but its info is outdated/incomplete. Specifically the new land-based casinos in Burlington and Dubuque, along with Riverside and the Isle of Capri in Waterloo. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:16 am Posts: 451 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Keep searching (google something like Iowa+casinos+government ought to produce some sort of state list). But, here's the anecdotal info on the ones I frequent the most in my area:
Riverside: 2/5 NL but only a 300 max buy in?, 3/6 limit primarily. Some omaha and occasionally 2/5 PL HOE game that plays very big. Great facility, GREAT high end steak house. But dumb rules (no ipods or any electronic devices of any kind; no checking dark). Management is weak. Dealers can be a little on the surly side because they have to share their tips with all pit dealers as well. Players here are much better than average. Action is absolutely insane. Best maniac action in the state if that's your game on the NL side.
Isle Waterloo: 2/5 NL (again with the 300 max), 1/2 NL (100 max), 3/6 limit occasionally a 5/10 NL game as well as PL HOE game. Another nice (year old) facility. Poker room is much smaller at 6 tables but dealers are great and the room is friendly. Lots of regulars but they aren't very good generally speaking. Games are a little tighter here but most of the regulars play real long sessions and make odd mistakes as they tire so there are chances to play big pots.
Can't speak to Burlington. Dubuque's poker is now relegated to the dog track from what I understand. I've wanted to head over there, but haven't had the chance yet.
Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:23 am Posts: 2587 Location: Des Moines IA
Yeah evidently Diamond Jo is building a new land-based casino to replace to boat next to the Port of Dubuque. It lists a poker room but it won't be open until fall, which is fine by me - I wouldn't be able to make it up there any earlier anyway. Plus the architecture is an homage to Frank Lloyd Wright. That's one bonus point in my book.
So Riverside doesn't spread 1/2 or 1/3 NL? Odd... I would think for a room essentially out in the middle of nowhere it would to attract the casual player. My bankroll isn't big enough yet to support 2/5 but maybe someday!
I'll definitely play in Burlington when I'm near there in early July and let everyone know. Strangely, their website lists plenty of tournaments and even SNGs but just says "Poker Parlor. 10% rake up to $4." No mention of size/games/hours. Lol! I guess I'll find out.
So Santa since you're in CR do you ever make it over to Meskwaki? I was there a month ago for the HPT, but they moved all the poker into the conference center to accomodate about 25 tables plus the TV stage for the FT, so I have no idea how the real poker room is. I doubt I'll go there often because PM is so close and Meskwaki uses those stupid ceramic-magnetic chips, but it would be interesting to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
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Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:16 am Posts: 451 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
I used to play at Meskwaki prior to Riverside and the Isle opening up as it was the closest.
The newer room is pretty nice, although they do still use those weird chips. They spread a 1/2 game that plays like PM's game. There's always 3/6 and occasionally a big PL game of some variety. I like it there but hate that drive on Hwy 30, getting to either Isle or Riverside is a lot easier (and safer - damn deer). I'm sure you also saw that they are going to start serving alcohol there as well. Should make for much better games...
Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:16 am Posts: 451 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
IAPETE wrote:
Why the heck wouldn't Riverside spread 1/2 NL or at least 1/3 NL? 2/5 NL as the only NL game....in Iowa?
I've asked three different floor people that and the answers range from "no interest" (yeah, right..) to "wasn't my call". The truest answer is that they are trying to become known as the "big game" room in Iowa, but not spreading a particular game isn't going to get them there.
This is just one more example of a fantastic facility that has no clue about poker. If they spread a decent 1/2 game, they would all but kill Meskwaki and both Isle properties - and yet they don't. Strange.
Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:23 am Posts: 2587 Location: Des Moines IA
Santa Claus wrote:
IAPETE wrote:
Why the heck wouldn't Riverside spread 1/2 NL or at least 1/3 NL? 2/5 NL as the only NL game....in Iowa?
I've asked three different floor people that and the answers range from "no interest" (yeah, right..) to "wasn't my call". The truest answer is that they are trying to become known as the "big game" room in Iowa, but not spreading a particular game isn't going to get them there.
This is just one more example of a fantastic facility that has no clue about poker. If they spread a decent 1/2 game, they would all but kill Meskwaki and both Isle properties - and yet they don't. Strange.
Like I said before, for a room out in the boonies that does sound odd. By virtue of just being in the DM metro area, Prairie Meadows spreads some mighty big games. Evidently they go off on a regular basis. There was a 15/30 PL HOE game last Thursday, with stacks in the 2k to 5k range. All without promotion. As any realtor would say, it's location, location, location. Riverside is, what, about 10 miles south of Iowa City? And further away still from CR, the nearest main population center? By my Google map calculations, Riverside is ~35 miles from CR, with the Waterloo Isle at ~50 miles away and Meskwaki is ~55 miles. Santa's right - they could EASILY draw away tons of people from both. We'll see if they learn their lesson.
_________________ This post is my own and does not represent the views of All Vegas Poker, its hosts, management or sponsors.
The Isle of Capri in Bettendorf normally spreads 3/6 limit and 2/5 NL (100 min, 300 max). I believe they also run a 5/10 O8 game if there is enough interest.
It has been very busy in the room as of late since the bad beat is over 90 k.
Definitiely a good time to play. There have regularly been 4 tables of 3/6 and 2-3 tables of 2/5 running on the weekends and it has been steady during the week as well.
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