In June 2020, when downtown Las Vegas started welcoming back its bustling casinos, there was one notable absence - Main Street Station. While the other establishments threw open their doors, this beloved casino remained shuttered, a silent testament to the far-reaching impact of the pandemic. For months, the lights remained dimmed, the slot machines idle, and the roulette tables unoccupied. It was a somber sight for locals and visitors alike, who had grown accustomed to the vibrant energy that Main Street Station exuded. However, as the year progressed and the world slowly adapted to the new normal, whispers of Main Street Station's return began to circulate. And on September 8, 2021, after an extended hiatus, the doors of this iconic casino finally swung open once again. It was a moment of celebration, a glimmer of hope amid the challenges that society faced. The reopening of Main Street Station signaled a small but significant step forward, a testament to the resilience and determination of Las Vegas and its unwavering spirit.
Upon reopening, I noticed several significant alterations. The most noticeable transformation was the removal of more than half of the table game pit, leaving behind a mere eight tables. A notable change is the complete digitization of all roulette games, providing a modern twist to the classic casino experience. Surprisingly, craps remained unchanged, maintaining its enticing 20 times odds. Additionally, amidst the modifications, three 3:2 double deck blackjack tables have managed to retain their presence, offering a familiar option for enthusiasts of the game.
The removal of all the coin games had a significant impact, depriving the floor of its distinctive and high-quality gaming options. Prior to the pandemic, Fremont featured coin games, but when it reopened, these machines were conspicuously absent. Remarkably, California, a Boyd Gaming property in Las Vegas, stands as the final holdout for coin games, not only in the city but potentially in the entire region. Currently, the property only retains around 30 of these nostalgic machines, preserving a dwindling piece of casino history.
Digital versions of the scratch cards for a natural four of a kind have replaced their physical counterparts. The players' club now offers this game exclusively on their screens. Unfortunately, many of the higher-paying options were eliminated from the selection. Personally, I always thought the odds were a tad too favorable, but it certainly worked in the players' favor.
Video poker underwent a significant transformation just one week after resuming operations.
When Main Street Station finally reopened, video poker enthusiasts breathed a collective sigh of relief. The changes, they discovered, were not as terrible as initially feared. To their delight, they found full pay jacks or better available at the bar, even included in the scratch cards. Furthermore, the beloved 10/7 Double Bonus games remained on the floor, alongside other favorable pay tables. However, this sense of relief proved to be fleeting, as unforeseen developments soon unfolded.
Throughout the course of the week, there emerged several significant alterations in the realm of video poker. Firstly, the bar top machines were bereft of the renowned 9/6 Jacks or Better variant. Adding to this, the 9/7 Double Bonus was likewise extracted from the equation. Mysteriously absent was the 10/7 Double Bonus Poker bank, alongside a multitude of other favorable machines, including a substantial collection of the Not-so-ugly-deuces games that were previously accessible at Main Street Station.
For a comprehensive catalogue of video poker downgrades at Main Street Station, kindly refer to VPFree2. (Attention Fremont Street Experience: This exemplifies the concept of giving proper credit.)
What are some places in downtown Las Vegas where you can still enjoy a great game of video poker?
In California, coin-operated video poker games can still be found at the Main Street Station. Additionally, they offer the popular 10/7 Double Bonus and full pay Jacks or Better variations.
On Main Street, just a block away, lies Plaza, an alternative worth considering. Plaza offers a variety of high-paying video poker games, such as Joker Poker and Double Bonus Poker, which both boast a payout percentage exceeding 100%. Additionally, you'll find other commendable options like Triple Bonus Plus, as well as 9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe and 9/6 Jacks or Better, both available on select bar tops.
Our top pick for video poker in downtown Las Vegas is Four Queens. At the bar, you can enjoy playing 10/6 Double Double Bonus, which is considered the best bar video poker in Las Vegas, and perhaps even in the entire world. Additionally, on the gaming floor, you can indulge in the thrilling 10/7 Double Bonus variant.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, you have the option to stay at Main Street Station and enjoy some thrilling casino games. One enticing choice is to try your luck at the double deck blackjack tables or test your skills at the craps table. The double deck games have a minimum bet of $10 and offer a 3:2 payout ratio, although keep in mind that doubling down after splitting is not allowed. If you prefer craps, you can place your bets starting at $10, and the table offers an impressive 20 times odds. It's worth noting that these table games are exclusively available on the aforementioned days, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your experience at Main Street Station.
