Contrasts and Distinctions: Bally's Versus Horseshoe

Written by: William Stevens on May 19, 2024.

I am thrilled to share with you the exciting updates that have taken place at our beloved Horseshoe casino. One cannot help but notice the remarkable transformation that has occurred in our World Series of Poker Room. With 18 brand-new tables, this revamped space is truly a sight to behold. What's even more remarkable is that the poker room remains in its original location, ensuring that our loyal patrons can continue to enjoy their favorite games without any inconvenience. As part of this renovation, we have added four additional tables, allowing even more players to partake in the exhilarating poker action. Moreover, the new Horseshoe poker room boasts a refreshed design and offers a generous amount of space between each table, ensuring that players can enjoy their games in a comfortable and relaxing environment. This thoughtful redesign truly enhances the overall poker-playing experience, creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and visually stunning. So, whether you are a seasoned poker pro or new to the game, we invite you to come and experience the newly renovated World Series of Poker Room at the Horseshoe casino. We are confident that you will be delighted by the changes we have made, and we look forward to providing you with an unforgettable gaming experience.

During our most recent trip to Bally's, we noticed a significant increase in the number of live table games available at Horseshoe Casino. In fact, there are now four additional games compared to our previous visit. We meticulously counted a total of 36 games, whereas before we observed only 32. This expansion can be attributed to the introduction of exciting new games such as Double Up Blackjack (6:5), I Luv Suits, Let it Ride, Mississippi Stud, and high limit double-deck blackjack. Interestingly, four of the previously existing 6:5 blackjack tables have been replaced with these fresh additions. It's evident that the rebranding of Bally's has resulted in an enhanced gaming experience, with a wider variety of options for players to enjoy.

During our visit to Horseshoe Las Vegas in April 2024, the poker pit games were all priced at $10, which differed from our previous Bally's survey where most of these games were priced at $15.

The addition of crapless craps led to the conversion of one craps table, resulting in an equal distribution of two dice games of each type.

I love exploring all the exciting features in casinos, and recently I stumbled upon a hidden gem at Caesars. As I made my way towards Paris and the parking deck, I discovered a brand new Caesars Sportsbook counter nestled in the corridor. Unlike other sportsbooks, there is no designated viewing area here. Instead, it is a compact yet efficient ticket-writing counter accompanied by a stylish bar. It's a refreshing change from the usual setup, especially when compared to Bally's lower level, which used to house a massive sportsbook but now functions as an arcade.

What hasn’t changed

The casino has retained much of its original layout and features. I noticed that many sections of the establishment remain unchanged. Specifically, the video poker pay tables have remained identical to their previous versions. As I explored further, I discovered that the most favorable games available were the $1 to $5 9/5 Jacks or Better and 8/5 Bonus Poker. These particular games are situated in the vicinity of the high limit tables. Moreover, the selection of video poker variations offered is largely the same as before. Interestingly, the beloved $0.25 8/5 Double Double Bonus Poker games can still be found on the main casino floor, right in front of the poker room.

I've got to be honest, the video poker options at the casino bar are absolutely dreadful. I scoured through all the games available, and the only one that remotely stood out was the 30/6/5 Bonus Poker. With this game, if you bet five coins and utilize the perfect strategy, the house advantage drops to a somewhat manageable 3.82%. Essentially, it's just a slight variation of the 6/5 Jacks or Better with a little boost in payouts for four-of-a-kind hands. The pay table remains consistent, ranging from $0.25 all the way up to $5. But honestly, if you're looking for any semblance of entertainment or decent payouts, you're far better off just paying for your drinks and skipping the video poker altogether.

In my travels across the United States, I've come across many casinos bearing the renowned Horseshoe brand. What sets these establishments apart from the rest is their exceptional offering of craps odds, with a staggering 100 times multiplier. It's a gambler's dream come true, providing an unparalleled opportunity for big wins. However, when it comes to the Las Vegas branch of Horseshoe, the odds are still good but not quite on the same level. Here, the multiplier stands at a respectable 3-4-5 times, which is nothing to scoff at. In fact, it's a standard offering among all the illustrious casinos lining the famous Las Vegas Strip, except for one notable exception - The Strat. Many had hoped that Horseshoe would break the mold and introduce their signature 100 times craps odds in Las Vegas, but alas, it remains unchanged. Nonetheless, the allure of Las Vegas and its vibrant gambling scene continues to draw in eager players from far and wide, promising an unforgettable experience regardless of the odds.

The original Binion's Horseshoe was known for its generous deals and favorable odds, but things have changed. Nowadays, if you step onto the casino floor, you'll find triple zero roulette tables still in operation. It seems that even the beloved game of blackjack has fallen victim to the shifting tides. All the blackjack tables, whether it's the double-deck, eight-deck, Double Up, or Free Bet varieties, pay a lackluster 6/5. Gone are the days of the enticing 3/2 blackjack payouts, except for the high limit tables, which are only available during peak hours. And if you manage to stumble upon a 3/2 blackjack table, be prepared to place a hefty minimum bet of $50. It's safe to say that the charm and allure of the original Binion's Horseshoe have faded into a distant memory.

Drawing a comparison between Horseshoe and Binion’s.

Binion's, the original Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas, holds a special place in the heart of Caesars Entertainment. They aspire to restore the timeless allure and allure of this legendary establishment. However, in my honest opinion, it falls far short of recapturing that magic. In an upcoming article, I will delve into a thorough comparison between Horseshoe, located on the bustling Las Vegas Strip, and Binion's, nestled on the vibrant Fremont Street. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of these iconic gambling destinations.