Virgin Casino, in collaboration with Mohegan Sun, made its debut in Las Vegas last evening, taking over from the now-defunct Hard Rock Casino, which shut down post the 2020 Super Bowl.
The casino is operated by Mohegan Sun, while Virgin operates the hotel and other facilities surrounding it. Depending on who you ask, the property may be referred to as either Virgin Casino or Mohegan Sun Casino. Inside the casino, the branding of Mohegan Sun is prominently displayed, creating a distinct atmosphere for visitors.
I found a convenient spot and parked my car in the Paradise deck. Since it was not crowded, entering and exiting was a breeze.
As I stroll down the corridor leading to the casino, I can't help but notice the distinct lack of activity. The once bustling retail spaces that used to occupy this area now stand vacant, their empty shells a stark reminder of better days. However, as I make my way onto the casino floor, my attention is immediately drawn to a rather surprising sight - the video poker bar on the left is completely barricaded, blocking access to eager gamblers.
As I made my way towards the first section of the floor, I couldn't help but notice the array of entertainment options that awaited me. Slot machines and video poker stations were scattered throughout, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The excitement was further heightened by the presence of two table game pits, beckoning players to try their luck. As luck would have it, one of the pits had just opened its doors as I arrived, adding to the anticipation and thrill of the gaming experience.
The absence of the prominent bar, previously known as Hard Rock Casino, is noticeable in this vicinity. Additionally, there are two additional sections dedicated to table games in this location.
Betfred sportsbook
Our next destination on the itinerary was the Betfred sportsbook, however, it appears to be temporarily closed. According to the information provided, the company is currently awaiting the necessary approval for its gaming license.
Mohegan Sun Las Vegas exclusive high-stakes table games
In the back of the casino, right where it was situated at Hard Rock, you'll find the exclusive high limit table game area. It's a haven for those seeking a more thrilling and upscale gambling experience. Within the salon, players are presented with a selection of four distinct table games to indulge in. You have the freedom to choose the one that suits your preferences and skill level. With its secluded ambiance and variety of options, the high limit table game area guarantees an unforgettable time for avid gamblers.
In the salon, you can find two blackjack games with a minimum bet of $100. One of them follows the six-deck rule, where the dealer stands on all 17's. In this game, players have the advantage of doubling down before and after splitting, as well as surrendering and re-splitting aces into four separate hands. On the other hand, the double deck game, also starting at $100, allows players to double down before and after splitting, but the dealer hits soft 17.
In high limit, players can also enjoy a thrilling game of baccarat with a $100 limit. The maximum bet allowed for this game is set at $5,000.
The semi-private gaming section of the high limit table game room includes a dedicated area for playing baccarat. Unfortunately, both baccarat tables were closed when I visited this morning.
Experience the excitement of table games at Mohegan Sun Casino.
During my visit to the Mohegan Sun Casino floor, I was delighted to discover a diverse selection of nine captivating table games. What impressed me the most was that all the blackjack tables adhered to the favorable 3:2 payout ratio, which certainly enhanced the allure of the gaming experience. As I perused the floor, I observed that the minimum bet for blackjack stood at a reasonable $25, ensuring that both seasoned players and newcomers could partake in the excitement. To cater to varying preferences, the casino offered an array of blackjack options, including double deck, six-deck, Spanish 21, and Free Bet Blackjack, each presenting its own unique twists and strategic opportunities. Furthermore, the maximum bet at these tables varied, with some allowing wagers of up to $1,000, while others permitted daring players to stake as much as $2,000.
I love playing casino games, especially when it comes to the different variations of blackjack. One of my favorites is the double deck game, where players have the opportunity to double down both before and after splitting their cards. It adds an extra level of strategy and excitement to the game. Another interesting option is the six-deck game, which allows players to re-split aces up to four hands. It's a great way to maximize your chances of winning. When it comes to the tables, most of them have automatic shufflers and the cards are dealt out of a shoe. This ensures fairness and avoids any potential manipulation. However, if you're looking for something a bit different, you should try playing Spanish 21, which uses a continuous shuffling machine. It keeps the game unpredictable and adds a unique twist to the traditional rules of blackjack.
There is a selection of both Craps and Crapless Craps games offered at the establishment. When I visited, the minimum bets for each game were $15 and $25 respectively. The odds for Craps are set at 3-4-5 times. Additionally, it is worth noting that the field pays out double on a roll of 12.
Mohegan Sun Casino in Las Vegas doesn't offer triple zero roulette, but they do have double zero roulette with betting limits ranging from $10 to $1,000.
