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Pick the best elements from Downtown casinos to make the best casino

Discussion in 'Downtown Hotels' started by topcard, Mar 29, 2014.

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  1. topcard

    topcard Here's to $10 3:2 two-deck, $5 Craps, and $5 UTH!

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    As suggested by bigtip in the 'Golden Gate' thread...

    I would use the following:

    The decor & vibe of MSS
    The 3:2 double-deck pitch blackjack of Boyd
    The DAS & 67% penetration used by El Co.
    The girls dealing at Golden Gate
    The VP pay-tables of 4-Queens
    The home-brews of MSS
    The diner from 4-Queens (Magnolia's)
    The Sigma Derby from 'theD'
    The rooms from the Rush Tower at the Nugget
    The pool from the Nugget
    The ease of comps from Boyd (bconnected)
    The ease of getting from your room to the casino at the Fremont
    The late-night fast-food quality at the Fremont (Lanai Express).
    The steak dinner at 4-Queens (Hugo's)
    The cocktail service at Golden Gate (speed + quality)
    The cocktail waitresses from 'theD' (attractiveness)
    The 'old-school' history of the El Co
    The $3 craps at El Co
    The food quality and ambiance at MSS (777)
    The physical location of 4-Queens
    The casino size of the Plaza
    The sports-book at the Plaza
    The shrimp cocktail from the (old) Golden Gate
    The absence of resort fees from Boyd
    The casino management of Derek Stevens
    The ATM '5% free-play' bonus at El Co
    The ease of getting meal & cigarette comps at the tables by the Boyd pits.
    The ventilation of cigarette smoke at the Nugget
    The Vue Bar at 'theD'
    The men's room at MSS
    The beds & pillows at Golden Gate

    I'm sure I've missed some...feel free!
    :beer:
     
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  2. Big Tip

    Big Tip VIP Whale

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    Pretty good. Agreed with most. A few additions and changes.

    Blackjack: El Cortez single deck game.
    Craps: MSS 20X odds
    Sports Book: Size of Plaza, yes, but the look of Golden Nugget's
    Video Poker: 9/6 JOB at Boar's Head Bar MSS
    Buffet: MSS
    Drink Selection: MSS for the brew pub beers
    Casino Layout: Golden Gate. I like it simple.
    Poker Room: Golden Nugget. Choices are limited these days.
    Parking: MSS
    Valet: Golden Gate
    Slots: I have no idea, don't play, but I know that's a factor for some folks
    Dealers: Yes, GG hands down. As fun as they are cute.
     
  3. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    Wow.... I think you've got it all, lol!, except I differ when it comes to Lanai Express....:poke:

    I guess I would add the fun-loving Hawaiian craps players at the Cal!

    Gotta admit, it would be one hell of a casino!!
     
  4. Viva Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas Elvis has left the building

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    The California is my downtown home base. Below are the few realistic improvements I would be make.

    Room remodel - Plaza style is nice.
    Serve MSS beers on tap and FP VP at Dave's Bar and the San Francisco Bar.
    Add DAS to DD BJ games.
    Add a Sigma Derby.
    Upgrade pool setting.
    Replace Pasta Pirate with Magnolias.
    Change 2X to 3-4-5 Craps.
    Bring in newer VP machines (w/ same pay tables).

    Love the location of the Cal (slightly off Fremont - rooms are more quiet), love the vibe, the employees, the Redwood and their dinner. They have great VP, drink service is great (as are bar staff). Comps are generous. Would play BJ w/ DAS - I pretty much stick to VP.
     
  5. mikenhe

    mikenhe VIP Whale

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    Binions café
    the binions poker room (roomier than the nugget)
    the pai gow from Binions.

    the upper deck!
    with the porthouse special from the redwood grill
    the nugget pool area
    the upstairs retro area from the D
    the speed of the drink service at Mermaids
     
  6. robert m.

    robert m. High-Roller

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    Wow!

    Great list. Makes me want to spend a week downtown starting today!

