It’s true, last week I was rockin at Rampart Casino. I’m a fairly regimented person. When I find something I like, I go there pretty often. Generally, I’m not the exploring type. I actually plan my exploration, like I did with my trip to Laughlin that I detailed on Vegas Chatter.

Well that pattern took a slight change last week. I needed to take in a beautiful day and decided to grab a smoothie and explore the Vegas burbs (Summerlin) until I finished my smoothie. Besides finding about 5 different golf courses and a road that just stopped being created (pics soon) I drove by Rampart Casino.

Rampart Casino is next to Suncoast Casino and north of where I live. I rarely head that way, so I never think to go there. When I was was exploring local casinos I didn’t consider it since it’s not associated with any casinos near the strip like Station Casinos (Red Rock Casino) or Boyd Gaming casinos (Suncoast).

After driving by Rampart Casino, I decided I’d check it out another day. Why not? It’s close even if it’s not a direction I normall travel. That night I looked at vpFREE to see what kind of  video poker games they have. They had 10 play nickel 9/6 Jacks or Better. I’ve never seen that before and although there’s not much money making, but there’s little at risk.

While checking out a new casino I always drop a little in a machine or table to see what kind of offers I get. I thought maybe I could get a Royal Flush in honor of Denver Gambler’s quest (#royalflush2012) for one since I’m playing 10 games at once. Good times for all. As you can see from the image above and video below, I got a Royal Flush!

I actually changed from Jacks or Better to Bonus Poker but I got the Royal Flush! As you might expect, 4,000 nickels is not nearly as awesome as $1′s, but I’ll happily take it! That $200 will pay for all the smoothies I can handle. Haha.

My venture to Rampart was more to get a vibe of the casino. The outside is very old and classy looking. I thought the inside may be the same. The decor at Rampart Casino is somewhere between 1920′s and 1980′s. I’m not sure if that’s on purpose, but the casino reminded me of some of my favorite New York City classic steakhouses. Comfortable, but not modern.

The casino itself is tiny, but not much smaller than the other casinos in the area. There is a lot of video poker throughout the casino. There are games I’ve never seen, which is always fun. There are new and older slots and there were lot of people.

I’d say 98% of the people I saw at Rampart Casino were over 60 years old and smoking about 40% of those people had walkers and/or oxygen tanks. Rampart Casino felt like the Atlantic City casino where people go to die…and I liked it.

Even though the place was overly smokey, everyone was nice and many of the people playing knew each other from the area. Everyone was having a good time and in turn I was having a good time. The smoke was so bad that I had to throw my clothes in the washing machine and jump in the shower when I came home from (no joke) but I enjoyed my visit to Rampart Casino.

I don’t see Rampart Casino replacing Red Rock casino as my local casino, but it’s a nice alternative. If it wasn’t for the fun video poker games (full pay 10 play and below) that I won’t find anywhere else, I probably wouldn’t return. That said, I’ll be back at Rampart Casino when I’m bored and need a video poker fix.

If you’re reading this site, chances are that you too like to gamble. But no two gamblers are exactly alike as they may prefer different casinos, games, etc. It’s no secret that my favorite casino games are Craps, Blackjack, and Video Poker. But there’s subtle nuances to these games that can make for a better gaming experience.

1. Video Poker at the Bar – I definitely prefer playing Video Poker at the casino bar than at a bank of machines. First and foremost, there is generally little wait before you get a drink, where as at a bank of machines you are at the mercy of the cocktail waitress. Also it’s easier to take a quick read of what beers are available. Drinking better beer and getting faster service is a much better vibe when playing the game. (ED: What you give up in payouts, you make up in booze.)
2. Blackjack Table Ends – I’m definitely superstitious when it comes to blackjack. I find it a bit annoying when someone consistently is making terrible decisions. As such, I like to have as much control over my cards as possible. For me this happens at the end of the tables. The first seat means that I am not victim to anyone else’s decisions yet, the last seat means I get last choice before the dealer takes their card. I know it’s irrational, but it makes my gaming experience more enjoyable.
3. Empty or Full Craps Tables – Empty craps tables are my absolute favorite. I can walk up, roll a few dice and see where it goes. I have an irrational confidence in my own rolling, so I always like it better when I’m the shooter. If an empty table isn’t available, then I’d rather have the full table. At least that way everyone can cheer and celebrate when points are hit.

