Western to Close

Was sorry to see in Today's News today that downtown casino/homeless shelter The Western's gonna be closed for good come January 16. I like thinking that there are still casinos too scummy for a low-roller like me to frequent.

Hmm, maybe there aren't.

Never fear chilcoot, the Longhorn Casino on Boulder is still in Business!

Longhorn's superior to the Western by a long shot.

Now the Bighorn or the Opera House or (especially) the Poker Palace, those are in the running....

I will miss the Western! By far the cheapest entertainment in town. Just buy a few $1 beers and meet so many interesting people. I hadn't planned on visiting Vegas until next summer, but mite have to visit one last time before the Western closes.

closing of the western could result in increased business for the 2 nearest casinos-------gold spike and the el cortez------

still within walking distance of the residents of the local community

What?!!? Oh man.. this sucks. The Western is one of my "have to" stops on every trip.
Its not somewhere I would want to stay for too long, or hang out after dark, but it was fun to check it the cool drink specials ($3 for a beer and a shot!?! Yes please!).

I never really had much luck at the tables, but it always fun to get a drink and have some fun.

marko..

I will miss the Western. It was a fun place to talk to strangers.

One time we went there because we had a coupon for a shot of tequila and a Corona for $2.50. The tequila was grayish-brown and tasted like mouthwash cut with turpentine, but we manned up and drank it anyway. As we were leaving I saw the south side of the marquee that advertised the regular price for a tequila and Corona…..three bucks.

Another late night we were playing $1 blackjack and started pissing off a regular by splitting tens, hitting 19, etc. He stormed out saying “It’s not funny….I play for a living!”

Another time a couple of guys on the corner made a vaguely threatening remark to our group of six. We kept walking and a heavy-set Mexican lady walked up to us and offered to “drop” the hooligans with pepper spray.

Good times.

My favorite Western moment is from about 2 years ago. I hit the bar for a beer and shot (it was only $3, but I'd give the bartender a $5 and you would have thought I dropped a $20 in the tip bucket).

I was the only persoa at the tables, playing some $3 BJ and in comes a rough looking local. Poor guy looked like he has not had a shower in about 2 weeks and was chain smoking Marlboro Lights.

There were at least 10 open seats over 2 tables, but this SOB sat down right next to me. Then he pulled out a WAD OF $100 BILLS! There had to be about 4 or 5 grand. He still played the table minimum and not a dollar more. I stayed and played for about 20 mins, but the smoke was killing me, and I was losing, so I left..

Ahhh.. I will miss that place..

marko..

Stopped in last month for a shot of Wild Turkey and a Coors Light. Some guy on the sidewalk as I was walkng in, looked at me and said, "My furniture is getting all wet!!" I nodded in agreement.

RIP Western