Las Vegas trip/game finding help
December 18th, 2011 at 12:47:51 AM
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My friend and I are visiting Las Vegas in January, and as the title suggests we are looking for the quirkiest gambling options in town. Basically we want to play games and do things that we can't do on the East coast. While I will be looking for FPDW during my stay, payback % is not going to be pretty among the types of things we are looking for.
Here are my questions:
I have purchased two copies of the American Casino Guide 2012, but are there any other free coupons that would help us get some EV while we roam Vegas? Any tips for getting the most out of new players cards?
One of the things we want to do is find some of the lowest limits in Vegas and play there for awhile. While I can look up the lowest limit casinos on another site, are there any casinos that you would consider unsafe to the point where it wouldn't be worth it?
Finally I have a list of games that we know that we would like to play, but have had trouble finding out exactly where they might be. I have searched for these and found either nothing or very dated information. I would love to have information about the whereabouts of the following games in Vegas:
Fan-Tan (I'm probably dreaming with this one, but it is legal in Nevada so I suppose it's possible)
Cash King Checkers( Found an old message board post saying they were around as of a year ago)
Silver Strike machines( I believe these are no longer in existence, or use tokens no longer made of silver)
Coin Dozer/Flip-It ( I read Michael Bluejay's article, but it was written in 2002)
Coin operated slots/video poker machines( Have read articles about this recently, but still unsure of exact locations of machines)
In-Running sports betting (We can find this, but would like advice on which sportsbook you believe to have the best offerings in this)
That's about all for the games we can't find, but would love any info on things not on the list that would fall under your definition of quirky. The Sigma Derby game at MGM is on our list, and is a pretty good example of the type of thing we are looking for. Some other information is that we are staying at Harrah's on the strip and we will have a rental car. Anything in Las Vegas is fair game, but it will take a pretty amazing trove of games to drive someplace like Pahrump.
Thank you in advance to anyone kind enough to share some of this information with me.
Jeff
P.S.
Wizard, thank you for running 2 of my favorite sites on the web. I have been using wizardofodds.com for 5 years and it has helped me get more enjoyment out of my casino trips and lose less. Without your site I would definitely not be the odd man out at the Pai Gow Tiles table every time I go to Atlantic City. I realize the list of games I want to find is a who's who of games you should never play, but I can play 9/6 jacks in AC as much as I want.
Here are my questions:
I have purchased two copies of the American Casino Guide 2012, but are there any other free coupons that would help us get some EV while we roam Vegas? Any tips for getting the most out of new players cards?
One of the things we want to do is find some of the lowest limits in Vegas and play there for awhile. While I can look up the lowest limit casinos on another site, are there any casinos that you would consider unsafe to the point where it wouldn't be worth it?
Finally I have a list of games that we know that we would like to play, but have had trouble finding out exactly where they might be. I have searched for these and found either nothing or very dated information. I would love to have information about the whereabouts of the following games in Vegas:
Fan-Tan (I'm probably dreaming with this one, but it is legal in Nevada so I suppose it's possible)
Cash King Checkers( Found an old message board post saying they were around as of a year ago)
Silver Strike machines( I believe these are no longer in existence, or use tokens no longer made of silver)
Coin Dozer/Flip-It ( I read Michael Bluejay's article, but it was written in 2002)
Coin operated slots/video poker machines( Have read articles about this recently, but still unsure of exact locations of machines)
In-Running sports betting (We can find this, but would like advice on which sportsbook you believe to have the best offerings in this)
That's about all for the games we can't find, but would love any info on things not on the list that would fall under your definition of quirky. The Sigma Derby game at MGM is on our list, and is a pretty good example of the type of thing we are looking for. Some other information is that we are staying at Harrah's on the strip and we will have a rental car. Anything in Las Vegas is fair game, but it will take a pretty amazing trove of games to drive someplace like Pahrump.
Thank you in advance to anyone kind enough to share some of this information with me.
