After sitting idle for over two years, Palms, the renowned casino, finally reopened its doors on Wednesday, April 27, under the new ownership of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. This iconic establishment, which had been acquired from Station Casinos in 2021, had unfortunately been forced to close on March 17, 2020, due to the devastating impact of the pandemic. However, with the recent change in ownership, the Palms is set to once again captivate visitors with its unparalleled entertainment and gaming offerings. The anticipation among patrons is palpable, as they eagerly await the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and excitement that only Palms can deliver. The reopening of this beloved venue marks a significant milestone in the journey towards normalcy, as people yearn to reconnect with the thrilling experiences that were put on hold for far too long.
This morning, we made our way to the Palms. The gaming experience seemed rather familiar, much like our previous visits. But there was a notable change in the high limit room. Now, they have introduced a new addition to their blackjack offerings - a double-deck blackjack game where the dealer stands on soft 17. Interestingly, this particular game is exclusive to the Palms, making it the only casino in Las Vegas, away from the Strip, to provide this exciting opportunity to its patrons.
William Hill operates the sportsbook at Palms, but unfortunately, there is no poker room available at the establishment.
Options of games available at the palm tree-themed table.
At Palms, you'll find four distinct areas dedicated to table games. As you make your way in from the west, you'll come across an enticing section that houses a blackjack pit, situated just before the sportsbook. Venture a little further, and you'll encounter a separate baccarat pit, conveniently positioned outside the confines of the high limit room. If you're a fan of high-stakes gaming, fret not, for both blackjack and baccarat are readily available in the high limit area. For the remaining assortment of games, your best bet is the main pit located near the front entrance of Palms.
Palms blackjack
Palms Casino offers a variety of blackjack games, including five different types. The majority of the tables have a 3:2 payout ratio, except for the unique Free Bet Blackjack table, which pays 6:5.
I noticed that in the pits, there are various options for playing blackjack. You can choose between double-deck blackjack, six-deck blackjack, or Free Bet Blackjack. What's interesting is that all of these games follow the rule of hitting soft 17. Another advantage for players is that they have the opportunity to double down both before and after splitting at any of the blackjack tables. If you opt for the six-deck game, you also have the added option of surrendering. It's worth mentioning that these tables have a minimum starting bet of $15. Additionally, I observed that all blackjack games in action are dealt using a shoe, which adds to the overall fairness and transparency of the game.
High limit blackjack is played with soft 17. The salon offers both a double-deck and a six-deck blackjack game, with a minimum bet of $100.
When it came to the six-deck game, the question of whether players could re-split aces yielded conflicting responses. It's a situation that often arises when a casino first opens its doors. Based on my knowledge and experience, I would venture to say that re-splitting aces is indeed allowed. Additionally, it's worth noting that surrender is an option in the six-deck game.
Alternative table games at Palms
The table game selection, excluding blackjack, remains unchanged since the closure caused by the pandemic. The roulette tables feature the standard double zero format. As for craps, the odds payout at a ratio of 3-4-5 times. An exciting improvement at the craps table is that the field bet now pays triple on a roll of 12. This change is particularly noteworthy considering that when Station Casinos owned Palms, the field bet only paid double on 12.
These are the lowest wagers that we discovered for games other than blackjack earlier today:
- 00 roulette: $15
- Baccarat: $25
- Craps: $15
- Experience the thrill of Face Up Pai Gow Poker with a starting bet of $15.
- Three Card Poker: $15
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em: $15
Palms video poker
At the Palms, the video poker scene remains largely unchanged from its time under Station Casinos' ownership, with one notable exception: the disappearance of the 100% machines. However, I recently received a tip from a player who claimed to have stumbled upon a bank of three 100% machines boasting enticing pay tables like 10/7 Double Bonus and 10/6 Double Double Bonus near the west entrance. Intrigued by this news, I decided to verify its authenticity and turned to VPFree2, a reliable source that provides comprehensive information on the best video poker offerings at the Palms. To my delight, VPFree2 indeed confirmed the presence of these highly favorable machines, thus reaffirming its reputation as an accurate and up-to-date resource for all things related to Palms video poker.
