Down town observations- The D

This stuff is all relative. Our son and daughter-in-law-to-be are joining us in Vegas Mar 27-Apr 3. I made the reservation yesterday. She posted on Facebook how she is looking forward to the warmth and doing some swimming. Many made fun of her considering the average high in Vegas for that week is about 73 degrees. However the couple lives in Chevy Chase, MD and it is about 40 degrees less then 73 right now. She believes that 73 would be swimming weather based upon her present circumstances. I see nothing wrong with that. We will be at the Grandview for part of the visit and the pools there will be open I am sure. If Brittni wants to hit the pool, why not! We live in Indy and 73 sure sounds nice and warm to me right now (It is currently 19 degrees F).

I have a little context of this weather issue that this post has morphed into.........

While I was at the Monte Carlo from 2-03 to 2-05 and the Golden Nugget from 2-05 to 2-09 it was in the mid 60's all week.I drove around with the window open and my arm out the door and only wore a collered shirt and pants. I could have worn shorts. I am also from the far Northeast (New hampshire)
While at the Monte Carlo we had room #12210 with a great view of the pool. Both days that we were there we saw 20 (ish) people out sunning themselves and 2 or 3 hearty souls actually in the pool.
While at the Golden Nugget, I saw 30 to 40 people each day sunning themselves but do not remember seeing anyone actually in the pool. The Nugget 'did" have lifeguards on duty so I guess they do exspect some hearty soul to jump in sooner or later.
I am an x-United States Navy diver and have spent countless hours underwater of all temps. I would have gone in the water during this vacation if needed but I just cant picture it being warm enough to enjoy during this trip.
I say screw it, it's your vacation.....jump in!

weggie

As a 40ish-age, former Fitzgeralds customer, I also have some thoughts on the place. I agree with you on many of them:

1. I love the new renovations inside the place. Yes, it's louder, but not unbearable, as some make it sound. If you've been in a nightclub and been ok with it, you'll be fine. Yes, you can still hear your wife talk....whether you want to or not.

2. I can't help but wonder how many of the older crowd are left. I used to feel like one of the "youngsters" at Fitzgeralds, and now I'm one of the "oldtimers" at the D. I'll take it! I'm young at heart and I love a little loud music, drinking, and fun. Still can't help but wonder where did the others head to?

3. I love the vintage upstairs and the escalator that leads you up there. I love the Sigma Derby, the free photo machine, and the quick and friendly drink service. Played sigma for about 2 hours, won $135, had a fun "party" crowd time, and the drinks were flowing.

4. American Coney Island is the one place I can't wait to visit next month when I return. I tried it because of Anthony's recommendation. I went back two more times within 24 hours because it was amazing.

Was sad to see Fitz go, it was my home downtown. Happy to see that they added some fun and class to the place...it deserved it.

Coney Island is good. Nice to have it downtown. If you like Coney Island, then try Pink's at Planet Hollywood. I think it's even better than Coney Island.

Can you explain exactly what Sigma Derby is..sounds like something I'd like to try.

It's mechanical horse racing game. There aren't a lot of them left. MGM used to have one, they may still. So did Imperial Palace. I'm wondering if the one at D's might be the one from IP.

The house edge is usually pretty strong, but I've read they are very complicated and it takes a lot to keep them running. I"m guessing that's why they are in decline.

Here is Michael Shackleford's odds analysis:

Casino House Edge
Hilton 10.13%
Orleans 11.90%
MGM Grand 12.19%
New York New York 12.37%
Caesars Palace 14.90%
Imperial Palace 14.95%
Riviera 14.97%
Ballys 15.02%
Excalibur 15.09%
Luxor 15.32%
Frontier 20.14%
D 20.16%

As you can see, D's version is very pricey.


Here is a link to the Wizard of Odds page on Sigma Derby. It has some good pictures of the game.

https://wizardofodds.com/games/derby/

Also be aware that the Sigma Derby machine at D does not take any Slot Club cards (unless that has changed since November 2012).

RecVPPlayer

Just got back from a stay in downtown lv. MANY panhandlers openly approaching tourists. Saw a group of homeless in the center of the experience-one was on the ground sleeping! Security just went on by. What happened to the downtown?? I've always liked to stay there but this time it was creepy.

Yes, I agree that I just got really lucky. I think Sigma is not something you play with expectations of winning! It is just a fun little game that can cost as little as a quarter at a time to play, while promoting a fun "team" atmosphere, and like I said, the D waitresses were bringing the drinks as fast as you want them!

Take a couple of bucks and try it. I think you'll have fun.

Sigma Derby is an ancient and very fun horse-racing game. There's no way to win, but when you've had a couple of drinks (or not), it's a great way to spend $20.