    I have enjoyed Magnolia's for years. However, Lately I have been enjoying the D Grille for breakfast.
     
  7. Big Tip

    Big Tip VIP Whale

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    I think we should all say something every time we sit at a Boyd property with this game. This one just really bugs me. It seems so out of character for a company that otherwise is fairly customer/player friendly. It is such a small advantage that they are taking yet it removes a fun element of blackjack.

    I have actually tried to quit playing at MSS because of this rule. I say tried because friends still will "pay the price" of the rule to get the MSS beer so they continue to play there. I am "forced" to play with them. lol
     
  8. Oxygenator

    Oxygenator Low-Roller

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    My additions and changes would go like this.
    The bed and pillows in the Rush Tower rooms. Among the best in all of Vegas, let alone DT.
    cocktail service in the high limit room at the GN. best DT for quality and speed
    Shoe games for BJ have the GN rules, the best DT.
    Binions comps for food, cashback, comp dollars and daily spins are unmatched DT. Good for slot players especially.
    All dealers like the one I know of that knows perfect BJ strategy, and will count the deck for you once she trusts you(and you tip well).
     
  9. Big Tip

    Big Tip VIP Whale

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    I am curious about this one. I haven't even checked the tables there in awhile as they never have been that good.

    What makes them good? Surrender? Resplit aces? I know they H17, right?
     
  10. Oxygenator

    Oxygenator Low-Roller

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    yes they have surrender and resplit aces. No more S17, even in the high limit room now.

    And its a myth about the " never been good" some tables with these rules have been there for many years. Just have to filter through and find them.
     
  11. Viva Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas Elvis has left the building

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    I wish it would work, but they make more by not offering DAS, and a return of the customers which go elsewhere will not make up the revenue. I wish they had DAS for green chip + games (or a six deck game w/ DAS). I can't play serious BJ w/o DAS.
     
  12. GMS

    GMS Low-Roller

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    Argh!

    Agreed. This is the one knock I have on Boyd downtown. I love what they're doing otherwise, and I really like playing double deck BJ in their casinos. But that damn rule drives me nuts!

    I haven't let it stop me from playing at their joints, though, which I suppose is why they keep it. I'll do my part and speak up again when I'm there in July.
     
  13. topcard

    topcard Here's to $10 3:2 two-deck, $5 Craps, and $5 UTH!

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    I mention it every time, at all 3 places.
    I think the dealers & pits have been trained to say "we do have it - at the 'SuperFun 21' table. Plenty of open seats!"
    :rolleyes2:
     
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  14. Marky147

    Marky147 VIP Whale

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    Claude's Bar at the Nugget

    <3 that bar!
     
  15. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    I want the 10/7 DB with progressive offered by the Four Queens.
    It is the best DB in the world and cannot be found anywhere else in Vegas.

    Now add to that the comps from playing. Usually 3 nights over the weekend and about $80 freeplay. I can get 3 nights in two months, so I stay Oct. and November and catch 3 and 3.

    Sadly the last part I can no longer add. It is playing live very low limit poker with Jackie. Jackie died. The poker room closed.
     
  16. Former Plaza Host

    Former Plaza Host Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for mentioning us at the Plaza! We really appreciate it.
     
  17. RC

    RC Low-Roller

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    The fact of the matter is that the Boyd downtown casinos are afraid of their own shadow when it comes to their DD BJ. They only deal out 50% of the cards and don't allow DAS because they are scared of what they think that the card counters will do to their bottom line. They are true chickens and don't want to really gamble with their customers.
     
  18. Viva Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas Elvis has left the building

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    You're welcome. I stayed the first night during a soft re-open (in late August 2012 IIRC). Everyone was very friendly, the hotel did a great job with the remodel, and I was impressed with the room and thought it was a great value. Have stayed since and continue to enjoy The Plaza and Hash a Go Go.

    My brother (a local) has stayed several times since your open when he stays downtown for a weekend night (Cal is his other choice). I mainly play full pay Video Poker downtown (9/6 JOB or 10/7 DB).

    Will check out the beer garden next trip.
     
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