In the bustling city of Las Vegas, one can find a plethora of local casinos catering to different tastes and preferences. From intimate slot parlors to grand, all-encompassing resorts, the options are endless. Each of these establishments holds a distinctive position within the vibrant Las Vegas market, offering its own unique experiences and attractions. To help navigate through this diverse landscape, I have compiled a list of my personal favorites, presented in alphabetical order for your convenience. Whether you're seeking thrilling gaming adventures or a relaxing getaway, these local casinos are sure to leave a lasting impression.
I have the privilege of bringing you this informative newsletter, courtesy of the Bet-NV.com team. Our ability to provide you with valuable content stems from our frequent visits to every casino in Las Vegas throughout the year. In our Las Vegas Blackjack and Table Game Survey, we meticulously document our findings to ensure the utmost accuracy and reliability. If you're eager for the latest information, you'll be pleased to know that we released the most recent edition of our newsletter on March 7, 2022. For further particulars and comprehensive insights, the Bet-NV.com Newsletter is your go-to source.
Both Arizona Charlie’s
Arizona Charlie's boasts the finest video poker experience in the city of Las Vegas, with one location conveniently situated on Boulder Highway and the other found on Decatur Blvd, nestled between Charleston Blvd and US 95.
At Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, you won't find any table games, but don't worry, because at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, they have plenty to offer. Not only do they have table games, but they also have minimum bets that are lower than the average. Now, let's talk about video poker games. If you're looking for the best ones, you should definitely check out Deuces Wild and Joker Poker. These games have the highest payback percentages, with full pay Deuces Wild sitting at an impressive 100.76% and full pay Joker Poker close behind at 100.65%. And if you're wondering, yes, there are even more games with 100% payouts available on these machines. So, whether you're a fan of table games or video poker, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur has something for everyone.
Shimmering Jewel Isle and Colorful Society
In my experience, I have discovered that the video poker variants at Emerald Island in Las Vegas have the most favorable pay tables. Currently, they offer a variety of options such as 3/5/10-play, Split Card, and Ultimate X variants. What caught my attention the most were the 3/5/10-play games, which provide excellent payouts for Double Double Bonus (99.96% version) and Not-so-ugly-ducks (99.73%) at the nickel denomination. It's impressive that you can wager up to 30 coins, allowing for a total bet of $15 per 10-hand game. One of the perks of being a loyal player is that you never have to pay for a meal at the Emerald Island restaurant.
Across the street from Emerald Island, the Rainbow Club has been acquired by its owner. This establishment boasts top-notch single line video poker, with a special mention for its bar which ranks as one of the top three in the entire Las Vegas market. The quality of their offerings is truly commendable.
Red Rock Resort
My favorite casino bar in Las Vegas is Rocks Lounge, located within the luxurious Red Rock Resort. With its upscale ambiance and top-notch amenities, Red Rock Resort stands out as the most high-end locals casino in the area. When it comes to gaming options, Rocks Lounge offers a fantastic selection, including 8/5 Bonus Poker and 15/9 Deuces Wild machines that start at the quarter denomination. The combination of elegant surroundings and exciting gambling opportunities makes Rocks Lounge a standout destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Red Rock Resort offers an extensive range of table games with affordable minimum bets starting at just $5. In addition to the standard options, such as 10/7 Double Bonus and 10/6 Double Double Bonus, they also provide a remarkable selection of video poker machines. These machines boast an impressive payout rate, some of which can return as much as 99.8%. With a vast array of video poker variants, players are sure to find their favorite game at Red Rock Resort.
Sam’s Town
Over the past few years, many of the Boyd Gaming casinos have become more conservative in their gambling options. However, there is one exception to this trend - Sam's Town. This particular casino has actually become more lenient with its offerings. For instance, it now boasts a bank of video poker machines that pay out a full quarter for Deuces Wild. Additionally, there is a diverse selection of video poker options available, with payback percentages of 99.5% or higher. When it comes to craps, Sam's Town still maintains the highest odds in the entire Las Vegas market, allowing players to place up to 20 times their original wager.
Santa Fe Station
In the far northwestern part of the Las Vegas Valley sits Santa Fe Station, an expansive casino catering to the local crowd. With table games beginning at a reasonable $5, it offers a diverse range of options for players. Notably, Santa Fe Station boasts an impressive selection of video poker games, including the popular ones mentioned in the Red Rock section. Additionally, players can enjoy numerous multi-hand pay tables that offer a favorable return of 99% or higher. Furthermore, a recent development worth mentioning is that their Free Bet Blackjack tables now pay out 3:2 on blackjack, providing even more incentive for players to try their luck.
Skyline Casino
Skyline, a casino exclusive to Las Vegas locals, stands out for its distinctive features. As the final establishment to offer coin games, it provides a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era. Patrons can indulge in an array of thrilling options such as the quarter 10/7 Double Bonus, along with numerous games that boast a remarkable 99% or higher payout rate. Among these enticing options are Double Double Bonus, Sevens Wild, White Hot Aces, and Joker Poker. Additionally, the establishment also offers several $1 coin games that guarantee a return of 99% or better. For those seeking a refreshing drink and a friendly atmosphere, the bar boasts the popular 9/6 Jacks or Better game.
During Saturday and Sunday, Skyline Casino offers a $5 blackjack game with a 3:2 payout ratio. Additionally, they have an exclusive poker room hosting the only 2/4 fixed limit hold'em game in Las Vegas.
South Point
In Las Vegas, there is no place quite like South Point when it comes to finding the best video poker machines. They have a remarkable selection of 99% and higher payout machines, surpassing any other establishment in town. As for their bar, it takes a well-deserved second place in terms of video poker quality across the entire market. You can find a variety of popular games, such as Not-so-ugly-ducks, 9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe, and 9/6 Jacks or Better, offered on many of their bar machines. If table games are more your style, South Point's game pit is the place to be. They offer several $5 games, including 3:2 six-deck blackjack and craps, providing an exciting and affordable gambling experience.