Jeff
P.S.
Wizard, thank you for running 2 of my favorite sites on the web. I have been using wizardofodds.com for 5 years and it has helped me get more enjoyment out of my casino trips and lose less. Without your site I would definitely not be the odd man out at the Pai Gow Tiles table every time I go to Atlantic City. I realize the list of games I want to find is a who's who of games you should never play, but I can play 9/6 jacks in AC as much as I want.
December 18th, 2011 at 2:28:17 AM
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>I have purchased the American Casino Guide 2012, but are there any other free coupons ...
I understand that LVRJ used to publish coupons in ads and may still for Tuscany Resorts but Tuscany now charges a Resort Fee that includes the half price meal they used to have coupons for in LVRJ. I don't know the current situation but you can take a look.
>Any tips for getting the most out of new players cards?
Just how many free trinkets do you want? Its a trade off between treking to various casinos and the freebies you get for signing up. The offerings from Hooters are much ballyhooed and worth less than the shoe leather it takes to get there.
Read the weekly summary of offerings and see what interests you.
Terribles has some really nice deals on opening a new players club account including a rebate on 100 of your slot losses of Day One but its a place that serves watered down drinks in small cups. You are much better off at The M Resort which has great looking waitresses who will bring you good quality booze in large glasses in a much nicer atmosphere.
Silverton's card lets you play at Craps and earn comps there but also to earn slot comps at the same time so if you take a break from craps to sit down at a slot machine, you just may have some free play waiting for you. Even if its the exact same machine as is available to you in AC, freeplay is nice.
>One of the things we want to do is find some of the lowest limits in Vegas and play there for awhile.
Okay. The far outer reaches of Henderson offer those One Dollar tables weekdays and two dollar tables on weekends. I think the roulette is fifty cents or something with a one dollar minimum. Two small and smokey casinos with good food and drink comps are there. Its not dangerous but its smokey and its a trek. Though once you are there its a nice low bankroll place. Mimosas at six in the morning and one of those casinos will even bring Chinese food to you at your slot machine in the wee hours of the morning. A place such as a downtown casino might be three dollar blackjack or something like that. Know where you are walking though and do it in daylight. The Western is the famed cheapo place that is too dangerous for many to risk. Many of the players are still wearing the wrist bands from the House of Detention. There are a zillion places named Gold something or other but the downtown one owned by Siegel is a real low limit place yet serves Guinness which many think is worth a walk on the wild side. Siegel Suites (a/k/a The Rat and Roach) however should be avoided. The "Hell Cortez" is really a good place offering great value and is in a relatively safer area than the Western. The Stratosphere is a low rollers paradise and offers real value such as wifi, roulette at low minimums and Guinness, but the table games at the Strat won't be the ultra low one dollar and three dollars that you are looking for.
>Fan-Tan (I'm probably dreaming with this one, but it is legal in Nevada so I suppose it's possible)
Yipes. I don't know. I doubt it. Perhaps check the Gaming Board reports to see if anyone actually pays for a license for it.
>Coin Dozer/Flip-It ( I read Michael Bluejay's article, but it was written in 2002)
Save your time. Its for tourists. Though I think you can still find it downtown. Its the stupidest, gimmicky thing ever. Its for those who really did just fall off a turnip truck.
>Coin operated slots/video poker machines
I think the East Side Cannery has a separate alcove for this. A few other places feature them too. There is the museum somewhere too if you just want to see the devices rather than try to win on them.
>In-Running sports betting
I think that wherever you go you are going to be actually using Cantor's Sports Book. So you can go to the Venetian but your actually using Cantors. You go to the M Resort for their great buffet and great booze and top notch casino if you want, but the sports book is really Cantors. At the Venetian/Palozzo there is an electronic device that you can take to your hotel room and place your In Running or other sports book bets on.
>The Sigma Derby game ... is on our list,
Yeah, quirky and fun ... nice crowd of people, few of them sober.