This may not be your favorite way to play these games, but this is how I like to play. I recommend these different styles and if you’ve never played this way, give it a shot. I would definitely be curious to see what you think. Also, if you have any unique ways you like to play certain games, let me know. I’m always looking for a fun and different gambling experience.

Photo: Cruise Critic Board

Baccarat is, officially, more popular than blackjack in Las Vegas. I believe I read this last year, but there are actually numbers to back this up now.

“For us to make money in gaming today without baccarat is almost impossible,” said Debra Nutton, senior vice president of casino operations at the MGM Grand hotel-casino. “We need the big whales to make money.”

…Nevada figures show that during the 12 months ending Nov. 30, casinos statewide won $1.27 billion from baccarat players, with the game offered at 258 total tables in 24 casinos. Blackjack, meanwhile, pulled in just $1.03 billion — even though it was offered across 2,810 tables in 151 casinos.

Baccarat’s popularity along with the popularity of food and beverage in Vegas in the past year may give an answer as to why comps for medium to low rollers are drying up. There may be more people playing blackjack or video poker, but they are not the gamblers that can make the casino’s bottom line in a given quarter.

Ultimately casinos, and all businesses, are going to cater to the people that make them the most money. It seems as if, today, that is the baccarat player more than the other gamblers.

My only experience playing mini baccarat in Atlantic City was pretty awful (I’ll share another day) and I (probably) won’t play the game again. Maybe we can get some tips on how to play Baccarat from Baccarat Guy someday.

Photo: Vegas Buzz

It’s no secret that casinos have a plethora of games, each featuring many different bets. For the most part, a semi-educated gambler can tell what is a good bet from what is a bad bet.  For some games, like blackjack, a good bet is only as good as the player playing the hand.  In other games, however, the knowledge of the game is entirely centered around how to bet, not how to play.  While there’s lots of bad bets out there, here are three that can sneak up on you.

• Big 6 and Big 8 - These are bets on the craps table that are right out in front for the player to bet on.  They generally pay 1:1, which seems like a good deal for the player, but really it is a house edge of 9.09%.  Compounding this is that you can place the 6 and 8 (the exact same bet, just in a different spot on the table) and get paid 7:6, for a house edge of 1.57%.
• Any Jacks or Better below 9/6 – Video Poker is generally known for giving good odds for playing a machine.  Especially when compared to slot machines.  However, in recent years casinos have been reducing the payouts to gain more of a house edge.  In Jacks or Better (JoB) this is accomplished on the Full House and Flush lines.  Typical JoB pays 9 credits for a full house and 6 for a flush with a 99.5% return.  These have been getting reduced as far as 6 credits for a Full House and 5 for a Flush. Even though there are a number of 8/5 machines available, the drop is still significant to a 97.5% return.
• Roulette – To the short sighted, a roulette bet seems pretty easy and fair.  If you bet on red or black, it’s basically a 50/50 bet right?  Nope.  While the zeros might not seem very significant, they take what would be a 50/50 bet (and pays out like one) to a bet that has a house edge of 5.26%.  In fact, the whole roulette table has this same house edge.  If you’re lucky enough to find a table with only one 0, you’re still giving 2.7% to the house.

Now this isn’t to say you shouldn’t play these games. In Las Vegas it’s virtually impossible to find 9/6 video poker with out playing high limits. But do your best to seek out the best pay tables you can.  Along the same token, Roulette can be fun to play, but be aware of the odds you are giving the house.  Never ever play the big 6 or big 8; take the better odds and place the six and eight.  You’ll always be giving a house edge when you play casino games, but if you play smarter and know the best bets, you can put yourself in a better position to win.

What a way to start the new year with a busy week that just passed. I took my first trip to Laughlin, NV (if you follow twitter or tumblr you’ve seen some pics) and looking back I loved it. This week also brought the announcement that there’s a new JMP in this world! Now CES comes to Vegas and I’m stoked. I love new tech toys but I decided not to attend CES this year since there was so much frustration last year. I’ll just read the news and figure it out. I’m doing CES a favor, there’s just too many people.

I updated the site this week with a larger font. It feels a little more easy to read to me and I like the feeling of space it gives. I’ll share more on my adventures to where aliens live during the week. In the meantime, let’s look back.

