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Iowa Casinos Questions

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Casino Hotels' started by Sue24, Mar 22, 2016.

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  1. Sue24

    Sue24 High-Roller

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    I frequent 4 casinos in Iowa... Prairie Meadows (Altoona), Lakeside (Osceola), Horseshoe (Council Bluffs) & Meskwaki (Tama).

    Pay out percentages according to my last run showed Meskwaki at 92.8% while Lakeside pays a miserable 90.2%. The Horseshoe did not have a % posted, so I am assuming it was 89% or lower, as I had to do the "walk of shame".

    All 4 places are constantly busy, with Lakeside a bit slower ... it is located along I35, but out in the country. I seem to have the best luck at Meskwaki, but I'm wondering if it's psychological since their percentage is the highest. I never win at Prairie Meadows, so have avoided that joint for a couple months.

    My question is... do the percentages make that much difference to the average slot player??

    Iowans.... what are your experiences at these casinos? Is there someplace better in the state??

    I hope no one tells me Riverside is best, because I have never won a dime in that joint.

    Thanks all!
     
  2. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Not from Iowa, but generally speaking, you won't feel the difference of one percentage point or even a few points too much in the short term. This data is over millions of pulls of the machine each month. But if you play a few hours a week, you'll start to notice it a bit in things like annual results. Also keep in mind these numbers include video poker too, so if a particular casino has more VP players and better VP paytables, then their overall return for the month is likely to be a little higher.

    FYI, for the state-run casinos in Iowa, revenue data is made public monthly (PDF link below for Feb. 2016 revenue data).

    https://irgc.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2016/03/february2016_0.pdf

    You were right about Horseshoe; they were the worst in the state last month. Slot hold of 10.90% (89.10% return) ouch!

    For the state-run casinos, best is Prairie Meadows at 7.83% hold (92.17% return). But Prairie Meadows also has above average VP according to VPFree2, but slots are still above average for sure.

    Riverside is about the middle of the pack at 9.16% hold (90.84% return).
     
  3. DESPERADO

    DESPERADO VIP Whale

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    :wave: sue only have been to the casinos in Bettendorf and Davenport. visited a friend in Grinnell think it was near TAMA. don't remember anything else about the casinos just enjoyed my first and only trip to IOWA. :beer:
     
  4. Sue24

    Sue24 High-Roller

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    Yes, I am pretty well done with the Council Bluff area casinos.
    Lakeside is closest to me, but it is no gem.
    Meskwaki treats me the best, but naturally it is the longest trip.

    Iowa casinos seem to be clones of each other.
    I am very ready for Vegas!!!
     
  5. tmaas21

    tmaas21 Low-Roller

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    Head to WinnaVegas!! Not sure on %....but one hell of a good time! Exit 127 off of I29
     
  6. dvandentop

    dvandentop VIP Whale

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    None of the paybacks very good at ia casinos most overall at 90% according to last gaming commission reports. Natives don't have to report of course...

    Usually have best luck at ameristar council bluffs out of all those u had listed.
     
  7. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Yeah, none are that great, but Meskwaki reported of course because their payouts are good! But for penny slots in FY '15 (aka July '14-June '15), Iowa state-run casinos statewide paid back better overall than the major Vegas Strip casinos ($72M+ annually). Some other states also follow this pattern.

    Iowa casinos returned 88.61% at pennies.
    The major Strip casinos returned 88.13% at pennies.

    So at least for the penny players, you need to be going to the Strip for reasons other than gambling!!!!
     
  8. Sue24

    Sue24 High-Roller

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    have not played on the strip since '09!! We always play downtown or at a few off strip places.

    One more thing... when you play at Meskwaki, there are announcements given about every 1/2 hour..."We have another jackpot for $$.... on ...... machine." To me, this is just one more thing I like about the place!
     
  9. Publius

    Publius Living the Dream

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    I know in Davenport they are opening up a new casino in June. Can't wait to see how it is
     
    FlightSimExpo 2024
  10. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    I'm a semi-regular at Horseshoe and Ameristar. I swear Horseshoe had the payout posted on the wall east of the security checkpoint by the north entrance but I don't remember what it was.

    Is Meskwaki (sp??) still totally dry?
     
  11. Sue24

    Sue24 High-Roller

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    No, there is a bar area where they have live music some nights.

    I'm not sure I saw anyone with a beer at the machines .. I'm in a zone when I get in there.
     
  12. Sue24

    Sue24 High-Roller

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    And, I remembered there is another small bar in the main casino section of Meskwaki. Of course, no alcohol leaves the floor. They have several signs posted.
    Just a clean, fun casino.
     
  13. Srvanwyk

    Srvanwyk Low-Roller

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    Two things tama is in no way dry drinks can be had at machines or tables. And second i can agree with prairie meadows being tighter than tree bark. And if they lose their non profit status im sure it will get tighter. FOR me ive had my best luck in burlington and harrahs cb. But it should be noted my slot play is minimal and I'm more of a table player. One thing is for sure prairie meadows and tama are in a dead heat for rudest employees.
     
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