This week, I witnessed a whirlwind of activity in Las Vegas as three casinos reopened their doors within a span of just 24 hours. At the crack of dawn on Wednesday, Oyo, the popular casino and hotel, welcomed back its eager patrons at the stroke of 11am. The excitement continued to build as the grand reopening of the iconic Tropicana and the lively Rainbow Club took place this very morning at 10am. It was a remarkable sight to behold, with throngs of enthusiastic gamblers and visitors flocking to these beloved establishments, ready to try their luck and relish in the vibrant atmosphere once again.
There was not much fanfare surrounding the reopening of these properties, unlike the previous ones. Tropicana, for instance, is now open, but it offers limited table games and dining choices. Oyo, previously known as Hooters, has faced challenges in the past, but it is currently striving to redefine itself. On the other hand, Rainbow Club, a casino solely dedicated to slot machines located in downtown Henderson, was closed for renovations that happened to coincide with the pandemic.
Oyo reopening
I had the opportunity to visit Oyo, one of the first three Las Vegas casinos to reopen after a long hiatus. It was quite an interesting experience as the reopening date had been rescheduled multiple times before finally becoming a reality. As I stepped into the former Hooters property, I couldn't help but notice a couple of changes since my last visit in early 2020. First and foremost, the Three Card Poker table was nowhere to be found on the casino floor. It seems to have been replaced with something new and exciting. Speaking of new additions, there was an intriguing $1 video blackjack machine with a 3:2 payout ratio. What caught my attention was the fact that players could bet on up to three hands simultaneously, adding a touch of thrill to the game. As I glanced around, I noticed the machine situated on the right side, separate from the Interblock machine near the entrance. It's worth noting that the one by the door only offers a 6:5 payout, making the one on the right much more enticing for avid players like myself.
In Las Vegas, there's been a tremendous shift in the blackjack tables at Oyo. The most notable transformation is the implementation of a 3:2 payout on nearly every single blackjack table. Out of the available 11 tables with a minimum bet of $10, all adhere to this new rule. However, the outlier among them is the one table that pays out 6:5, but it comes with a significantly lower minimum bet of $1. Interestingly, this particular table follows a different payout structure, offering even money for bets under $5. It's worth noting that this is the only remaining live $1 blackjack game in the entirety of Las Vegas. Amidst the limited options, the one alternative open table is dedicated to $5 00 roulette.
Tropicana reopening
During my recent trip to Tropicana, I couldn't help but notice one major change since my last visit: William Hill now runs the sportsbook. Other than that, everything seemed identical. As I scanned the casino floor, I realized that the only available tables were offering $5 Three Card Poker and $10 craps, along with $1,000 roulette and 6:5 blackjack. Unfortunately, the pit featuring Asian table games and 3:2 blackjack was closed, as was the high limit salon.
I discovered that the Public House was the sole operational restaurant at the location, offering only takeout food. Additionally, there is an open Starbucks.
Rainbow Club reopening
This morning, Tropicana and Rainbow Club, located in downtown Henderson, simultaneously reopened their doors. Rainbow Club, a casino exclusively dedicated to slots, is under the ownership of the same company as Emerald Island, conveniently situated next door. Its attractions include an assortment of captivating video poker games, an array of slot machines, and thrilling keno options. Moreover, visitors can indulge in the delectable offerings of the Triple B restaurant, which is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Park MGM is set to reopen as a casino that prohibits smoking.
I've got some exciting news to share this week about the reopening of Park MGM in Las Vegas! If you remember, this casino was previously known as Monte Carlo. But guess what? When it reopens on September 30, it will be the first nonsmoking casino on the Las Vegas Strip since 1991! Isn't that amazing? I know many people have been eagerly waiting for a no smoking policy to be implemented, and their wishes have finally been granted. Signs indicating this new policy have been spotted on the property in recent weeks, so it's not really a surprise. But still, it's great to see that Park MGM is taking this step towards a healthier environment for its guests. So, mark your calendars because starting September 30, you can enjoy all the thrills of a Las Vegas casino without having to deal with the smoke!
