Downtown has gotten the reputation for being tighter than the Strip lately. Some of that opinion comes from slot holds reported by Nevada regulators, which show machines are slightly looser on the Strip than downtown. However, that can be explained by the Strip’s large number of electronic table games and high-limit slot action. While slot reporting suggests machines may be tighter since Circa opened in 2020, it does not tell the full story.
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Most downtown casinos deal 3:2 blackjack under $25
Nine of the 11 downtown Las Vegas casinos with live table games deal 3:2 blackjack. All nine have a $10 or $15 3:2 blackjack at some point during the day. Players should be able to find $10 or $15 games most or all hours tables are open at Downtown Grand, El Cortez, Plaza, and The D.
Only a few triple zero roulette tables exist
Binion’s, Four Queens, and Golden Nugget are the only downtown casinos with triple zero roulette. Four Queens and Golden Nugget also deal double zero. All other downtown casinos have only double zero, except Plaza, which also has two single zero roulette tables. These are usually $15 or $25.
5x, 10x and 20x craps still exists
All traditional Las Vegas Strip craps tables have 3-4-5 times max odds. In downtown Las Vegas, Binion’s, El Cortez, and Four Queens have 5 times odds, Plaza and The D have 10 times odds. Main Street Station has 20 times odds, the highest in the entire Las Vegas market. Main Street Station’s tables are only open 9am to 1am Friday through Sunday.
Cheaper table games
Downtown Las Vegas has cheaper table games than the Strip. Players will find at least one $5 game most or all hours tables are open at Binion’s, Downtown Grand, Golden Nugget, and Four Queens. All other downtown casinos typically have some $10 live table game options.
Most downtown casinos offer 99% video poker at quarter and higher denominations
All downtown casinos, except Downtown Grand and Golden Nugget, have 99% and better video poker. Plaza has the best video poker game in Las Vegas. It is full-pay Joker Poker (100.64%). Plaza also has a variety of 99% and better games at bars and on the casino floor. Four Queens has 10/7 Double Bonus on a few machines. California, Four Queens, Fremont, Main Street Station, and Plaza have full-pay Jacks or Better (99.54%). El Cortez’s coin droppers are mostly 99% and better games.
Comps are easier to get
Many downtown casinos still operate on an old-school mentality of immediately giving players comps based on action, as opposed to waiting for a mailer to go out in future months. This allows players to get comped meals and hotel rooms during that trip through a host for much lower action than it requires at most Las Vegas Strip casinos.
Cheaper food options
It is not just the gambling that is cheaper. Food prices are typically much lower downtown. Several quick-serve options are under $15. American Coney Island has $5 chili dogs. Plaza’s food court has Subway and a Mexican Grill. Its Pop Up Pizza has several meal options in the $10 and $15 range. Fremont’s food court has a $5.99 burger combo deal at Steak n Shake and $9.99 pizza combo at Fremont Pizza Company. Las Vegas Then and Now has more details.
Parking is included with hotel fees
One of the biggest complaints on the Strip is that resort fees usually do not cover parking. It is an additional charge on top of resort fees, which have skyrocketed to $50 and higher at most casinos. All downtown casinos give hotel guests free parking. Visitors who spend money at a downtown property also generally receive free parking.
Two downtown casinos have no resort fee. Binion’s and Four Queens are proud of this and advertise it often on social media.
Some prefer the Strip anyway
Downtown has its problems. Fremont Street Experience is loud and has some aggressive street performers. The hotel rooms are not as luxurious as those on the Strip. The dining options are mostly casual and fast-food, with only a handful of upscale venues. Some Las Vegas visitors prefer to stay within one resort during their entire stay. The downtown options for that are limited to Circa and Golden Nugget, and maybe Plaza. High-limit players will find better games and bigger action on the Strip.
If low-limit gambling is the main reason for your Las Vegas visit, downtown is the best option. It is at least worth visiting for a day.
