(I also posted this in the TR thread, but thought it would be fitting here too)
24 Road Trip to Biloxi
My gaming buddy Vinny Vegas called a few weeks ago and said, I need a casino trip. Biloxi? Lets do it.
We booked a FREE room through the My Vegas Slots Game. I have no clue how I managed to get a free room a week out, but it worked. Early win.
Easy, but long 5.5 hour drive from Atlanta to Biloxi which included some really ugly weather and driving through what we assumed was a tornado approaching the Gulf. We arrived alive, another early win.
Check in at The Beau Rivage was quick and easy and we scored an upgrade to a larger room. We had a great view of the new MGM Park, home of the Biloxi Shuckers (Minor League Brewers Affiliate). The ballpark looks great, but the locals are not excited, more on that later.
Got a drink and sat at the WOF Slot to make our game plan and Vinnie won $100 on his 2nd spin. Spent a few hours at the Beau then to Hard Rock, which was really crowded. After playing with little success, we took a break to eat at the Half Shell Oyster House. I highly recommend it. (There are 2 locations, one inside the Hard Rock and another one about 2 blocks north of it, Id suggest going to the free standing location). The oysters were amazing, the staff was great and the prices were decent for a "tourist" spot. Post dinner we got a drink at a cool upstairs bar next door, but I forgot the name.
From there we jumped on the free Boomtown Shuttle and again, I lost at the tables and the slots while Vinnie couldn't get it going at the Craps table. Back to the Hard Rock to lose more and meet some friends.
Took a cab to the Golden Nugget and it was SLAMMED. I remember when this was the Isle and it was a little more laid back and catered to an older/locals crowd. This was not the Isle. Loud, crowded and lots of young people filled the place. Good for them, I dare to say it was a better and younger crowd than the Hard Rock.
By now, it was close to 2 am, we had our fill of drinks and losing and called it a night.
Sunday, we got up in time to take advantage of a 2-for-1 breakfast buffet (thanks again My Vegas!) and I FINALLY got on a nice run at the BJ table, only to leave soon after said run.
Didn't have much luck, but it was still fun.
Quick Observations
- Biloxi is picking up. Lots of new restaurants and a new Hotel/Casino being built across the bay.
- The locals seem to think the Biloxi Shuckers will be an annoyance with huge traffic jams. After the initial excitement wears off, most Minor League Teams don't bring in more than a few thousand per game. I think tickets will become a big comp for the gambling patrons. Cool looking park though.
- Every Casino had a nice crowd despite the dealers and bartenders saying it was slow.
- The free Boomtown Casino Shuttle was nice option over a cab.
- Half Shell Oyster House and the few bars next to it are must try spots.
- The slots EVERYWHERE are really tight. I couldnt win anything more than a few $20-$40 "jackpots".
Biloxi is no Vegas, but if you need a quick fix, its perfect.
marko..