AC2LV

• Playoff Power Rankings and a Full House
• Video Poker is Coming to Chicago Bars
• Massachusetts Casinos To Take $100 Million From Connecticut
• Video Poker at Harrah’s Laughlin
• New Sports Betting Blog: Todd’s Take
• Atlantic City Wants To Be “Silicon Valley of Internet Gaming”
• Seven Stars Insider – January 2012 Edition
• Gambling Resolutions

Vegas Chatter

• Lagasse’s Stadium Says No Drinks For You  
• When We Like To Take It Slow
• Checking Out A Locals’ Favorite: Frankie’s Tiki Room
• Tasted: Aria’s Lunch Buffet
• Inside a One Bedroom Terrace Suite at The Cosmo

Since I live in Chicago, I keep my eye out for any gambling related news that would pertain to the city.  There’s plenty of casinos in the Chicago area (all in suburbs) but none in the city proper.  I’ve talked before how Chicago could get a downtown casino owned and run by the city, but that bill has stalled.  What seems more like a reality is Video Poker coming to local bars.

In 2009, Governor Quinn (ED: Medicine Woman?) signed into law a bill that would allow bars to have Video Poker.  Yes the same Governor Quinn who is opposing the current Chicago casino bill.  To date, no bars have been given a license to operate video gaming machines and the subject was silent.  Until today.

It was announced that the State of Illinois has hired a company that will monitor all video gaming machines in the state.  Depending on how many people play the machines, this contract could be worth $69 Million.  With the agreement in place, theres a decent chance bars could begin installing Video Poker machines by the end of the year.

This is awesome since I recently dubbed 2012 the year I will get my first Royal Flush.  If Video Poker becomes more accessible than traveling to the Chicago suburbs, there is a decent chance that I will play more often.  If I can play more often than maybe, just maybe, #RoyalFlush2012 could be a reality.

Before I head out to a new casino I like checking the video poker pay tables and my upcoming trip to Harrah’s Laughlin is no different. I’m only two hours away from Laughlin and haven’t had the chance to check it out and I’m looking forward to it.

Harrah’s Laughlin used to be a place where west coast Caesars players used to go for a day trip to reach Total Rewards Diamond status – either Diamond in a Day (4K points in one day) or just to get points easily from video poker. Well, in typical Caesars fashion all of the pay tables to be typical mediocre games. In fact, vpFREE shows me that the pay tables are worse than most Las Vegas casinos. Take a look.

99.17% BP 1-2-3-4-5-8-25-40-80-50-800
$5, $10, $25 – 1 Play – High Limit

99.11% DB 1-1-3-5-7-9-50-80-160-50-800
25¢ – 1 Play – in non-smoking by the east windows overlooking the river, close to the Range – Slant-tops
25¢, 50¢ – 1 Play – scattered around casino – Slant-tops

98.91% DW44 1-2-3-4-4-9-15-25-200-800
5¢, 10¢ – 3/5 Play- smoking area – 1 Slant-top
25¢, 50¢, $1 – 3/5 Play- smoking area – 11 Slant-top

98.80% BDW 1-1-3-3-4-13-20-40-80-25-200-400-800
5¢, 10¢ – 50 Play – In non-smoking casino on the East windows – 5 Slant-tops
5¢, 10¢ – 50 Play – In the northeast corner of the smoking casino overlooking river – 2 Slant-tops

97.87% DDB 1-1-3-4-5-9-50-80-160-160-400-50-800
25¢ – 1 Play – Prog – Against a wall near the entrance to smoking section – 14 Slant-tops

97.30% JoB 1-2-3-4-5-8-25-50-800
5¢, 10¢ – 50 Play – In the northeast corner of the smoking casino overlooking river – 2 Slant-tops
5¢, 10¢ – 50 Play 0 In non-smoking casino on the East windows – 5 Slant-tops
$1, $2 – 1 Play – along the windows by the valet/ taxi pickup area – 5 Slant-tops
$5, $10 – 1 Play – along the windows by the valet/ taxi pickup area – 1 Slant-tops

At least most of the Caesars properties in Las Vegas have high limits 9/6 Jacks or Better games available. I’ll check out the games, but will likely play tables instead since the only games I’ll probably play are the $1 Jacks or Better, which isn’t a great game.

