Insights from our visit to the market in South Locals

Author: William Stevens Date: August 3, 2024

Green Valley Ranch

As I made my way to the table game pit at Green Valley Ranch, I couldn't help but notice that the limits had been slightly lowered since my last visits. Previously, the majority of the games had been set at $15, but this time around, most of them were at a more accessible $10. Among the options available were 10x craps, 6/5 blackjack, double zero roulette, Crazy 4 Poker, I Luv Suits, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, and Face Up Pai Gow Poker. If you were a fan of the 3/2 double-deck blackjack, you could still enjoy it, albeit at a slightly higher limit of $15. However, if baccarat was your game of choice, you would need to be willing to wager a minimum of $25.

As a knowledgeable assistant, I can provide you with information on the available options for high-limit blackjack players. Firstly, there are two choices to consider. The first option is a double-deck game that allows for re-splitting aces. Additionally, there is a six-deck game that also permits re-splitting aces and offers the option of surrendering. It's worth noting that in the double-deck game, the dealer hits on soft 17, while in the six-deck game, the dealer stands on soft 17. Lastly, it's important to mention that the minimum bet required for both games is $100.

I must say, the video poker scene at Green Valley Ranch is truly exceptional. One can find not just one, but two banks of machines that offer a 100% payout, ensuring a thrilling and potentially lucrative experience for avid players. Moreover, there is an impressive selection of over 20 machines that boast a payout percentage of up to 99.8%, further adding to the allure of the gaming floor. And let's not forget the bars, where patrons can enjoy their favorite beverages while indulging in some entertaining gameplay on the 99% games available. With such a wide range of options, Green Valley Ranch undoubtedly caters to all levels of video poker enthusiasts.

This piece of news might not sit well with those eager for the poker room's comeback. The once bustling poker room has transformed into a lavish slot room for high-stakes players. In the past, it served as a popular spot for sports enthusiasts to watch games and a convenient location to collect promotional offers.

M Resort

At M Resort, things were moving at a sluggish pace. It caught my attention that the Roll to Win craps table had been replaced by a live game, but it looked like something was missing - the felt. Curiosity led me to the poker pit, where I discovered that games like Heads Up Hold'em, Three Card Poker, and High Card Flush were all priced at a reasonable $5. If craps or double zero roulette were more your style, you could try your luck for just $10. Moving up the ladder, I noticed that Free Bet Blackjack, a six-deck blackjack game with a generous 3/2 payout, and Emporers Challenge Pai Gow Poker had a starting price of $15. What caught my eye was that the pai gow game could be played in both face-up and face-down variations. For those seeking a more elevated experience, there was double-deck blackjack with a 3/2 payout, but the minimum bet was set at $25.

In the high-limit area of M Resort, the minimum bet for table games remains at $50, offering a range of options to choose from. Among these options are baccarat, double-deck blackjack with the ability to re-split aces, and six-deck blackjack with both surrender and re-split aces. The double-deck game follows a rule where the dealer hits on a soft 17, while the six-deck game stands on it. Additionally, baccarat has made its return to the old high-limit room located next to the cage.

I couldn't locate the video poker machines labeled as "Up to 99.8%" at M Resort. In case they are no longer available, the most favorable option for video poker would be $1 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%).

South Point

South Point, in my opinion, is one of the top-notch casinos in Las Vegas. They seem to have all the right moves down. One thing that really stands out is their players club, which is incredibly generous in rewarding slot points at a rapid pace. I've been to numerous casinos in this city, and I can confidently say that South Point is unmatched in this aspect. When it comes to video poker, South Point doesn't disappoint either. Their payback percentages are quite impressive, with most machines returning at least 99%. That's a rarity in the gambling world, where the house usually has a significant edge. But at South Point, they seem to level the playing field. Out of all the video poker options available, I've discovered that the 16/10 Deuces Wild game is the cream of the crop. It boasts an astonishingly high payback rate of 99.73%. That's music to the ears of any seasoned gambler. And the best part is, this game can be enjoyed for as little as $0.25, making it accessible to players with varying budgets. What's even more convenient is that you can find these fantastic video poker machines not just on the main casino floor, but also at many of the bars throughout South Point. So, whether you're in the mood for a drink or simply want to try your luck, you won't have to go far to find a machine that suits your preferences. In conclusion, South Point truly knows how to cater to their patrons. Their generous players club and impressive video poker offerings, especially the 16/10 Deuces Wild game, make it a standout among Las Vegas casinos.

At South Point, you'll find a variety of affordable and exciting casino games. For just $5, you can join the action at the blackjack tables, where they offer a six-deck game with favorable 3/2 odds. If you're willing to up the ante, there's an option for a double-deck blackjack game at $10, still offering the same generous 3/2 payout. Other games available at the $10 level include Baccarat, Face Up Pai Gow Poker, roulette, and craps. Although craps at South Point only offers double odds, it's still a great choice for enthusiasts of the game. Looking for even more budget-friendly options? Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em are both available for just $5, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of the casino without breaking the bank.

Silverton 

Silverton’s primary rival appears to be South Point, as these two casinos differ greatly in numerous aspects.

At Silverton, you can find a wide range of video poker games. The most popular one among them is the 12/8 Loose Deuces, which offers a high payout percentage of 99.20%. However, it's worth noting that the majority of the other games, such as the 8/5 Bonus Poker, require playing with a $1 denomination. Unfortunately, this payout percentage falls below the average for a Las Vegas locals casino.

I love visiting the local casino because they have such a wide range of betting options to suit every budget. For those looking to start small, the pit offers a $5 minimum bet. At this level, you can enjoy exciting games like 6/5 blackjack and Three Card Poker. However, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous and willing to bet $10, you'll find yourself in a whole new world of possibilities. The casino offers 3/2 six-deck blackjack, Face Up Pai Gow Poker, double zero roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em at this level. But for the true high rollers, the real excitement starts at $15. At this point, you can indulge in the thrilling 3/2 double-deck and Free Bet Blackjack games. With such a diverse selection of games and betting options, there's something for everyone at the casino.

Alamo

During my visit, I discovered Alamo, a bustling truck stop located on Blue Diamond Road, right across from Silverton. This unique establishment offers not only a convenient place to refuel and rest but also features an exciting casino. As I stepped inside, I couldn't help but notice the array of approximately 50 slot machines, just waiting to be played. Alongside the thrilling slot action, there is also a dedicated William Hill sportsbook counter, catering to the avid sports enthusiasts. To indulge in the classic card game, Alamo provides two blackjack tables for the patrons' entertainment. However, it is worth mentioning that the blackjack rules here are considered some of the most unfavorable in the locals market. The game employs four decks and pays a disappointing 6/5 ratio. Moreover, players are only permitted to double down on 10 and 11, with the restriction of not being able to do so after splitting. As I observed the gameplay, I couldn't help but feel the minimum bet of $20 during my visit added an element of excitement and stakes to the overall experience.

Playing video poker at gas stations is a familiar sight, reminiscent of what one might expect to find in such establishments. The prevalent games offered are typically variants like 8/5 Jacks or Better and 6/5 Bonus Poker, with average payouts of around 97%. However, if you're seeking a more rewarding gaming experience, I would highly recommend exploring the options available across the street at Silverton. There, you'll discover a diverse range of games that surpass the gas station offerings in terms of both variety and potential winnings.