It used to be pretty standard that you could find at least one blackjack table with a $5 minimum. Before blackjack became all the rage about 10 years ago, you could even find tables with $2 or $3 minimums. Those days are all but gone on the Strip, but if you’re a blackjack player, there are a few places to play for less.
One of the local favorites is the Silverton, which has table games, slots, poker, a few restaurants, a massive aquarium with mermaid show, a showroom, and a Bass Pro Shops.
Yes, really– they have a Bass Pro Shop on site. The Silverton always has $5 blackjack tables– during popular times and days, they may only have one table, but they’ll have at least 1 open.
There are only 2 pits here, and several of the table games are what I call the “oddball” games, like Pai Gow Poker, 3 Card Poker, Mini-Baccarat. I’m a classicist when it comes to table games– I like craps and blackjack, and the other games don’t really get my attention.
The poker room has nightly Texas Hold Em tournaments, with Fridays being Ladies Night (women get a discount on their buy-in). Most of the action starts after 6 or 7, and I understand it’s hard to get together a no-limit Texas Hold Em cash game. But if you like limit Hold Em, or you’re into tournament play, this is a good spot to go.
The restaurants are Vegas-style, but the Silverton’s having a special until the end of December (2008): 2 for 1 at all the restaurants. This makes it very affordable for couples, whether you’re enjoying a pasta dish with a view of the aquarium, or “fajitas and ritas” (which have their own special price and come with enough fajitas for 3 meals!)
Events change frequently, and the Silverton recently hosted the National Rodeo Trials, but also has Smashmouth playing on January 3rd, so a good mix for visitors. It’s not a kid-oriented place– for that, you need to go to the Excalibur or Circus Circus. But kids do enjoy the mermaid show at the aquarium, so it doesn’t completely alienate families.
The Silverton is away from the Strip, down Highway 15 to Blue Diamond Road. There are daily shuttles to the Forum Shops, Oasis RV park, the Outlet Mall, and a few other spots, so if you’re trying to get around, it’s easy enough. Plus, free, uncrowded parking is available if you have a car.
Silverton Casino Lodge
3333 Blue Diamond Road
Las Vegas, NV 89139
(866) 946-4373