 2 of the 6 inclines in North America across the river. Sen John Heinz History Museum also a 15 minute car drrive. Meadows does have a bowling alley while Rivers is pretty much gambling only.

BTW: For those who didn't see it on the blogs here, Rivers is the site of WoV-East Convention next month!
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
pcket5s
pcket5s
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February 16th, 2011 at 6:26:40 AM permalink
Pretty much everything everyone said is spot on here... I think if you could provide a little more insight into what the other that dont like to gamble are looking to do or like to do it may be able to let us provide more recommendations.
I like to play blackjack. I'm not addicted to gambling. I'm addicted to sitting in a semi-circle.
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