According to a press release from Boyd Gaming, Main Street Station is set to reopen on September 8, 2021. Come 6am, the doors will swing open, allowing eager visitors to step inside. It has been a long wait since the casino closed its doors at midnight on March 17, 2020, a date etched in the memory of its loyal patrons. Since then, Main Street Station has remained closed, its grandeur and charm hidden away from the world. But soon, that will all change as the reopening date draws near. The anticipation is palpable, as visitors eagerly await the chance to once again experience the thrill of the casino floor and indulge in the vibrant atmosphere that Main Street Station is known for.
When Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak greenlit the reopening of casinos on June 4, 2020, Boyd Gaming wasted no time in welcoming back guests at their two other downtown Las Vegas properties. However, the company soon discovered that their downtown casinos heavily relied on visitors from Hawaii. Unfortunately, travel restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic made it incredibly challenging for guests from the Aloha State to make the journey, resulting in a significant decrease in demand for Main Street Station. To adapt to the circumstances, the company transformed the parking lot into a temporary COVID-19 testing site, providing downtown Las Vegas guests with the opportunity to obtain a negative test before embarking on their travels.
It seems that the reopening of Main Street Station is being justified by the company's belief that there is a resurgence in demand. This belief seems to be supported by the growing activity observed at sister properties such as California and Fremont.
The casino will reopen alongside both Main Street Station restaurants. From Thursday through Monday, the Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery will be open from 5pm until midnight. As for the Garden Court Buffet, it will be open daily from 8am to 2pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays, it will also be open from 4pm to 9pm.
Main Street Station renowned for its excellent gaming experience
Before the closure, Main Street Station was renowned for its distinctive gaming offerings. One of its notable features was the impressive 20 times odds on Craps, a fact that is still evident from a sign on the property, reassuring visitors of its continued existence. This makes it the highest Craps odds in Las Vegas, matched only by its sister property, Sam's Town, located on Boulder Highway. Additionally, Main Street Station offered double deck blackjack games that paid 3:2 and typically had a minimum bet of $10, an enticing option for avid players before the temporary shutdown.
I stumbled upon a treasure trove of entertainment on the casino floor at Main Street Station. It was adorned with numerous coin-operated video poker machines that beckoned me to try my luck. Among them was a hidden gem called the Pay the Aces No Faces Game, a rare find that I hadn't encountered anywhere else. Adding to the excitement, I discovered that Treasure Chest Poker was also up for grabs, allowing me to play with either quarters or dollars.
The number of coin video poker machines on the floor in California regularly drops, although it is unknown if these games remain. When Fremont reopened in June 2020, they did so without any coin games, even though they had some when they closed due to the pandemic. Despite this, California still offers a handful of these machines.
The 9/7 Double Bonus and 9/6 Jacks or Better are some of the top-notch games available at Boar's Head Bar, making it a beloved spot for avid video poker enthusiasts. Alongside its exceptional beverage service, this establishment has garnered a reputation as a preferred destination for those seeking quality gameplay. With a multitude of options for players, including the chance to indulge in these thrilling games, Boar's Head Bar has cemented its status as a go-to venue for all things video poker. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this bar offers an experience that is sure to satisfy your gaming desires.
Five casinos in Las Vegas are still closed.
Next month, Main Street Station will finally reopen, marking a significant milestone in the revival of Las Vegas. However, it's important to acknowledge that there are still five prominent casinos in the city that have remained closed since March 2020. These establishments include the esteemed Eastside Cannery by Boyd Gaming, situated on Boulder Highway, as well as the renowned Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, Palms, and Texas Station, all of which are under the management of Station Casinos. Despite the gradual recovery of the city's casino industry, these properties have yet to welcome back their eager patrons.
Palms is scheduled to welcome guests again in early 2022 after being acquired by new owners, while there is no information available regarding the reopening plans for the other establishments.
Two additional gambling establishments in Clark County, located near the lively city of Las Vegas, continue to be unavailable for business. These include Terrible's casino situated in Jean and Buffalo Bill's casino in Primm.