Circus Circus Reno

Introduction

Circus Circus is one of the largest casinos in Reno.  It was recently acquired by Eldorado Resorts, which also acquired the 50 percent stake in the Silver Legacy it didn’t already hold at the time.  MGM Resorts was the seller.  The properties are connected by elevated walkways.  MGM Resorts still owns Circus Circus in Las Vegas.

The Circus Circus casino in Reno is not quite comparable to the one in Las Vegas.  There is no amusement park.  There are, however, circus acts and a midway to help keep the kids entertained.

Casino at Circus Circus

The table game selection at Circus Circus is large for Reno, but smaller compared to its neighbors on Virginia Street of the same size.  The most popular table game at Circus Circus is single deck blackjack.  Unlike Circus Circus in Las Vegas, the Reno resort pays 3-2 on blackjack at this game.  Players can double down on 10 and 11 only.  There are 11 tables of this game.  There are two double deck blackjack games that allow double down on any two cards but not after splitting.  There are six shoe blackjack games that allow double down on any two cards and after splitting.  These games also pay 3-2 on a blackjack.  There are no 6-5 games at Circus Circus Reno.

The limits for all blackjack games at Circus Circus are $5 to $100.  The dealer hits soft 17 at all tables.

There are two Enchanted Blackjack machines.  The limits are $2 to $500, five times the highest bet allowed at the tables.  Players should be careful betting too much on these machines though because any win $1,200 or higher, including the original wager, will trigger a tax form.  The video blackjack allows double down on any two cards and after splitting.  Surrender is permitted.  That makes video blackjack the best of the games offered.  It even accepts a players card for comps.

There are four double zero roulette tables with limits of $4 to $200.  Chips are $1 denominations.  There is a $2 to $1,000 double zero roulette machine. 

There are no Ultimate Texas Hold’em tables at Circus Circus Reno.  Instead, Texas Hold’em Bonus is spread.  There is also Mississippi Stud and Three Card Poker.  The minimum bet for these games is $5.  There is also a Big Wheel table.  It was not open during our visit.

Craps at Circus Circus has a $5 minimum with 3-4-5 times odds.  There is a $1 Shoot to Win Craps machine.  There are three tables of $10 Pai Gow Poker with a progressive that hits on a seven card straight flush.  It was $264,000 when we visited.  That is more than $30,000 above positive expectation.  There wasn’t anywhere to sit down and play or else we would have.

There are many great video poker machines at Circus Circus.  Players willing to play at $1 and higher will find Not So Ugly Deuces Wild.  Full pay Jacks or Better is spread throughout the casino floor, including the bar, which offers a progressive jackpot on a royal flush.  Video poker players receive $1 in free play and $1 in comps for every $300 wagered.  This makes the full pay games positive even before receiving mailers.

Hotel at Circus Circus

The hotel at Circus Circus is on the lower end.  Rates start at $39 per night on weeknights and $89 on weekends for the base room.  There is a 10 percent discount for room reservations of two or more nights.

Restaurants at Circus Circus

There are six restaurants at Circus Circus.  The Americana Café opens at 6am daily and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The Main Street Deli offers breakfast, soup and sandwiches for all three meals.  Dos Geckos Cantina and Kokopelli’s Sushi are open for lunch and dinner.  The Steakhouse at Circus is open for dinner Thursday through Monday for dinner. 

The buffet at Circus Circus has very limited hours.  It is open for dinner on Fridays, breakfast, brunch and dinner on Saturdays and breakfast and brunch on Sundays.

Entertainment

Circus Circus offers free circus acts throughout the day.  There is also a midway full of carnival games for the kids.  A massive arcade will also keep the kids occupied while parents hit the casino floor.  There is a cabaret with nightly musical acts that includes a dance floor.

My Conclusion

While we appreciate that Circus Circus does not spread any 6-5 blackjack, its table games could be a little better.  The machines offer better odds, especially since they take a players card from the One Club.  The casino is clean and mostly free of smoke.  It is a decent place to gamble in our opinion, especially if you have kids with you on your trip as they can stay occupied while you play.