>to drive someplace like Pahrump.
Pahrump offers a nice locals casino with good food and drink bargains but the main "draw" for Pahrump are the legal brothels. Steer clear or else be so drunk that you don't much care if you are disappointed.
I understand that LVRJ used to publish coupons in ads and may still for Tuscany Resorts but Tuscany now charges a Resort Fee that includes the half price meal they used to have coupons for in LVRJ. I don't know the current situation but you can take a look.
>Any tips for getting the most out of new players cards?
Just how many free trinkets do you want? Its a trade off between treking to various casinos and the freebies you get for signing up. The offerings from Hooters are much ballyhooed and worth less than the shoe leather it takes to get there.
Read the weekly summary of offerings and see what interests you.
Terribles has some really nice deals on opening a new players club account including a rebate on 100 of your slot losses of Day One but its a place that serves watered down drinks in small cups. You are much better off at The M Resort which has great looking waitresses who will bring you good quality booze in large glasses in a much nicer atmosphere.
Silverton's card lets you play at Craps and earn comps there but also to earn slot comps at the same time so if you take a break from craps to sit down at a slot machine, you just may have some free play waiting for you. Even if its the exact same machine as is available to you in AC, freeplay is nice.
>One of the things we want to do is find some of the lowest limits in Vegas and play there for awhile.
Okay. The far outer reaches of Henderson offer those One Dollar tables weekdays and two dollar tables on weekends. I think the roulette is fifty cents or something with a one dollar minimum. Two small and smokey casinos with good food and drink comps are there. Its not dangerous but its smokey and its a trek. Though once you are there its a nice low bankroll place. Mimosas at six in the morning and one of those casinos will even bring Chinese food to you at your slot machine in the wee hours of the morning. A place such as a downtown casino might be three dollar blackjack or something like that. Know where you are walking though and do it in daylight. The Western is the famed cheapo place that is too dangerous for many to risk. Many of the players are still wearing the wrist bands from the House of Detention. There are a zillion places named Gold something or other but the downtown one owned by Siegel is a real low limit place yet serves Guinness which many think is worth a walk on the wild side. Siegel Suites (a/k/a The Rat and Roach) however should be avoided. The "Hell Cortez" is really a good place offering great value and is in a relatively safer area than the Western. The Stratosphere is a low rollers paradise and offers real value such as wifi, roulette at low minimums and Guinness, but the table games at the Strat won't be the ultra low one dollar and three dollars that you are looking for.
>Fan-Tan (I'm probably dreaming with this one, but it is legal in Nevada so I suppose it's possible)
Yipes. I don't know. I doubt it. Perhaps check the Gaming Board reports to see if anyone actually pays for a license for it.
>Coin Dozer/Flip-It ( I read Michael Bluejay's article, but it was written in 2002)
Save your time. Its for tourists. Though I think you can still find it downtown. Its the stupidest, gimmicky thing ever. Its for those who really did just fall off a turnip truck.
>Coin operated slots/video poker machines
I think the East Side Cannery has a separate alcove for this. A few other places feature them too. There is the museum somewhere too if you just want to see the devices rather than try to win on them.
>In-Running sports betting
I think that wherever you go you are going to be actually using Cantor's Sports Book. So you can go to the Venetian but your actually using Cantors. You go to the M Resort for their great buffet and great booze and top notch casino if you want, but the sports book is really Cantors. At the Venetian/Palozzo there is an electronic device that you can take to your hotel room and place your In Running or other sports book bets on.
>The Sigma Derby game ... is on our list,
Yeah, quirky and fun ... nice crowd of people, few of them sober.
>to drive someplace like Pahrump.
Pahrump offers a nice locals casino with good food and drink bargains but the main "draw" for Pahrump are the legal brothels. Steer clear or else be so drunk that you don't much care if you are disappointed.
