Better at Bally's than I expected
I traveled to Vegas from Nov 11th through the 13th, and as opposed to most of my trips to Vegas, this one was less for playing cards and more about making some marriage arrangements for the spring, so I did not set out to play cards like I typically do.
I had gotten a nice offer from Harrah's properties that included $47 per night at Bally's, so I decided to give them a try. I had read online that it is best to try and stay in the North tower as opposed to the South tower, which I can now attest to as very true. So, be sure to ask for a north tower room. They tried to put me in a south tower room first, but I had to asked to be moved, it was that bad.
Heading down stairs the first night after running all of the daily errands, I had a couple hours to play some poker, so instead of driving around I decided to play there at Bally's. Getting a seat did not have too much of a wait on that Sunday night, however when they call your name you have a difficult time hearing it because you are right there on the casino floor, and you have all the extra casino noise, lounge band, etc. I do like the sign up board, as it lists not only Bally's, but what is going on over at Paris as well. If you decide the wait is too long there, or they are spreading another game you like better over at Paris, you can see it right there on the tote board. Monday night I sat straight down with no wait at all.
I came out a little ahead, which is always nice, but overall just had a great time. Two dealers in particular, Kevin and Dave, were really an asset to the Bally's poker room.
The play was very reasonable, with a surprisingly small number of lose call players. Not to say they did not exist, just not that many. There was also not a lot of silly all in fests just for the sake of them being able to say "all in!". The servers look pretty good, and respond quickly, especially since the bar was right up against the poker pit. From other things I had read online, I had dismissed Bally's room, but after having played there myself, I can certainly say that I will play there again.
While I did not get a chance to play there, I did stop by The Orleans on my way out of town to check out there new renovations, and all I can say is wow. I can not wait until the next time I go back so I can try out those new cushy looking chairs and tables! They look great!
I stayed at Bally's one weekend, and I actually found Bally's room to be a "sweet spot". It's a room that I know I can make money in. All the players are tourists looking to have fun, and all I have to do is play my game. The dealers were competent, had one error happen, no biggie. but overall, I have to admit, Bally's isn't that bad. It's not a place I want to play all the time though, it's not a room, and it's loud, and I couldn't find anyplace to get a nibble. But for a short nite out, and a guaranteed win, I'll hang.
vd78, would you think Bally's is softer than MC?
I think the Monte has a consistant soft game. But we do have our cluster of locals that may dominate a game. For the most part the Monte's game is soft, and a good game. We always have 3 or more no-limit games going. Of the 3 games there seems to be one really tight one, an action table, and one in between. I don't know how that happens, but it does. I always tell customers I would play at our room if I didn't work there, but I don't like to bite the hand that feeds me, so I don't play in our room.
Thanks for the info, see you in 10 days!
I agree, The Bally's Poker "Room" is really good. Both trips I've taken to Vegas I've played there. Had good results and was having a good time, the bar being so close is awesome. For anyone staying center strip, give Bally's a try. The casino inside looks a lot nicer than I thought it would from just looking at the building.
Depending on your criteria, Bally's may be the best room in Vegas. If what you want is low limit action with excellent drink service, Bally's and IP pretty much have everybody beat. Game quality may vary, but the drink service with the bar actually in the poker room can't be beat.
Ballys has the highest rake in Vegas, at $5+1JP. That means $6 out of every pot that reaches $50 is getting taken out. Softer rooms with more reasonable rake to be found elsewhere.
Personally, this has pitted me against all Harrahs properties.
The Monte Carlo is a locals room, in general. It is the stations of Strip Casinos with regard to the poker room especially in the limit games. The NL is better, especially at night, but they have more then their fair share of regulars.
TI has a core group of regulars as well, but not as many as Monte Carlo, for a comperably sized room.
This week action at the Monte is hot! I don't know if it's everybody or just us, but it's a game I'd like to play in. I hear we have rich golfers in town, Rebuy, rebuy, rebuy!