I realize this is the Las Vegas Advisor and not the Reno Advisor. But with evaporating comps, rising prices, and the virtual elimination of five-dollar tables in Vegas, I started wondering whether Reno might be an alternative. I don't care about upscale restaurants or shows. I just want to bet sports, play poker and low-limit table games, and not feel like I'm getting hosed at every turn.
So. Can anybody give me any insight into conditions in Reno?
Keep in mind that these observations are several weeks old.
Generally, Reno table limits have always been lower than Vegas. On my most recent trip, $5 tables were relatively easy to find; however, most tables were higher limits than that, even in casinos where $5 tables used to be abundant.
Video poker is better than Vegas now by orders of magnitude. There are still decent games, and most of the slot clubs haven't been slashed to the bone like they have in Vegas. Also, the base returns for the slot clubs are better and "promotion" isn't a dirty word.
There are a few good poker venues (Atlantis and Peppermill are my faves) and several excellent sports books.
Blackjack is usually 3:2, though some 6:5 games have infected the place.
Room rates, again based on an incomplete and informal survey, are about 15% higher than last year. While Reno has resort fee-itis, those fees tend to be in the $20-30 range rather than the $80,000,000,000/night charged by the Vegas rip-joints. Parking is usually free.
Reno has been a far superior destination to Vegas for several years now. And now that Vegas has gone into full-blown gouge mode, it's a better choice than ever. AND--if you go during the next several months, you'll experience pleasant, warm weather rather than learning firsthand what a pizza feels like when it's in the oven.