At the new Virgin/Mohegan Sun Casino, there are three table games available: Three Card Poker, Face Up Pai Gow Poker, and the game mentioned earlier. The latter was closed during my visit, but I anticipate that its minimum bet is around $10, possibly reaching $15. On the other hand, Face Up Pai Gow Poker had a minimum bet requirement of $25.
Experience the exhilarating thrill of video poker at Mohegan Sun Las Vegas.
As I explored the vast array of video poker options at this casino, I came across a multitude of choices that left me spoilt for selection. However, after careful scrutiny, I discovered the ultimate gem amongst them all. The pinnacle of video poker games in this establishment can be found at the $1 denomination, right in front of the high limit slots area. This magnificent game, known as 9/7 Double Bonus, possesses the remarkable ability to yield a staggering 99.11% return when played flawlessly with five coins. As I delved deeper into this captivating realm of video poker, I encountered another noteworthy contender for the top spot. A close runner up, the $1 9/6 Double Double Bonus, boasts a still impressive 98.98% return rate. Furthermore, to my delight, I managed to stumble upon the enchanting allure of 15/9 Deuces Wild, which offers an enticing return rate of 98.91%.
In my search, I discovered the best options for quarter and half-dollar games. The top choice I found was the 9/5 Double Double Bonus, which has a payout percentage of 97.87%. There are other games available as well, such as the 9/6/5 Double Bonus with a payout percentage of 97.81%, the 8/5 Jacks or Better with a payout percentage of 97.3%, and the 6/5 Bonus Poker with a payout percentage of 96.87%. Interestingly, some of the $1 games offered in a different area also have these same pay tables, rather than the ones mentioned earlier. If you're interested in the 8/5 Jacks or Better game, it is dealt for nickels on a bank of uprights situated between the video poker bar and the cage.
I've come across a wide range of video poker variants during my extensive gaming experiences. What caught my attention were the different denominations that these games offered. For instance, there were options to play with nickels, dimes, and quarters in the 25, 50, and 100-play games. On the other hand, most of the other variants gave players the choice to wager with quarters, half-dollars, and even dollars. It was fascinating to see the variety in betting options and how it added an extra layer of excitement to each game.
Different types of video poker I discovered at Virgin/Mohegan Sun Casino while exploring Las Vegas.
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- Three-play
- Five-play
- Ten-play
- 25-play
- 50-play
- 100-play
- Ultimate X
- The Incredible X Bonus Streak
- Split Card
- Powerhouse Poker
- Spin Poker
- Super Times Pay
- Twice the Super Times Pay
- Extra Draw Frenzy
- Deal Draw
Elevated threshold for video poker
In the high limit slot area, you'll come across a handful of video poker machines. These machines offer different denominations, ranging from $5 to $25. After exploring the options available, I discovered that the most favorable game was 7/5 Bonus Poker. However, if you're up for some variety, you can also try your luck with 9/6/5 Bonus Poker, 9/5 Double Double Bonus Poker, or 8/5 Jacks or Better.
A pair of video poker establishments
This morning, as I strolled through the sprawling property, I noticed that there are just a couple of cozy video poker bars tucked away. Surprisingly, both of them were brimming with patrons, seeking their luck and entertainment. One of these bars is conveniently located right by the bustling casino cage, while the other can be found in the exclusive realm of high limit table games. Curiously, even the high limit machines offered a range of denominations, starting from a modest quarter. Unfortunately, I couldn't find an available machine at the latter bar, however, it appeared that all the bars boasted the same captivating video poker experience. It's worth mentioning that the pay tables for these bars follow a similar pattern as the quarter and half-dollar games that were previously described.
The bar that doesn't have a high limit features a few blackjack tables that remained closed. Additionally, you can find a vintage tabletop arcade game.
What about slots?
I'm no expert when it comes to slots, but I do know that there's quite a diverse range of modern slot games out there. From what I observed, the majority of these machines are of the video penny type, with not a lot of the old-style reels in sight.
My impression
When Virgin and Mohegan Sun joined forces, they created a truly remarkable casino experience that surpassed the one offered by Hard Rock. The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, and the staff radiated genuine excitement for the grand opening. Some visitors may have been caught off guard by the higher table game limits, but it's worth noting that Circa followed a similar pattern, gradually adjusting to lower limits during quieter periods.
From what I have observed, it appears that Virgin and Mohegan Sun have the potential to establish a thriving enterprise. However, given their location, it will require effective marketing strategies to raise awareness, as foot traffic may not naturally flow to their vicinity. Nevertheless, based on my knowledge of these organizations' performance in other areas, I am confident in their ability to overcome this challenge through their extensive expertise.
I believe an additional video poker bar would enhance the casino floor, creating a well-rounded selection of fair games tailored to its specific audience.
I extend my best wishes to all those embarking on their new venture at Virgin and Mohegan Sun.
