By the time this gets sent out, you are probably already in
Albuquerque - but here goes.
Sandia Casino is probably the nicest environment. They are doing
construction on their resort, and this construction has blocked one
of their best assets - a great view of the Sandias. Some decent
VP,such as DB and DDB - but no FPDW as of my last visit. But Sandia
does have a segregated non-smoking room with VP, slots, and table
games. The paybacks are better in the non-smoking rooms. JUST
KIDDING, smokers! Don't get angry with me! The paybacks are
actually the same either side of the door. One strong asset to
Sandia is their large poker room, if you like live play. It is the
largest that I have seen in New Mexico. Their slot club seems to be
the best - you can get credit for purchases around the reservation
including the convenience store. I usually fill up my gas tank when
I get enough credit. One good thing - there is an underground
parking garage under the casino if weather is bad.
Santa Ana Star Casino is the second prettiest, and I have had more
luck there than Sandia. The VP pays equally, but I have won more.
My big win in January - on a three line 25 cent DDB machine. I was
DEALT a RF on the first line. The machine automatically held all
three lines without any delay, and flashed for a $3000 win. So, I am
prejudiced about the place. Small cash back - nothing spectacular.
Buffets are good at both, but the Santa Ana Star probably has the
better one.
Isleta Casino is south of town, and is the "oldest" building -
although still very new. It seems more crowded than the other two,
so I avoid it. I live in El Paso, so it is the first one I come to
when I go to ABQ, but I just keep going north to the other two.
The newest casino in the area is the Route 66 casino about 15 miles
west on I-40. I have only visited there once. Great ambiance in the
Route 66 style, but lousy pays on VP.
Between ABQ and Santa Fe is the Hollywood Casino - visited once, and
saw the worst VP pays in the area. Despite the advertising, it is
NOT at all glamorous.
No drinks at any New Mexico casino - that is a part of the state
compact. Most places have sodas, water and coffee at refreshment
stations, and some waitress service is available depending on time of
the day.
Unfortunately, my favorite game - pick'em poker - is not to be found
anywhere. The only NM casino with it is in Ruidoso. If you find any
PP in ABQ, I would appreciate the update. Hope this helps!
Dan in El Paso