When it comes to finding the ultimate game to play, my absolute favorite has to be 9/6 Jacks or Better with a remarkable 99.54% payout. This game is available in a range of denominations, starting from as low as $1 and going all the way up to $10. Additionally, there's an equally enticing option known as 8/5 Bonus Poker, which boasts a commendable 99.17% payout rate. Interestingly, some of the machines even offer this game in quarter and half-dollar denominations, catering to a wider range of players. Moreover, for those who prefer higher stakes, all machines, including the bars, feature 8/5 Bonus Poker at $1 and above. So, whether you're a casual player or a high roller, there's a game to suit every taste and budget.
Additional popular games found on these machines include 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%), 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%), and 15/9 Deuces Wild (98.91%).
At Palms, you'll find all the familiar video poker variants that were available before. They offer a range of options, from quarter machines to higher denominations. You can enjoy games like Dream Card, Spin Poker, Triple Play, Five Play, and Ten Play. And if you're a fan of Bonus Poker, they have an 8/5 version for you, along with 9/7 Double Bonus and 9/6 Double Double Bonus. For those who prefer Deuces Wild, they have a 15/9 variant as well. In addition to these popular choices, Palms also offers other exciting video poker variations, such as Super Times Pay, Double Super Times Pay, Pick a Pair, Double Pay, Quick Quads, Triple Spin Poker, Ultimate X, and Hot Roll.
Palms players club
Given that Palms currently operates as a stand-alone gambling establishment, it boasts an exclusive players club known as Club Serrano, which is also utilized by their California casino branch.
Club Serrano offers players the opportunity to enjoy complimentary play and earn valuable comps. When it comes to free play, slots provide a generous return rate of 0.2%, while video poker offers a respectable 0.05%. As for comps, it seems that they are determined by the theoretical house edge of the game. So, not only can you have fun playing your favorite games, but you can also reap the benefits of free play and comps through Club Serrano.
Discover the exclusive offering from Club Serrano - an exciting loyalty program that will match tiers of players clubs in Las Vegas. Uncover all the details right here!
Electronic table games
In the newly renovated west section of the casino, you'll find an impressive video stadium setup featuring a variety of electronic table games. Among these games, you'll discover four exciting options, each with a minimum bet of $5. Two of these games offer the thrilling experience of double zero roulette, adding an extra layer of excitement to your gameplay. Additionally, you can also try your luck at baccarat, a classic card game that has been enjoyed by countless players throughout the years. And for those who prefer the challenge of blackjack, there's a 6:5 variant available to test your skills. With these enticing options, the electronic table games in the casino's video stadium setup are sure to provide an unforgettable gaming experience.
In the realm of gaming, I stumbled upon a captivating video big wheel game that entices players with its modest $1 minimum wager. Moreover, I discovered a heads up craps game that also invites participants to engage in the excitement with a minimum bet of only $1. As I delved further into the realm of gambling, I came across a thrilling $3 double zero roulette game that not only beckons with its enticing gameplay, but also offers the exhilarating touchdown side bet. This unique twist adds an extra layer of thrill and anticipation to the already gripping world of roulette.
Palms restaurants
Nathan's Famous has disappeared, but the rest of the food court remains largely unchanged. McDonald's, Panda Express, Chronic Taco, Earl of Sandwich, and The Coffee Bean have all made their triumphant return. However, there has been one notable relocation: Side Piece Pizza has now found a new home at Red Rock. Despite these changes, the essence of the food court remains intact, and there are still plenty of delicious options to satisfy any craving.
In addition to Ghost Bar opening in the future, Palms has welcomed a range of full-service restaurants. These include Serrano Vista Cafe, a delightful spot for a tasty meal, as well as Send Noodles, where one can savor delectable Asian cuisine. Tim Ho Wan, known for its mouthwatering dim sum, and Scotch 80 Prime, a haven for steak lovers, are also among the culinary offerings at Palms. Last but not least, Mabel's BBQ has joined the lineup, serving up delicious barbecue delights.
Visuals depicting the grand reopening of Palms
During my exploration of the casino, Kristina captured numerous photographs.
