Nothing compares to Las Vegas. The casino resorts are unique compared to any other gaming market. The dining and entertainment scenes cater to all levels of tourists. There are over 100 casinos to visit, many offering exclusive experiences. However, there are better markets to gamble in than Las Vegas. In some cases, Laughlin falls into that category. This is how gambling in Laughlin casinos compares to Las Vegas.
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Laughlin is better for low-limit blackjack
The Las Vegas Strip has the worst low-limit blackjack in the United States. Most tables under $25 pay 6/5. However, the $25 games improve at most Las Vegas Strip casinos. There are $50 and $100 tables that stand on soft 17.
Most Laughlin blackjack tables pay 3/2. These games start at $10 and $15 at all casinos except Harrah’s and Tropicana, which takes $25 for a 3/2 game. The few 6/5 blackjack tables are either $5, Free Bet Blackjack, or are at Harrah’s and Tropicana, both Caesars Entertainment casinos, a company known for poor blackjack rules.
However, this does not tell the entire Laughlin blackjack story. There are no blackjack games that stand on soft 17. Also, most games do not permit doubling down after splitting.
Roulette options differ
The Las Vegas Strip deals four types of roulette games: European, single zero, double zero, and triple zero. Most are double zero. Lower limit tables are often triple zero, while higher limit ones are European or single zero. Minimum bets usually start at $10 and run over $100.
In Laughlin, there is only one triple zero roulette table. It is in the back pit at Harrah’s. The double zero game opens first. All other Laughlin roulette tables are double zero. All Laughlin roulette starts at $10.
Laughlin craps odds are comparable to the Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas Strip craps all offer 3-4-5 times odds, except The Strat, which is 10 times. The locals and downtown markets are a mix of double odds, 3-4-5 times, three times, five times, 10 times, and 20 times, odds. The Field splits almost evenly between paying double or triple on a 12. These games start at $10 and can be as high as $50.
In Laughlin, all craps games offer 3-4-5 times odds. The Field always pays double on 12. All live craps tables start at $10.
Poker pit game selections
Las Vegas deals nearly all active poker pit games. The notable exceptions are Four Card Poker and Caribbean Stud. Laughlin does not deal those games, either. However, the poker selection is surprisingly large. These tables usually start at $10 and may be as high as $25 or $50.
In Laughlin, poker pit games include Cajun Stud, Mississippi Stud, Deuces Wild Hold’em Fold’em, Four Card Frenzy, High Card Flush, Jackpot Hold’em, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Heads Up Hold’em, Let It Ride, and Three Card Poker. Many of these games have $5 minimum bets. None are over $10.
There are three types of Laughlin pai gow poker. The options are Emperors, Face Up, and Fortune. Emporers and Fortune are dealt the old-school way with a 5% commission on wins and the ability for players to deal.
Most Las Vegas pai gow poker is face up. There is no commission on wins and players may not bank at all but a handful of tables.
No live baccarat tables in Laughlin
About half of Las Vegas casinos deal baccarat, including almost all Las Vegas Strip ones. There are no live baccarat games in Laughlin. The only two video baccarat options are at Avi’s stadium and at the lone Casino Wizard machine at the Laughlin River Lodge.
Video poker similar to downtown Las Vegas
Laughlin video poker is most comparable to downtown Las Vegas. Most Laughlin casinos have a 99% option, including Bonus Poker and Deuces Wild. That is also true of downtown Las Vegas and most locals casinos at low-limits, and some Strip high-limit games.
Some of the Laughlin 99% video poker is at bars. That is rare in Las Vegas.
Poker Rooms
Las Vegas is known for its high-limit poker games, including the World Series of Poker. It is home to 17 poker rooms. Laughlin only has two poker rooms. These are at Harrah’s and Riverside. Both deal low-limit cash games and tournaments.