December 18th, 2011 at 3:25:06 AM
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If you are going out to see Hoover Dam, Hacienda has one of those huge machines that pays in $1 Hacienda tokens. Its on your left whenyou come in the parking lot entrance.
Gambling is a metaphor for life. Hang around long enough and it's all gone.
December 18th, 2011 at 4:34:56 AM
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Flip It used to be at Slots O Fun, but they took it away 2 years ago. I don't believe they brought it back. I had a fun time losing $5 on that...
Sigma Derby is awesome.
Sounds like you will have a fun trip!
Sigma Derby is awesome.
Sounds like you will have a fun trip!
December 18th, 2011 at 7:42:10 AM
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I know Fitzgerald (downtown)has machines that you can feed coins and pays coins both downstairs near the gift shop and upstairs by the vue bar and sportsbook
"In the poker game of life, women are the rake" Edward Norton (Rounders)
December 18th, 2011 at 9:10:11 AM
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I'm sure you know this but the lowest limit for craps in Las Vegas is at the Joker's Wild on Boulder Highway. I would recommend a visit there. It is by no means unsafe.
For blackjack, the lowest you can go is $2. The Hacienda in Boulder City has the best blackjack in North America, and you can play for $2. If you don't want to drive that far, the Klondike on Sunset and Boulder Hwy. has a $2 game but I'm sure if their pit is open anymore. North Las Vegas (Jerry's Nugget, Poker Palace) is fun too.
As far as quirky games, nothing come to mind right away, and I am always on the lookout for weird stuff. Sigma Derby...yeah. Oh, for coin-operated slots, go to Skyline on Boulder Highway. It is a real trip -- all coin droppers. I'm sure you will enjoy. They have FPDW for 10 quarters a hand.
Don't drive to Pahrump. There's only one reason to go there, and it isn't gambling.
For blackjack, the lowest you can go is $2. The Hacienda in Boulder City has the best blackjack in North America, and you can play for $2. If you don't want to drive that far, the Klondike on Sunset and Boulder Hwy. has a $2 game but I'm sure if their pit is open anymore. North Las Vegas (Jerry's Nugget, Poker Palace) is fun too.
As far as quirky games, nothing come to mind right away, and I am always on the lookout for weird stuff. Sigma Derby...yeah. Oh, for coin-operated slots, go to Skyline on Boulder Highway. It is a real trip -- all coin droppers. I'm sure you will enjoy. They have FPDW for 10 quarters a hand.
Don't drive to Pahrump. There's only one reason to go there, and it isn't gambling.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
December 18th, 2011 at 12:03:50 PM
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Quote: GazrealMy friend and I are visiting Las Vegas in January, and as the title suggests we are looking for the quirkiest gambling options in town. Basically we want to play games and do things that we can't do on the East coast.
I looked for this casino last time I was in Las Vegas, but couldn't find it; maybe you'll have better luck.
quirkygames
"What, me worry?"
December 18th, 2011 at 2:47:03 PM
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Quote: GazrealOne of the things we want to do is find some of the lowest limits in Vegas and play there for awhile. While I can look up the lowest limit casinos on another site, are there any casinos that you would consider unsafe to the point where it wouldn't be worth it?
For poker try the El Cortez. They only have 2 tables and play for low stakes, plus the lowest rake in town. It will probably be your only chance to play with a multi-millionaire. Basically, the poker room exists as long as Jackie Gaughan (who is age 90) is alive. It is his personal entertainment since it probably makes no money.
All casinos are safe. An unsafe casino wouldn't last very long. The only problem is if you find the places with only 15-35 slot machines in a bad part of town. They are unlikely to advertise in the casino guide.
December 18th, 2011 at 3:28:54 PM
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Does MGM still have their sigma derby? I thought I saw a silver strike machine somewhere downtown.... I know Fitz has coin machines too.
December 18th, 2011 at 3:41:36 PM
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Quote: NicksGamingStuffDoes MGM still have their sigma derby?
Yes, still there.
"What, me worry?"