Happy New Year! With the new year always comes New Years Resolutions.  Some people believe in them, some people don’t.  They say that if you are going to set a new years resolution it should be something achievable.  For 2012, I have set some resolutions relating to gambling:

• Try Different Craps Betting Strategies  – My go-to strategy at playing Craps is to get on 3 numbers.  I take the pass line and then the come out bet twice.  Once I’m on 3 numbers (with odds of course) then that’s good.  I don’t play the field, the the hard-ways, and I rarely buy/place numbers.  I’ve heard of a lot of interesting strategies for buying/placing numbers rather than using the come line.  At some point I would like to try something different and see if I can work with my strategy. (ED: I usually stop at 3 numbers too, whether I’m placing or coming.)
• Learn and Play More Baccarat – I’ve played mini-baccarat and get the concept of Baccarat.  I want to learn how to play at a big table and with a rotating shoe.  I also want to learn the intricacies of being the dealer and what the scorecard does.  Then I want to play for a few hours and see how I hold up. (ED: Someday I’ll share why I don’t play Baccarat.)
• Get my First Royal Flush – I know I cannot control what the machine deals, but I still have never had a Royal Flush playing video poker.  I’ve never had one in a casino, online, on Winpoker, or any other game.  I know how to play Jacks or Better and Deuces WIld with correct strategy, so this year is the year I hope to hit that Royal in a casino.

My next Vegas trip (and possibly the next time I will set foot in a casino) is in February for my birthday.  Since I’ve officially entered Vegas Lent (as coined by FiveHundy), I will probably be honing these things from now until then.  Stay tuned and I’ll let you know how it goes.

I’ve been a little off the grid this weekend with friends in town. Here’s a quick catch up on the week that passed. I’m way behind in my day, so I’ll save the stories for later this week.

AC2LV

• Cosmopolitan Video Poker: There’s Nothing To See Here
• Why Vegas?
• Her Name Is Annabelle
• Palazzo and Venetian Video Poker
• Let’s Call Him George
• Resorts World Casino New York City Growing
• Is The Linq Even Real?
• A Quick Tip
• Revel Getting Iron Chef Restaurants
• Heads Up For Southwest Passengers

Vegas Chatter

• Vegas Dilemma: What Should We See?
• Good News For Vegas May Mean Bad News For You 
• Where To Find The Best Odds For Blackjack
• Is It Time To Upgrade Your Identity?

I stopped off at Cosmopolitan for the first time since the summer to upgrade my Identity status and to see if my Identity Play was still there from a promotion I did in July. It was. The money was there – it stays on the account for 1 year. Since I had money on my card to use on a machine I went right to the vpFREE2 mobile site on my phone to see what video poker games were available to me.

I knew that the games were downgraded, but I found only one game under $5 to play.

98.01%
BP (Bonus Poker) 1-2-3-4-5-7-25-40-80-50-800
25¢ – 1 Slant-top – 50 Play – just to the left of the high limit room
$1, $2 – 1 Play – scattered throughout casino

I know the Las Vegas strip doesn’t have the best video poker pay tables in town and this is what I expected after reading that the video poker machines were recently downgraded. Playing $1 machines that pay out 98% isn’t great. The quarter machines paid back at a 6/5 rate, which (I think) is about 96%.  Thankfully, I was lucky enough to win my Identity play back in cash then I left to play some quarter and penny slots that eventually took most of my winnings.

I normally play Jacks of Better (8/5 @ Cosmo) which pays back about 99+% (at full pay) so the 1 percent difference isn’t much on $100, but in time it adds up and most people prefer to play games that have better payouts. The way it looks is that slot machine payouts (~92%) aren’t much worse that video poker so I took my money and decided to have a little fun playing Top Dollar slots, which I’m a sucker for and will play again.

I believe that the quarter Bonus Poker paid out 8/6 when Cosmo opened, so this isn’t much of a change but this isn’t a reason to visit the Cosmo. If you’re a video poker player you can find some better games on the strip at lower denominations on the strip. Cosmo remains a place to go to eat, drink and be merry, but not necessarily a place to visit if you want to gamble. That said, I can get Kettle One when gambling, so that’s a plus on that side.